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Two men face human trafficking charges in connection to the Amber Alert issued on behalf of a 15-year-old Harnett County girl.

2 men arrested; 15-year-old girl found a half state away after Amber Alert

<p>ARE TURNED ON SO YOU CAN GET THE BREAKING NEWS RIGHT TO YOUR HANDS. ALSO BREAKING RIGHT NOW HERE AT 4 O'CLOCK IN THE LAST 30 MINUTES, AUTHORITIES IN HARNETT COUNTY GAVE AN UPDATE ON YESTERDAY'S AMBER ALERT TO PEOPLE NOW IN CUSTODY. &gt;&gt; RELATED TO THIS 15 YEAR OLDS. ABDUCTION WRAL, SHAUN GALLAGHER JOINING US NOW LIVE FROM HARNETT COUNTY. I KNOW A LOT WAS DISCUSSED. BRING US UP TO SPEED. &gt;&gt; YEAH, WE KNOW THE HARNETT COUNTY SHERIFF WAYNE COATS STARTED OFF HIS PRESS CONFERENCE BY THANKING GOD FOR HER SAFE RETURN BECAUSE THESE CASES DON'T ALWAYS END UP WITH A POSITIVE OUTCOME, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE SO TERRIFIED FOR PARENTS. NOW, THE FBI SAYS THE GIRL WAS COMMUNICATING WITH THE SUSPECTS HERE ONLINE AND THAT COMMUNICATION THEN TRANSITIONED INTO THE REAL WORLD. THE GIRL WAS TAKEN TO KITTY HAWK FROM HER HOME WHERE POLICE FOUND HER EARLY THIS MORNING. THEY SAY SHE'S NOT INJURED BUT STILL BEING CHECKED OUT MEDICALLY AND WILL BE REUNITED WITH HER FAMILY TODAY. NOW THOSE 2 SUSPECTS WILL FACE A NUMBER OF FELONY CHARGES FOR KIDNAPPING AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING. THE FBI DIDN'T SPECIFY ABOUT HOW SHE ENDED UP WITH THE SUSPECTS, BUT HAD THIS TO SAY ABOUT CHILD VICTIMS. &gt;&gt; AND WHAT I WILL SAY IS THAT NO MINOR GOES WILLINGLY. ANY TIME YOU'VE GOT A MINER WHO'S ENGAGING WITH A PREDATOR ONLINE AND THEY DO SOMETHING IN THE REAL WORLD OR FOR THAT MATTER, THEY DO SOMETHING ONLINE. THEY ARE MINORS, THEIR VICTIMS. THEY'RE BEING MANIPULATED. &gt;&gt; THE HEART OF COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAYS THAT THE FIRST APPEARANCE FOR THESE 2 SUSPECTS SHOULD BE TOMORROW. NO BOND SET YET, BUT A JUDGE WILL DETERMINE THAT DURING THAT HEARING</p>

Austyn Lee Cole (left) and Elihue Martin Mahler (right)

2 men charged with human trafficking after Harnett County Amber Alert

Truck overturns on Globe Road near Brier Creek, damaging powerlines 

Serious crash on Globe Road near Brier Creek, power outages reported

Man accused of killing Wake County deputy returned to US nearly two years after jail escape

Alder Alfonso Marin-Sotelo

Person injured at McDonald's on Trawick Road in Raleigh

60s and sunshine on tap Friday before stark change this weekend 

Temperatures Feb. 28-March 4, 2025

Foodie News: The Bike Library coffee bar opening in Raleigh, Happy + Hale adds new location

The Bike Library

Fire department: Cary home fire likely due to hot tub linked to recalls

Hot tub fire

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WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

New York (CNN) â In early February, John Schwarz, a self-described âmindfulness and meditation facilitator,â proposed a 24-hour nationwide âeconomic blackoutâ of major chains on the last day of the month.

Todayâs âeconomic blackoutâ began from an unlikely source. But itâs tapped into Americansâ anger

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Dennis Draughon, Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: The emperor has no press corps?

Durham homeowners are bracing for a significant financial impact as the county prepares to mail out reappraisal notices reflecting the pandemic-driven housing boom.

Durham homeowners brace for property value surge amid pandemic housing boom

Houses in Durham

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) â A federal judge in San Francisco on Thursday found that the mass firings of probationary employees were likely unlawful, granting temporary relief to a coalition of labor unions and organizations that has sued to stop the Trump administrationâs massive dismantling of the federal workforce.

Judge finds mass firings of federal probationary workers were likely unlawful

Federal_Employees_Firings_Lawsuit_48357

A 15-year-old Siler City girl was found Thursday night after going missing a week earlier.

Amber Alert: Siler City teen found safely, Siler City police says

Siler City Police Department

Aziaha James scored 21 points in her final regular-season home game and No. 9 N.C. State beat Wake Forest 78-57. 

James, Brooks help No. 9 N.C. State blow out Wake Forest 78-57 

NC State Wolfpack senior night

No. 16 Duke topped No. 8 UNC 68-53 on Thursday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Reigan Richardson led the Blue Devils with 23 points.


Richardson, hot shooting lead Duke past rival UNC

Duke's Richardson vs. North Carolina

Allegations of fraud or waste in the federal government have grabbed the attention of conservative voters, leading state politicians to show they're minding expenses, too.

'Everyone's excited about DOGE': NC Republicans look to bring Musk-style review to state government

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Rose Girone, the oldest known Holocaust survivor who endured both German and Japanese oppression but lived for eight decades beyond the end of World War II, has died at age 113. The death was confirmed by her daughter, Reha Bennicasa.

Rose Girone, the oldest known Holocaust survivor, has died at age 113

Rose Girone

A North Carolina Department of Transportation spokesperson discussed Saturday's I-40 reopening with one lane in each direction near the North Carolina-Tennessee state line.

I-40 near NC-Tennessee line to reopen Saturday with unusual conditions, NCDOT says

I-40 at Pigeon River in Gorge, North Carolina

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A specialized surgery at Duke Hospital saved the lives of three girls who now share an unbreakable bond.

'Groundbreaking' Duke heart transplant helps save 3 girls' lives

Duke heart transplant

The National Hurricane Center provides essential track and intensity forecasts, but how accurate are their predictions? We take a look back at how the 2024 season forecasting stacks up compared to previous years.

Each year, hurricane forecasts get better at predicting path and strength of storms

Tracking the Tropics

No School January turned into Flu February for WRAL Family contributor Andrew Taylor-Troutman.

Go Ask Dad: Flu season Whac-A-Mole

Whac-A-Mole (Adobe Stock)

Discover the latest insights into the ongoing bird flu crisis and its potential impact on human health.


Bird Flu: 6 facts to know

Eggs, egg prices, bird flu, inflation, grocery prices, groceries

Each week, we'll post a new weekly table of prices for 11 staple grocery items to help you compare across multiple Triangle area stores.

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

Grocery tracker

Starting May 7, North Carolina residents will need a REAL ID, U.S. passport or another federally-approved form of identification to board commercial flights and access secure federal buildings.


REAL ID requirements begin May 7: What North Carolina residents need to know

REAL ID, driver's license

Don't Miss It

You rely on towers in emergencies, like after a car accident or a break-down, but officials say that's when some of these companies may try to rip you off. NBC's senior consumer investigative correspondent looked into this and has tips on how to protect yourself.

Predatory towing: New warning from towing companies

High school grad sues school, saying she can't read or write

Wildlife officials want you to eat this rodent

Joann fabrics closing all stores nationwide

Drone video captures moment woman reunites with dog

Child dies, Texas fighting measles outbreak 

Measles_Outbreak_Texas_Death_48811

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Crews battle fire at auto recycling yard in Lenoir County

Local News

Public art projects underway in Raleigh celebrate Black history

South Street closure date announced for Red Hat Amphitheater relocation

Newly restored Wheels Skating Park opens in Durham

NC lawmakers lob criticism at DMV boss, a day after he announces resignation

Florida ups the stakes for crimes by immigrants in the US illegally

Nation/World

Are egg producers inflating prices during the bird flu outbreak to boost profits?

Transgender troops are now being identified for removal under Pentagon orders

The measles situation worldwide: Fewer vaccinations and more outbreaks

EPA backtracks on Trump comment about cutting staff by 65% but says major spending cuts are coming

It's not even March and businesses throughout the Triangle are getting ready for the NCAA basketball tournaments. The Lenovo Center will host first and second round games on the men's side. All three Triangle women's programs could also potentially host first and second round games.

Businesses begin preparing for a March full of basketball throughout the Triangle

Raleigh NCAA Tournament banner

New playground at Dix Park will include food and beverage market

'You're not dreaming': Wake County deputy on 'The Voice' shares uplifting message

Wake County Sheriff's deputy Robert Hunter sings on 'The Voice'

70+ events to check out this March in NC

St. Patrick's Day Parade Raleigh (March 16, 2019)

Weekend best bets: Mardi Gras, Bull City Food and Beer Experience

Durham Mardi Gras parade	

The top 7 best cities to live in North Carolina

Raleigh skyline from Boylan Street. Photo taken May 22, 2021. 

Out & About

Fact check: Would SAVE Act disqualify voters who have changed their names?

Politifact

Fact check: Mace says people 'either have XX or XY chromosomes'

Fact check: Is the State Department about to pay Tesla $400 million for Cybertrucks?

Fact check: How much USAID funding goes to people in need?

Fact-checking Warren's claim about RFK Jr.'s work on vaccine lawsuits

State GOP lawmakers hope to emulate DOGE in NC

NC Capitol

NC Black Caucus denounces anti-DEI bill

NC Senate sets up votes for bills targeting Attorney General Jeff Jackson, immigration, cell phones in schools

Wayne Goodwin's tenure: DMV wait times improve, but public dissatisfaction persists

NC Senate leaders advance immigration crackdown bill

App State interim chancellor earns permanent role

Education

Duke University's undergraduate tuition, fees will surpass $92K for 2025-26 school year

How the Wake County Public School System plans to address budget concerns

Parents, teachers deliver letters urging Thom Tillis to keep U.S. Dep. of Education open

State of the schools: Wake superintendent talks cellphone policy, outlook for budget adjustments

WRAL In Depth

Judge weighs continued freedom for Adnan Syed in 'Serial' murder case

Who is Amy Gleason, the person named DOGE's acting administrator by the White House?

As ODs strain medical examiners, one county opens autopsy center to hasten justice

Soaked with sewage: Homeowner left with big bill after sewer backup into home

Rantanen scores in Hurricanes' 5-2 win against the Sabres

WRALSportsFan

Here are the players from NC who will be at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

Heisman Trophy winner and 2-way star Travis Hunter says he won't work out at the NFL combine

No. 8 UNC, No. 9 NC State, No. 16 Duke vying to give region 3 NCAA host sites

NC State men's basketball falls at Syracuse, damaging ACC Tournament hopes

Interactive 2025 NCHSAA boys & girls basketball state playoff brackets

HighSchoolOT

Boys Basketball Playoffs: First round storylines, a historic upset, & looking ahead to round two

Girls Basketball Playoffs: First round storylines, best conferences, & looking ahead to round two

Allegations of 'blatant racism' surface after Cherokee girls basketball game

Corinth Holders scores 7 unanswered runs to rally past Apex Friendship

Amid a nationwide shortage of animal blood, the Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital in Durham has initiated a remarkable solution -- utilizing staff pets as blood donors.

Durham vet hospital tackles pet blood shortage with donations from staff pets

Pet blood donor

Investigations of overdose deaths lead to more autopsy requests, straining the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. But Union County has a unique solution.

Union County opens autopsy center to help address medical examiner backlog

On Tuesday, state lawmakers discussed adopting a more consistent, effective policy statewide for the next school year.

Proposal to ban cell phones in NC classes passes first key vote

School leaders are also bracing for federal funding cuts, but they're not sure what those could be.

Wake school board, commissioners discuss millions in new budget needs

On Tuesday, the Wake County school board and county commissioners discussed upcoming funding challenges for the school system..

A key North Carolina PFAS pollution meeting was abruptly canceled with no explanation. State leaders have not said why or when it will be rescheduled, raising concerns over regulatory delays.

NC regulators abruptly cancel PFAS pollution meeting without explanation

A file photo of the Cape Fear River.

WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty answered viewer questions about the North Carolina Supreme Court race, testing for PCBs inside NC State's Poe Hall, school districts using cell phone pouches and the renaming of Fort Bragg.

In Depth with Dan mailbag: Answering viewer questions about NC Supreme Court race, Fort Bragg name change

WRAL Specialists

The CFPB drops its enforcement lawsuits against Capital One, Rocket Homes and more

If you must drive in ice and snow, go slow, stay in control

How to safely operate a generator during a power outage

Here's what to do if you lose power

5 On Your Side

Durham County years behind in fire inspections of large employers

Durham County delays: Large employers haven't had fire inspections in years

How effective is remote learning?

Snow days or remote learning? Parents see benefits, shortcomings of both

Investigations

Political, business leaders see bright days ahead for NC tech

David Gardner: Investing in AI large vs. small language model based startups

From Classroom to Career: how NCCUâs BRITE program transformed one studentâs path

Cosette Pharmaceuticals to acquire Mayne Pharma for $430M

WRAL TechWire

Katy Perry and Gayle King will join Jeff Bezos' fiancee Lauren Sanchez on Blue Origin spaceflight

Number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rises to 242,000, highest level in 3 months

Texas lottery drawings that paid out big jackpots are the focus of widening investigations

Egg prices could jump 41% this year, USDA says, as Trump's bird flu plan is unveiled

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Family

Dementia: Setting boundaries is crucial for caregivers

How to keep your kids busy on a snow day

7 favorite snow day recipes

How to find and vet nursing, assisted living and rehab centers in North Carolina

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15 Top retail deals up to 80% off today

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