7 NC counties are under alert, including Cumberland, Durham, Orange, Granville, and Person counties.

We’re also following new reports of violent crimes dropping in downtown Raleigh. Plus, what Durham teachers and staff are asking from the county after the end of spring semester. Also, a deputy was honored for his service after surviving being shot in 2021. Watch WRAL News at 7 p.m., and search for these and other stories on WRAL.com.

On WRAL at 7: Rain coming down across the area. The hours for more rain and severe threats during Saturday's WRAL Weather Alert Day

The North Carolina Senate voted along party lines Wednesday to ban anyone from wearing masks in public for health reasons, following an emotional debate about the wisdom of the proposal.


NC Senate votes to ban people from wearing masks in public for health reasons

Protestors gather in Graham 

A year later, the full impact of the North Carolina abortion law is becoming clearer for both supporters and opponents.

A year later, impact from NC's 12-week abortion ban coming into focus

Ultrasound

Protesters toppled the controversial "Silent Sam" statue on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


'Silent Sam' is down