WRAL Weather Alert Day issued for Saturday, severe risk upgraded. On WRAL at 4:30, the areas that could see isolated tornadoes & power outages.

The first store will open Thursday in Kill Devil Hills, with additional outlets planned for Rocky Mount, Elizabeth City, Greenville, Wilson and Goldsboro by the end of 2024.

Wawa in NC: 10 stores by end of 2024; 🥨 90 stores in 10 years

Wawa

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

Student testing 

A thick column of white smoke is visible for miles in the Raleigh area Wednesday afternoon, but officials say it's nothing to worry about.

<b>RALEIGH, N.C.</b> — A thick column of white smoke was visible for miles in the Raleigh area Wednesday afternoon, but officials say it's nothing to worry about.

The North Carolina Forest Service said a controlled burn is being done in the state park at Falls Lake, near Wake Forest.

Angie  Basiouny

Smoke plume from controlled burn visible for miles

smoke

Republican lawmakers are pushing a bill that would ban people from wearing masks in public, saying it helps crack down on protesters. Disability rights advocates say the proposal could endanger people who wear masks to protect their health. Lawmakers say that's not the intent.

NC anti-mask bill could violate federal law, disability rights and free speech advocates say

Pro-Palestinian protesters marching at UNC

A lot of rain is in the forecast this weekend. Rain chances return Friday, Saturday and Sunday.



Scattered showers & storms on tap Friday afternoon, WRAL Weather Alert Day issued for Saturday

At the bus stop  

Investigators found over 10,000 illegal pills, more than a pound of cocaine and nearly $70,000 in cash at the home of a Raleigh firefighter and his wife.



Raleigh firefighter, wife charged with drug trafficking in Glenwood South, both get $4 million bonds

Nicholas Banister (left) and Amanda Lee Banister (right)

The New York Rangers scored four third-period goals to beat the Carolina Hurricanes and eliminate them from the playoffs.

Rangers eliminate Hurricanes with third-period rally in Game 6

Rangers_Hurricanes_Hockey_98073

HOUSTON (AP) — Fast-moving thunderstorms pummeled southeastern Texas on Thursday for the second time this month, killing at least four people, blowing out windows in high-rise buildings, downing trees and knocking out power to more than 900,000 homes and businesses in the Houston area.

Severe storms kill at least 4 in Houston, knock out power to 900,000 homes and businesses

Severe_Weather_Texas_54199

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

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

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Sky 5 is flying over the scene of a developing situation of a tanker truck fuel leak in Raleigh.

Sky 5 flies over the scene of a tanker truck fuel leak 

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

The Carolina Panthers will start the season with a road game against divisional foe New Orleans on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1:00 p.m.

The 2024 NFL Schedule is out! Here's what it looks like for the Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young

UNC interim chancellor Lee Roberts lauded athletics director Bubba Cunningham on Thursday, just days after members of the school's Board of Trustees challenged Cunningham's management of the department.

'Broad respect': UNC interim chancellor defends Cunningham amid board criticism

Bubba Cunningham and Mack Brown

The North Carolina Courage return to WakeMed Soccer Park this Friday, May 17, to host Utah Royals FC at 8 p.m. ET. 

PREVIEW: NC Courage host Utah Royals FC

NC Courage 

NC State will follow up its Final Four run with a trip to Hawaii. The Wolfpack has been invited to the 2025 Maui Invitational to be played at the historic Lahaina Civic Center Nov. 24-26.