Students are reported for possession of non-firearm weapons about 20 times as often as they are for firearms. But schools are still relatively safe places, and many crime statistics in schools have been improving for years, experts say. 

Easy to conceal, harder to detect: Knives more prevalent than guns in schools 

School lockers 

Delvin Ferrell was the teenager killed in a stabbing on Monday at Southeast Raleigh High School. Friends will remember Ferrell with a balloon release on Wednesday evening.

'We are forgiving': Family of 15-year-old stabbed to death at Southeast Raleigh High School grieves loss, holds no ill will

Family of 15-year-old killed at Southeast Raleigh High School plans balloon release 

A Camp Lejeune-based Marine died in Afghanistan Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Thursday.

<b>CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.</b> — A Camp Lejeune-based Marine died in Afghanistan Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Thursday.

Lance Cpl. Thomas E. Rivers Jr. died while supporting combat operations in the Helmand province. The military did not release more details of the circumstances surrounding his death.

Rivers, 22, of Birmingham, Ala., was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Anne Johnson

Lejeune Marine killed in Afghanistan

Thursday morning will be chilly, with lows in the 20s across much of North Carolina.

Frosty start to Thursday with lows in the 20s 🥶

Temperature turnaround 

Police are investigating a shooting that occurred in Raleigh Wednesday evening, leaving one person injured.

Raleigh Police investigate Dorothea Drive shooting, one person injured

Police are investigating a Raleigh shooting 

A Fayetteville Police Officer was arrested Wednesday, facing multiple charges, including Misdemeanor Obstruction of Justice, as part of an ongoing investigation.

Fayetteville Police Officer arrested, accused of obstruction of justice and more

Generic police signage 

Exclusively on WRAL, a man has been released on bond this Wednesday evening after a nearly three-year battle to prove his innocence.

Man accused of pellet gun shooting in Holly Springs released on bond

Man charged in pellet gun shootings out on bond 

This year marks the 65th annual lighting of the WRAL-TV tower in Raleigh, an annual tradition that has grown to include celebrations with towers at American Tobacco Campus in Durham and Rocky Mount Mills.

WRAL lights towers in Raleigh, Durham and Rocky Mount

This year marks the 65th annual lighting of the WRAL-TV tower in Raleigh.

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

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Wetter and warmer weekend 

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 N.C. High School Athletic Association Board of Directors holds it winter board meeting in Chapel Hill. This is the first of a two-day event for the NCHSAA.

2023 NCHSAA winter board meeting, day one

Videos

George Williams, a former St. Augustine's University coach, was fired in July 2020. He continues to coach athletes and is preparing several for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Famed track coach George Williams helps athletes prep for Paris Olympics, reflects on departure from St. Augustine's University

Duke quarterback Riley Leonard announced that he would be leaving the program.

Duke QB Riley Leonard leaving Blue Devils

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NC State linebacker Payton Wilson was named ACC defensive player of the year and freshman wide receiver KC Concepcion won the league's Rookie of the Year award.

NC State duo claims top ACC football honors

Payton Wilson during pregame warmups

Max Johnson, a former Texas A&M and LSU quarterback, has committed to play for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Johnson is expected to compete for the Tar Heels' starting quarterback position in the 2024 season.