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Changes to bail policies, rules for magistrates and the death penalty are among the proposals North Carolina legislators are considering after the Charlotte stabbing of Iryna Zarutska.

NC Senate votes to find new ways to execute prisoners, make other legal changes in wake of Charlotte stabbing

IMPLEMENTED ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES AFTER THE ESCAPE. NEW TONIGHT, THE NORTH CAROLINA SENATE APPROVED A CRIME BILL IN WAKE OF THAT DEADLY STABBING OF A WOMAN IN CHARLOTTE. CHARGES ARE CHANGES TO BAIL POLICIES AND THE DEATH PENALTY ARE AMONG THE PROPOSALS. LEGISLATORS ARE CONSIDERING ONE AMENDMENT PROMPTED SOME DEMOCRATS TO ACTUALLY LEAVE THE SESSION. ALSO NEW TONIGHT, PEOPLE IN CHARLOTTE GATHERING TO HONOR THE LIFE OF ARENAS. IT'S A ROUTE SCOUT WHO DIED IN CHARLOTTE IN THAT STABBING ATTACK. THAT PROMPTED THE LEGISLATION. WE'RE GONNA GET TO THAT VIGIL IN JUST A MOMENT. FIRST, THOUGH, WRAL'S REALLY DANLEY WAS AT THE SENATE TONIGHT JOINS US NOW LIVE FROM THE LEGISLATURE. >> WELL, DAN, NEARLY EVERY DEMOCRAT THAT WAS IN SENATE TODAY WALKED OUT IN PROTEST FOR WHAT THEY'RE CALLING THE POLITICIZATION OF THE TRAGIC DEATH OF IRENE U.S. ROUTE SCOTT. >> NEW TONIGHT IN THE 28 8, BOTH THE STATE SENATE PASSED A BILL THAT AIMS TO RESTART THE DEATH PENALTY IN NORTH CAROLINA. THE BILL WOULD ALSO MAKE IT HARDER FOR PEOPLE WITH A HISTORY OF MENTAL ILLNESS IN CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR TO GET BACK ON THE STREETS FOLLOWING ARREST. ALL OF THIS TAKES PLACE AFTER THE FATAL STABBING OF A ROOTS CAN AUGUST GOOD FIRST STEP. >> AND ENSURING THAT THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITIES THAT ARE MENTALLY ILL ARE IN MENTAL HOSPITALS AND NOT IN JAILS. AND THOSE THAT ARE DANGEROUS CRIMINALS ARE IN JAILS AND NOT OUT ON THE >> THE ORIGINAL CRIME BILL HAD SUPPORT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE. THAT WAS UNTIL SENATE LEADER PHIL BERGER PROPOSED TO SURPRISE AMENDMENT THAT AIMS TO RESTART THE DEATH PENALTY, WHICH HAS BEEN PAUSED IN THE STATE OVER LEGAL CHALLENGES. AND THAT JUST LED TO A COMPLETE ERUPTION AMONG THE DEMOCRATS. WE FELT IT WAS AN UNFAIR MOVE FOR HIM TO MAKE THAT IT WAS POLITICIZING. >> WHAT HAD BEEN SOME BIPARTISAN AGREEMENT ON THIS AND THEY SAID WAS JUST POLITICIZING THE TRAGEDY OF HER DEATH. MOST DEMOCRATS IN ATTENDANCE LEFT THE FLOOR IN PROTEST. THE ONES THAT STAYED BEHIND CALL THE MOVE TO REINSTATE THE DEATH PENALTY. DISTURBING END UNNECESSARY NORTH CAROLINA HASN'T EXECUTED ANYBODY IN NEARLY 20 YEARS BUT THE DEATH PENALTY DOES STILL EXIST HERE. WE JUST HAVEN'T USED IT SINCE 2006 HAS BEEN HELD UP TO THE COURT CASES DUE TO OTHER LEGAL REASONING. >> THIS BILL WILL NOW GO TO THE HOUSE WHERE IT IS EXPECTED TO PASS. IT COULD BE ON GOVERNOR STEIN'S DEATHS AS SOON AS THE END OF THIS WEEK. TUNE INTO WRAL NEWS AT 11 O'CLOCK.

New way to execute prisoners, other legal changes pass in NC Senate

CATS surveillance video shows moments before Charlotte light rail attack

Durham venue keeps $18K deposit after groom's sudden death

5OYS groom death before wedding

Trump makes unfounded claims about Tylenol and repeats discredited link between vaccines and autism

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Teens attacked mental health facility staff during Sunday's escape in Raleigh, CEO says

Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh

Summer overtime? 90-degree highs possible to start fall, storm chances rise at the end of the week

Daily high temperature forecast through Thursday, 9/25/2025

Man recovered from Wake County pond after hours-long search, sheriff's office says

Search for a man at a home on Hodge Road in Wake County near Wendell

Durham subdivision runoff lawsuit ends in settlement

Lick Creek

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Claudette Childs is a lifelong resident of Pensacola, a tiny community in Yancey County. After living through the destruction and loss of life from Hurricane Helene, Childs and others like her are feeling abandoned by the federal and state governments.

Helene victim will always remember storm - why she feels forgotten by lawmakers

Helene damage

NEW YORK (AP) â ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmelâs late night show in the wake of criticism over his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, officials with the network said Monday.

ABC ends Jimmy Kimmel's suspension and his show will return Tuesday

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Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit the Charlotte area this week with the city at the center of a renewed debate about public safety.

JD Vance to speak in Concord about safety, crime policies in light of Charlotte stabbing

Trump Administration Wields Its Full Toolbox to Bring Media to Heel

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: Gabrielle strengthens to a Cat. 4 hurricane, tracking two other areas in the tropics

Hurricane Gabrielle path as of 5 a.m., Monday Sept. 22

The league, like the SEC, currently plays eight conference games. But the SEC is moving to nine games next season, joining the Big 12 and Big Ten, and the ACC is following suit.


ACC moves to play 9 conference football games each year

Teddy Hoffman

North Carolina Republican lawmakers, unable to reach a state budget deal, are attempting to pass smaller and more targeted spending plans.

NC Senators push 'mini budget' spending plans, but deals appear elusive

State budget

Detention officer Brian Edwards was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 20, when the department learned of "concerning social media posts" allegedly made by Edwards. The department did not say what the posts contained or referenced. 



Orange Co. officer fired after 'concerning' social media posts

Orange Co. Sheriff's Detention Officer Brian Edwards

Former Appalachian State football coach Shawn Clark died on Sunday. He was 50 years old and coached the Mountaineers from 2020 to 2024.

Former Appalachian State football coach Shawn Clark dies at 50

Shawn Clark

Cary police are investigating a deadly pedestrian crash on SW Maynard Road near Kildaire Farm Road. The driver stayed at the scene to speak with officers, police said.
 

Person killed in Cary crash on SW Maynard Road near Kildaire Farm Road

Cary crash blocks SW Maynard Road near Kildaire Farm Road

A new North Carolina bill aims to disqualify Planned Parenthood as a Medicaid contractor and, separately, require medical providers share more information about the cost of services.

NC Senate moves to end Medicaid's work with Planned Parenthood, boost medical bill transparency

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Free money from Zelle or Cash App--just for filling out a government form? That's what some TikTok videos claim.


5 On Your Side: Don't fall for this scam handing out free money from Zelle or Cash App

Photo by Andres Perez on Unsplash

Fall festival season is here, and western North Carolina is more than ready to welcome visitors one year after Hurricane Helene devastated dozens of communities.


Western NC fall festivals make a vibrant comeback one year post-Hurricane Helene devastation

Haywood Music Trails Smoky Mountain Bluegrass

Drugstores are ready to deliver updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall and insurers plan to pay for them, even though the shots no longer come recommended by an important government committee.

How to get a COVID-19 shot and ensure it's covered by your insurance

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Whether your dog is social or enjoys more independence, the Triangle has some of the best dog parks have something for everyone. 

Unleash the fun: Top dog parks in the Triangle for your four-legged friends

Dogs greet each other at the entrance of Carolina Pines Dog Park

A single AI data center could use as much water as a small town, raising questions in North Carolina about growth, climate resilience and resource planning.

AI data centers would need millions of gallons of North Carolina's water supply a day

Water faucet stock photo

Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard details the fall events and new openings you will want to try, including Lawrence Barbecue coming to Cary.


Foodie News: New brisket, oysters, brunch options coming this fall to the Triangle

They Bet Their Future on Barbecue Dreams. Many Lost Everything.

Don't Miss It

WRAL's Liz McLaughlin walked us through years of concerns, and a potential conclusion

Settlement aims to curb Durham runoff

Trump's H-1B visa changes includes $100K fee for each international employee

NC lawmakers propose pulling state funding for Planned Parenthood

7 teens found after they escaped from Raleigh mental health facility

Tar Heel Traveler: Oxford barber of 50 years retires

President Trump makes major autism announcement

President Trump to make major autism announcement

Video Central

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Dog shot during Durham armed robbery, man faces charges

Local News

Trump's $100K H-1B visa fee hikes could hit Triangle tech businesses hard

5 injured in Alamance County shooting

Holliday: Duke saves season with rally against NC State

Kara Lawson is named head coach of the US women's basketball team for the 2028 LA Olympics

Trump previews 'amazing' autism announcement Monday that's expected to focus on pain reliever, vitamin deficiency

Nation/World

Super typhoon blowing by northern Philippines and Taiwan forces evacuations and closures

Russia and Ukraine trade deadly drone strikes as Zelenskyy anticipates intense diplomacy at UN

Residents of San Francisco Bay Area jolted awake by 4.3 magnitude earthquake

Trump officials praise Charlie Kirk's faith and his mark on the conservative movement

'Free of fear:' Raleigh Hispanic festival hopes to unite community amid deportation fears

La Fiesta del Pueblo lights up downtown Raleigh

Weekend best bets: 919 Day, CenterFest, Bounce America

Big Bounce America file photo

Roach races and buggy dishes: BugFest is coming up this weekend

Krill are the featured bug this year at BugFest 2025

CenterFest to bring family fun to downtown Durham

CenterFest 2025

Seaboard Station social district gets preliminary approval from city leaders

Raleigh leaders are considering expanding the Sip n' Stroll program to the Village District.

Out & About

Fact-check: Is Charlie Kirk's shooting suspect a registered Republican who donated to Trump?

Politifact

Fact check: Trump says gas and grocery prices are down

Fact check: Does new North Carolina law allow doctors to practice without completing U.S. exams?

Fact check: Whatley says 'Cooper bears direct responsibility' for Charlotte stabbing

PolitiFact: Charlie Kirk's assassination highlights the rise in US political violence

Steel startup considers NC for major factory as Nucor snaps up land

NC Capitol

Lenovo Center could benefit from arena funding bill

NC Senate approves $35 million for infrastructure related to Lenovo Center development

State lawmakers return to Raleigh focused on crime, health care spending and more

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending Sept. 18

Teacher vacancies down in 2025 compared to last year, data shows

Education

NC teacher vacancies and number of teachers are down, new data shows

Hillside High School lifts lockdown after Durham police investigate nearby

UNC System schools consider tuition increases

Pembroke Elementary first-grade student found with handgun

'I want to see them prosecuted': Where do criminal investigations into CJF America stand?

WRAL In Depth

Wake teachers using AI in the classroom set tone for safe, smart learning

Duke AI program emphasizes critical thinking for job security

Public employees' comments on Charlie Kirk killing largely protected by law, analysts say

Couple battling illness says contractor took money, didn't finish job

Bruce Pearl, winningest basketball coach in Auburn history, announces retirement

WRALSportsFan

Lea: A 30-0 win for the Carolina Panthers, this is what it's supposed to look like

49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa is out for the season with a torn ACL

AP Top 25: No. 12 Texas Tech's Joey McGuire says his team's ascent is fueled by love, not money

Panthers dominate Falcons 30-0 for first win of the season

NC Football Top 25: Garner, Freedom, & East Lincoln join the statewide ranking

HighSchoolOT

Volleyball Top 25: Lake Norman Charter, Carson, Gray's Creek jump into this week's statewide rankings

Top 25: Western Alamance now No. 1 in HighSchoolOT boys soccer statewide rankings

HighSchoolOT's 2025 area code Top 15 rankings for football

HighSchoolOT's 2025 area code Top 15 rankings for volleyball

The seven teens who escaped Sunday night from a metal health facility in Raleigh are accused of attacking a staff member to get keys and kicked their way through a door to get out, according to the facility's CEO.

7 teens found after they escaped from Holly Hill Children's Hospital

One year after Hurricane Helene, a new WRAL Documentary looks at the storm's devastating toll and the resilience of the people who survived it. "Helene: What We Lost, What We Found" airs Thursday, Sept. 25 on WRAL-TV and streams on WRAL.com, the WRAL News app and WRAL's YouTube channel.

One year since Helene: WRAL Documentary shares stories of hope and survival 

"Helene: What We Lost, What We Found"

A lawsuit filed by seven former employees against CJF America remains unserved, while the company's president recently missed a court appearance. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the Durham-based company.

Where do criminal investigations into CJF America stand?

Former Gov. Roy Cooper is raising concerns about the state economy as Republicans in Washington slash health spending and Republicans in Raleigh show no immediate interest in replacing the funding.

Roy Cooper hosts roundtable on health care

Former Gov. Roy Cooper is raising concerns about impending health care cuts and their effect on the state economy, as Republicans in Washington slash health spending and Republicans in Raleigh show no immediate interest in replacing the funding.

2026 Senate race: Roy Cooper criticizes 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' health care costs in Raleigh speech

Former Gov. Roy Cooper is considered the Democratic front-runner in the race for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate speech. He's expected to take on Republican Michael Whatley in the 2026 general election.

Cooper, seeking NC's open U.S. Senate seat, tackles health care cuts in Raleigh speech

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

WRAL Specialists

Don't Waste Your Money: What's next for mortgage rates?

Restaurant Ratings: Anthony's La Piazza, IHOP and China Wok

5 On Your Side helps viewers get broken utility boxes repaired

5 On Your Side

President of NC nonprofit accused of not paying workers skips court

President of company accused of not paying employees misses court date

UNC researchers finds endangered shark at local stores

UNC researchers say some shark and other seafood sold in stores may not be what you think it is

Investigations

The New AirPods Can Translate Languages in Your Ears. This Is Profound.

A robot programmed to act like a 7-year-old girl works to combat fear and loneliness in hospitals

Nvidia to Buy $5 Billion Stake in Intel, Giving Rival a Lifeline

Donald Thompson: Insights on leadership from an expert on building trust

WRAL TechWire

Emerging TikTok deal with China ensures US control of board and crucial algorithm, White House says

Trump signs proclamation adding $100K annual fee for H-1B visa applications

US Steel changes course and will keep processing raw steel at Granite City plant in Illinois

Trump administration moves to revoke permit for Massachusetts offshore wind project

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

BugFest bites: Elizabeth Gardner tries some cricket cuisine

Family

A parent's guide to puberty

5 steps for better health in your 40s and 50s

When flowers spring from weeds: Magic in my yard

Why I'll leave your group text

Top Amazon Deals: Eveready LED Flashlights 4 pk only $6.90 (51% off), Kindle Unlimited free for 3 months, Prime Day event Oct. 7-8

SmartShopper

Target Deals: Up to 64% off Halloween plus Target Circle Week Oct. 5-11

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