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Costs are going up for most of the nearly 800,000 people on the North Carolina State Health Plan, which provides insurance for teachers, state employees, retirees and their families.

NC State Health Plan leaders vote to raise health insurance premiums on state workers

<p>IN THAT SAME APARTMENT COMPLEX EARLIER THIS MONTH. THANK YOU, BRIAN. HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN NORTH CAROLINA WILL FACE HIGHER HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS. &gt;&gt; THE STATE HEALTH PLAN BOARD IS SET TO VOTE ON THE HIGHER RATES TOMORROW. THE BOARD SAYS THIS INCREASE IS NECESSARY TO COVER THE EXPENSE OF THE PROGRAM. THE BUREAU CAPITAL BUREAU CHIEF LAURA LESLIE IS LIVE AT THE LEGISLATIVE BUILDING. LAURA, HOW MUCH MORE WILL EMPLOYEES HAVE TO PAY? &gt;&gt; YOU KNOW, JAILED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN STATE HEALTH PLAN. HISTORY. PREMIUMS ARE GOING TO BE ON A SLIDING SCALE RIGHT? SO IF YOU MAKE $50,000 A YEAR OR LESS, A STATE EMPLOYEE, YOU'RE GOING TO SEE A SMALLER INCREASE. BUT IF YOU MAKE $90,000 OR MORE PER YEAR, YOU'LL SEE A LARGER INCREASE AND THE INCREASES DON'T DEPEND SOLELY ON THE ON YOUR PAY. IT ALSO DEPENDS WHAT PLAN YOU'RE ON. THAT DID THAT FOR A SINGLE WORKER MAKING UNDER $50,000 A YEAR ON THE BASIC PLAN, THE PREMIUM WILL GO UP TO 10TH AT 10 UP $10 A MONTH. BUT A SINGLE WORKER MAKING THAT $90,000 A YEAR ON THE PLUS PLAN WILL SEE AN INCREASE OF $110 A MONTH. OTHER CHANGES DO DEPEND ON YOUR SALARY AT ALL. COPAYS ARE GOING UP FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYONE. FOR MOST PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, EMERGENCY BERM COPAYS WILL NEARLY DOUBLE THE ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE FOR THE STANDARD PLAN WILL DOUBLE THE STATE HEALTH PLAN BOARD WILL VOTE ON THESE CHANGES TOMORROW. PLAN DIRECTOR TOM FRIEDMAN EXPECTS IT WILL PASS. WHY WERE THESE INCREASE IS NECESSARY? &gt;&gt; AT ITS SIMPLEST LEVEL, THE PAST 8 YEARS, THE STATE HEALTH PLAN HAS BEEN SPENDING MORE MONEY. IT WAS TAKING IN. THE PREVIOUS TREASURY CAME IN WITH SIGNIFICANT RESERVES. THOSE RESERVES ARE GONE. SO IS HEALTH CARE COSTS CONTINUE TO INCREASE WITHOUT RESERVES. WE HAVE A PRETTY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES. &gt;&gt; AND THE PLAN WAS PROJECTED TO RUN OUT OF MONEY NEXT YEAR UNLESS CHANGES WERE MADE. OTHER CHANGES WILL INCLUDE LOWER IN COST TO ENROLL CHILDREN IN A HEALTH PLAN. THEY'RE ALSO GETTING RID OF THE TOBACCO AT A STATION IN THE HIGHER PREMIUMS FOR SMOKERS, GROUPS THAT REPRESENT TEACHERS AND STATE EMPLOYEES SAY THEY ARE DISAPPOINTED BY THE INCREASES. WELL HERE, ESPECIALLY IN A YEAR WHERE THEY HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANY RAISES WILL</p>

Hospital floor

State health plan vote could spike health insurance premiums

Multi-billion legal fight over state health plan to play out for next two weeks

Community to memorialize Ned Byrd with bridge 3 years after the Wake County Deputy's death

Three years after Wake County Sheriff's Deputy Ned Byrd was fatally shot during a traffic stop, the community honored his memory with a bridge dedicated in his name and a memorial triathlon.

With winds up to 75 mph, Erin becomes a hurricane

Path for Hurricane Erin as of 11 a.m. on Aug. 15, 2025

Here's why UNC shares more $$ with men's basketball than most universities

UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham

The Latest: Trump en route to high-stakes meeting with Putin in Alaska

APTOPIX_Trump_Putin_85176

Clearing skies, heating up: Friday, weekend could see highs near 90

Weather weekend headlines

Duke Energy wants to merge Carolinas operations, claims it could save customers over $1 billion

State Senate set to consider veto override for Duke Energy Bill this week

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The City of Oaks uniforms, with elements that reference the city of Raleigh, will make their debut when the Wolfpack welcomes East Carolina on Aug. 28.


Acorns, new script link NC State football uniforms to home in Raleigh

NC State City of Oaks football uniforms

The Durham Bulls have released a special Wool E. Bull popcorn bucket available at Friday night's game.


Durham Bulls unveil new Wool E. Bull popcorn bucket

Durham Bulls release Wool E. Bull popcorn bucket

Thursday night storms knocked down trees, flooded roads and left multiple vehicles stranded in the Triangle.


Downpours in the Triangle toppled trees, flooded roads, stranded vehicles overnight

Downpour impacts in the Triangle overnight, morning after

A warrant issued for 30-year-old Shelton Burkart alleged that on June 24, 2024, he "knowingly" possessed visual material of children, ages 8 to 12, naked in dressing rooms and engaging in sexual activity.


Warren County pastor arrested on child sex charges, North Carolina SBI says

Shelton Burkart

Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard shares details about Good Graces, which opened this week in the North Hills Innovation District, and information about other restaurants opening in the area.


Foodie News: New market, cafe and bar opens in North Hills

North Hills Innovation District artist rendering

Universities across the Triangle are going to be bustling with activity as students return to campus.


Expect heavy traffic as Triangle universities welcome students back to campus

Generic, stock college students move-in, NC State

WASHINGTON (AP) â The nation's capital sued to block President Donald Trump's takeover of its police department in court on Friday, hours after his administration escalated its intervention into the cityâs law enforcement by naming a federal official as the new emergency head of the department.

DC sues to block Trump's federal takeover of its police department as intervention intensifies

Federal_Intervention_66665

Harnett County sheriff's deputies said gunfire was exchanged during a reported burglary at a home in the 21000 block of NC 24-27 near McKoy Town Road late Thursday.


Gunfire exchanged during attempted burglary of Harnett Co. home, police said.

Police respond to an attempted burglary in Harnett Co.

NC State athletics partnered with Oak View Group to enhance the university's revenue streams and leverage the company's global expertise in live venue management despite recent legal challenges faced by its ex-CEO, Tim Leiweke, who faces federal charges.

Former CEO of NC State's partner accused of bid rigging in Texas

NC State partners with Oak View Group to revitalize Carter-Finley with concerts and events

Raleigh police are seeing a new trend where criminals are building "Frankenstein cars" by combining stolen parts from high-end vehicles with the legally purchased frames of lower-end models.

Raleigh police uncover 'Frankenstein cars' built from stolen parts

A file photo of cars in a scrap heap.

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While many year-round students have already started classes, Aug. 25 marks the first day of the 2025-2026 academic year for most traditional calendar students.

WRAL is your back-to-school HQ!

Back to school headquarters

The Shope papillomavirus, which causes wart-like growths, likely influenced the centuries-old jackalope myth in North America.

Rabbits with 'horns' in Colorado are being called 'Frankenstein bunnies.' Here's why

Rabbit_Virus_Colorado_20074

The Carolina Panthers keep it simple for fans in the Triangle -- just about every game is on over-the-air, free TV on FOX 50.

How to watch the Panthers, NFL games in 2025 

Xavier Legette, Panthers wide receiver

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

August is a hot time for back-to-school sales and early Labor Day deals, and the savings go way beyond pencils and paper. Here's how to shop smart as we head into the final stretch of summer.


5 On Your Side: Top buys for back-to-school and Labor Day sales

Back-to-school shopping made easy with 5 On Your Side

Anyone buying a used car for a student or themselves in the coming weeks wants a reliable car. Two new studies list the most reliable brands you can buy.


Reliable, long-lasting: These used cars offer the best value for your money

Most reliable used cars

Don't Miss It

Hoku is a 12-year-old neutered male dog, weighing in at 57 pounds. He is a very laid back guy and very loving. He loves attention and loves to snuggle with people.  Hoku has met children of all ages and done well.  Hoku's adoption fee is waived which includes his neuter, microchip, vaccines and other wellness care. 



Pet of the Day: Aug. 15, 2025

Bridge dedicated in honor of fallen Wake County Deputy Ned Byrd

Crane falls on home of Florida man named Jim Crane 

FL CRANE FALLS ON HOUSE

South Carolina coroner turns to AI to identify John Does

CORONER USING AI TO ID THE DEAD

Virginia police debunk mass kidnapping rumors spread on social media

VA: STATE POLICE DEBUNK MASS KIDNAPPING RUMORS

Coffee company brews second chances, opportunities for incarcerated women

CO: COFFEE COMPANY GIVES INMATES NEW OPPORTUNITIES

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Friends and family of London Powers honor her memory with a balloon release

Local News

'He's been anxious about driving': Father of 16-year-old injured in road rage incident speaks out

Two arrested, charged with child rape in Richmond County

Belichick won't be a weekly guest on UNC football radio show

Higher premiums coming: NC State Health Plan to undergo major overhaul in 2026

Scientists discover an ancient whale with a PokÃ©mon face and a predator bite

Nation/World

Trump and Putin's pivotal Alaska summit could reshape the war in Ukraine

Heavy rains expected in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands as Hurricane Erin nears

Bondi names DEA head as DC's 'emergency police commissioner,' but capital leaders push back

The death toll from flash floods in northwest Pakistan has jumped to 157, officials say

It is a busy weekend in the Triangle with Katy Perry at Lenovo Center, the 12th annual CaribMask Carnival in downtown Raleigh and more.


Weekend best bets: Katy Perry, CaribMask Carnival

Katy Perry Thumbnail

Top picks for the best family beach in North Carolina

Wrightsville Beach Sunset. Photo: Big Stock

Explore the best bars in Raleigh: Top spots to unwind

The Willard 

Best places, ongoing series to find free live music in the Triangle

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70+ events happening in NC this August

August events

Foodie News: Oakwood Pizza box opens in old Capital Creations spot

Oakwood Pizza Box

Out & About

Fact check: Were parts of the Constitution 'removed' by the Trump administration?

Politifact

Fact-checking Trump's claims about Washington crime while ordering National Guard deployment

Did Texas Republicans hold more meetings for flooding or redistricting? Fact-checking DNC chair

Fact check: How many Congressional seats will Democrats lose if noncitizens are excluded from the Census?

Fact check: Did the Trump administration defund the National Weather Service ahead of flooding?

NC ramps up efforts to collect $101K owed by nonprofit run by wife of former lieutenant governor

NC Capitol

CEO of NCInnovation, group that boosts university research, to step down

US Attorney Ellis Boyle announces priorities for eastern NC

Internal disputes come to a head at NCInnovation, group backed with $500M from state taxpayers

Cuts to federal food aid program coming soon to North Carolina

'Carpool Dancing Queen' retires from Willow Springs Elementary School

Education

'Carpool Dancing Queen' retires: Beloved Wake County teacher bids farewell

Parent faces charges for bringing firearm to Nash County school amid new bag ban policy

Adjust routines now to be ready for a new school year

5 On Your Side: Mindful routines to get your child ready for back-to-school

Chapel Hill homeowners accuse town of failing to enforce tree protection rules

WRAL In Depth

Durham nonprofit accused of not paying employees used logos, testimonials, that were not legitimate 

Shrimp trawling argument highlights conflict between recreational, commercial fishing on NC coast

Fixing a $200 million backlog: Wake County students want to modernize school system's HVAC units

Cost of a gunshot: Woman struggles with pain, bills months after Mother's Day shooting

Michigan football fined 10s of millions of dollars, Moore suspended 3 games in sign-stealing scandal

WRALSportsFan

NC State's depth, competition impresses Doeren during fall practices

NBA releases 2025-26 schedule, all teams getting at least two national TV games

NCAA informs Michigan ruling on sign-stealing investigation will be released Friday, AP source says

A way-too early guess at who will make the College Football Playoff this season

Buy Tickets Now: Eight teams to compete in the Southeast Raleigh Bulldog Bash Powered by HighSchoolOT

HighSchoolOT

College prospects at the 2025 Bulldog Bash Powered by HighSchoolOT

No. 23 Cornerstone Charter earns marquee victory over No. 10 McMichael

Six N.C. prospects named in 247Sports' first top 100 for the class of 2028

Confirmed transfers impacting the 2025 North Carolina high school football season

Chapel Hill homeowners claim the town isn't enforcing its tree protection ordinance, leading to trees falling on their properties and causing significant damage.

Chapel Hill homeowners accuse town of not following its tree protection rules

A Durham nonprofit, CJF America, is accused of misrepresenting affiliations with prominent local entities and people on its website, including Duke University, the city of Durham and former political figures.

New issues for Durham-based nonprofit accused of not paying employees

Back-to-school savings. As students prepare to return to the classroom, stores will be packed with students and families looking for new clothes for the upcoming school year. WRAL News looks at how parents can stretch their dollars while shopping. 

Don't Waste Your Money: How to save on school clothing

WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty answered viewer questions about a flesh-eating bacteria in North Carolina and the legalization of digital driver's licenses.

In Depth with Dan: Answering viewer questions about flesh-eating bacteria, digital licenses

The cost of installing newer technology, such as heat pumps that both warm and cool indoor spaces, is less than it used to be thanks to new federal incentives that will last until at least 2035.

Would newer technology solve Wake County schools' HVAC problems?

The changes come three years after the district first received a report from an education consulting firm informing them of major issues with staff training, poorly defined staff roles and problematic communication with parents.

Wake Schools is overhauling how it serves students with disabilities. Here's what they're doing

Student, class, school, writing

WRAL Specialists

WRAL wins national award for coverage of contamination at NC State's Poe Hall

5 On Your Side: New tests for tougher child car seats, when they will take place

5 On Your Side

Inmate death lawsuit against sheriff, 3 detention officers can move forward

Federal judge allows lawsuit against Harnett County sheriff over inmate's death

Multiple employees of Durham-based nonprofit still unpaid

Durham-based nonprofit CFO responds to claim of not paying employees

Investigations

Mike Walden: Is inflation direction good or bad? You decide

Goodbye, $165,000 tech jobs: Student coders seek work at Chipotle

US will get a 15% cut of Nvidia and AMD chip sales to China under a new, unusual agreement

WRAL TechWire

U.S. stocks tap the brakes as Wall Street heads toward the finish of a record-setting week

Louisiana sues Roblox alleging the popular gaming site fails to protect children

Taylor Swift's economic pull makes orange the new green for big brands

Social Security has existed for 90 years. Why it may be more threatened than ever