Raleigh breaking news and weather, Raleigh North Carolina news today, WRAL 7-day forecasts, NC lottery updates. WRAL news in Raleigh, NC.

WRAL.com

A handful of towns in the Triangle are kicking off Fourth of July festivities a day early, attributing vendor availability, financial reasons and proximity to larger festivities to making early celebrations a tradition for their communities.


July 3 fireworks: Why some towns in the Triangle celebrate the Fourth of July early

HIS INJURIES. POLICE HAVE NOT MADE AN ARREST OR SHARED A SUSPECT DESCRIPTION. >> 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS ARE GETTING UNDERWAY EARLY IN THE TRIANGLE TONIGHT. THE TOWN OF WAKE FOREST IS HOSTING ITS ANNUAL FIREWORKS. SPECTACULAR AND GATES JUST OPENED IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MINUTES. WRAL'S WILL LEAD AN ALI IS JOINING US NOW LIVE AT HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL. HOW'S IT LOOKING OUT THERE? REALLY? >> WE'LL LEAVE IT. AS YOU JUST SAID, THE GATES JUST OPENED. THIS EVENT IS KICKING OFF IN THE PARKING LOT IS STARTING TO FILL UP. YOU CAN SEE BEHIND ME THESE FOOD TRUCKS ARE STARTING TO GET SOME CUSTOMERS. THOSE GRILLS ARE FIRING UP IN THE ENTERTAINMENT IS TAKING THE STAGE. THIS IS ACTUALLY THE 52ND YEAR. THE CELEBRATION HAS BEEN HELD IN WAKE FOREST ON JULY 3RD AND WAKE FOREST IS NOT ALONE. SEVERAL OTHER CITIES AND TOWNS AROUND THE AREA ARE HOLDING CELEBRATIONS THE DAY BEFORE THE 4TH OF JULY. THOSE INCLUDE A TAX PARTNER AND SMITHFIELD JUST TO NAME A COUPLE. I SPOKE TO ONE OF THE BRAINS BEHIND THIS EVENT AND ASKED THEM WHY CELEBRATE ON THE 3RD AND NOT THE 4TH OF JULY. >> WHEN THEY STARTED, THERE WERE ONLY ABOUT 3,000 PEOPLE IN LAKE FOREST. AND SO THEIR CALL WAS LET'S HAVE OUR FIREWORKS ON THE 3RD. AND THEN PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY CAN GO TO LARGER COMMUNITIES AND SAY MORE FIREWORKS ON THE 4TH. >> IF YOU'RE COMING OUT TO THIS EVENT AT HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL OR ONE OF THE OTHER 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS BEING HELD ON THE 3RD OF JULY. I TOLD YOU SHOULD COME PREPARED. IT IS HOT OUT HERE, BUT NOT TO WORRY. IF YOU DON'T BRING YOUR WATER WITH YOU THERE. PLENTY OF REFRESHMENTS THAT ARE GOING TO BE FOR SALE AND WAKE FOREST LEGALLY. WRAL, NEWS. >> ALRIGHT, WILLIE, THANKS SO MUCH. REAL QUICK BEFORE I LET YOU GO, WHAT ARE YOU GETTING TO EAT THIS EVENING? YEAH. A LOT OF GOOD OPTIONS. >> IT'S FUNNY YOU ASK BECAUSE I WAS JUST TELLING, JOHN, I THINK I'M GOING TO CHECK OUT THIS WEEK TRUCK RIGHT HERE ON THE BILL IS TALKING RIGHT NOW. BUT THERE'S A LOT TO OFFER IT AT THE POOL. ANY OPTIONS. BUT THAT'S A GOOD CHOICE.

Town of Wake Forest hosts annual fireworks spectacular

Fireworks stock photo

Warrant: Raleigh woman was on phone when she hit mother, child in Walmart parking lot

Jeronica Rogers, hit and run

Some isolated storms on the coast, humidity dips and 90s return for holiday weekend

4th of July weekend planner

200 NC Marines sent to Florida to provide support for ICE operations

Marine Corps symbol at Camp Lejeune

EPA employees in RTP invited to adopt soon-to-be homeless lab rats

EPA Employees Are Invited to Adopt Soon-to-Be Homeless Lab Rats

NC State grad was Diddy's Chief of Staff, accused of being co-conspirator in civil lawsuits

Trump's task as he heads to Iowa: Selling His Bill to the American Public

Senate Republicans Revise Trumpâs Policy Bill, Scrounging for Votes to Pass It

WRAL News+

WRAL News+ Live Thumbnail

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

The Atlantic hurricane season runs each year from June 1 to Nov. 30. The most active time is late August into October, but it's possible to see a hurricane make landfall any time of the year. 

Hurricane season 2025: System has 60% chance for development, rip currents and rain possible at NC coast 

Tropical Outlook 2 p.m. July 3, 2025

The FDA has issued a Class I grade recall for 12,000 pounds of organic blueberries that were shipped to North Carolina.

Recall: 12,000 pounds of blueberries shipped to NC have listeria risk

Blueberries

According to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York Consumer Expectation Survey, 75% of the firms responding say those costs are being passed onto consumers.

Three out of four businesses passing tariff costs onto consumers, survey reveals

A photo of two Burke Brothers employees.

While it is unclear what caused the fire or if anyone was injured, firefighters said they would have more information once the fire is contained.


More than a dozen firefighters respond to fire at Rolesville home

House fire in Rolesville

In March 2024, Fayetteville police went public with the case of a missing child. Blake Deven hadn't been seen in years. Since that time, WRAL has been investigating and highlighting critical failures in North Carolina's foster care system.

North Carolina foster care: Broken but changing

A file photo of a sad child.

Stein said that his vetoes highlight his belief that the Republican-led legislature has its priorities all wrong, failing to pass a state budget and instead focusing on what Stein called divisive culture war battles.

Stein vetoes bills on gender issues and DEI, calling them 'mean-spirited'

Josh Stein speaks with supporters on Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Would you shell out a few extra bucks every year to help rescue wild turtles? A bill in the state legislature would create a special license plate that would provide funding for the Turtle Rescue Team at NC State. But for years, the idea's gotten bogged down in the state Senate. Could this be the year? 

NC State turtle rescue team lobbies for special license plate 

A file photo of a turtle under the care of the Turtle Rescue Team at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Durham police have completed a three-day operation ending in 30 arrests and the seizure of over 20 guns. This initiative aimed at curbing violent crime in the city.


Durham police arrests 30 and seizes 22 guns in major crackdown on violent crime

Durham police headquarters

The search for a missing 21-year-old swimmer in North Myrtle Beach is set to continue Thursday morning. Beachgoers are urged to exercise caution as tropical development looms, increasing the risk of hazardous conditions.


Search resumes for missing SC swimmer, be aware of rip currents for Fourth of July weekend

Myrtle Beach

Nikolaj Ehlers and the Hurricanes agreed to a six-year contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million.

Canes make splash in free agency, sign Winnipeg vet Nikolaj Ehlers

Free_Agents_To_Watch_Hockey_00479

View WRAL's latest top news

MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM

95.7 That Station

99.9 The Fan

Each year, lifeguards along the Carolina coast rescue hundreds of people. The majority of those swimmers are those caught in rip currents.

Beware of rip currents during busy beach weekends: What to do if you feel the pull

Wrightsville Beach

Throwing a kids party at your house? Consumer Reports has tips to help you throw a fun, budget-friendly and safe party for everyone.


5 On Your Side: Tips for a fun, safe kids party

Dinosaur birthday party

The SPCA of Wake County is urging pet owners to bring their animals inside during fireworks this July 4.

Pet owners: More dogs and cats get lost on July 4 than any other day

Here is your guide to minor league baseball in the Triangle. What to know about ticket prices, mascots, unique concessions and the best promotions for a family day at the ballpark.

A local insider guide to the best Minor League Baseball in NC's Triangle

Durham Bulls Athletic Park

A biologist with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission shares ways you can safely deal with snakes around your yard this summer.

How to deal with snakes in your yard safely, sanely and humanely

Experts: How to keep snakes out of your yard

Wednesday is the busiest day of road travel before the July 4 holiday, according to AAA.


Fourth of July driving forecast: Hit the road early, Wednesday is busiest travel day

Woman driving car

Don't Miss It

Nearly 200 U.S. Marines in North Carolina will be sent to Florida to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Florida.

200 Marines from MCAS New River mobilizing to support ICE in Florida

Tariff threats loom for business despite positive consumer outlook

Special license plate could help fund Turtle Rescue Team at NC State

One year later: WRAL revisits case of Fayetteville mother accused of murdering adoptive children

Warrants reveal disturing details of Blake and London's deaths 

Bankruptcy sale of 23andMe includes protection for customer data

Video Central

WRAL 6am News | July 3

6am Newscast Static

WRAL 9am News | July 3

9am Newscast Static

WRAL Noon News | July 1

12pm Newscast Static

WRAL 4pm News | July 3

4pm Newscast Static

WRAL 6pm News | July 3

6pm Newscast Static

WRAL 10pm News | July 2

10pm Newscast Static

Anne Wojcicki's nonprofit gets court approval to buy 23andMe for $305 million

Local News

Raleigh second-quarter crime data shows decrease in some offenses from 2024

Raleigh mom charged in 2024 apartment fire that killed her two children

Meet Sora, Cooper and Swift: Duke Lemur Center welcomes adorable lemur triplets to Durham

Trump lands first major legislative win after Congress passes his massive domestic policy bill

Nation/World

Drive-by shooting kills 4 and wounds 14 others after a party at a Chicago restaurant

Strikes kill 94 Palestinians in Gaza, including 45 people waiting for aid, authorities say

The Latest: Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty in University of Idaho stabbings

Skydiving plane goes off New Jersey runway and crashes into woods, sending 15 to hospital

Celebrate Independence Day July 4 and the weekend leading up to it with this list of festivals, fireworks, parades and more.



The top July 4 fireworks, festivals, and food trucks in the Triangle + maps

List: July 4 fireworks, festivals, food trucks in the Triangle 

60+ events happening in NC this July

July events list

Weekend best bets: EnoFest, movies and more

Festival For The Eno 6-7-12-32

New arcade and taproom opening in downtown Fayetteville

Arcade stock photo

Free, discounted summer family movies in the Triangle

Free or discounted summer movies in Triangle

DPAC ranked as #2 theatre in America by Billboard

Outside of DPAC file photo

Out & About

Fact-checking Elizabeth Warren on Meta's tax break in 'Big Beautiful Bill'

Politifact

Fact check: White House says 'big beautiful bill' would boost take-home pay by $10,000

Fact check: Will GOP bill give a tax cut to Social Security recipients?

Fact check: Newsom compares murder rates in California to GOP-controlled Southern states

Fact check: What was the Minnesota shooting suspect's political ideology?

Stein urges opposition to Trump budget, warning of major job losses, sky-high energy bills

NC Capitol

NC increases insurance costs for new drivers

Stein vetoes bills on Duke Energy, charter schools, empowering state auditor

How an empty North Carolina rural hospital explains a GOP senator's vote against Trump's tax bill

Higher auto insurance bills on the way for many in NC, especially new drivers

Trump administration withholds $169M from NC public schools amid review

Education

New NC law restricts cellphones in classrooms, requires social media literacy lessons

Supreme Court says Maryland parents can pull their kids from public school lessons using LGBTQ books

Harnett County Schools announce new start, end times for 2025-2026 to boost efficiency

Lawmakers send bill targeting gender, public school discussions to NC governor

Who will Trump back to replace Tillis? 3 Republicans to watch

WRAL In Depth

NC man's homeowners insurance soars 41% in one year due to 'consent to rate' clause

Diagnosis Young: Doctors see link between lifestyle, cancer diagnoses

Thom Tillis is leaving the Senate over Medicaid cuts. Here's what they'll mean for NC

Expired pool permits: WRAL investigation spurs Wake County to inspect pools

Luna scores twice to lead US over Guatemala 2-1 and into CONCACAF Gold Cup final

WRALSportsFan

UNC picks athletics director to replace Bubba Cunningham, who isn't leaving yet

Wilson Warbirds reveal renderings of new downtown baseball stadium

Claire Hutton scores first international goal to help the United States beat Canada 3-0

Deandre Ayton will join LeBron, Luka and the Lakers after Portland buyout, AP sources say

These class of 2026 N.C. football players are committed to out-of-state Division I schools

HighSchoolOT

Meet the 19 girls and 25 boys lacrosse players who made All-American lists

Building the Fence: Class of 2026 in-state football commits

Jordan 4-star DL Noah Clark picks South Carolina over NC State, UVA, & VT

Confirmed transfers impacting the 2025 North Carolina high school football season

Starting Tuesday, July 1, most disposable vapes will no longer be legal in North Carolina as a result of House Bill 900, a bill signed into law last year by former Gov. Roy Cooper. 

New NC restrictions on flavored vape products effect

WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty answered viewer questions about flooding and missing furniture from the Hawkins-Hartness House.

In Depth with Dan: Answering viewer questions about flooding, missing furniture from NC lieutenant governor's house

WRAL anchor/reporter Ashley Rowe examines who could possibly replace U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who announced he won't seek reelection in 2026.

Who could take Sen. Thom Tillis' seat?

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, had told fellow Senators in the days before the vote on Trump's budget that it will kick more than 600,000 North Carolinians off their health insurance if it becomes law.

Federal budget cuts threaten 660,000-plus people covered by Medicaid expansion

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis' decision to not seek reelection comes after he opposed President Donald Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill," which would cut taxes on wages and tips while increasing spending on many of the president's priorities, including immigration enforcement.

Tillis criticizes Trump's big tax bill on Senate floor, says he won't run again

As early-onset cancer diagnoses surge among young people, doctors and researchers are urgently exploring potential causes including environmental and dietary factors, with ultra-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles under scrutiny.


Doctors worry ultra-processed foods play role in early onset cancers

WRAL Specialists

Beware this bacon: Oscar Mayer recalls turkey bacon, could be contaminated with listeria

5 On Your Side: Top Independence Day deals to save on more for the 4th

Make the most of everyday purchases with a cashback card

5 On Your Side

Iranian hackers targeting specific industries for cyber attacks as conflict escalates

Duke expert warns: Iranian cyber threats target specific jobs, not public at large

Thousands in revenue for field parties raise concerns about underage drinking, agritourism, and safety

Orange County farm owner facing new charges for another party

Investigations

CivicReach: Transforming government customer experience with AI

Mike Walden: Drip of uncertainty constrains NC's economic growth

Durham chipmaker Wolfspeed files for bankruptcy protection, seeking to reduce debt, remerge

WRAL TechWire

U.S. applications for jobless aid fell to 233,000 last week as layoffs remain low

One Tech Tip: Get the most out of ChatGPT and other AI chatbots with better prompts

US stocks set another record and yields leap on signals the US economy is solid

Fireworks will light up this Fourth of July. Next year could be different if tariff talks fizzle

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Next steps after your toddler is diagnosed with autism

Family

Owner of popular farm worried about proposed traffic plan that would pave over land

Go Ask Dad: Nearer to kneeling

Parents, break away this summer to rethink the path ahead

Historic Grasshopper Farms threatened by NCDOT road widening project in Knightdale

Over 25 Prime Video Channels for only $0.99/mo for 2 months: Paramount+, Starz, MGM+, Cinemax & more!

SmartShopper

Fourth of July 2025 restaurant & retail deals

BJ's Wholesale Club 1-yr membership only $15 (80% off)!

Super Amazon Deals: Early Prime Day sales, Amazon Devices up to 62% off, Prime for Young Adults no cost for 6 mo., $0.99 Prime Video Channels

Where can I find the best prices on grocery staples this week?

Tar Heel Traveler: 70th Anniversary

Tar Heel Traveler

Latest News about 039e67d0/d6de/5059/85d1/34c43414b79b