Shortages of teachers, infrastructure and technology workers will hamper schools' ability to provide the best education, facilities and tools to children, Superintendent Robert Taylor said Thursday.

Higher employee pay will be key to running Wake schools smoothly, superintendent says

Wake County Public School System Superintendent Robert Taylor speaks to the League fo Women Voters of Wake County, April 18, 2024

More than 21% of North Carolina's four-year-olds enrolled in the state's pre-kindergarten programs during the 2022-2023 school year, up from the prior year but still below the state's pre-pandemic highs, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research.

North Carolina ranks 29th in public pre-K enrollment, new report shows

Durham County budget increases funding for pre-K students

A Whitfield County high school teacher has tendered her resignation after she was caught on campus with heroin and police say she also had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student.

<b>WHITFIELD COUNTY, GA</b> — A Whitfield County high school teacher has tendered her resignation after she was caught on campus with heroin and police say she also had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student.

Raquel Spencer, a teacher at Northwest Whitfield High School in Tunnel Hill, was arrested Wednesday after she was caught with heroin on the school's campus.

After an investigation, police also found that Spencer had allegedly been involved in a year-long sexual relationship with a student at the school.

Teacher found with heroin on campus, allegedly had sexual relationship with student

NEW YORK — A man set himself on fire Friday afternoon near the lower Manhattan courthouse where jurors were being chosen for the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump.

Man Sets Himself on Fire Near Courthouse Where Trump Is on Trial

Trump Trial Enters Fourth Day With Opening Arguments Next Week

This weekend offers a pleasant mix of sunshine and showers, perfect for both outdoor activities and catching up on some rest and relaxation.

 Raleigh weekend brings sunshine, showers & comfortable temperatures

Weather for the weekend 

Capitol Broadcasting Company, the parent company of WRAL News, is part of the 2024 class inducted into the North Carolina Media & Journalism Hall of Fame at the University of North Carolina.

WRAL parent company inducted to NC Media & Journalism Hall of Fame 

The crash involved a school bus from Corinth Holders Elementary School at North Carolina Highway 96 and Earpsboro Road in Johnston County, according to authorities.

Johnston County school bus involved in crash on NC 96 

UNC staff and hospital executives got their first looks at the product of the years-long construction project: a new hospital dedicated entirely to surgery.

New UNC surgical hospital to bring more beds, new procedures to patients

WRAL-TV News Broadcasts: Watch each newscast live or watch the most recent newscast on demand.

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

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

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

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Tuesday and Friday Mega Millions Drawing.

Mega Millions Drawing

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

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Game 1 is Saturday night in Raleigh. Game 2 is Monday at PNC Arena.

Make your plans: Complete Hurricanes-Islanders first-round schedule

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The No. 15 Tar Heels have now beat No. 25 Duke in 15 consecutive games. Both teams now prepare for the ACC championship next week.

Women's Lacrosse: North Carolina pulls away in the third quarter, beats Duke

Duke vs. UNC women's lacrosse

Mark Mitchell announced he has committed to the University of Missouri in a post to his Instagram post.

Former Duke forward Mark Mitchell commits to Missouri

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The Carolina Hurricanes are no stranger to playoff hockey. They're in the postseason for the sixth-straight season and are regarded as a Stanley Cup contender.

Chaotic Canes hope late-season surge continues into playoffs

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If the Panthers want to start winning again, they're going to need a good -- maybe even great -- draft class. Here's an in-depth look on who Carolina should be targeting and when.