A 35‑page roadmap lays out 17 goals to protect residents, upskill workers and modernize state services as North Carolina positions itself for an AI era.

Lawmakers approved funds and 54 staffing lines for the North Carolina Zoo’s 12.5‑acre Asia Continent, but zoo leaders warn more hires may be needed before it opens.

Photos posted June 29 show a drone closing on a wild horse in Corolla. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund and Currituck County say operators must give the herd at least 50 feet of space.

Climate Central warns 2026 World Cup host stadiums are recording more extreme June–July heat, heightening risks for players and fans. Raleigh’s Moore Square will host free watch parties with added shade and water.

A man suffered serious stab wounds on Chandler Ridge Circle; deputies arrested a suspect and investigators say the case remains active.

Heat Advisory in effect Thursday; highs near 98°F today and triple-digit heat index through the holiday weekend.

A taxiway collision at Raleigh‑Durham International briefly halted flights and forced diversions during the July 1 travel rush. The airport reopened and officials reported no injuries.

At 50, SAS is publicly mapping an AI-first strategy while executives say they've prepped systems for a potential IPO — but founder Jim Goodnight still calls the timing.

Apex-based LiveSwitch says it will hire 100 workers through a new second‑chance initiative that will include applicants with criminal records. The hires would roughly double local headcount.

A House committee voted to advance H.B. 600, a bill that would recognize the Tuscarora and give the tribe seats on state Indian commissions after decades of advocacy.

A 19-year-old New Bern man was arrested after a CyberTip led deputies to an alleged Snapchat sextortion of a 13‑year‑old; investigators say HSI helped identify the victim.

House Bill 1083 would let hiring parties — including app platforms — contribute to portable benefit accounts owned by independent contractors, allowing them to buy health and retirement coverage without reclassification.

Federal clearance unlocks disaster‑relief money for Surf City’s long‑planned beach renourishment, moving the six‑mile project closer to construction.