Earlier this month, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released last year’s school report card and growth scores. New Hanover County Schools improved on several metrics, including nine schools increasing a letter grade and six schools improving their growth scores. Last year, the district had ten low-performing schools; now it has only five.

There’s significant momentum behind the plans for a tolled replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, which are nearing the point of no return. Serious questions remain about the plans’ impact, and some are asking if there are any alternatives. Here’s a look at how we got here and what could come next.

Houseplant workers and allies nationwide say they're subject to extreme heat and few breaks.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board will consider removing Stephanie Sneed as chair at its next meeting.