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More than 4,300 North Carolinians died from overdoses in 2022. That trend continues going up, devastating entire communities.

2022 data: 12 people a day died from drug overdoses in North Carolina 

<p>WHO SHE WAS. YOU CAN FIND THAT ON WRAL DOT COM. &gt;&gt; MORE THAN 4300 PEOPLE IN NORTH CAROLINA DIED FROM OVERDOSES IN TWENTY-TWENTY 2 AND THAT TREND IS STILL GOING UP. DEVASTATING ENTIRE COMMUNITIES. DID JOURNALIST ALI INGERSOLL HAS THE LATEST DATA FROM THE STATE AND SHE JOINS US LIVE FROM THE STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. ALI, SOME OF THESE NUMBERS ARE DIFFICULT TO GRASP. &gt;&gt; YEAH, GERALD, THEY REALLY ARE. SO TO UNDERSTAND THE GRAVITY OF THIS SITUATION AND JUST HOW MANY LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST. I WANTED TO LOOK AT IT IN A DIFFERENT WAY. IN A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE. 5 POPULATION. SO STICK WITH ME HERE. IMAGINE IF IN JUST ONE YEAR, EVERYONE FROM THE TOWN OF TOWN OF MOUNT OLIVE JUST DISAPPEAR. THEY NO LONGER EXIST IN OVER 20 YEARS. PEOPLE FROM A TOWN THE SIZE OF FUQUAY-VARINA DID. WELL, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING DUE TO THE OPIOID CRISIS. 4300 PEOPLE OVER ONE YEAR. 37,000 OVER ABOUT 20 YEARS, ALL BECAUSE OF THIS ONE CAUSE. &gt;&gt; HEARTBREAKING. I NEVER GET USED TO IT. FREE MCDONALD'S WORLD HAS BEEN TURNED UPSIDE DOWN. FIRST, HER SON STEVEN DIED FROM GUN VIOLENCE. I DO THINK THAT THE LAST OF HIS FOR OTHER IMPACTED HIM VERY DEEPLY BECAUSE OF THAT SENSITIVITY. AND 4 YEARS LATER, MICHAEL LOST HIS LIFE DUE TO AN OVERDOSE. THERE'S NO QUESTION IN MY MIND THAT THEY WOULD WANT ME TO DO WHAT I'M DOING. THIS IS WHAT MCDONALD IS DOING THIS ALL PEOPLE HAVE OVERDOSED AND DIED. YES, OH, YES. AND THEY'RE ALL FROM NORTH CAROLINA, WHICH HE'S PUTTING UP BILLBOARDS SHOWING THE FACES OF LOVED ONES LOST FROM THE OPIOID CRISIS. THERE ARE 300 FACES ALREADY, BUT THERE COULD BE THOUSANDS MORE IN 2022 ALONE, 12 NORTH CAROLINIANS DIED EVERY DAY FROM OVERDOSES. NUMBER HAS RISEN SO MUCH. I CAN'T EVEN WRAP MY HEAD AROUND MORE THAN 4300 PEOPLE TOTAL THAT YEAR. ACCORDING TO THAT DHHS DATA JUST RELEASED, WHICH IS UP 121% SINCE MACDONALD'S AND MICHAEL'S DEATH IN 2016. IT'S GETTING TO THE POINT THAT IF IT HASN'T TEST SHE CORRECTLY, IT MAY HAVE TOUCHED YOUR FRIEND'S SON DOWN THE ROAD. SO IT'S I SEE THAT MORE AND MORE ARE RARELY HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE THAT DOESN'T KNOW SOMEONE WITH MORE THAN A BILLION DOLLARS COMING TO THE STATE FROM THE OPIOID SETTLEMENTS. MCDONALD'S HOPES THIS CRISIS CAN BE TURNED AROUND AND NO MORE FAMILIES WILL GRIEVE THE WAY SHE HAS. WE'RE NOT REALLY JUST HELPING ONE FOR HELP AND EVERYBODY THAT LOVES THAT ONE PERSON. AND THAT CAN BE A LOT OF PEOPLE. &gt;&gt; RITA IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON A 4TH BILLBOARD RIGHT NOW. SHE HAS 77 PEOPLE FOR THAT. SHE SAYS SHE IS HOPEFUL. DON'T USE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DAY WHERE SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO ADD ANY MORE FACES TO THOSE BILLBOARDS BECAUSE NO MORE PEOPLE ARE DYING FROM THIS</p>

Woman shows faces of those who died from overdoses in NC

Facing the truth: Triangle woman's project illustrates scope of opioid crisis in North Carolina

Higher employee pay will be key to running Wake schools smoothly, superintendent says

Wake County Public School System Superintendent Robert Taylor speaks to the League fo Women Voters of Wake County, April 18, 2024

Gas leak prompts evacuations in Durham on Angier Avenue 

Mom of 3 shot in Harnett County as NC's domestic violence deaths rise

HeatherÂ Pritt

Soak up the sun but beware: Level 1 risk for severe storms Friday 

Better rain chances ahead

'I feel as though my hands are tied': Durham mayor reacts to 2 shootings near American Tobacco Campus in a week 

Shooting prompts lockdown at American Tobacco Campus in Durham

Editorial: Dan Bishop needs to represent constituents, not his ideological self-interest

The Republican Divide Plays Out in Conservative News Outlets

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In an interview with WRAL on Thursday, Hill alleged that she and her organization had also received undue scrutiny from a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services employee. Hill purported that the attention was due in part to her connection to Robinson. 

'We were being targeted': NC second lady says scrutiny of her nonprofit was political vendetta against Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson 

NC Flag

Kraft Heinz Foods is being sued after a report about the heavy metal content in Lunchables. 



Parent sues Kraft Heinz over heavy metals in Lunchables

Consumer Reports investigation finds heavy metals, high sodium in Lunchables

NEW YORK (AP) â Twelve jurors and one alternate have been seated in Donald Trump 's hush money case, quickly propelling the jury selection process forward after a morning that saw two previously sworn-in jurors dismissed â one after she expressed new doubt in her ability to be fair and impartial following the disclosure of details about her identity and the other over concerns that he may not have been truthful about whether he had ever been accused or convicted of a crime.

The Latest | 12 jurors and 1 alternate seated in Trump hush money case

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A Fort Liberty soldier was sentenced to more than three years in prison for allegedly stealing thousands in a romance scam.



Fort Liberty soldier charged with stealing thousands in romance scams 

Man in jail, in handcuffs

A group of people were caught on video in Asheville pulling bear cubs out of a tree -- all to take a few selfies.



On cam: NC group pulls bear cubs out of tree for selfies 

Grifols is one of multiple biopharma companies in Johnston County. It's a county that was known for agriculture but now is quickly becoming a leader in life science manufacturing.

Grifols celebrates 50 years in Johnston County as area continues to embrace biotech

Grifols to invest $356M for new facility in Clayton, adding hundreds of jobs

Armadillo Grill has closed its Glenwood Avenue location in Raleigh, owners announced Wednesday. 

After more than 20 years in business, Glenwood South restaurant announces closure

Armadillo Grill

On Thursday, Fayetteville police issued a release and said they're building a timeline for the Deven family's time in Fayetteville. Blake Deven and London Deven have not been seen in years.

FBI, Fayetteville police building timeline in years-long disappearance of missing adopted siblings

Blake Deven and London Deven

Part of US 74 in Scotland County was closed on Thursday while crews responded to a boat that caught on fire underneath a bridge.

Boat fire closes part of US 74 in Scotland County

Boat fire along US 74

It was a brazen theft: thousands of gold bars and millions of dollars in bank notes stolen a year ago from Toronto's international airport.

Nine people, including an airline worker, arrested in $14.5 million gold heist

Canada_Pearson_Heist_24821

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The 40th Annual Very Special Arts Festival is a chance for exceptional children in Cumberland County Schools to take the stage and shine.

'This is their Super Bowl': 500 students take the stage for a 'very special' talent show

'This is their Super Bowl': 500 students take the stage for talent show in Cumberland County

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

A disposable camera with photos taken almost 25 years ago was found in a Pinehurst Resort storage closet. 

Pictures of Pinehurst: Do you recognize anyone in these photos from 2000?

Pinehurst Resort photos from 2000

Earth Day is observed on April 22 as a day to celebrate and encourage conservation efforts. Here are some ways you and your family can help the planet and community together.

Easy ways to celebrate Earth Day with your family

Earth Day

There is so much to do and see in April, like Dreamville, Cary's Pimento Cheese Festival, the Harlem Globetrotters, Brewgaloo and much more.

60+ things to do in April

Dreamville Festival 2022

Don't Miss It

This weekend marks the 40th anniversary of the New Hope Valley Railway in Bonsal, and hundreds of people have bought tickets to ride the old train. Tar Heel Traveler captured a recent ride, four miles of historic track through the woods of Wake County, from Bonsal to New Hill and back. 

Tar Heel Traveler: Bonsal Train in southwestern Wake County

Tar Heel Traveler Bonsal Train in southwestern Wake County

Shots fired near American Tobacco Campus in Durham

April 18, 2024, American Tobacco Campus shooting

Glenwood South staple Armadillo Grill closes

FAFSA delays leave families, students with questions as deadlines loom

Students on campus at UNC-Chapel Hill

Johnston County's biotech presence growing

NC second lady says scrutiny of her nonprofit was political vendetta against Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson

Video Central

WRAL 6am News | April 18

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Study reveals role of race in health outcomes

Local News

FBI offers $75,000 reward, renews plea for tips in deaths of 3 Lumberton women

Ex-boyfriend indicted on murder of woman in Apex parking lot

New vehicles assist more people to explore Grandfather Mountain

Trump loses bid to halt Jan. 6 lawsuits while he fights criminal charges in the 2020 election case

Nation/World

Five icons you should know from Time's 100 most influential people of 2024 list

12 jurors have been picked for Donald Trump's hush money trial. Selection of alternates ongoing

Climate change concerns grow, but few think Biden's climate law will help, an AP-NORC poll finds

Indonesians leave homes near erupting volcano and airport closes due to ash danger

There are so many events coming up this weekend, including live music and a barbecue festival.

Weekend best bets: Cuegrass and more festivals

Cuegrass

Strawberry picking near me: List of Triangle area u-pick strawberry farmsð

Strawberry picking near me

The best outdoor dining spots in Raleigh

Raleigh Times Bar

Bojangles expands to the West Coast with first LA locations announced

Bojangles new logo 

Inside the artistry of NC music poster veteran Ron Liberti

Cover photo by Carson Elm-Picard

Guide: Amusement parks within driving distance of Raleigh

New Carowinds rollercoaster nears opening date

Out & About

Fact check: Biden says support for Roe is higher than ever

Politifact

Fact check: Has crime 'skyrocketed' under President Biden?

Fact check: Has Biden deported more people in nine months than in past years? 

Fact check: Would RFK Jr.'s running mate be the youngest vice president ever?

Fact check: Trump says native-born Americans lost nearly 1 million jobs 'in February alone'

North Carolina ranks 29th in public pre-K enrollment, new report shows

NC Capitol

North Carolina sees slight surplus this year, $1B more next year

State needs more elections staff, according to NC elections director

NC needs more elections staff for 2024, top official tells lawmakers in voter ID update

North Carolina sports betting numbers for March are in. Here's how much was bet.

FASFA frustrations mount for incoming students, families needing aid

Education

Exceptional children light up the stage at the 40th Annual Very Special Arts Festival 

NC's pre-K attendance rate falls behind other states 

'We want to support you': NC educators wear purple & orange to support Parkland High School teacher after assault

Durham educators to hold rally ahead of DPS budget hearing

St. Aug's groups push for leadership changes & transparency amid university's ongoing financial crisis

WRAL In Depth

Wake school board must figure out how to pay staff as federal funds dry up

WRAL Investigates: 'Greedflation' and other drivers behind inflation at the grocery store

'Like things were never going to be the same': High school student still recovering one year after stabbing

In Triangle-area congressional runoff, Republicans Daughtry and Knott fight over Democratic ties

Gerber: The perfect Panthers NFL Draft gameplan

WRALSportsFan

Party's over: Coyotes end tenure in the desert with team's sale, move to Salt Lake City

Get ready for 'Saturday Night in Raleighwood' as the NHL sets game 1 start time

NCAA allows transfers to be immediately eligible, no matter how many times they've switched schools

Triangle-based Olympic swimmer finds new balance while embarking on motherhood journey

Realignment, sportsmanship issues among topics NCHSAA board will discuss at spring meeting

HighSchoolOT

Top returning NCHSAA football stat leaders in 2024: 3A Pass Catchers

Vote Now: HSOT Honors winter sports finalists

North Carolina's Bam Adebayo selected to 2024 USA Men's National Team

No. 7 East Rowan leaves no doubt in big non-conference win over North Stanly

Trust Wallet, a cryptocurrency wallet company, has raised concerns about a potential scam involving an exploit for sale on the dark web.

Cybersecurity expert discusses warning about iPhone vulnerability

How worried should you be about viral iPhone security warning?

iPhone

While home insurance prices have increased, there are ways to reduce costs.

How to save on homeowners insurance

Save money on home insurance: Expert tips to offset rising costs

North Carolina, neighborhood

To make sure every community's voice is taken into consideration, the city has a new plan - a data-driven approach to identify, score and rank sidewalk projects. 

City scraps sidewalk petitions, proposes data-drive approach to address equity issues

Raleigh skyline

Consumer Reports surveyed more than 2,000 members who shared their experiences with pet insurance.

Consumer Reports' pet insurance reviews

WRAL Specialists

On WRAL at 6:ð¥Fire hazards inside toys and lawn tools.

Is pet insurance worth the bark? Survey reveals middling results

Consumer Reports' top-tested sunscreens

Revealing the best sunscreens for sun protection and affordability

5 On Your Side

WRAL Investigates why you're paying more at the store while profits for executives soar

'He is dangerous': Lawyers seek release of body cam footage involving Warrenton police sergeant accused of improper force

WRAL Investigates a $2 million payout from a local government after a police chase turned deadly.

City of Durham settles lawsuit over police chase

Investigations

Aphora Health raises $2.1 million in seed round

Tech literacy required: Improvements in health care require new skills for doctors, patients

Grace Ueng: How will you measure your life?

WRAL TechWire

4-day workweeks may be around the corner. A third of America's companies are exploring them

VinFast downsizes planned EV factory in Chatham County as construction hits a snag

America's debt problem is storing up trouble for the rest of the world

Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

'The Grief Lady:' NC woman uses mother's funeral flowers to create art, help others heal

Family

Online post sparks conversations about impact of birth order

Troopers help deliver baby in Lowe's parking lot

Olympic athletes look forward to the return of the family celebration

Top Amazon deals: Drawer Organizer 25 Pc Set only $15.29 (43% off), Large Storage Closet Organizers 6 Pk only $19.48 (57% off), Hanes Women's Cotton Pocket Shorts only $8.40 w/coupon

SmartShopper

Walmart Flash Deals: Heavy Duty 4 Shelf Garage Shelving Unit only $39.99 (reg. $109.99), Evo Chef Air Fryer 12QT Convection Oven only $69.99 & more

Macy's Flash Sale: Men's clothing on sale 40-70% off today, April 18 plus earn Star Money

List of top grocery deals valid April 17-23

Tar Heel Traveler: YUM!

Tar Heel Traveler

Avondale Initiates Quorum Health At Market Perform, $14 Target