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

It's that time of year when your child will be taking end-of-grade tests or EOGs. What are EOGs and how can you help them be better prepared?

End-of-grade tests: Everything you need to know about these annual exams

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Derry Aimo Schmidt was still in jail Thursday evening. He was arrested and charged with three misdemeanor charges of assault and a Class I felony hate crime.

<b>CARY, N.C.</b> — Bond has been reduced for a Cary man accused of attacking a school bus driver, but he was still in jail Thursday evening.

Derry Aimo Schmidt, 46, of 120 Frohlich Drive, faces a number of charges that allege he attacked a female Wake County school bus driver Wednesday morning in the parking lot of Cary Elementary School.

He was arrested Wednesday and charged with three misdemeanor charges of assault and a Class I felony hate crime.

A judge reduced his bond Thursday to $25,000 and ordered him to stay away from schools and school buses.

The bus driver, Jametta Lynette Farrar, claimed Schmidt flew into a rage after parking in front of Cary Elementary to drop off his daughter. School buses blocked him in. Farrar said Schmidt attacked her while screaming racial slurs.

&quot;From what I know, he's a very gentle, caring, loving man. I know he loves God. I know he's very serious about being a Christian,&quot; said Don Rayno, a member at Peace Presbyterian Church.

On his way to the Wake County Jail Wednesday afternoon, Schmidt told WRAL that the &quot;charges are unwarranted&quot; and &quot;the allegations are false.&quot;<br />

If convicted, he would face a maximum of 150 days in jail for each misdemeanor charge and three to 12 months for the felony charge.<br />

Under conditions of his bond, Schmidt was ordered to have no contact with Farrar and to stay 100 yards away from all Wake County schools and all Wake County school buses.

Court records show he has no prior convictions for assault.

Bond Reduced for Cary Dad Accused of Attacking Bus Driver

Derry Schmidt

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to create dazzling auroras that may be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California but also disrupt communications on Earth tonight and over the weekend.

Solar storms could create rare aurora displays, be visible in North Carolina this weekend

Northern lights in Pittsboro

Saturday will be a beautiful day with sunshine and mild temperatures around 74.


Sunshine & mild  temperatures: Perfect start to Mother's Day weekend🌺

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A Lee County teacher is facing several charges, including indecent liberties with a minor.

Lee County teacher arrested for alleged indecent liberties with minor

Lee County teacher charged with indecent liberties with a minor

A couple's breakup ended in a terrifying moment caught on a Ring doorbell camera.

On cam: Man says ex-girlfriend shot at him, tried to run him over in Fayetteville

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North Carolina's budget surplus is now expected to be approximately $1 billion, down from previous reports that have anticipated $1.4 billion.

NC's budget surplus will be $430 million less than expected, officials say

NC Sales Tax

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

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

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Severe risk for Friday 

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

Interstate 40 West is closed Friday after a crash along the interstate near Garner.

Sky 5 flies over I-40 West crash near Garner

Sky 5 flies over I-40 West closure after crash near Garner

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The Carolina Hurricanes hope to keep their season alive in Game 4 of the second-round playoff series against the New York Rangers on Saturday night at PNC Arena.

With backs against the wall, Canes' resolve faces ultimate challenge

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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.

Wake County and Raleigh approved a financing plan to pay for upgrades at PNC Arena. The renovation project won't begin until next summer.

What's next for PNC Arena upgrade after city, county approve financing plan

Tip off as the Pack take on the Heels

The Carolina Hurricanes try to turn the tides against the New York Rangers in Game 3 at PNC Arena. The Canes are down 2-0 to the Rangers.

Bond Reduced for Cary Dad Accused of Attacking Bus Driver

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