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

Compared to pre-pandemic prices, ground beef is up 35%, chips are up 45%, bread is up 57% and a 12-ounce can of soda is up 66%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks trends on common grocery store items.

WRAL Investigates: 'Greedflation' and other drivers behind inflation at the grocery store

A look at inflation at the grocery store

<b>RALEIGH, N.C.</b> — An accident in Johnston County sent one person to the hospital.

It happened Friday morning on Highway 70 west of Clayton.

Authorities said a sports utility vehicle ran a red light, then hit a pickup truck crossing Highway 70 on Shotwell Road. The crash sent the truck into cars waiting for the light.

The two people in the SUV got out and ran. Police believe they know who they are.

One Person Taken To Hospital After Johnston Accident

NEW YORK -- A man set himself on fire Friday afternoon near the lower Manhattan courthouse where jurors were being chosen for the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump.

Former UNC student sets himself on fire near courthouse where Trump is on trial

Man with ties to NC sets himself on fire outside courthouse where Trump is on trial

Public documents show Blake Deven, 17, was reported missing in January 2024 even though police did not publicly announce his disappearance until late March 2024. The last police know of his whereabouts was 2022. London Deven was reported missing on April 4, 2024, years after she was last known to be living in Fayetteville.

Fayetteville missing: The search for Blake Deven and London Deven

Blake Deven and London Deven

The Carolina Hurricanes are no stranger to playoff hockey. They're in the postseason for the sixth-straight season and are regarded as a Stanley Cup contender.

Chaotic Canes hope late-season surge continues into playoffs

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This weekend offers a pleasant mix of sunshine and showers, perfect for both outdoor activities and catching up on some rest and relaxation.

Enjoy the outdoors! Saturday brings sunshine and temps in the 70s

Weather for the weekend 

Capitol Broadcasting Company, the parent company of WRAL News, is part of the 2024 class inducted into the North Carolina Media & Journalism Hall of Fame at the University of North Carolina.

WRAL parent company inducted to NC Media & Journalism Hall of Fame 

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

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Tuesday and Friday Mega Millions Drawing.

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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 first game of baseball series

NC State at UNC

Game 1 is Saturday night in Raleigh. Game 2 is Monday at PNC Arena.

Make your plans: Complete Hurricanes-Islanders first-round schedule

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.

Women's Lacrosse: North Carolina pulls away in the third quarter, beats Duke

Duke vs. UNC women's lacrosse

Mark Mitchell announced he has committed to the University of Missouri in a post to his Instagram post.