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

Allergy season is here. It's earlier and stronger than expected.

In Depth with Dan: How pollen season is changing

Pollen on car

A real-life unicorn visited the WRAL Azalea Gardens on Sunday. Well, mostly real.

<b>RALEIGH, N.C.</b> — A real-life unicorn visited the WRAL Azalea Gardens on Sunday. Well, mostly real.

Though not quite at their peak, azaleas have started to bloom in the WRAL Azalea Gardens, and the view is breathtaking. The time to visit the gardens is now -- so here are some tips to help you make the most out of your visit.

Jessica Patrick

Like a dream: This is the best time to visit the WRAL Azalea Gardens

Lola, who was decked out in a flower crown and unicorn horn for her trip to smell the azaleas, is actually a miniature horse that works with <a href="http://billbergren.nativecreative.com/stampede/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stampede of Love</a>, which organizes animal therapy and programs for people of all ages with special needs.

Lola the Unicorn

In addition to helping people feel better, Lola and her group of "brothers and sisters" are sometimes used as ring bearers in weddings, her caregiver said.

'Real' unicorn visits the WRAL Azalea Gardens

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

Good Samaritan killed while trying to help carjacking victim in Lumberton

Jonathan Lecompte

After we saw the hottest day of the year so far on Monday, we will see highs in the 80s on Tuesday along with a chance for severe weather.

Thunderstorms possible Tuesday as summer-like heat continues

There is a Level 1 risk for severe weather on Tuesday for parts of central North Carolina, including all of the Triangle. Storms are possible from Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening.

The family said that Preston Baker and the girl exchanged nude photos, and then she met him in her neighborhood before he drove her to the coast. Authorities say, in that time, he raped her.

Attorney says man charged with kidnapping, rape, was in relationship with Durham girl posing as college student

Preston Baker appears in court virtually from prison

A celebration for the NC State men's and women's basketball teams was celebrated by the school and the City of Raleigh on Monday, April 15 at NC State's Memorial Belltower.

'You have more fun in red': NC State men's, women's teams' Final Four runs celebrated Monday night

NC State Final Four celebration at the Belltower

According to the Goldsboro Police Department, officers responded to a call for a possible body found in the 600 block of Isler Street. When officers arrived, they located a dead woman inside a home.

Body discovered on Monday in Goldsboro, police say; fourth since Friday

Bodies found in Goldsboro

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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.

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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

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. 

Caitlin Clark taken No. 1 in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, as expected

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The "30 for 30" documentary will explore Stuart Scott's impact on broadcasting, journalism, sports, and culture.

ESPN planning to make '30 for 30' documentary on Stuart Scott

Williams, UNC return to court for Late Night

Traveling baseball team, Savannah Bananas, spent the morning playing with the Miracle League of the Triangle in Durham.

Savannah Bananas play ball with the Miracle League

Savannah Bananas and the Miracle League of the Triangle

Caleb Foster confirmed he would return for his sophomore season in Monday's episode of "The Brotherhood Podcast."

Caleb Foster to return, says he's '1,000% committed to Duke' for 2024-25 season

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Drake Powell is one of the top high school basketball players in the country.  Next year the Pittsboro native will play for his dream school UNC, but this season he had unfinished business at Northwood High School.  WRAL's Pat Welter followed Drake and the Northwood Chargers on their quest for a state title this season.  The Prince of Pittsboro is a documentary that takes you behind the scenes of their most emotional moments and shows a side of Drake and his head coach Matt Brown that you've never seen.  

'Real' unicorn visits the WRAL Azalea Gardens

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Like a dream: This is the best time to visit the WRAL Azalea Gardens

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