26 NC counties are under alert, including Cumberland, Chatham, Sampson, and Hoke counties.

We’re also tracking how long severe weather risks last, a live look at the roads in the WRAL Storm Tracker and why dozens of child care centers plan to close Thursday. Watch WRAL-TV at 7 p.m., and search for these and other stories on WRAL.com.

On WRAL at 7: New images of school bus crash with children on board. What we’re learning about the crash

Your guide to best brunch spots in Raleigh. 

Savor the flavor: Raleigh's 20 best brunch spots revealed

Rosewater Kitchen & Bar

As the number of juvenile offenders climbs, the state is looking at alternatives crowded detention centers to make sure young people already convicted of crimes can turn their lives around. 

Education, skills and rehab focus easing burden on NC juvenile justice system

Inside the juvenile justice system

WRAL is proud to partner with North Carolina University's McKimmon Center and Wake County’s Literacy Council on a new event, “Return to Learn,” where lifelong learners, career changers and the just plain curious can brush up on opportunities in continuing education.

If you represent a colleges university or other continuing educational program and want to reach

Return to Learn

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m. for Hoke, Cumberland, and Sampson Counties.

WRAL Weather Alert Day: Evening threat for most areas with heavy rain and storms ⛈️

Severe risk Wednesday, May 15, 2024

A town of Cary employee was charged with statutory sexual offense with a child and indecent liberties with a child.



Town of Cary employee charged with child sex crimes 

Jordan Chaney Childress, 36

The Wayne County town of Fremont is under investigation for letting people live inside Town Hall, among other violations, according to the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor.


NC town of Fremont investigated: Report says people, pets allowed to live inside Town Hall 

Court records filed away

The North Carolina Senate plans to vote Wednesday to ban people from wearing masks in public for health reasons, institute harsher penalties on protesters, roll back juvenile justice reforms, raise toll road late fees, modernize sex crime laws and let billboard companies cut down more trees.



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

Protestors gather in Graham 

Sky 5 flew over the scene along Eastern Avenue in Nashville.

Nashville crash appears to involve at least two police cars

Several police cars responded Wednesday, May 15, 2024, to Eastern Avenue In Nashville, North Carolina.

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 North Carolina Senate is expected to vote on bills that would ban the wearing of masks in public and the use of AI to create pornographic images of people.

State lawmakers debate bills to ban masks, AI-generated pornography 

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

President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivers remarks at the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.

Biden delivers remarks at the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service

Biden delivers remarks at the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service

Videos

For the second time in its history, the Carolina Panthers will play an international regular season game: vs. the New York Giants on November 10.

NFL schedule release: Panthers to play Giants in Germany

Carolina Panthers headed to Munich, Germany for season game.

The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees also set a $134.9 million budget for the 2024-25 school year.

UNC trustees critical of Cunningham, to review athletic department amid budget concerns

Cormac Ryan and his UNC teammates

With the future of the Atlantic Coast Conference in question, commissioner Jim Phillips expressed optimism that the league can still be salvaged. Speaking at the ACC meetings in Amelia Island, Phillips says you have to "work through these things." 

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips is holding out hope for a 'really good ending' despite league turmoil

 ACC commissioner Jim Phillips

Caitlin Clark struggled early in her WNBA debut before finishing with 20 points as the Indiana Fever fell to the Connecticut Sun 92-71 on Tuesday night.

Caitlin Clark finishes with 20 points as Indiana falls to Connecticut in WNBA opener

APTOPIX_Sun_Fever_Basketball_27909

When NC State and Virginia play each other in 2025 and 2026, the ACC opponents won't be playing ACC games.