A federal judge on Saturday blocked two portions of North Carolina's new abortion law from taking effect while a lawsuit continues. Nearly all of the restrictions approved by the legislature this year, including a near-ban after 12 weeks of pregnancy, aren't being specifically challenged and remain intact.

Judge blocks 2 provisions in North Carolina's new abortion law; 12-week near ban remains in place

A government shutdown is still on track to start at 12:01 a.m., but lawmakers in the House passed a short-term spending bill to keep the government open. At 6, we tell you what has to happen next to keep the government open beyond today.

 The House passes a spending bill as a government shutdown looms. What has to happen next to keep the government open beyond today

The FDA approved two new COVID vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech for distribution in Fall 2023. The CDC has recommended the vaccine for all people six months and older.

FAQ: What you need to know about the 2023 COVID vaccine, flu & RSV vaccines

Shot, COVID vaccine, flu shot, doctor

Leaf peeping begins in October in the North Carolina mountains and spreads across the state through November.

Best dates and times to see the fall leaves

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and his wife have tested positive for Covid-19, his office announced Friday.

<b>CNN</b> — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and his wife have tested positive for Covid-19, his office announced Friday.

The Democratic governor is not experiencing symptoms, while Virginia first lady Pamela Northam currently has "mild symptoms," the governor's office said.

Both will isolate over the next 10 days and the governor will continue working from home.

"As I've been reminding Virginians throughout this crisis, COVID-19 is very real and very contagious," Northam said.

This story is breaking and will be updated.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam tests positive for Covid-19

WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a federal government shutdown was suddenly easing Saturday after the House quickly approved a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open, once Speaker Kevin McCarthy dropped demands for steep spending cuts and relied on Democratic votes for passage.

Government shutdown threat eases after House passes a temporary funding plan, sending it to Senate

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- A federal judge on Saturday blocked two portions of North Carolina's new abortion law from taking effect while a lawsuit continues. But nearly all of the restrictions approved by the legislature this year, including a near-ban after 12 weeks of pregnancy, aren't being specifically challenged and remain intact.

Judge blocks 2 provisions in North Carolina's new abortion law; 12-week near-ban remains in place

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Police in Wilson and Rocky Mount said 32-year-old Jerome Melvin shot into his ex-girlfriends home in Wilson late Friday night and later ambushed and shot a man who was in the home at the time.

Man ambushed, shot another man after shooting ex-girlfriend's home, police say

Jerome Melvin

The state is getting closer to closing the Interstate 540 loop around Raleigh.

4 years of construction nearly complete; three-fourths of I-540 loop around Raleigh will be done in 2024

A homicide investigation is underway in Wilson County after a 5-month-old baby boy died.


5-month-old baby boy dies in Wilson County, homicide investigation underway

5-month-old boy dies in Wilson County

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

Chris Lea and the WRAL team have highlights from dozens of high school football games in the area on Football Friday.

Football Friday: Week 7

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

Videos

Lines started forming at 4 o'clock this morning, with many students and families eagerly awaiting a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some familiar faces up close.

ESPN College GameDay arrives at Duke University 

Signs at College GameDay

NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan explained the school's decision to vote for ACC expansion in adding Cal, Stanford and SMU.

NC State AD: 'Came to a different conclusion' after changes to ACC expansion proposal

NC State Wolfpack takes the field

Bunn native Tarik Cohen talks exclusively with WRAL

Cohen eager to return to the field after three years of hardship

Tarik Cohen

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — It didn't take long for Caleb Williams to realize this wasn't the same Colorado team. That Deion Sanders has brought a different vibe to the sideline, along with a host of celebrity friends.

Williams ties career high with 6 TD passes, No. 8 USC withstands late Colorado rally for 48-41 win

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Ray Davis gave an encouraging glimpse of what was to come for Kentucky on his first three carries against Florida.