State data show fewer reportable crimes in NC schools, and districts with touch-free scanners report steeper drops in weapons even as accuracy and contract questions linger.

A Durham man admitted in court to abusing two family friends and was given a sentence that begins at more than 10 years. The plea came after one child reported the abuse and another told parents, launching the police probe.

A Wendell resident says a mid‑November workplace arrest and a month at a Georgia detention center left her shaken as legal fights over bond and workplace raids continue.

Court warrants show a 3-year-old was hospitalized with a gunshot wound after a babysitter reported a loud bang at a Trinity Commons apartment; investigators seized a Glock. Local and state officials point to rising child firearm injuries and push safe-storage changes.

Fayetteville’s utility board approved a two‑year rate plan that will add roughly $8 a month for a typical 1,000‑kWh household next May. The utility cites rising wholesale power and capital costs as the reason.

State and local leaders gather in Durham as closures and a long subsidy waitlist squeeze North Carolina’s child-care system.

A new state report finds 159 North Carolinians died in fires in 2025, and early‑2026 data show a worrying uptick; officials urge testing smoke alarms.

Woody's Bar‑B‑Q is set to open its first North Carolina location at Oxford Commons in Durham this March, offering Carolina-style vinegar barbecue and family feasts.

Hillsborough resident Steven Smith claimed a $100,000 MAX-A-MILLION scratch-off prize and took home $72,018 after taxes. The ticket was purchased in Roxboro and several top prizes remain.

Fare & Fellow will close its Park Point RTP café this week after under two years; the downtown Durham location will remain open. Local reporting says the shop announced the move on social media.

Jean's By the Sea soft‑opened in Old West Durham, taking over the former Wimpy’s spot with oysters, Calabash baskets and coastal cocktails.

A late‑night shooting at Magnolia Pointe Apartments left a woman with life‑threatening injuries; police detained a suspect and are asking the public for tips.

State House Republicans have demanded a probe into Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools after videos posted by a teacher sparked criticism. The district says it is reviewing the posts.