We’re also following barricades put in place on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s campus after Tuesday's protests. Plus, see how a local woman is helping police solve more crimes and faster in North Carolina. We're also tracking a change to our weekend forecast. Watch WRAL-TV at 7 p.m., and search for these and other stories on WRAL.com.

On WRAL at 7: Nearly $500,000 raised after protests at UNC. WRAL goes In Depth on the flag at the center of the controversy

The Associated Press reports that the DEA will move to reclassify the drug to Schedule III - alongside Ketamine and Tylenol with codeine, which the DEA considers as drugs with a lower risk of abuse.

How marijuana reclassification could affect North Carolinians 

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Triangle residents who are fans of thrills and themed attractions don't have to travel far to experience some of the best.

Guide: Amusement parks within driving distance of Raleigh

New Carowinds rollercoaster nears opening date

Game 1 is Saturday night in Raleigh. Game 2 is Monday at PNC Arena.

The Carolina Hurricanes, <a href="https://www.wralsportsfan.com/carolina-hurricanes-defeat-the-new-york-islanders-3-1-in-game-one/21369360/">betting favorites to win the Stanley Cup</a>, will host the New York Islanders in Games 1 and 2 at PNC Arena on Saturday and Monday nights, the NHL announced.

The league had <a href="https://www.wralsportsfan.com/get-ready-for-saturday-night-in-raleighwood-as-the-nhl-sets-game-1-start-time/21386129/">previously announced the date and time of Game 1</a>. A potential Game 7 would be at PNC Arena on Saturday, May 4.

The NHL regular season concluded Thursday night. And now the league has announced dates and times for all first-round playoff games.

Game 1: Islanders at Hurricanes -- Saturday, 5 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV, Bally's Sports South)

Game 2: Islanders at Hurricanes -- Monday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)

Game 3: Hurricanes at Islanders -- Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)

Game 4: Hurricanes at Islanders -- Saturday April 27, 2 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV)

Game 5: Islanders at Hurricanes -- Tuesday, April 30, TBD

Game 6: Hurricanes at Islanders -- Thursday, May 2, TBD

Game 7: Islanders at Hurricanes -- Saturday, May 4, TBD

Make your plans: Complete Hurricanes-Islanders first-round schedule

Johnston County Republican Kelly Daughtry is dropping out of the Republican Party primary runoff in North Carolina's 13th Congressional District and endorsing former federal prosecutor Brad Knott, who is backed by former President Donald Trump.

Daughtry drops out of Triangle-area congressional race, endorses Knott

Kelly Daughtry (left) and Brad Knott (right)

Members of Pi Kappa Phi claimed they defended the American flag after protesters took it down Tuesday at UNC, replacing it with a Palestinian flag. A GoFundMe page has raised more than $427,000.



UNC fraternity says it's not involved in viral fundraiser for 'rager' for defending American flag

American flag goes back up on UNC campus

Temperatures hit 92 degrees Thursday afternoon, marking the hottest day in 2024 so far. 

92 Scorcher makes history: First time this hot 🥵 in Raleigh-Durham this year

Temperatures hit 92 degrees Thursday, May 2, 2024, marking the hottest day of the year so far.

Improperly installed hardware caused the loss of helicopter control resulting in the Nov. 22, 2022, crash of the WBTV helicopter, the National Transportation Safety Board found.

'Inadequate inspections' led to helicopter crash that killed two WBTV employees, NTSB finds

WBTV posted Tuesday afternoon that pilot Chip Tayag (left) and meteorologist Jason Myers (right) died in the crash along I-77 near Tyvola Road. Photos courtesy of WBTV.com.

Barricades has been placed on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill quad after a pro-Palestinian protest. The on-campus YMCA is also closed.

UNC puts up 12-foot fencing after pro-Palestinian protest, campus YMCA remains closed

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leaders decided to put up 12-foot-tall metal fences on the quad. The decision came after a pro-Palestinian protest on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

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

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

NC Senate debates bills to require sheriffs to work with immigration officials, double school voucher funding 

A procession honoring fallen officer Alden Elliot, an officer with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, will leave the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiners' Office and travel to Bennett Funeral Home in Newton on N.C. Highway 16. Elliot and three other officers were shot and killed Monday. 

Charlotte officer escort: Procession for Officer Alden Elliot

Videos

Tiger Woods has accepted a special exemption into the 124th U.S. Open Championship. It will mark his 23rd appearance at the event.

Tiger Woods accepts special exemption to play in US Open at Pinehurst 

Tiger Woods

The restaurant that trolled David Tepper leading up to the NFL Draft is at it again.

'Hats off': Charlotte bar trolls Panthers owner David Tepper again

David Tepper 

Guard RJ Davis averaged a career-high 21.2 points per game last season for North Carolina, which won the ACC regular-season title and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

UNC's RJ Davis, ACC player of the year, returning for fifth season with Tar Heels

North Carolina Kentucky Basketball

Chicago previously served as Carolina's AHL affiliate from 2020-23, winning the Calder Cup in 2022. Current Hurricanes players Jalen Chatfield, Jack Drury, Pyotr Kochetkov and Stefan Noesen were on that championship roster.

Hurricanes renew AHL affiliation with Chicago Wolves

Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour is in the final year of his contract. He's led the Hurricanes to the playoffs in six straight seasons.

Make your plans: Complete Hurricanes-Islanders first-round schedule

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