ROLLING FORK, Miss. (AP) — Rescuers raced Saturday to search for survivors and help hundreds of people left homeless after a powerful tornado cut a devastating path through Mississippi, killing at least 25 people, injuring dozens, and flattening entire blocks as it carved a path of destruction for more than an hour. One person was killed in Alabama.

'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

National champion and to Tar heel Sports Network analyst Eric Montross has been diagnosed with cancer.

A battle off the court, UNC legend and radio analyst Eric Montross diagnosed with cancer

UNC legend and radio analyst Eric Montross 

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

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

Kevin Greg Brake, 44, of Castalia, worked at Louisburg Gardens in Franklin County when he had sexual relations with a resident there in August 2006.

A former rest home employee will spend more than three years in prison for raping a mentally-ill female resident.<br />

Brake was initially charged with second-degree rape. He pleaded guilty Wednesday to patient abuse and neglect.

Plea Deal Reached in Rest Home Rape

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

With Miami's win over Houston and San Diego State's takedown of Alabama on Friday night, the men's NCAA Tournament will not have a No. 1 seed in the Elite Eight for the first time since seeding began in 1979.

All four No. 1 seeds fall short of Elite Eight in NCAA Tournament for first time as Houston loses 89-75 to Miami

Houston loses 89-75 to Miami. 

East Carolina University's football program is the first to extend an offer to Cuthbertson class of 2024 wide receiver/defensive back Evan Taylor. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound corner has been an all-conference selection in the Southern Carolina 4A.