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.

North Carolina ranks 29th in public pre-K enrollment, new report shows

Durham County budget increases funding for pre-K students

Consumer Reports surveyed more than 2,000 members who shared their experiences with pet insurance.

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I can't remember the last time I was so freaking excited about Christmas. I want to wake up Christmas morning and start our family traditions with Asher.

I can't remember the last time I was so freaking excited about Christmas. I want to wake up Christmas morning and start our family traditions with Asher. I am looking forward to family gatherings, Christmas lights, live nativity viewing, cornbread tasting, stocking stuffing, present training and Santa's first visit. I look forward to seeing it all through Asher's eyes.

We've began the traditional Kira Christmas carol overload here weeks ago. Disney Christmas CD jams in the car and the stereo inside is stuffed with holiday tunes. Love. It.

So, this year I decided to do an official Kroboth family Christmas card. (I've never been interested in doing anything like this in the past.) And I wanted to write a little jingle as our message, incorporating our favorite Christmas carols.

I'm beyond happy with how it all turned out. We went with a square, folded greeting from Pear Tree Greetings and used our favorite (!!!!!) image from our six month photoshoot with Liz Cooper Photography.

For all of you out there, consider this the electronic version of our holiday love coming straight to you!

Do you hear what I hear? Our little drummer boy is rockin' around the Christmas tree and dreaming of a white Christmas (while momma and daddy are wishing for a silent night).

Santa Claus is coming to town, so let's deck the halls. Then, go tell it on the mountain on this o holy night -- it's the most wonderful time of the year! And we three Kroboths want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sending you our holly, jolly holiday love!

Enjoy the magic of the season, everyone. Spread the love. Spread the faith. Spread the news. Sing your heart out. Hug those you love. And remember the true joy of the season.

Kira of Raleigh is mom to seven-month-old Asher. Find her on her blog <a href="http://kroboths.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grits, Grins and Gripes</a>.

New Mom: So this is Christmas

Asher Kroboth

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

Level 1 risk: Severe storms, damaging winds & hail possible Friday⛈️

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Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defense unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.

The Latest | Israel targets air defense system in Syria, state news agency says

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A local Hip-Hop artist and UNC-Chapel Hill educator died, the North Carolina Arts Council announced Thursday on Facebook.

NC Hip-Hop icon Kevin "Rowdy" Rowsey dies

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Firefighters said when they arrived here just after midnight, the side of the home was engulfed in flames.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — One woman miscarried in the restroom lobby of a Texas emergency room as front desk staff refused to admit her. Another woman learned that her fetus had no heartbeat at a Florida hospital, the day after a security guard turned her away from the facility. And in North Carolina, a woman gave birth in a car after an emergency room couldn't offer an ultrasound. The baby later died.

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WRAL-TV News Broadcasts: Watch each newscast live or watch the most recent newscast on demand.

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Get the latest WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast whenever you need it, including the DUALDoppler5000 and the 7-Day Forecast.

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Nightly N.C. Education Lottery drawings during the 11 p.m. News.

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Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 drawings are held at 3 p.m. daily. They can be seen as live or on-demand video.

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



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Brandon Butterworth picked up his first hit of the game with a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to beat No. 11 North Carolina.

NC State beats UNC with walk-off homer in game one of weekend series

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NCAA athletes will be immediately eligible to play no matter how many times they transfer -- as long as they meet academic requirements -- after the association fast-tracked legislation Wednesday to fall in line with a recent court order.

NCAA allows transfers to be immediately eligible, no matter how many times they've switched schools

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The No. 15 Tar Heels have now beat No. 25 Duke in 15 consecutive games. Both teams now prepare for the ACC championship next week.

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