ROLLING FORK, Miss. (AP) — A powerful tornado cut a devastating path of at least 170 miles (274 kilometers) through Mississippi Friday night, killing nearly two dozen people and obliterating dozens of buildings, as it stayed on the ground for more than an hour.

'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

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 

A recent solar storm produced aurora seen as far south as New Mexico, space weather forecasts predict increased activity Saturday night as well.

Look up: More Northern Lights could be visible in NC tonight

Aurora borealis seen from the International Space Station

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced on Saturday he will run for governor in 2024, a bid that will likely require him besting Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson to earn the Republican nomination.

North Carolina treasurer running for governor in 2024

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The car, which measures 27 feet long, will be in Smithfield on Satuday, March 25 and in Raleigh on Sunday, March 26.

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile coming to the Triangle Saturday and Sunday

Cookout Christian and Ketchup Kaitlyn

NCAA bracket

College hoops bracket challenge

<b>HENDERSON, N.C.</b> — The Vance County Sheriff's Office is investigating why one of its own used mace to subdue a high-school student.

Deputy Eric Johnston is a security officer at Southern Vance High School. According to witnesses, he restrained a student involved in a fight Thursday and then used mace.

Four students had trouble breathing but recovered without having to go to the hospital.

Johnson is no longer working security at the school while the sheriff's office investigates.

Vance County Authorities Investigate Why Deputy Maced Student

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

One little girl and the swift actions of a group with a shared goal helped to save a giant pacific octopus in Washington state.

On cam: Little girl rescues giant Pacific octopus 

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!"

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

Northwest Guilford is coming off of a 10-3 season in 2022, but the Vikings have to continue the strong trend with a new head coach. Chris Rusiewicz was tapped to lead the program in mid-January after previous head coach Kevin Wallace took an opportunity at West Forsyth. Rusiewicz has a good place to start with his outstanding quarterback-wide receiver duo of Tanner Ballou and Trenton Cloud.

NW Guilford duo of Trenton Cloud and Tanner Ballou is a great starting point for new coach

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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

As he prepares for an expected campaign for governor next year, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson continues to amp up rhetoric against gay, lesbian and transgender people that has become a key part of his political brand.