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 

North Carolina is a hotbed for hurricanes. Here are the best tips and facts for hurricane season in NC.

Hurricane season begins June 1. Here's what every North Carolina resident needs to know

Hurricane Season in NC

<b>RALEIGH, N.C.</b> — According to recent statistics, North Carolina's unemployment rate dropped in December.

The December rate was 4.7 percent, which is down from 5.1 percent in November.

The five counties receiving the highest amount in unemployment insurance benefits in December were Mecklenburg, Wake, Guilford, Forsyth and Gaston.

State Sees Drop In Unemployment Rate

Saturday is a WRAL Weather Alert Day due to numerous thunderstorms brewing in the evening. We'll get a break from the rain on Sunday.


WRAL Weather Alert Day: Storms on the way out, dry Sunday on tap

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Despite announcements from organizers that Monica would be headlining the event, Monica shared on social media that she will not be in attendance -- and that she was never even booked.

Monica, Durham Bimbé Festival headliner, says she was never contacted about festival

Headliner of Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival unable to attend due to booking error

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour is staying in Raleigh. The Canes legend agreed to a contract extension with the team. The details of the extension are currently unknown.

Reports: Canes, Rod Brind'Amour agree to contract extension

Rod Brind'Amour vs. New York Rangers Game 4

A police officer shot and killed a woman Saturday in Gastonia after they say she shot at an officer.

Woman shot, killed by police after shooting at them in Gastonia

Woman shot by police after shooting at officers

Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard said that 13-year-old Isaiah Gaymes died around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. Willard said he died at the Medical University of South Carolina from blunt force trauma.

Warrant: 13-year-old boy beaten to death with piece of wood, handgun

Isaiah Gaymes

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.

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

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

Videos

Seize the Grey has won the Preakness Stakes for 88-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. His victory ended Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan's Triple Crown bid. 

Seize the Grey wins the Preakness for D. Wayne Lukas and ends Mystik Dan's Triple Crown bid

APTOPIX Preakness Horse Racing

The Carolina Hurricanes were eliminated from the NHL playoffs Thursday night, moving the team into one of the most important off-seasons in franchise history.

Hurricanes face off-season of change. Which Carolina players are free agents?

Rangers_Hurricanes_Hockey_08460

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Shane Lowry switched putters in New Orleans last month, frustrated by what was happening on the greens.

Shane Lowry ties a major championship record by shooting a 9-under 62 to get into the mix at the PGA

APTOPIX_PGA_Championship_Golf_20877

In a span of four hours, the top-ranked golfer in the world was arrested wearing gym shorts and a tee shirt, dressed in an orange jail shirt for his mug shot, returned to Valhalla Golf Club in golf clothes and made his 10:08 a.m. second-round tee time.