Officials are encouraging residents to take steps to prepare for extreme weather ahead of hurricane season. New data shows flood and wind risk is changing in the state.

Inland homes at risk for high winds, flooding during hurricane season. Here's what you can do now.

Holly Springs shed damage

More than a dozen former employees say understaffing at Brynn Marr Hospital contributes to what they describe as a dangerous place for patients and employees. Hospital officials say allegations of violence, sexual assaults, overmedication and lack of mental health therapy are unfounded.

Former employees say short-staffed NC psych hospital rife with violence, abuse

Brynn Marr Hospital

The top contestants of last season's "American Idol" are about to head out on tour. Winner and Garner native Scotty McCreery will be joined in the performances by 10 other finalists.

The top contestants of last season's "American Idol" are about to head out on tour.

Winner and Garner native Scotty McCreery will be joined in the performances by 10 other finalists.

"The tour is gonna be great, I think," McCreery said.

"I can't wait to get out there and tour the country with my fellow comrades and having a good time." 

For Casey Abrams, the tour will be a chance to hang out with the friend he met on the show.

"I'm looking forward to the Top 11 just getting together, jammin', just tellin' ghost stories at night, doin' weird things," he said. "It's going to be fun."<br />

The first tour stop will be July 7 in Utah. The tour rolls through Raleigh on July 27.

Scotty McCreery and 10 other talented singers from "American Idol" will tour this summer.

'Idol' contestants ready for tour

Debra Morgan

Jodi Leese Glusco

'Idol' finalists prepare for tour

Hamilton, Scotty make late-night appearances

The latest forecast from the Space Weather Prediction Center indicates a strong possibility of witnessing another round of the magnificent Northern Lights Saturday night.

Northern lights alert! Possible Aurora Borealis display again Sunday morning as early as 2 am

Northern lights in Pittsboro

Pro-Palestinian activists rallied on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) campus on Saturday to raise awareness about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

UNC graduates shine despite campus protest, vandalism

UNC holds Spring Commencement amid Pro-Palestinian protests on campus 

Brady Skjei scored a power play goal for the Carolina Hurricanes with minutes remaining in the third period. The Canes will play Game 5 in New York on Monday.

Hurricanes stay alive with a late power play goal, beat Rangers 4-3

Rangers_Hurricanes_Hockey_78209

Durham police were investigating in a Home Depot parking lot, where there appeared to be blood on the pavement, on Saturday morning.

Durham Police investigate 2 fatal shootings that are connected 

Police investigating in parking lot outside Home Depot in Durham

A State Highway Patrol trooper was involved in a shooting with a fleeing suspect Saturday morning. 

SHP Trooper involved in shooting with armed suspect during traffic stop

Police car

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

The next system Tuesday 

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

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is holding its 2024 graduation ceremony Saturday evening. 

Celebrate the Class of 2024! 🎓 Watch UNC-Chapel Hill's commencement ceremony

Videos

Wake County and Raleigh approved a financing plan to pay for upgrades at PNC Arena. The renovation project won't begin until next summer.

What's next for PNC Arena upgrade after city, county approve financing plan

Tip off as the Pack take on the Heels

The NC Courage head to Kansas City looking for a positive result, trying to end a two-game losing streak. 

NC Courage visit Kansas City Current Sunday

NC Courage 

Settlement money to help stem the decades-long opioid addiction and overdose epidemic is rolling out to small towns and big cities across the U.S., but advocates worry that chunks of it may be used in ways that don't make a dent in the crisis.

Local governments struggle to distribute their share of billions from opioid settlements

Opioid_Crisis_Settlements_86128

The United States Golf Association has opened its new headquarters in Pinehurst, which includes the World Golf Hall of Fame.