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

A top education official was in Cary Friday.

U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings toured Cary Academy and met with educators and students.

She highlighted the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Spellings also discussed the No Child Left Behind Act.

Top Education Official Tours Cary Academy

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

Former president and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is coming to North Carolina on Saturday.

Donald Trump to hold rally in Wilmington, first NC stop since his court appearance on Monday

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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 

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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.

Mega Millions Drawing

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

Videos

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

Over the course of her career, Ashley Twichell has pushed through situations that might have otherwise been the end of it, including a recurring shoulder injury and the COVID pandemic.

Triangle-based Olympic swimmer finds new balance while embarking on motherhood journey

Ashley Twichell

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