This year marks the 65th annual lighting of the WRAL-TV tower in Raleigh, an annual tradition that has grown to include celebrations with towers at American Tobacco Campus in Durham and Rocky Mount Mills.

WRAL lights towers in Raleigh, Durham and Rocky Mount

Students are reported for possession of non-firearm weapons about 20 times as often as they are for firearms. But schools are still relatively safe places, and many crime statistics in schools have been improving for years, experts say. 

Easy to conceal, harder to detect: Knives more prevalent than guns in schools 

School lockers 

Judge Royce Lamberth has denied the Trump administration's attempt to block the upcoming publication of the book by former national security adviser John Bolton.

<b>CNN</b> — Judge Royce Lamberth has denied the Trump administration's attempt to block the upcoming publication of the book by former national security adviser John Bolton.

READ: John Bolton book injunction denial

The morning will start off with some sunshine, but clouds will quickly move in by noon. 

Don't forget your umbrella!☔Rain expected for the next 3 days

Wetter and warmer weekend

According to an arrest warrant obtained by WRAL News, 26-year-old Daquan Seandre Thomas is charged with felony murder and felony concealment of 22-year-old Tyrone Taylor. According to Sheriff Wayne Coats, Thomas was already in jail for a domestic violence incident with the victim's sister.

'Infectious smile': Community grieves youth pastor found dead after missing for 10 weeks

Body of missing Dunn man found; suspect in custody, charged with murder

A landlord with properties spanning across the state, including multiple units in Raleigh, faces potential disciplinary action and legal scrutiny.

Landlord who charged NC State students $18,000 for beer pong table at center of multiple investigations

5 On Your Side investigates landlord with history of excessive charges

A 17-year-old Lumberton High School student will be suspended for a full year after staff found a handgun and marijuana in his car on Thursday.

Lumberton High student found with gun, pot in car

marijuana 

Students returned to Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School today for the first time since Monday's deadly stabbing - to at atmosphere they are describing as calm, quiet, somber and anxious.

Anxious, but resilient: Students, teachers describe atmosphere on first day of school after fatal stabbing at Southeast Raleigh

Anxiety and resiliency: Students, teachers describe atmosphere on first day of school after fatal stabbing at Southeast Raleigh

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

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Umbrellas for the weekend 

Nightly N.C. Education Lottery drawings during the 11 p.m. News.

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Thursday plans to name a replacement for State Auditor Beth Wood, who previously said she would step down in the wake of charges related to her use of state-issued vehicles.

Replacement named for State Auditor Beth Wood

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

N.C. High School Athletic Association Commissioner Que Tucker and President Chris Blanton hold a press conference following the winter board of directors meeting in Chapel Hill.

NCHSAA press conference following winter board meeting

Videos

Here's a look at which bowl bids NC State, North Carolina and Duke could accept.

Which bowl game will NC State, North Carolina and Duke play in?

Dave Doeren with Mack Brown

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Jack Eichel had a goal and two assists in his 500th regular-season NHL game and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 on Thursday night.

Jack Eichel has a goal and 2 assists in his 500th NHL game, Golden Knights beat Canucks 4-1

Golden_Knights_Canucks_Hockey_53135

NC State quarterback MJ Morris will enter the transfer portal. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

NC State QB Morris to enter transfer portal

MJ Morris (16) in the pocket. 

George Williams, a former St. Augustine's University coach, was fired in July 2020. He continues to coach athletes and is preparing several for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Famed track coach George Williams helps athletes prep for Paris Olympics, reflects on departure from St. Augustine's University

The North Carolina Lottery Commission has not committed to a date for when sports betting would be allowed in the state.