Heidi Kirk

4 days ago | wral.com | Heidi Kirk

Duke Energy is preparing for the start of Hurricane Season. WRAL News went inside a distribution control center in Garner for a first-hand look at the tools the company uses. The company operates two control centers in North Carolina, where crews monitor the power grid and coordinate storm responses. Duke Energy Spokesperson Jeff Brooks said the most power issues can be resolved remotely from these facilities, thereby reducing the need to send crews into the field.

4 days ago | wral.com | Heidi Kirk

At a Zebulon Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, Commissioner Beverly Clark stood before the board and issued her resignation. In an interview with WRAL News, Clark said she's unhappy with how the board was working together and believes it is time for new leadership. "It’s the way we are working, the way we are handling motions, putting things on hold or not getting through a lot," she said. "We have been without a manager for a year now. There’s no sign of one yet.

1 week ago | wral.com | Heidi Kirk

A 101-year-old World War II Veteran was honored for his service in Rocky Mount on Thursday. Bronis Avent served in both the Army and the Air Force for a collective 22 years. Ann Rouse, Avent's daughter, said this is the first time she has been able to see her dad honored. "It means a lot to my dad," she said. He served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Rouse said her dad was in the military during many of her formative years. She said she remembers his serving well.

1 week ago | wral.com | Heidi Kirk

Two manufacturing companies announced investments in May that are expected to bring more than 500 jobs to Wayne County. Waukesha, Wisconsin-based Prolec GE, a major manufacturer of power transformers, plans to create up to 330 jobs. The jobs would follow the expansion of the current manufacturing plant in Goldsboro. The deal is expected to bring an investment of up to $140 million to North Carolina, according to state officials.

1 week ago | wral.com | Heidi Kirk

Fayetteville's 2025 PRIDE Festival has a new venue this year due to concerns about safety and heat. Instead of being held at Festival Park as usual, the event organizers said this year, it will take place inside at the Crown Complex. PRIDE President Krystal Maddox said the decision was partially motivated by past instances of hate at previous events. "[There is] a fear factor that we have in our community. People are scared to go out. They're scared of being seen by their families.