The blooming of the WRAL Azalea Garden has been a constant symbol of the return of spring.  

WRAL Azalea Gardens: Everything you need to know for your visit

WRAL Azalea Gardens

Duke Energy is transitioning away from coal. It means power bills are becoming more expensive.

Duke Energy hoping emerging tech research benefits customers

Duke Energy

Authorities destroyed two plots of marijuana plants found growing in Chatham County last week, authorities announced Tuesday.

<b>PITTSBORO, N.C.</b> —  Authorities destroyed two plots of marijuana plants found growing in Chatham County last week, authorities announced Tuesday.

Authorities found 1,784 plants between 1 and 2 feet tall that would have had a street value of $3 million when fully grown, Maj. Gary Blakenship, with the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, said. One plot was in southeast Chatham County, and the second in the southwestern part of the county.

Blakenship said that no arrests have been made, but the investigation is ongoing.

The sheriff's office, State Bureau of Investigation, Highway Patrol, National Guard and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency assisted in the operation.

Anne Johnson

Two pot farms found in Chatham

Gov. Roy Cooper's decision to treat bars differently from restaurants for Covid-19 lockdowns lacked scientific evidence, the NC Court of Appeals ruled, and improperly deprived the bar owners of their constitutionally guaranteed opportunity to make a living.

Did Cooper's Covid lockdowns violate the NC Constitution? Court of Appeals says yes, and no

Cooper, Cohen

Dorian Thomas is charged with the March 17 murder of Emily Christine Steinhoff, 44, who had accompanied her sister to Thomas' home for a custody exchange. 

Warrants: Murder suspect recorded video as he shot his child's aunt

Dorian Thomas, 50

A 38-year-old man, Jonathan Lecompte, died while trying to stop a carjacking incident in Lumberton.

Good Samaritan killed while trying to stop carjacking in Lumberton

Jonathan Lecompte

Get ready for another 'summer-like' day Tuesday, with temps in the 80s and rumbles of thunder during the evening commute.

Showers and storms could rumble through Tuesday evening

Rain chances, Tuesday, April 16

A student was filmed assaulting an educator Monday at Parkland High School, the sheriff's office said. On Tuesday, a secure custody order was issued for one count of communicating threats and two counts of misdemeanor assault. 

NC high school student charged with assaulting teacher after 'disturbing video' circulates on social media

School lockers 

WRAL-TV News Broadcasts: Watch each newscast live or watch the most recent newscast on demand.

WRAL Late News 

WRAL Noon News

Get the latest WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast whenever you need it, including the DUALDoppler5000 and the 7-Day Forecast.

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

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

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday Powerball drawings, as shown live on WRAL.

Powerball Drawing

Fans of the NC State Wolfpack's men's and women's basketball teams are celebrating the teams' run to the Final Four on Monday night on Hillsborough Street at the Memorial Belltower. NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson, Athletics Director Boo Corrigan and Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin are expected to speak Monday night at the event.

NC State men's and women's basketball teams honored for Final Four appearances at Memorial Belltower

Videos

The Carolina Hurricanes will open the NHL playoffs against the New York Islanders. The Hurricanes defeated the Islanders 4-2 in the first round last season.

Hurricanes set for first-round playoff rematch with Islanders

Hurricanes_Blackhawks_Hockey_50050

Former Duke head football coach Steve Sloan has passed away at the age of 79.

Former Duke head coach Steve Sloan dies at age 79

Duke Logo

From the ancient stadium in Olympia, a relay of torchbearers will carry the flame along a 5,000-kilometer (3,100-mile) route through Greece, including several islands, until the handover to Paris Games organizers in Athens on April 26.

Despite weather glitch, the Paris Olympics flame is lit at the Greek cradle of ancient games

Greece_Olympics_Paris_Flame_Lighting_78709

Whitey Herzog has died at the age of 92. He guided the St. Louis Cardinals to three pennants and a World Series title in 1982.

Whitey Herzog, Hall of Fame manager who led St. Louis Cardinals to 3 pennants, dies at 92

St. Louis Cardinals Logo

Caitlin Clark has been selected with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever. The former Iowa star became a household name among basketball fans during her record-breaking college career. 