Bookmarks annual Festival of Books and Authors kicks off Friday in Winston-Salem. Executive Director Jamie Rogers Southern says there’s something for everyone, whether you consider yourself a reader or not.

Superintendent Whitney Oakley has served in the role since 2022. Under her leadership, the district achieved its highest-ever graduation rate last year.

Authorities in Florida have arrested N.C. State’s former director of sports medicine, who was accused of sexually abusing former Wolfpack male athletes under the guise of treatment, which previously led to more than 30 athletes outlining allegations in civil lawsuits.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission usually starts stocking waters with trout for a program called Delayed Harvest in October. But staff say there aren’t enough this year. Officials with The Armstrong State Fish Hatchery in Marion estimate they lost about 70% of the fish since June.

Cape Fear River Watch says Chemours has allowed groundwater contamination to continue at levels well above limits required in the 2019 agreement, in part because of ultra-short chain PFAS.

The North Carolina Folk Festival drew more than 160,000 music lovers to the Gate City, a new attendance record.

Indictments allege that Sarah Santiago, 17, recorded a livestream of the attack that killed three people in May and disseminated the killers’ manifesto. Her lawyer says the prosecution has provided no evidence to back up the claims.

The Memphis-based manufacturing company is establishing a new operation in Mocksville.

A coalition of left-leaning groups is suing to block new absentee ballot guidelines approved by the State Board of Elections, arguing that mail-in voters could be disenfranchised.

Bridges will begin Oct. 1 and serve through the end of the school year.