The Watauga County Board of Education voted to extend the length of the school day back in April. The change goes into effect this year.

The three municipalities are each holding public hearings on the matter on Aug. 17. Several other Piedmont counties have recently enacted data center development moratoriums.

Starting this month,14 Guilford County schools will have designated kindergarten transition specialists helping children and families navigate the change.

The war in the Middle East is playing a role in Davie County’s decision to stop fluoridating its water. Officials say they’re concerned in part about the availability of water-treatment chemicals from an Israeli manufacturer.