ROLLING FORK, Miss. (AP) — Powerful tornadoes tore through parts of the Deep South on Friday night, killing at least 23 people in Mississippi, obliterating dozens of buildings and leaving an especially devastating mark on a rural town whose mayor declared, “My city is gone.”

'My city is gone:' Tornado kills 23, injures dozens and levels buildings across rural South

'Take cover now:' Tornado flattens parts of Mississippi, killing 13

An Asheville photographer captured an incredibly rare event Thursday night: The Northern Lights, typically not visible this far south, dazzling in the starry, purple North Carolina skies.

Incredibly rare: Northern Lights visible in North Carolina 

Northern Lights seen as far south as Asheville, NC, an incredibly rare event. Photo credit: Asheville Pictures

The list, circulating among students and parents at York Elementary, includes names and descriptions that range from cute and sweet to lazy and the use of vulgarities, even comments about one student's pimples. 

Wake Co. teacher suspended; burn list circulates with insults about 5th graders

Exceprt from York Elementary burn list

A man is dead after an altercation with Lenoir County Sheriff deputies during the early hours of Saturday morning.

Suspect shot, killed in Kinston after aiming rifle at deputies 

Raleigh's flower trail: Your guide to the best blooms, trails and springtime activities in the City of Oaks.

Raleigh's flower trail: Your guide to the best blooms and springtime trails

Raleigh flower trail: Best springtime hikes, trails, parks and activities in Raleigh.

NCAA bracket

College hoops bracket challenge

Garner police investigators on Thursday issued a warning about a woman who is pretending to be a volunteer or an intern to get inside schools and businesses, then steals money, credit cards and phones from women's purses.

<b>GARNER, N.C.</b> — Garner police investigators on Thursday issued a warning about a woman who is pretending to be a volunteer or an intern to get inside schools and businesses, then steals money, credit cards and phones from women’s purses.

The woman, who was seen on security video in at least one location, targeted two schools and two businesses in eastern Garner between Sept. 30 and Wednesday. Police did not name the locations but said the thefts happened during business hours.

The woman is described as black, between 16 and 21 years old with her hair worn pulled back. In one incident, she wore glasses. Police said she may be driving a green, four-door sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to call Garner Police at 919-772-8810.<br />

Angie  Basiouny

Garner police warn businesses, schools about savvy thief

Garner police searching for thief

Meet Haley! This 9-year-old domestic short-hair is a total snuggle-bunny, who would love to spend her days cuddled up on your lap. Could she be your new best friend? Learn more at PurrPartners.org.

Pet of the Day: March 25, 2023

The National Weather Service issued an alert as the storm was hitting that didn't mince words: "To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW!"

Suspect dies after being shot by two deputies in Lenoir County

Multiple families are recovering Saturday morning, after an apartment caught fire in Durham overnight Friday.

Durham apartment fire displaces 8 people and 8 dogs 

Durham apartment fire displaces families, kills two dogs 

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

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Videos

NC State guard Jack Clark played one season with the Wolfpack after transferring from LaSalle.

Second NC State men's basketball player to transfer

NC State beats Va. Tech, 97-77

Guard RJ Davis is returning to North Carolina for his fourth season with the Tar Heels. He joins Armando Bacot as starters back for UNC.

UNC's Davis says he'll return for another season with Tar Heels

UNC falls, 68-59, to UVa. at ACC Tournament

Isreal Terry helped take the Vance County football program to new heights.  Now he hopes his path can be one others from his hometown can follow.   

Extra Effort: Isreal Terry takes Vance County to new heights 

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With Miami's win over Houston and San Diego State's takedown of Alabama on Friday night, the men's NCAA Tournament will not have a No. 1 seed in the Elite Eight for the first time since seeding began in 1979.

All four No. 1 seeds fall short of Elite Eight in NCAA Tournament for first time as Houston loses 89-75 to Miami

Houston loses 89-75 to Miami. 

Sophomore shortstop Alex Mooney hit the game-winning three-run home run in the top of the eighth inning, as Duke downed No. 15 North Carolina, 8-5, to level the series and earn head coach Chris Pollard's 700th career victory.