Ask the Meteorologist: How have we been able to see so much rain without a tropical system?

UNC’s Lombardi, on administrative leave, has long been ‘lightning rod’ for controversy, criticism

North Carolina placed general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave Monday.

$65 million for sporting events in North Carolina? State Senate signs off on plan

A bill passed by the state Senate on Tuesday would spend tens of millions on golf tournaments and military-themed competitions.

Over 700 cyclosporiasis cases reported in North Carolina since May 1

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed 718 cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, 2026, and 24 hospitalizations because of the diarrheal illness.

As polls narrow, Cooper gets specific on how he'd lower costs if elected to US Senate

Democrat Roy Cooper told supporters he'll bring down costs if he becomes North Carolina's next U.S. senator. Republican Michael Whatley, meanwhile, is taking aim at Cooper’s past policies.

ACC football: Miami picked to win league by media voters with NC State, Duke, UNC well behind

Miami is seeking its first ACC championship. NC State, a popular sleeper pick, has never appeared in the ACC title game.

Lindsey Graham eulogized as an 'American original' at services drawing world leaders in Washington

Sen. Lindsey Graham is being eulogized in Washington. Graham’s flag-draped casket arrived Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol, where the Republican served for more than 30 years as an indefatigable dealmaker. Vice President JD Vance calls Graham a “swashbuckling” character and a “true American origi

Grenada police: Missing Cary woman was last seen swimming near jetty

A Cary woman remains missing in Grenada after surveillance video showed her entering the ocean near her resort, but did not show her returning from the water.

Falls Lake sees major water level improvements after last week's rain

Visibly, the lake is looking much better than it was earlier this month. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the lake rose more than 2 feet over the past week alone, but more rain will be needed to eliminate the remaining deficit.

4 out of 5 toddler foods are ultraprocessed. Nearly half fail to meet nutrition standards

Four out of five foods sold for toddlers in the United States are ultraprocessed, according to research that analyzed more than 2,700 products on grocery store shelves.

Ask the Meteorologist: How often have severe risks verified so far this July?

18 of 28 days this July have had risks for severe storms. How often have they verified?

Severe storm threats return today; WRAL Weather Alert Day issued for Tuesday

Stronger storms are possible Tuesday. Damaging wind gusts are the main concern, with a slight risk for hail and an isolated tornado.

Do you toss food once the date on the label has passed? Experts say that's often a waste

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — If you’ve ever tossed out a carton of milk or a container of yogurt solely because the date on the packaging had passed, you’re not alone.

'Do the right thing': 'Today' host Savannah Guthrie shares new plea for mother's kidnappers

Savannah Guthrie is renewing her family’s plea for answers, sharing a new video on social media as the search for her missing mother approaches the six-month mark.

K9 Chilli was left in hot car unintentionally, Pitt County Sheriff's Office says in report

Following an outcry over the death of Pitt County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Chilli, the sheriff’s office released five pages of information on the dog’s death late Monday night.

Questions unanswered as UNC football GM Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave

WRAL News has asked UNC and Carolina football whether Michael Lombardi was placed on leave related to an investigation and if there was any indication of how long his leave may last.

Pedestrian killed in crash on I-885 in Durham

Durham police are investigating a crash that killed a person on Interstate 885 near Cheek Road late Monday night.

NC Senate to debate new election rules that could make it harder to know who’s funding politicians

Changes to campaign finance transparency, as well as election audits and ballot challenges, are among the proposals in a wide-ranging elections bill to be considered by the state Senate. The bill previously passed the House in a party-line vote.

Carolina North advisory group tours site of future UNC Chapel Hill expansion

A group of key stakeholders at UNC Chapel Hill on Monday toured the site of what is set to be a major expansion project for the university.

'Our lives are worth more': Town hall attendees demand to see more of planned WakeMed-Atrium merger

Community members offered their thoughts on Monday about the planned merger between WakeMed and Atrium Health at a town hall.

Severe storm threats return; WRAL Weather Alert Day issued for Tuesday

Most of Monday night will stay quiet, but stronger storms are possible Tuesday. Damaging wind gusts are the main concern, with a slight risk for hail and an isolated tornado.

New NC vape law targets shops. Critics say kids are still exposed.

North Carolina lawmakers approved new requirements and tougher enforcement for vape shops. But public health advocates say lawmakers say the new law could do more to prevent young people from buying nicotine products.

Lee County Judge accused of waving gun in the courtroom now under review

A Lee County District Court judge is under investigation by the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission after allegations that he displayed a firearm inside a courtroom.

'You were important to her': Friends support family of Cary mom who disappeared in Grenada

Elizabeth Waddell got to know the Cary community through her work as a physical therapist and through fitness classes she teaches throughout town.

Could light make cancer treatment safer? UNC researchers think so

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill are developing a light-activated drug delivery system designed to release cancer medication only at tumors. The technology aims to reduce damage to healthy tissue and lessen the lifelong side effects.

14-year-old bicyclist dies after Nashville crash; teen driver charged

A 14-year-old bicyclist has died after being struck by a vehicle in Nashville last week. A 17-year-old driver has been charged with driving after consuming alcohol while under 21.

Could NC lose emergency-response funding for not following Trump’s election rules?

Millions of dollars for counterterrorism, natural disasters and rescue operations hang in the balance of a new legal fight between the Trump administration and two dozen states, including North Carolina.

Man identified in deadly Creedmoor shooting; investigation continues

Creedmoor police have identified the man killed in Saturday’s shooting as 27-year-old Charles Tryon Royster Jr. Investigators are offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

'Today Show' host Savannah Guthrie shares new video as search for missing mother nears 6 months

Savannah Guthrie is renewing her family’s plea for answers, sharing a new video on social media as the search for her missing mother approaches the six-month mark.

Police push NC lawmakers to pass new CBD, THC rules

North Carolina's top law enforcement leaders are pressing state House lawmakers to approve a bill that regulates THC and hemp-derived products. They say the bill will protect children.

Face of Extortion: Online persona of NC mom used in alleged Florida extortion investigation

Florida prosecutors have charged a woman with extortion, as investigators accuse her of using a fictious persona based off real photos and social media of Melanie Branch, a mom residing hundreds of miles away in North Carolina.

Comey asks judge to dismiss federal indictment over '86 47' post

James Comey has filed a motion asking a federal judge to dismiss the criminal case against him over his "86 47" social media post. His attorneys argue the post is protected speech and does not constitute a true threat.

A timeline of UNC GM Michael Lombardi's football career

UNC football GM Michael Lombardi, the highest-paid public college football general manager, is a three-time Super Bowl champion with decades of experience in NFL front offices.

Two people struck by lightning at Wrightsville Beach

According to Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue director Sam Proffitt, two people were struck by lightning on Shell Island Saturday morning.

Fort Bragg's main gate closes to begin 2-year bridge and freeway repair project

The All American Gate will be closed for close to two years as crews repair the Gruber Road Bridge and All American Freeway.

Early morning storms topple trees, knock out power in parts of the Triangle

Crews closed off a portion of Lake Dam Road near Lake Johnson after a large tree fell across the road.

WakeMed-Atrium Health merger: Public invited to share comments Monday

Community members can learn more about the planned merger between WakeMed and Atrium Health at a town hall on Monday.

Hot with stray storms Monday; WRAL Weather Alert Day issued for Tuesday severe threat

A few downpours will be possible Monday east of the Triangle, but a better storm chance returns Tuesday evening.

Police arrest 1 person and search for another after Seattle festival shooting that killed 3

Police have arrested one suspect and were looking for another after gunfire erupted at a crowded food festival beneath Seattle’s Space Needle. The shooting around 6 p.m. Sunday at the annual Bite of Seattle festival left three people dead and four injured, including a toddler. Two people died at .

Person treated by paramedics at Clayton house fire

A person was treated by paramedics at the scene of a Clayton house fire early Monday morning.

Ask the Meteorologist: What is the ring of fire and its impact on storms in our area?

The ring of fire refers to storm clusters that ride the outer edge of hot areas of high pressure.

Cary mom missing in Grenada left Airbnb for a swim, her friend says

Authorities in Grenada are searching for Elizabeth Waddell, the wife of a Town of Cary employee after she was reported missing while visiting the Caribbean island.

Explore Raleigh without the crowds: 5 must-see places

Whether you are traveling to Raleigh solo, or with a group of friends here are some things to make your trip memorable.

'Gonzalo belongs to all of this community': Rocky Mount honors bicyclist killed in crash

Family and friends gathered Sunday to honor Gonzalo Perez, a 70-year-old Rocky Mount bicyclist who died after being hit by a car. His loved ones are calling on the city for safer streets and more bike infrastructure.

Man's body found after going missing on Lake Royale in Franklin County

According to Franklin County Emergency Management, they received a call around 6 p.m. about a man who went under the water near the pavilion at Lake Royale and did not come up.

'It's priceless': Apex residents fight to preserve historic downtown firehouse

Weeks earlier, the town announced that operations at the station would transfer to its station on Hunter Street, leaving the future of the building housing Station 1 in question. In August, the Apex Town Council will consider a budget for what to do next with the site.