People returning from incarceration often struggle to find work or stable housing. State and local governments have launched programs to help former inmates rebuild their lives, but those efforts can be limited and face challenges of their own. In Mecklenburg County, two programs aim to help formerly incarcerated individuals overcome those challenges by providing opportunities and hard lessons.

Asheville City Council will soon vote on a resolution that would force an early termination of the police department’s contract with Flock and request the removal of 11 automated license plate readers.

Seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty will receive North Carolina’s highest civilian honor later this year.Gov. Josh Stein announced Thursday that Petty will receive the North Carolina Award for public service.Petty, a longtime North Carolina resident and one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history, will be honored at a ceremony in Raleigh in November.

Early voting ends Friday in South Carolina's Republican U.S. Senate primary runoff between Darline Graham and Ralph Norman.

Sustainability think tank Frontier Group and advocacy group Environment North Carolina released a report that found that the state’s schools could host 900 megawatts of solar energy.

An immersive play debuts in Charlotte Thursday as part of an effort to spotlight Black joy in a rapidly changing neighborhood.

CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill makes her first public appearance since being suspended. A state audit finds CATS has not spent the nearly $2 million set aside for safety improvements. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein vetoes a bill to change the election process by shortening voting periods. And Queen City Nerve ceases publication.

Every year, tens of thousands of seasonal farmworkers come from abroad to work in North Carolina, harvesting everything from tobacco to sweet potatoes. But this year, those migrant workers returned to do the same work for less pay.

Rob Harrington has served as Charlotte’s mayor for about two months, filling the post vacated by Vy Lyles. He’s only in office until the end of next year, but he has a lot on his plate as the council grapples with data centers, Interstate 77 toll lanes, teen takeovers and other issues.

WUNC asked a selection of higher education leaders in North Carolina about the state, and future, of higher education – and their institution’s place in it. North Carolina Wesleyan President Evan Duff discusses private college enrollment declines, the gaps between what the public and students value about college, and expanding educational pathways.

The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization continues to wrestle with a looming $60 million payback to the state for I-77 toll lanes planning if it remains opposed to the project.

The Carolina Panthers practiced with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wednesday ahead of Friday's preseason matchup.