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

All assets associated with the tag: birding

Birding Coverage

Backyard birdwatchers need to be aware of a disease that is a threat to local birds as well as pets that roam outdoors.

NC Wildlife biologist: Alarming number of bird deaths could harm dogs and cats

Birdwatching

This morning Cindy and I were drinking coffee on our screened porch with Rufus in my lap when we noticed unusual activity in the trees behind our house. It was almost like birds falling from the sky.

Birding Coverage

NC Wildlife biologist: Alarming number of bird deaths could harm dogs and cats

Bill Leslie: Sudden flock of visitors a delight amid dark coronavirus news