Durham attracted about 13.5 million visitors in 2025, boosting local spending and jobs while intensifying pressure on housing and transit.

Orange County deputies arrested 39‑year‑old Rudy Free on multiple sexual‑offense warrants; authorities say the case remains under active investigation.

Durham’s Bull City Records is retiring at month’s end, and an Eddie Bauer outlet at Smithfield’s Carolina Premium Outlets is in liquidation. Here are the final dates and what shoppers need to know.

Fencing has gone up on Dix Park's west side as the city begins removing four former hospital buildings to restore green space. Work is part of the park's master plan.

ACLU, Cato and a conservative gun group filed briefs asking the North Carolina Supreme Court to revisit the state’s felon‑in‑possession law and allow case‑by‑case review.

A 2025 park report says 20 wild horses died on Shackleford Banks as managers link the spike to shrinking forage and water on the island. Partners are stepping up monitoring and outreach.

An updated News & Observer database lists base annual pay for city and town employees across the Triangle, from small towns to Raleigh officials. It excludes overtime and school payrolls.

A state review found Wake County failed to reliably transport students with disabilities; families and Disability Rights NC say reimbursements and tutoring won’t fix the system.

Two large sharks — a sandbar and a sand tiger — washed ashore in early April on North Carolina beaches; researchers are mobilizing volunteers while officials urge the public not to touch the animals.

A Raleigh man faces second‑degree murder charges after a March 28 crash in Graham that killed his passenger, police say.

A Cary man reported missing on April 2 was found dead after his car left the I‑40 west ramp to Wade Avenue in Raleigh; police say the vehicle was traveling at least 70 mph and the investigation is ongoing.

Picasso Pawn and other Raleigh shops report more customers pawning items for quick cash as household budgets tighten; EZCORP’s quarter shows rising pawn loans and sales.

Dry, partly sunny Tuesday with highs near 68°F and chilly nights that could allow patchy frost. A statewide burn ban and low humidity raise fire risk through the week.