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

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

A woman was killed Friday morning by an Amtrak train in Sanford, authorities said.

<b>SANFORD, N.C.</b> — A woman was killed Friday morning by an Amtrak train in Sanford, authorities said.

Sydney Farris, 23, of Sanford, was on the tracks on a Horner Boulevard overpass at about 8:10 a.m. when the train hit and killed her, police said.

The Amtrak train was headed from Miami to New York.

Matthew Burns

Woman killed by Amtrak train in Sanford

Amtrak

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

Abortion_North_Carolina_78579

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

Undefeated Duke will host Notre Dame, who has one loss, on Saturday.

Duke preps for Notre Dame, national spotlight on 'College GameDay'

Duke coach Mike Elko spoke with reporters on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023.

Brooks was killed when she was hit by a truck in the 2022 Raleigh Christmas Parade. On Saturday, Duck Duck Jeep in Fuquay Varina honored Brooks, who had ties to the town.

Hailey Brooks honored at Family Fun Day in Fuquay-Varina on Saturday

Brooks Family

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's 'College GameDay' celebrates Duke football ahead of Notre Dame showdown

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

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Las Vegas Raiders released defensive end Chandler Jones on Saturday, ending a tumultuous final month with the club in which he lashed out several times on social media.

Raiders release Chandler Jones, capping final tumultuous month with the team

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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.