WRAL.com - Local News

Severe thunderstorm watches issued across central NC

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:33:59 -0400

A storm system sweeping across the state Sunday evening brought the threat of gusty winds, heavy rain and isolated tornadoes. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for the WRAL viewing area until 11 p.m.

Slain UNC student honored at graduation ceremony

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:31:34 -0400

A page in memoriam about slain University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Student Body President Eve Carson appeared in Sunday’s commencement program.

Refugees, living in Raleigh, await word on Myanmar relatives

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:15:12 -0400

Myanmar natives, living in the Triangle, are waiting word on whether their loved ones are alive after Cyclone Nargis struck the country.

NC counties keep on losing infrastructure tax votes

Sun, 11 May 2008 18:17:53 -0400

Last year, the General Assembly and county commissioners statewide thought they had found a way to help local governments pay for the infrastructure needs of a growing North Carolina.

Poll: Dole, Hagan in virtual tie in Senate race

Sun, 11 May 2008 20:42:07 -0400

State Sen. Kay Hagan begins the general election campaign for U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole's seat virtually tied with the incumbent, according to the latest WRAL News poll.

Shop reopening returns Christmas magic to Manteo

Sun, 11 May 2008 16:05:38 -0400

The landmark Island Gallery and Christmas Shop opened its doors on Saturday, nearly three years after its owners thought they had closed them for good.

Thousands get college diplomas, despite weather

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:31:34 -0400

The threat of severe weather prompted one venue change, but thousands of seniors still walked across the stage Sunday morning.

More shoreline closed after vandalism

Sun, 11 May 2008 15:59:49 -0400

Park officials say a lawsuit settlement required them to cut off access to 50 meters of beach after finding vandalism to beach closure signs.

Postal workers pick up food for hungry

Sun, 11 May 2008 15:56:39 -0400

More than 200,000 meals will be served to the hungry, thanks to donations postal workers picked up at doorsteps on Saturday.

Family, friends remember slain Wake County mother

Sat, 10 May 2008 22:51:08 -0400

Family and friends gathered Saturday on the shores of Lake Benson to honor the memory of a murdered Wake County mother.

Governor tours NC tornado damage areas

Sat, 10 May 2008 22:47:09 -0400

Gov. Mike Easley says it will be several days before officials know what type of government assistance to request for residents of central North Carolina who were hit by a tornado.

Finnerty returns, Duke lacrosse advances in NCAA tournament

Sat, 10 May 2008 20:32:57 -0400

For a while, it was as if nothing had changed for Collin Finnerty. Once again, he was playing lacrosse at Duke in the NCAA tournament - though this time as a visitor.

Duke trustees approve steam plant renovation

Sat, 10 May 2008 20:51:46 -0400

The Duke University Board of Trustees on Saturday approved a $20 million renovation of the 1929 steam plant on Campus Drive, which will give the university and medical center more steam-producing capacity and provide a cleaner-burning alternative to coal.

Broken pipe forces weekend closure of N.C. Zoo

Sat, 10 May 2008 16:10:24 -0400

Staffers have had to turn away visitors to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro on Saturday.

Silver Alert issued for missing Raleigh man

Sat, 10 May 2008 06:53:58 -0400

Donald Richard Brogsdale, 23, is believed to be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment.

New budget increases financial aid for Duke students

Sat, 10 May 2008 16:13:40 -0400

A $2 billion budget increases funds for financial aid by 18.8 percent and undergraduate tuition by 4.8 percent.

Graduation ceremonies held at Triangle schools

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:31:50 -0400

Thousands of Triangle college students received their diplomas on Saturday. Every college and university in the Triangle will hold graduations over the Mother’s Day weekend except N.C. Central – its ceremony was last weekend.

Rain, hail hit Triangle overnight

Sat, 10 May 2008 09:25:42 -0400

An upper-level disturbance spawned thunderstorms that dropped heavy rain and hail stones, some as large as golf balls, during the early hours of Saturday.

Rape victim apologizes to wrongfully convicted man

Fri, 09 May 2008 23:05:17 -0400

A Goldsboro woman who was raped nearly 21 years ago says she never intended to identify the wrong man, who spent 18 years in prison for the crime.

Fort Bragg among 8 Army bases worldwide targeted to get repairs

Fri, 09 May 2008 20:41:32 -0400

The U.S. Army said Friday it will immediately repair barracks at eight facilities - including Fort Bragg - in the wake of inspection at bases worldwide.

Proposed legislation would help smooth responses to droughts

Fri, 09 May 2008 19:30:47 -0400

The draft bill would require local governments to set uniform minimum water conservation measures and would give the governor authority to act sooner than he can now.

Feds: Colleges can enroll illegal immigrants

Fri, 09 May 2008 20:52:07 -0400

North Carolina's community colleges can decide whether they want to enroll illegal immigrants, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency said Friday.

Cary leaders want to talk reassignment with Wake school board

Fri, 09 May 2008 22:01:41 -0400

The Cary Town Council wants Wake County school officials to relay concerns about how students are assigned to schools.

Spring Lake officer in limbo 11 months after shooting

Fri, 09 May 2008 22:18:38 -0400

Noelle Talley, a spokeswoman for the State Bureau of Investigation, said Thursday agents are still investigating the June 18, 2007, shooting involving Officer Jose Garcia.

Biofuels research could mean billions for state's economy

Sat, 10 May 2008 06:53:58 -0400

North Carolina will spend $5 million a year to fund a new research facility in an effort to have a tenth of the state's liquid fuel be locally produced biofuels by 2017.