The continuing spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a major public health concern and results in enormous disease burden, with more than 774.7 million cases and 7.0 million deaths registered worldwide as of 18 February 2024 (ref. 1). Emerging evidence...

Durham’s tourism agency is calling for the city to invest in a new convention center as part of a sweeping plan to improve its downtown and visitor industry. Why it matters: The Triangle’s downtowns are all seeking ways to reinvigorate themselves after the pandemic changed daily commuter and work patterns,...

Summerfield denied NAACP allegations that the town has a long history of “perpetuating segregation and discriminating against non-white residents of Guilford County” with its zoning laws and land use and zoning decisions. Calling the allegations “meritless,” Summerfield said in a statement yesterday (March 21) it “denies that it has engaged...

A recent multimillion-dollar court settlement involving realtor commissions has left many unanswered questions in the real estate industry, especially when it comes to who will benefit and who will be disadvantaged. Those answers will indeed come in time, but for now, at least one thing is clear — and those...

The embattled head of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is stepping down following recent criticism by Republican state lawmakers over his department’s closure of a Fayetteville retirement home for veterans. Walter Gaskin, a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant general who has led the department under Democratic...

Utility trailers, the lifeblood for many small businesses and a resource for outdoor enthusiasts hauling boats and equipment, have become a target for thieves. The High Point Police Department recorded five utility trailer thefts last year. So far this year police already have handled four thefts. Davidson County Sheriff’s Office...

When online sports gambling went live in North Carolina the day before that ACC Tournament commenced, no one doubted it would be popular. But members of the North Carolina Education Lottery Commission, which has oversight of sports gaming, got their first look at hard numbers at its meeting Wednesday morning....

A court ruling last week in a Currituck County case could have echoes across North Carolina, including in Buncombe County. The case centers on the ways counties and municipalities can use occupancy tax dollars, which are paid by visitors every time they stay in commercial lodging such as a hotel...

The Fayetteville Public Works Commission will soon have new electricity rate plans for its massive consumers of electricity, such as factories, whose bills may run into the tens of millions of dollars per year. The PWC — Fayetteville’s city-owned electricity, water and sewer provider — is holding a public hearing...

Biscuitville’s new hash brown casserole was too good. Soon after its chain-wide rollout, it had to be pulled from the menu. The casserole, which debuted in October 2023, had been created by a member of the company’s culinary operations team, perfected by store leaders, and blessed by president and CEO...

A North Carolina Business Court judge defined rules of the road for the lawsuit state Attorney General Josh Stein has brought against HCA Healthcare. Prepare for a slow burn. Stein, who is running for governor, sued HCA Dec. 14, alleging that the company did not provide the level of emergency...

On Friday night, Reese Brantmeier stood several yards away from her former doubles partner Elizabeth Scotty as No. 6 UNC women’s tennis battled No. 14 N.C. State. Brantmeier, who is out for the season with a meniscus injury, didn’t play in the 4-3 defeat. Yet, the sophomore still received props...

At its March meeting, Dare County Planning Board turned down a request for a zoning text amendment for shared space-occupancy dwelling and approved a cluster housing development for Rodanthe. The proposed text amendment was submitted by attorney Casey Varnell on behalf of Patricia Pledger, the owner of the Pledger Palace...

Appalachian State University’s Wey Hall was recently closed due to safety concerns, spurring student protests who claim safety and learning conditions inside the building have been inadequate throughout the school year. According to an email to students from Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts Shannon Campbell on...

The Wrightsville Beach Museum has until Sunday to vacate one of its buildings after the town terminated its lease. The museum was notified Friday, March 22 about the lease termination and was given until Sunday, March 31 to move out of the Ewing-Bordeaux Cottage. The Ewing-Bordeaux Cottage is one of...