30 NC counties are under alert, including Cumberland, Harnett, Moore, Chatham, and Sampson counties.

We’re also tracking severe thunderstorm warnings and how long threats last, plus a crash involving a local elementary school bus with children on board, then Only on WRAL adorable pups, along with their mother rescued from a zipped-up suitcase on the side of a local road. Watch WRAL-TV at 6 and search for these and other stories on WRAL.com.

On WRAL at 6: WRAL Investigates police chases. Why the amount of these dangerous pursuits has more than doubled in recent years

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

A 72-year-old Cary man facing charges for child sex crimes is in jail without bond.



A 72-year-old Cary man facing multiple felony charges for child sex crimes is in jail without bond.

Richard Haltom, of Cary, was arrested Thursday and charged with four felony counts of statutory sex offense with a child, according to documents.

The documents allege Haltom engaged in sexual activities with a child between the ages of 4 and 6 in 2021.

A first court appearance was scheduled Friday at 1:30 p.m.

Jessica Patrick

72-year-old Cary man charged with felony child sex crimes 

Richard Haltom, 72, of Cary

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m. for areas south of the Triangle, including Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Lenoir, Moore, Robeson, Sampson, and Scotland 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 

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

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

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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

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

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.

Netflix and the NFL announced a three-year deal Wednesday to stream games on Christmas Day.

Netflix will carry NFL games on Christmas Day for 3 years, including 2 this season

NFL_Netflix_Christmas_Games_Football_74720

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

NC State schedules non-conference games with ACC opponent for 2025, 2026

Dave Doeren and NC State take the field

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." 