At a packed Lee County meeting, residents urged a moratorium on data‑center approvals after reports a company explored using local gas wells to power servers. The debate turned sharp over zoning, water and extraction risks.

New local data show UNC's Black share slipping while NC State and NC Central gained ground; Duke's figures are muddled by a jump in students not reporting race. The pattern reflects a wider post‑affirmative‑action reshuffle.

An NWS alert early Monday warned of fast-moving thunderstorms across the Piedmont with hail, lightning and gusty winds affecting multiple counties before dawn.

Kinston High's Vikings beat Walkertown 80–54 Friday at Reynolds Coliseum to win the 2026 NCHSAA 3A boys basketball state championship.

Durham police say shots were fired during a road‑rage incident on I‑85 at Hillandale Road on Saturday; no injuries were reported and investigators are seeking witnesses.

A pedestrian was struck and killed Friday night on Lillington Highway in Spring Lake. Investigators say the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating.

The first building at South Creek topped off this week and a local preschool signed to take a ground-floor space. The milestone brings apartments and shops a step closer to opening.

A Duke‑led study in Forsyth County is testing drones that deliver AEDs to 911 cardiac‑arrest calls, lowering devices to bystanders while EMS heads to the scene.

A Raleigh CARES pilot now transfers certain 911 callers to licensed clinicians during weekday hours, aiming to de‑escalate crises and route people to care instead of police.

Person County deputies recovered roughly 700 firearms taken from an estate in Roxboro. Investigators are asking buyers who may have purchased those guns to come forward.

The state Charter Schools Review Board approved new virtual academies this month, expanding online seats while lawmakers and educators debate funding and accountability.

A woman was found shot in front of a Gray's Creek home Thursday night; a suspect is in custody and police say there's no threat to the public. Detectives are asking for tips.

A drive-by at McDougald Terrace left the road strewn with spent shell casings as Durham police cordoned the scene and collected evidence.