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Some locals lost sleep overnight Friday, staying awake to take in the rare sight of the Northern Lights filling the North Carolina sky - a sight very rarely visible this far south.

'Once in a lifetime:' Northern Lights fill NC skies with spectacular green and purple auroras

<p>DOMINATING THE SHORT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE. THAT'S ON THE RECORD SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7 O'CLOCK. ALL RIGHT. SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT. SOLAR STORM PRODUCING EXTREME CONDITIONS. IT IS ALREADY PRODUCING QUITE A LIGHT SHOW. BUT YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE TO SEE IT. ALL RIGHT. SO LOOK OUT. WRAL. VIEWERS HAVE BEEN SENDING US PICTURES OF THE VIBRANT PURPLE GREENISH, PINK SKIES. THESE PHOTOS ARE FROM GARNER AND WAKE FOREST. THE IMAGES WE'RE GETTING OUT OF EUROPE AND THE UK ARE JUST INCREDIBLE THIS EVENING. WE HAVEN'T SEEN GEOMAGNETIC STORMS LIKE THIS. BY THE WAY, SINCE 2003. &gt;&gt; AND DURING OUR NEWS AT 7 O'CLOCK, NASA AMBASSADOR TONY RICE EXPLAINED WHAT WE'RE SEEING A STRONGER OR OR THAN ORIGINALLY FORECAST. &gt;&gt; WE'VE BEEN SITTING IN THE WEATHER CENTER WATCHING SOME OF THE METRICS THAT ARE COMING OUT OF EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES AS WELL. AND THEY'RE OFF THE CHARTS. WE'VE NOT SEEN THIS LEVEL OF ITS CALLED THE PLANETARY INDEX. THAT MEASURE IS THE AMOUNT OF ENERGY THAT'S UP IN THE ATMOSPHERE. AND THAT'S WHAT EXCITING THOSE ADAMS UP THERE AND CREATING THIS BEAUTIFUL COLORS. HOW RICE IS THIS RARE EVENT COULD MEANTIME TONIGHT AND THROUGH THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. BUT AGAIN. &gt;&gt; WE'VE ALREADY GOTTEN SOME IMAGES, PLEASE. IF YOU'RE LOOKING UP AND SEEING SOMETHING BRILLIANT IN THE SKY, SEND US THOSE PHOTOS YET. REALLY GOOD CAMERA. OTHERWISE, YOU KNOW, MY CAMERA LIKE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH</p>

Aurora Borealis visible in smithfield friday night

'Very unusual:' Rare solar event fills NC skies with dazzling Northern Lights

Northern lights in Pittsboro

Photo gallery: Northern Lights put on rare, dazzling show across the Triangle

Northern Lights in Siler City

Sunny and pleasant: Cooler temps, low humidity for lovely Mother's Day weekendðº

Weekend planner

Delays at RDU security lines on busy travel weekend

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

Rangers_Hurricanes_Hockey_78209

Person injured in motorcycle crash on US-64

Motorcycle crash on US-64 leaves person injured

10 incredible places to visit in North Carolina this year

Places to visit in North Carolina

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WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Discover all you need to know about the 2024 graduation ceremonies for the universities in the Triangle area, including NC State, UNC, Duke and more.

Triangle graduation guide: NC State, UNC, Duke and more announce commencement details

Generic graduation 

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

On cam: Ring doorbell video captures violent interaction 

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

William Hulme and Matthew Johnson were a couple who shared their love for each other and their community for about five years. However, in April, their roommate Christian Webster allegedly shot them to death.

Father of Franklinton homicide victim wants death penalty for the suspect, more mental health oversight

William Hulme and Matthew Johnson

A National Transportation Safety Board report is providing more details about how a UNC Air Operations medical airplane crashed last month at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

NTSB report: UNC medical plane bounced in crash at RDU, wingtip and nose hit ground at same time

UNC Air conducting investigation on RDU crash

NC State is obligated to fulfill records requests in a timely manner, and public records have played an important role in the public's understanding of Poe Hall, a university building which was shut down after testing revealed high levels of toxic chemicals inside multiple spaces in the building. 

NC State says it will process public records despite message indicating temporary pause

Poe Hall at NC State University

Home prepping is not just about spring cleaning. It's about ensuring your house is ready to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the summer.

Do these things indoors and out to keep your home cool in summer heat

air conditioner, air conditioning

Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O'Neill and political strategist Hal Weatherman are competing to be the GOP's nominee for lieutenant governor, a platform that many have used to seek higher office.

Runoff candidates O'Neill, Weatherman eye lieutenant governor's office as a platform for advocacy

Hal Weatherman (left) and Jim O'Neill (right)

Two men were charged after four people were shot Wednesday night in Durham. One man died in the shooting, and a woman was seriously injured.



Two men arrested after 4 people shot, man killed at Durham apartment

Yeltsin Cinto Orozco, 29, andÂ William Antonio Sanchez-Vasquez, 42

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A North Carolina woman said she's managing a financial headache after she left her credit card at a restaurant.



NC woman hit with charges after restaurant posts her credit card online 

Explore the Triangle's premier spas, including the award-winning Umstead Spa and Blue Water Spa's medical-grade treatments. Discover tranquility at Le Nu Spa, Smoothe & Co.'s results-driven esthetics and Avail Aesthetics' sophisticated skincare.

 Top 5 spas in the Triangle: Where luxury meets wellness

The Umstead Hotel and Spa

Celebrate the moms in your life on Sunday, May 12 with these Mother's Day deals including flowers, gift card bonus offers, restaurant deals, retail sales and more!

Mother's Day Deals 2024: Flowers, restaurant, retail and gift card bonus offers

Roses at store

Triangle graduation guide: UNC, Duke, others celebrate Class of 2024

It's Mother's Day weekend! We have some great ideas to help you celebrate with the mother figure in your life, plus lots more events coming up.

Weekend best bets: Beats N Bars Festival, pop-up markets

Strawberry picking

Brunch is a hot topic lately. But where can you find the best brunch in the Triangle?

Guide to the best brunch spots in the Triangle

Shrimp and Grits from NoFo 

Don't Miss It

At least one person was injured after a motorcycle crash on US-64 early Saturday morning.

Pedestrian struck in Raleigh in hit-and-run crash 

Pedestrian struck in Raleigh in hit and run crash 

Heavy winds, strong rain leave severe damage in Spring Lake 

Teacher charged with having an inappropriate relationship with a student 

Preliminary NTSB report: UNC medical plane bounced twice on runway before crash 

Fayetteville woman facing attempted murder charges for shooting at ex-boyfriend

Video Central

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Pedestrian struck in hit-and-run on Rock Quarry Road

Local News

Beyond STEM: Fine Arts League recognizes young artistic talent

Why leaders are urging NC residents to start hurricane prep now

Rocky Mount man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for shooting at police officer

Petition launches to put Raleigh City Council election changes on November ballot

Police arrest dozens as they break up pro-Palestinian protests at several US universities

Nation/World

Judge directs Michael Cohen to keep quiet about Trump ahead of his hush money trial testimony

Inside a makeshift shelter saving hundreds of dogs from floods in southern Brazil

'Where's Ronald Greene's justice?': 5 years on, feds still silent on Black motorist's deadly arrest

Heavy fighting in Gaza's Rafah keeps aid crossings closed and sends 110,000 civilians fleeing

Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard has details about Scott Crawford's new venue, which is opening this weekend in Raleigh.

Foodie News: Scott Crawford's new basement bar opens

Scott Crawford 

Mother's Day Coverage

WRAL guide to Mother's Day

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

Rosewater Kitchen & Bar

Boating, biking, bird-watching: 10 Lakes near Raleigh for a day by the water

Lake Johnson

Out & About

Fact check: Kennedy says Congress prohibits research into mass shootings

Politifact

Fact check: Trump says he's 'not allowed to testify' under gag order

Fact check: Biden says he was arrested during Civil Rights era

Fact check: Pelosi says Trump has 'the worst record of job loss of any president'

Fact-checking 3 of Michele Morrow's claims about school safety

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending May 9

NC Capitol

NC lieutenant governor race heads to a runoff next Tuesday

The Wrap: Primary runoff preview, 'April surprise,' mask ban   

Rev. William Barber could take the stand for potential closing arguments of NC voter ID trial Friday

NC lawmakers could use budget surplus to fund rebate to taxpayers

Cumberland County Schools to install weapons detection systems at all schools

Education

Cumberland County Schools to install new weapons detection systems

UNC makes security changes to graduation ceremonies

'It builds confidence': Science comes to life in Wake students' real-world projects

12-year-old 'hype man' with cerebral palsy brings joy to Sampson classmates 

In Depth with Dan: Examining Raleigh's growing homelessness problem

WRAL In Depth

WRAL Investigates: Mother says missed pool inspection cost her daughter's life

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

Former NC psych hospital staff allege they were told to falsify patient records

WRAL Investigates why the truth about mental health hospitals remains hidden

Bulls fall To Nashville, 7-1

WRALSportsFan

Season on the brink: Rangers top Hurricanes in OT, take 3-0 series lead

Growing up Jarvis: Brothers Seth and Kayden Jarvis celebrate Hurricanes success together 

USGA opens new headquarters in Pinehurst, showcasing historic golf artifacts

Transfer portal tracker: Tulane guard commits to Duke

(4) Forbush survives (20) Pine Lake Prep with walk-off victory

HighSchoolOT

(4) Reagan baseball rallies for nine unanswered runs in win over (13) Asheville

(4) Southwestern Randolph softball shuts out (13) McMichael in second round

Results from the first day of the NCHSAA boys tennis state championships

(5) Reagan softball scores late to take down (12) Porter Ridge

Climate change is making hurricanes in North Carolina more dangerous and emergency response tougher. Officials are encouraging residents to prepare a kit with extra cash, medications, important documents, and an emergency food and water supply.

Climate change forces NC to adjust how it manages disasters

The Raleigh City Council has launched a $5 million pilot program to move people out of camps and into permanent housing.

In Depth with Dan: How Raleigh leaders are addressing the city's growing homelessness problem

The state has a budget surplus of more than $1 billion for the fiscal year that begins on July 1.

Top North Carolina lawmaker considering sending money back to taxpayers

NC Senate leader Phil Berger weighs in on inflation's role in budget proposal

Dr. Charles Gerardo, chair of the department of emergency medicine for Duke University Hospital, said current visit times in the emergency department are 30% lower than when the data was taken for the Becker's Hospital Review rankings.

Duke University Hospital says ER wait times have dropped since report that found patients waiting 6+ hours

Exterior Duke University Hospital emergency department

North Carolina lawmakers voted Wednesday to approve a bill that would add a broad definition of antisemitism to state law.

NC lawmakers move forward with bill defining antisemitism

State house lawmakers voted almost unanimously Wednesday afternoon on a bill that would add a broad definition of antisemitism to state law. It now goes to the state Senate for further debate and a potential vote there. 



NC House votes overwhelmingly to approve bill defining antisemitism

North Carolina Legislative Building 

WRAL Specialists

5 On Your Side restaurant ratings for Bojangles and Sinbad's Pizza and Seafood 

Federal agencies look into credit card reward programs after complaints

US regulators are looking at potential 'bait and switch' schemes with airline-affiliated credit card reward points

Consumer Reports' best buys for May

5 On Your Side

Drugs, money & speeding: A ride along with Nash County's sheriff

On I-95, speed, drugs and a special effort to stop them

WRAL Investigates lack of transparency at mental health facilities

Mom of pool electrocution victim fights for tighter rules around electrical hazards

Investigations

Donald Thompson: Take care of your teamâs mental health (and your own)

Startup uses AI to authenticate in-demand, collectible sneakers

Raleigh connects technology and city leaders with Smart Cities Conference and Expo

Cigarette-maker moving US headquarters to Raleigh

WRAL TechWire

Target to reduce number of stores carrying Pride-themed merchandise after last year's backlash

Your tax refund could be bigger this year. Here's what to do with it

Technology crushing human creativity? Apple's new iPad ad has struck a nerve online

Cigarette-maker moving U.S. headquarters to Raleigh 

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Moms at work: How to support parents after birth, adoption

Family

4 expert tips for raising a resilient kid

Family life coach can be part of a teen's mental health support team

Meet this mom: Jessica Nauta Boone, a mompreneur juggling career, businesses and family

Honoring what we've lost

Top Amazon deals: Satin Pillowcases 2 pack only $4.99, Tactical LED Flashlight 2 pack w/batteries only $9.98, Sharpie Fine Point Markers 8 count only $6.94 (53% off)

SmartShopper

Walmart Flash Deals: Dearfoams Reversable Sherpa Throw Blanket only $6.41 (62% off), Garage 4-Shelf Unit only $39.99 (reg. $109.99), Countertop Pellet Ice Maker only $172.99 (reg. $399)

Where can I find the best prices on grocery staples this week?

Target Deals: 30% off women's swimsuits, 20% off women's clothing, shoes and jewelry

Tar Heel Traveler: Harbor Town Cruises in Washington County

Tar Heel Traveler

SP 500 And NDX Futures Daily Charts - Pushing For Nasdaq 5000 Or Bust