We’re also following the new holiday Raleigh’s mayor just declared. Plus, how social media led to the arrest of a man accused of kidnapping and raping a young girl, and what we’re learning about one of four victims found dead in four days. Watch WRAL-TV at 11 p.m., and search for these and other stories on WRAL.com

On WRAL at 11: Scattered storms for parts of our area tomorrow. Where the threats are highest

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

North Carolina's teacher workforce is changing drastically. Where schools are finding teachers now.

NC teacher turnover hits highest mark in decades. New report shows changes in who is leading classrooms

Classroom generic, teacher generic

What is the best beach in North Carolina?

I post and pose this question as somewhat of a pre-emptive strike.

&quot;Dr. Beach&quot;, AKA Dr. Stephen Leatherman is getting ready to release his annual list of the Top 10 Beaches in America and I thought we might want to steal some of his thunder. Leatherman is a coastal scientist and recognized as one of the nation's top authorities on beach quality.

But who is better to rate the beaches of North Carolina than you – faithful Tar Heel Traveler bloggers!

Leatherman has frequently ranked Ocracoke Island as one of the best beaches in America. I can’t argue with that. It’s number one on my list. I am also very high on the beaches of Oak Island.

How about you? Let’s crown the King of the Carolina Beaches

Also, thanks for your excellent suggestions for a new blog name!  I have 158 to choose from so far.  Feel free to send some more ideas. 

Best Beaches

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

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

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

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

WNBA_Draft_Basketball_52462

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

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

buckduke20

Scottie Scheffler had no doubts about this Masters, and neither did anyone watching. He pulled ahead with magnificent shots Sunday and poured it on along the back nine at Augusta National for a 4-under 68 to claim his second green jacket in three years.

Scottie Scheffler unstoppable and wins another Masters green jacket 

Masters Golf

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