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

Consumer Reports surveyed more than 2,000 members who shared their experiences with pet insurance.

Is pet insurance worth the bark? Survey reveals middling results

Pet insurance

A North Carolina man’s decision to tattoo his love for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels on his cheek made him easy to describe to police.

<b>GASTONIA, N.C.</b> — Gaston County Assistant District Attorney Bill Stetzer said Thursday that a witness description of a drug suspect's Tar Heel tattoo made him easy to identify.

Donald Shaun Black pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell drugs after a witness described the tattoo to police.

Black was given a suspended sentence and was placed probation after a plea deal that dropped other charges.

Jodi Leese Glusco

UNC tattoo links man to drug case

Donald Shaun Black 

The Storm Prediction Center has the Triangle under a Level 1 risk for severe storms Friday.

Level 1 risk: Severe storms, damaging winds & hail possible Friday⛈️

Level 1 risk for severe storms Friday 

A water rescue and search is underway Friday at Harris Lake in Wake County.



Water rescue, search at Harris Lake: Person taken to hospital 

Harris Lake Park offers a serene setting.(WRAL-TV5 News)

Armadillo Grill has closed its Glenwood Avenue location in Raleigh, owners announced Wednesday. 

Armadillo Grill closes after having alcohol license suspended

Armadillo Grill

Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.

The Latest | G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack

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A local Hip-Hop artist and UNC-Chapel Hill educator died, the North Carolina Arts Council announced Thursday on Facebook.

NC Hip-Hop icon Kevin "Rowdy" Rowsey dies

Kevin "Rowdy" Rowsey

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

WRAL Late News 

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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

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

After 22 years in business, Armadillo Grill on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh has closed.



Glenwood South staple Armadillo Grill closes

Videos

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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Brandon Butterworth picked up his first hit of the game with a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to beat No. 11 North Carolina.

NC State beats UNC with walk-off homer in first game of baseball series

NC State at UNC

Over the course of her career, Ashley Twichell has pushed through situations that might have otherwise been the end of it, including a recurring shoulder injury and the COVID pandemic.

Triangle-based Olympic swimmer finds new balance while embarking on motherhood journey

Ashley Twichell

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

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.