More than 21% of North Carolina's four-year-olds enrolled in the state's pre-kindergarten programs during the 2022-2023 school year, up from the prior year but still below the state's pre-pandemic highs, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research.

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Firefighters battled a blaze early Monday at a defunct restaurant on Legion Road in Fayetteville.

<b>FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.</b> — Firefighters battled a blaze early Monday at a defunct restaurant on Legion Road in Fayetteville.

The former El Rancho restaurant, at the corner of Legion Road and West Mountain Drive, was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at 5 a.m., authorities said.

Police closed Legion Park Drive to Sandy Valley Street and West Mountain Drive from Sycamore Street to Camden Road.

Investigators called the fire suspicious, noting the restaurant has been vacant since 2013 and has no electricity. Also, they said, vandals have targeted the building in the past.

The fire appears to have started from the center of the building, authorities said, but investigators haven't yet determined the cause.

Angie  Basiouny

Fire engulfs former Fayetteville restaurant

El Rancho fire

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The Durham Fire Department responded to a gas leak involving a propane tank Thursday afternoon.

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The Storm Prediction Center has our southern counties under a Level 1 risk for severe storms Friday.

Level 1 severe threat: Strong winds and hail possible Friday 

Level 1 risk for severe storms Friday 

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After 22 years in business, Armadillo Grill on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh has closed.



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Fire engulfs former Fayetteville restaurant

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Defunct Fayetteville restaurant destroyed by fire

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