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Patient Lenox Barden, 5, gives a high five to Iron Man through a window on the fourth floor of WakeMed Children's hospital. Three window washers dressed as superheroes rappeled down the side of the building Wednesday, April 16, 2014 in Raleigh to bring a little fun and excitement to patients and staff. This was the second year that Batman, Iron Man and Spiderman have “dropped in” at the hospital.

Superheroes visit WakeMed Children's hospital patients

Superheroes Batman, Spiderman and Iron Man rappel down the side of WakeMed Children's Hospital...

People have tapas and drinks outside a bar while penitent from 'San Gonzalo' brotherhood walks to the church to start a procession on April 14, 2014 in Seville, Spain. Easter week is traditionally celebrated with processions in most Spanish towns.

Holy Week observances around the world | 04.16.14

Photos from Easter Holy Week

Sports

The Canes head coach Kirk Muller, left, and assistant coach John MacLean look on during the second period of an NHL game played between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. on Nov. 29, 2013. The Devils beat the Canes 5-2.

DeCock: Canes coach takes the high road in face of uncertain fate

Carolina Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller talked about what went well this season, including an improved overall defensive performance and the growth of the youngest players. He refrained from blaming the team - or its leaders - for the endless series...

Local/State News

A concrete pipe below this coal ash impoundment failed, releasing coal ash and ash pond water into the Dan River.

Gov. McCrory wants broader authority over ash

Gov. Pat McCrory will ask legislators for broader authority over coal ash disposal, but his plan does not envision eliminating all 33 of Duke Energy’s ash ponds.

Business

FILE - This July 24, 1933 file photo shows President Franklin D. Roosevelt appealing to the nation via radio for immediate enrollment of all employers under the blanket agreement to raise wages and create jobs, in Washington. When the Senate debates a Democratic proposal to raise the federal minimum wage, some workers won’t benefit even if lightning strikes and the long-shot effort prevails. When Roosevelt signed the bill into law, the minimum wage was set at 25 cents an hour, mainly covering industrial jobs related to interstate commerce. To win crucial votes from Southern Democrats in Congress, Roosevelt agreed to exclude occupations including agriculture laborers and domestic workers, who were largely black.

Some exempted from minimum wage, increased or not

Some low-paid workers won't benefit even if a long-shot Democratic proposal to raise the federal minimum wage becomes law. 50 minutes ago

Politics

FILE -This Dec. 5, 2012 file photo shows Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La. on Capitol Hill in Washington. The political climate for “Obamacare” suddenly looks brighter, possibly giving Democrats a chance to fight back on the GOP’s top issue this fall. Democrats in at least one tight Senate race are openly embracing the new health law’s popular features, but several others are holding back. Republicans say the somewhat upbeat news _ higher enrollments, and lower cost projections _ won’t do much to change Americans’ negative view of the health care law.

Defend 'Obamacare' unabashedly, some Democrats say

With enrollments higher than expected, and costs lower, some Democrats say it's time to stop hiding from the president's health care overhaul, even in this year's toughest Senate elections. 15 minutes ago

Nation/World News

FILE - This Feb. 7, 2014 file photo shows Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel holds a briefing at the Pentagon. The U.S. will send medical supplies, helmets and other non-lethal aid to the Ukrainian military in response to Russia’s “dangerously irresponsible” efforts to destabilize the country, Hagel said Thursday. Hagel told a Pentagon news conference that he telephoned Ukraine’s acting defense minister to tell him that President Barack Obama had approved the assistance, which does not include weapons. Hagel said the Obama administration will “continue to review” additional aid requested by Ukraine.

Deal reached on calming Ukraine tensions

Top diplomats from the United States, European Union, Russia and Ukraine reached agreement after marathon talks Thursday on immediate steps to ease the crisis in Ukraine. 5 minutes ago