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 few dozen people marched for workers' rights in Durham Tuesday evening as part of International Workers Day, also known as May Day.

DURHAM, N.C. — A few dozen people marched for workers’ rights in Durham Tuesday evening as part of International Workers Day, also known as May Day.

People of different ages and backgrounds crowded the streets of Durham for several blocks, starting at the Durham Police Department and ending at the Durham County Detention Center.

The march was organized by the Durham Workers Assembly to stand with thousands across the nation to demand higher wages and union rights.

“Workers are the foundation of our economy, and it’s important to celebrate resistance and to celebrate all the workers have contributed to our society,” Chanelle Croxton said.

The organization is urging the City of Durham to adopt a Workers Rights Commission to oversee labor conditions and wages.

WRAL is live as the Durham Workers Assembly joins others across the nation in a rally for higher wages, union rights and an end to ICE raids and evictions. 

Hannah Webster

Raw: Durham Workers Assembly rallies for workers' rights

Durham Workers Assembly rallies for workers' rights

“We want to see progress. We’re going to have to do it by working together, and I think we are making progress that way,” Michael Burrows said.

While worker issues took priority at Tuesday’s rally, the group also marched against ICE raids, police brutality as well as the demand for affordable housing.

A Durham teacher even came out with students to take a stand for the cause. Nearly 800 Durham teachers are taking personal leave on May 16 to demand better pay and conditions for teachers from the North Carolina General Assembly.

“What they’re fighting for today, what we’re fighting for every day and on May 16 is the revolution,” teacher Turquoise Parker said. “The revolution is peace, freedom, fully-funded public schools, working wages for our families.”

Candace Sweat

Andrew Cumbee

'A revolution:' Durham workers march for fair wages, better conditions 

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.

Man Sets Himself on Fire Near Courthouse Where Trump Is on Trial

Outside Court, Trump Is the Center of Attention. Inside, He Has a Rival.

This weekend offers a pleasant mix of sunshine and showers, perfect for both outdoor activities and catching up on some rest and relaxation.

 Raleigh weekend brings sunshine, showers & comfortable temperatures

Weather for the weekend 

Capitol Broadcasting Company, the parent company of WRAL News, is part of the 2024 class inducted into the North Carolina Media & Journalism Hall of Fame at the University of North Carolina.

WRAL parent company inducted to NC Media & Journalism Hall of Fame 

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.

Johnston County school bus involved in crash on NC 96 

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.

New UNC surgical hospital to bring more beds, new procedures to patients

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Rookie Wenceel Pérez hit a go-ahead two-out single in the ninth inning and the Detroit Tigers handed the Minnesota Twins their season-worst fifth straight loss, 5-4 on Friday night.

Tigers hand Twins season-worst 5th straight loss. Wenceel Pérez hits go-ahead single in 9th

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SAN DIEGO (AP) — Justin Turner hit a solo homer and drove in another run with a single as the Toronto Blue Jays won for the fifth time in six games, beating the San Diego Padres 5-1 on Friday night.

Justin Turner's homer, RBI single highlight Blue Jays' 5-1 win over the Padres

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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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General manager Don Waddell likes how his Carolina Hurricanes finished the season, winning 16 of their final 21 games. He knows it means nothing now.

NHL PLAYOFFS: 'It's wide open' is the theme as the race to the Stanley Cup begins

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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.