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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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.

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A pre-game buzz filled Franklin Street on Friday in anticipation of the University North Carolina’s matchup with Villanova in Detroit on Saturday.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — A pre-game buzz was filled Franklin Street on Friday in anticipation of the University North Carolina’s matchup with Villanova in Detroit on Saturday.

“People are just really excited. The street has been full of people all day. It’s really exciting,” UNC Fan Holly Deadmond said.

Fan Janie Tarman remembers the last time the Tar Heels won the national championship in 2005.

“Last time, the tension in this town – you could cut it with a knife,” Tarman said.

In 2005, an estimated 45,000 fans poured onto Franklin Street to celebrate when the Tar Heels won the national championship.

Ken Smith

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Chapel Hill gets Final Four fever

A banner hangs in the window of a store on Franklin Street in Ch

In 2005, an estimated 45,000 fans poured onto Franklin Street to celebrate. Lt. Kevin Gunter said he saw several men carrying a couch down the thoroughfare during the celebration.

If a celebration breaks out this year, Chapel Hill police said they will be ready. More than 200 officers from eight additional agencies are scheduled to patrol Franklin Street Saturday night and Monday night, if necessary.

“We anticipate a lot of congestion in the downtown and surrounding areas,” Gunter said.

People should avoid bringing flammable items including alcohol and paint, Gunter said. He also warns against people bringing glass and, of course, weapons.

Gunter says the plan isn't to close the street but if too many fans crowd Franklin Street, it'll turn into a block party.

For fans who couldn’t make the trip to Detroit to watch the games in person, UNC is opening the Dean Smith Center on Saturday for a viewing party. The center will open to university staff, faculty and students at 5 p.m. and for everyone else at 5:30 p.m.

Kathy Hanrahan

Chapel Hill feels pre-game buzz

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.

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Storms moved east Friday in central North Carolina. Over the weekend, the Triangle will feel a cooldown due to an incoming cold front.

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Level 1 risk for severe storms Friday 

The crash involved a school bus from Corinth Holders Elementary School at North Carolina Highway 96 and Earpsboro Road in Johnston County, according to authorities.

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UNC staff and hospital executives got their first looks at the product of the years-long construction project: a new hospital dedicated entirely to surgery.

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A man is in critical condition after an attempt to snorkel in the pool at a Cary gym.

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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.

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 Drawing

Gov. Roy Cooper joins United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to make a clean energy announcement.

Gov. Cooper makes clean energy announcement

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

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

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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.