76 NC counties are under alert, including Wake, Cumberland, Durham, Johnston, and Orange counties.

A Raleigh home is destroyed in a fire -- and the family says their water heater exploding was to blame. We ask a specialist how often this happens, and what you can do to prevent it

On FOX 50 at 10: A family says their water heater exploded, setting their home on fire. An expert explains how to prevent it

NCAA bracket

College hoops bracket challenge

<b>RALEIGH, N.C.</b> — The State Lottery is adapting its lottery-ticket vending machines to spread the word whenever an Amber Alert is issued for a missing child.

The lottery machines will scroll the information across their display screens, and customers will also get a printed copy.

Lottery Machines Becoming 'Amber Alert' Stations

A Durham County restaurant owner has pleaded guilty to the statutory rape of one of his underage employees.

Rougemont restaurant owner a 'monster' says mother of teen employee he raped

Tamer El-Tanany

Cary police are investigating two crime scenes on a single property that raised plenty of questions Monday - for neighbors and for law enforcement officers.

No IDs at disturbing double crime scene in Cary; body in fire pit, man who shot himself

Cary fire fighters find person shot while responding to trash fire

Nash County leaders are responding to a critical state report into the Nash County Department of Social Services. 

"At least they are being given an option." Nash County commissioner calls for resignation of Nash DSS leadership after scathing report

State to investigate how Nash County Social Services handled abuse case of 8-year-old girl

With over 37,000 children in Wake County struggling with food insecurity, Wake County Commissioners voted unanimously to add millions to various strategies to help 

Wake County Commissioners approve updated Food Security Plan

Wake County Justice Center

The latest United Nations report finds the world is on the brink of catastrophic warming, but there's still a chance to change course if the planet's biggest polluters can take swift action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


North Carolina, U.S. off track new suggested climate targets from United Nations

Cape Fear River

"This is a stain on Nash County," said commissioner Glen Wilkins, who confirmed that a fired Nash DSS employee was involved in handling Christal Lane's case.

Nash County leaders meet after explosive state report comes out

Tamer El-Tanany, owner of Roma Pizza in Rougemont, will spend at least 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to numerous charges that changed the course of one girl's life in March 2022.

Durham County restaurant owner pleads guilty to 2022 rape of teen employee

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

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 drawings are held at 3 p.m. daily. They can be seen as live or on-demand video.

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 Drawing

Fayetteville police announce details about a break in a years-long cold case from a 2010 murder in the community.

Break in 2010 Fayetteville cold case

Arrest made in 2010 Fayetteville cold case

Videos

Jacy Sheldon made a tiebreaking jumper in the lane with 1.8 seconds left to lift No. 3 Ohio State to a 71-69 win over No. 6 seed North Carolina and help the Buckeyes advance to the Sweet 16 for the second straight season. 

 No. 6 UNC falls in final seconds to No. 3 Ohio St, 71-69, ending season

NCAA North Carolina Ohio St Basketball

Police say assaults in downtown Chapel Hill have decreased, while reports of larceny - specifically bicycle thefts - have increased.

UNC students say stepped up police presence makes them feel safer on Franklin Street

Franklin Street, Chapel Hill

Can you separate the myths from the facts about the March equinox?