Shortages of teachers, infrastructure and technology workers will hamper schools' ability to provide the best education, facilities and tools to children, Superintendent Robert Taylor said Thursday.

Higher employee pay will be key to running Wake schools smoothly, superintendent says

Wake County Public School System Superintendent Robert Taylor speaks to the League fo Women Voters of Wake County, April 18, 2024

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

A Texas mattress store has opened its doors to people who fled floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey.

<b>HOUSTON</b> — A Texas mattress store has opened its doors to people who fled floodwaters left by Hurricane Harvey.

Mattress Mack, in Houston, tweeted on Sunday that two of its stores would be open for shelter and food. The company tweeted photos of people sitting on mattresses and couches.

"If you can safely join us, we invite you for shelter and food. God Bless," the company tweeted.

Evan Matsumoto

Texas mattress stores opens doors to Harvey evacuees

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 

All lanes of I-85 were closed in both directions on Saturday morning due to a crash in Durham County.

I-85 reopens after crash closed all lanes both directions 

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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

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

Former Duke forward Mark Mitchell commits to Missouri

uvaduke23

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.