Scattered storms this evening could bring brief heavy rain and damaging gusts. Cooler Monday, then highs surge into the upper 90s midweek.

The Quarry Road Fire near Shallotte has burned an estimated 400–500 acres and is roughly 50% contained. Officials warn of smoke and emphasize no‑drone rules as crews fight the blaze.

A short-lived NWS warning put parts of Johnston and Wake counties on alert Saturday evening for damaging winds up to 60 mph.

NWS Raleigh issued a brief severe thunderstorm warning Saturday for Franklin and Nash counties, warning of penny-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.

Franklin’s council unanimously approved a one‑year moratorium on new data centers after a packed hearing, citing zoning gaps and worries about water, power and noise.

Courtney Crocker, 54, died after a shooting on the 700 block of Cokey Road in Rocky Mount. Herman Dickens, 61, was arrested and remains in custody while prosecutors weigh additional charges.

A federal review finds North Carolina behind on special education: slow evaluations, staffing holes and a push to study weighted funding.

NWS Raleigh issued a Saturday evening alert for strong thunderstorms across parts of eastern North Carolina. Gusts up to 50 mph and frequent lightning were reported through 7:45 p.m.

A party bus driver was arrested after crashing into a 1920 Oakwood home; the house was declared unsafe and an investigation is underway.

A Surry County court sentenced Joseph and Jodi Wilson to roughly 32–40 years after they pleaded guilty in the 2023 death of their adopted 4-year-old son, Skyler.

A fast-moving line of severe storms prompted an NWS warning across central North Carolina Friday, with quarter‑size hail and gusts up to 70 mph expected.

Raleigh Police Department posted a remembrance video and marked the anniversary of Detective Paul Hale's death with an End of Watch ceremony.

UNC Health has acquired Westgate Shopping Center and filed to build a 92‑bed hospital in West Asheville. Public records and state filings show the system is positioning for a major medical campus.