North Carolina State Health Plan's Board of Trustees has finalized premium increases for active members and a cost decrease for those with family coverage, addressing a $507 million deficit and changing to a salary-based premium model for 2026.

North Carolina seeks a new operator for the Robbinsville license plate agency. Current operators' contract expires in 2026. Applications are email-only, due by August 28.

The Wake County Animal Center is waiving all adoption fees through the end of August as part of its "Clear the Shelter" campaign. With more than 500 animals in its care, the shelter urges residents to adopt, foster, or donate.

Wake County launched a $5 million Housing Opportunity Fund to provide loans to developers for affordable housing projects, aiming to create homes for all income levels countywide.

Raleigh Water announces a new customer payment portal launching in November, with system maintenance causing service disruptions from August 21-24, including a halt on transactions and service requests. Normal services will resume on August 25.

A report from the NC State Auditor uncovers questionable financial decisions by Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, including over $75 million in unwarranted bonuses.

NCDHHS will temporarily take over child welfare in Bertie County due to concerns about service effectiveness, marking the fifth state intervention in a county DSS.

Justin Malik York, 30, has been arrested in NYC for a June murder in Raleigh, facing first-degree murder charges.

NCDHHS plans to apply for the Rural Health Transformation Program to address potential impacts of federal Medicaid cuts on rural healthcare in North Carolina.

Durham has resumed regular utility billing after an interruption, with penalties and water shutoffs for late payments reinstated. Residents should expect bills as before and can use various payment options. Assistance is available for those in need.

Durham prepares for its 2025 Minority Enterprise Development Week to support minority and women-owned businesses with events, a fair, and a keynote from Curtis Ray Hill on October 20-24.

The NWS forecasts a fluctuating weather pattern for Raleigh, with high temperatures and chances of thunderstorms, followed by sunny skies and cooler evenings.

Rocky Mount police arrested a suspect after a seven-hour standoff following an early morning shooting in an apartment complex. The victim was hospitalized and is stable; residents were sheltered in place during the incident.