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

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 

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

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

Election-2024-Governor-North-Carolina_02525

Possibility for an isolated storm Saturday afternoon with winds outside of any storms gusting up to 35 mph.



Stormy Saturday: Afternoon showers could bring gusty winds, isolated storms

Weather for March 25, 2023

NCAA bracket

College hoops bracket challenge

<b>CLINTON, N.C.</b> — Investigators said Friday that they still do not know what caused a fire in a historic downtown district in the town of Clinton.

The fire tore through Kaleel's City Grill around lunchtime Thursday, forcing emergency crews to evacuate people from surrounding buildings and shut down streets.

Firefighters monitored the debris overnight for flare-ups and cleanup began Friday.

Leon's Clothing Store and a bridal shop also suffered damage related to the fire. Leon's owner, Edmon Boyette, said he was not sure if anything in the store could be salvaged.

The bridal shop's owner told WRAL that she thinks she lost quite a bit of inventory from her store.

Insurance adjusters plan to visit the scene Saturday to estimate damages.

Johnny Kaleel, whose family owned the city grill, said Thursday that he plans to rebuild the restaurant

Kelcey Carlson

Robert Meikle

Kelly Gardner

Investigators Still Unsure What Caused Clinton Restaurant Fire

Debris from Kaleel Grill

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!"

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 

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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

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.

'God formed me' to fight LGBTQ issues, NC's Mark Robinson says as 2024 governor's race looms

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson

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

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper rejected a bill that seeks to lift a state law requiring people to obtain a permit from a local sheriff before acquiring a handgun. Republicans vow to override the veto. 

Cooper vetoes bill that would loosen pistol permit laws

Central NC sheriffs disagree about value of pistol permit law

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.