Officials are encouraging residents to take steps to prepare for extreme weather ahead of hurricane season. New data shows flood and wind risk is changing in the state.

Inland homes at risk for high winds, flooding during hurricane season. Here's what you can do now.

Holly Springs shed damage

More than a dozen former employees say understaffing at Brynn Marr Hospital contributes to what they describe as a dangerous place for patients and employees. Hospital officials say allegations of violence, sexual assaults, overmedication and lack of mental health therapy are unfounded.

Former employees say short-staffed NC psych hospital rife with violence, abuse

Brynn Marr Hospital

A field agent for Embarq is recovering after she was beaten and sexually assaulted while on the job in Raeford. 

RAEFORD, N.C. — A field agent for Embarq is recovering after authorities said she was beaten and sexually assaulted while on the job in Raeford.

Investigators said the woman was working on lines outside an abandoned house at 208 St. James St. on Monday afternoon when a homeless man who'd been staying there attacked her and dragged her inside.

Deputies later arrested Grady Dominic Cunningham, 42, after the woman drove to the Raeford Police Department for help.

Cunningham was arrested and charged with first-degree forcible rape and first-degree kidnapping. He was in the Hoke County Jail Tuesday evening under a $50,000 bond.

Embarq Agent Attacked at Raeford Home

Grady Dominic Cunningham

The latest forecast from the Space Weather Prediction Center indicates a strong possibility of witnessing another round of the magnificent Northern Lights Saturday night.

Northern lights alert! Possible Aurora Borealis display again Sunday morning as early as 2 am

Northern lights in Pittsboro

Pro-Palestinian activists rallied on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) campus on Saturday to raise awareness about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

UNC graduates shine despite campus protest, vandalism

UNC holds Spring Commencement amid Pro-Palestinian protests on campus 

Brady Skjei scored a power play goal for the Carolina Hurricanes with minutes remaining in the third period. The Canes will play Game 5 in New York on Monday.

Hurricanes stay alive with a late power play goal, beat Rangers 4-3

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Durham police were investigating in a Home Depot parking lot, where there appeared to be blood on the pavement, on Saturday morning.

Durham Police investigate 2 fatal shootings that are connected 

Police investigating in parking lot outside Home Depot in Durham

A State Highway Patrol trooper was involved in a shooting with a fleeing suspect Saturday morning. 

SHP Trooper involved in shooting with armed suspect during traffic stop

Police car

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

WRAL Late News 

WRAL Noon News

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

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

The next system Tuesday 

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

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday Powerball drawings, as shown live on WRAL.

Powerball Drawing

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is holding its 2024 graduation ceremony Saturday evening. 

Celebrate the Class of 2024! 🎓 Watch UNC-Chapel Hill's commencement ceremony

Videos

DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Kyle Larson made one thing clear: He's no Swiftie, even if he did surprise his daughter with a birthday trip to Paris this week to see Taylor Swift in concert.

Kyle Larson is not a hardcore fan of Taylor Swift despite a trip to Paris for a concert

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Hurricanes turned their last stand into a season-extending victory. Incredibly, it was the struggling power play that got them there.

Skjei's late goal helps Hurricanes beat Rangers 4-3 to extend 2nd-round series

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The United States Golf Association has opened its new headquarters in Pinehurst, which includes the World Golf Hall of Fame.

USGA opens new headquarters in Pinehurst, showcasing historic golf artifacts

The United States Golf Association has opened its new headquarters in Pinehurst, which includes the World Golf Hall of Fame. Photo provided by USGA.

Dozens of people showed up on Douglas Street in Wilson on Thursday morning for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Carolina Mudcats' new Wilson stadium.