A Wake County judge sentenced Jenine Marie Ellis to 20 years after prosecutors say she used stolen medical identities to land hospital jobs and saddle victims with bills.

Fortrex said Smithfield is ending sanitation services at its Clinton, N.C., plant — the change will affect more than 100 sanitation workers amid recent contract losses.

A man died after his moped was rear-ended on Hammond Road; the driver was cited and Raleigh police say the investigation is ongoing.

A Doswell man is jailed after deputies say about 1 kilogram of suspected cocaine and a quarter‑pound of marijuana were found during an I‑85 traffic stop in Granville County.

Town staff advanced a 380‑acre Suncrest plan that would add about 1,000 homes near Knightdale, with senior units and commercial space and state road work already flagged.

Two hoax emergency calls sent officers to southeast Raleigh homes on Tuesday night; police say both reports were false and are investigating a possible connection.

Barley & Burger’s Hillsborough Street restaurant closed after three months; owners returned the space and a leasing sign went up in the window.

Muggy mornings and highs near 79°F on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Expect morning fog, breezy afternoons, and storms possible Sunday–Monday.

A court fight between Mebane and Graham over roughly $85M in sewer upgrades has stalled the state’s first Buc‑ee's and other nearby developments. The disagreement centers on how much Mebane must pay toward Graham's WWTP expansion.

A Pinetops man was found dead in woods near Conetoe; authorities say evidence points to homicide and detectives are seeking witnesses.

Gov. Josh Stein says nearly $70 million in FEMA reimbursements are headed to Avery, Buncombe and Yancey counties to cover debris removal and road repairs after Hurricane Helene. Officials welcomed the cash but say more aid will be needed to finish rebuilding.

Pappas Properties is building a 65-unit luxury townhome community beside Crabtree Valley Mall, with pools, a dog park and leasing expected in early 2027.

Kinston police served 34 search warrants in a multi‑agency sweep called Operation Wintergreen, targeting illegal marijuana and THC sales after citizen complaints. Officials say more details on arrests and seizures will follow.