While Mayor Ellen Brabo has praised Jonathan Rorie as highly qualified, the hiring has sparked a divide on the city council. Councilman Joe Davis is publicly challenging the move, claiming the selection process violated state law regarding closed-door sessions.

This Wednesday, a key House committee is expected to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment that would strictly limit how much cities and counties can raise property taxes each year. Supporters say the cap is necessary to protect homeowners—especially seniors on fixed incomes—who have seen their tax bills skyrocket following recent property revaluations.

State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has rescheduled a high-stakes hearing for the insurance industry’s proposed 68 percent rate increase, moving it from May to July sixth. Causey says the delay is to allow more time for settlement talks, noting that the Department of Insurance and the North Carolina Rate Bureau have already made progress on a potential deal.

The proposed renovation is a major undertaking that includes updating the existing gym, building a brand-new second gymnasium, and adding outdoor pickleball courts and a revamped multi-purpose field.

Chet Effler, President of the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, said, “Each name we remember represents a story of sacrifice, commitment, and unwavering dedication to protecting our communities.”

The UNC System’s latest Workforce Alignment Report shows a massive annual shortfall of up to 10,000 graduates in critical fields.

The state is putting $800 million towards home repair, but due to a city policy decision, Asheville has to pay its own way.

Inside the peace talks happening across the Middle East, Iran war drives Europe toward fuel crisis, Eric Swalwell facing new sexual assault allegations.

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with comedian Dave Chappelle about his investments in public media, the art of standup comedy and the town of Yellow Springs, Ohio.

A shortage of chemicals used to fluoridate water, tied to the conflict in the Middle East, is causing some public water systems to reduce fluoride levels in public drinking water.

As Sudan's enters its fourth year of war, parts of the capital show fragile signs of life — but across the country, the conflict between the army and a rival paramilitary continues to drive mass displacement, hunger and allegations of atrocities.

As fuel protests bring Ireland to a standstill and UK leaders decry price hikes driven by the Iran war, Europe -- barely recovered from the energy shock of the Ukraine war -- faces another crisis.

The International Monetary Fund expects the Iran war to slow the global economy and raise inflation. NPR's Michel Martin discusses the forecast with Simon Johnson, a former IMF chief economist.

Eric Swalwell is facing new allegations of sexual assault, days after the California Democrat formally submitted his resignation from Congress.

Congress was late to adopt workplace laws that protect private sector employees. How has that shaped its culture? NPR speaks with Rutgers professor James R. Jones, author of "The Last Plantation."

NPR's A Martinez speaks with Italian journalist Viviana Mazza about President Trump's criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of few remaining allies in Europe.

Guilford Technical Community College’s childhood education training program received $50,000 from the state Department of Health and Human Services. Stein vowed to put tens of millions of dollars toward early education in his upcoming budget proposal.