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A Durham couple's tragic story has sparked outrage and a wave of negative reviews against a Durham  wedding venue, The Cotton Room, which refused to refund a nearly $18,400 deposit after the groom's sudden death. 

Durham wedding venue faces backlash for refusing to refund couple after groom's sudden death

MONTHS. LITTLE 2025. >> FALLOUT FOR THE COTTON ROOM ONE DAY AFTER 5 ON YOUR SIDE REVEALED TO THE DURHAM VENUE REFUSED TO REFUND THE DEPOSIT OF A GROOM WHO DIED MONTHS BEFORE HIS WEDDING. HUNDREDS HAVE TAKEN TO SOCIAL MEDIA, REDDIT AND GOOGLE REVIEWS TONIGHT. ONLY ON WRAL NEWS, KEELY ARTHUR IS PRESSING THE VENUE ON WHETHER IT WILL RECONSIDER. SHE JOINS US NOW LIVE HERE IN STUDIO WITH REACTION KILLING. >> ACTUALLY, I DON'T THINK WE'VE EVER HAD SUCH A STRONG REACTION TO A 5 ON YOUR SIDE STORY AT ALL STEMMING, OF COURSE, FROM THIS DURHAM COUPLE WHO BOOKED THE COTTON ROOM ON OCTOBER. 11TH FOR AN OCTOBER 11TH WEDDING. BUT TRAGEDY STRUCK MAY 12 WHEN THE GROOM AND KRIS PERRY COLLAPSED AND DIED. THE VENUE NOT RETURNING ANY OF THE $18,000 IN DEPOSITS. AND I WANT TO BE CLEAR, THE COTTON ROOM IS TECHNICALLY JUST STICKING TO ITS CONTRACT. BUT SO MANY OF YOU SAYING THAT'S NOT OK. >> A HUNDREDS OF SHARES THOUSANDS OF REACTIONS AND BLUNT COMMENTS LIKE THAT'S WRONG. AND WOW, THAT'S NOT THE WAY TO DO BUSINESS. KRIS PERRY DIED 152 DAYS BEFORE HIS WEDDING. HIS PARENTS SAY THE DJ PHOTOGRAPHER AND WEDDING PLANNER ALL REFUNDED THEIR DEPOSITS. >> THEY RECOGNIZE THE TRAGEDY AND REFUNDED THE MONEY. >> BUT THE VENUE DID NOT THE COTTON ROOM REFUSING TO PAY $18,382 IN NOT REFUNDABLE DEPOSITS INSTEAD OFFERING A PARTIAL REFUND AT THE SPACE WAS REBOOKED, WHICH HASN'T HAPPENED TODAY. I EMAILED THE VENUE AGAIN ASKING IF ITS POSITION HAD CHANGED AND EMPLOYEE DID NOT RESPOND TO THAT WRITING INSTEAD, QUOTE, WE ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON THE SAFETY OF MICHELLE, THE COMMON ROOMS, OWNER, HER FAMILY AND THE WEDDINGS WE HAVE THIS WEEKEND AS SHE HAS NOW RECEIVED MULTIPLE DEATH THREATS. ADDING WE HAVE BEEN BOMBARDED WITH THOUSANDS OF HARASSING AND ABUSIVE THREATS. TONS AND MESSAGES VIA ALL FORMS OF COMMUNICATION AS A DIRECT RESULT OF YOUR STORY. THOSE CALLS SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE REFUNDED BECAUSE OF A FLAKE OWNER OF ELIZABETH FLAKE. EVENTS IS UNAFFILIATED WITH THE COMMON ROOM OR CHRIS'S FAMILY. >> I INTERVIEWED PLANNERS IN VENUES IN THE AREA FOR THEIR TAKE ON THE SITUATION THERE. SO MANY VENDORS AND VENUES RIGHT NOW ON THE BRINK OF CLOSING DOWN LIKE THINGS ARE REALLY TOUGH IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY THAT BEING SAID. >> I CAN IMAGINE THAT DOING WHAT THEY SHOULD DO HERE WOULD ALSO GIVE THEM. MUCH, YOU KNOW, BETTER REPUTATION. >> REVIEWING THE CONTRACT. THE COMMON ROOM-ONLY CLAUSE ALLOWING A REFUND. WAS IT THE VENUE CHOSE TO CANCEL AN EVENT ITSELF. OF COURSE, IT'S A NEW IS DIFFERENT. FOR EXAMPLE, THE BRADFORD IN NEW HILL HAS A SPECIFIC DEATH AND DEPLOYMENT CLAUSE ALLOWING FOR FULL REFUNDS IF A MEMBER OF THE COUPLE PASSES AWAY OR IS DEPLOYED REGARDLESS, COUPLES CAN TAKE MATTERS INTO THEIR OWN HANDS BY PURCHASING EVENT INSURANCE THROUGH AN INDEPENDENT AGENT OR FOR WHAT YOU GET. >> $250 CAN SAVE YOU $35,000. FOR A WEDDING CANCELLATION POLICY. >> AND EVENT INSURANCE DOES COVER UNEXPECTED DEATH. IN A STATEMENT TO US, THE COTTON ROOM SAID IT STRONGLY ENCOURAGES COUPLES TO OBTAIN EVENT INSURANCE. BUT CHRIS IS

Durham wedding venue refuses to issue refund after groom's death

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Sheriff's office: Man & woman accused of sexually assaulting three people, fleeing to Mexico

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Review: Rocky Mount spent millions over budget, residents facing higher costs as result

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Not done with summer: Unseasonably warm highs this week before storms, rain for weekend

Daily rain chance forecast through Friday, 9/26/2025

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NEW YORK (AP) â Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday after a nearly weeklong suspension and nearly broke down in tears, saying he wasn't trying joke about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Emotional Jimmy Kimmel says in late-night return he never intended to make light of Kirk's killing

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NEW YORK (AP) -- Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $70 million to the UNCF, as the nation's largest private provider of scholarships to minority students works to raise $1 billion to strengthen all 37 of its historically Black colleges and universities.

MacKenzie Scott gives $70 million to UNCF to financially strengthen HBCUs, including Shaw and Saint Augustine's

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A Wake County teen and a Cumberland County child are the latest in a growing number of people to sue apps Roblox and Discord alleging the platforms are a "haven for adult sexual predators and pedophiles."


'Haven for predators': Two NC families sue Roblox & Discord, alleging sexual exploitation

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A senior U.S. Justice Department official sent a letter to a lawyer for relatives of victims killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, asking pointed questions about a retired FBI agent's involvement in a defamation lawsuit that led to a $1.4 billion judgment against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

US Justice Department official questions retired FBI agent's role in $1.4B Sandy Hook lawsuit

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State lawmakers in North Carolina say they're responding to the killing of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte last month, including by trying to restart executions of death row inmates.

Crime bill passes NC legislature, would make changes to death penalty, bail and more

Handcuffs photo from: https://www.jobsforfelonshub.com/

Fort Pierce, Florida (CNN) â Ryan Routh, the 59-year-old accused of attempting to kill Donald Trump as the former and future president played a round of golf on his Florida course last year â the second attempt on Trumpâs life during his second campaign â has been found guilty on all charges against him.

NC native accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump on golf course in 2024 found guilty on all counts

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A Pitt County man who suffers from epilepsy is suing a state trooper, alleging the officer used excessive force against him after a car crash caused by a seizure.

Pitt Co. man sues trooper: Claims he was punched in the face and dragged after seizure-induced crash

Police car, blue lights

North Carolina state treasurer Brad Briner warned that he's preparing for what happens if Duke Health and Aetna can't agree on a deal.

Duke Health-Aetna dispute at stalemate despite deadline approaching

Duke Health

In reflection of the one-year mark since Hurricane Helene brought unimaginable devastation to western North Carolina, the state is measuring progress made in the recovery effort as the region tries to return to normalcy.

Roads, running water, parks: Milestones in Helene recovery at 1-year mark

Hot Springs, North Carolina

Lawmakers have been at an impasse over a broader spending plan, so they passed a mini budget that funds disaster relief, economic development and infrastructure projects. The measure now goes to Gov. Josh Stein for consideration.

NC House approves funding for Chantal relief, Lenovo Center infrastructure, construction projects

Many houses and businesses near Hyco Lake in Person County flooded during Tropical Storm Chantal in July 2025.

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A Durham resident died nearly five months before his wedding day. Now his grieving family is battling with a venue for a deposit worth more than $18,000.

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

Bubble tea, or boba, has become a favorite, especially with young people. But new safety tests from Consumer Reports show the popular drink may come with a hidden serious concern.


5 On Your Side: Lead could be hiding in your bubble tea

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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

The Triangle offers some of the best local live experiences you can think of, and some of the best are free to attend.


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

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(CNN) -- Spider-Man had a bit of an accident.

Tom Holland takes a break from filming latest 'Spider-Man' movie after suffering a concussion

Tom Holland

Explore the best fall and Halloween events in Raleigh, NC, from family-friendly pumpkin patches and corn mazes to thrilling haunted houses and Halloween festivities.


Pumpkin patches, fall and Halloween events in NC

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Don't Miss It

This is the fourth train crash of 2025 in Durham. WRAL reporter Carly Haynes spoke with passengers who were on the train.

Man killed in train crash in Durham

Two accused of child sex crimes now in custody, Granville Co. deputies say

Tar Heel Traveler: Mule graveyard

Families file lawsuit against Roblox & Discord over child sexual abuse claims

NC death penalty pause: How did we get here?

Duke's Kara Lawson named head coach of USA Basketball women's national team

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Medicaid cuts loom as North Carolina lawmakers fail to reach funding deal

Local News

Regulatory shifts cause North Carolina solar company to cut 500 jobs

Fayetteville mom bitten by copperhead on local trail, biologists warn of more snake activity

Johnston County man faces child sexual exploitation charges

A 'powerful group': Kara Lawson humbled to join the ranks of legendary Team USA Basketball coaches

Trump cancels White House meeting with Schumer and Jeffries despite risk of a government shutdown

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Scientists discover a new dinosaur from Argentina with a crocodile bone in its mouth

As Western nations recognize Palestinian statehood, Palestinians doubt its impact

UN chief warns world leaders of 'an age of reckless disruption and relentless human suffering'

State inspectors align with Universal's findings that roller coaster was working right when man died

It is a busy final weekend of September with Pride in Durham, Benson Mule Days and the Raleigh Tamale Festival.


Weekend best bets: Pride Durham, Benson Mule Days and more

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Ludacris to perform before UNC-Clemson game in Chapel Hill

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Seaboard Station social district gets preliminary approval from city leaders

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

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

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

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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

NC disaster recovery leaders to update lawmakers on Helene funding struggles

NC Capitol

New NC crime bill passes, would make changes to death penalty and bail

Motivated by Charlie Kirk's killing, NC House passes bill targeting political violence

NC lawmakers propose pulling state funding for Planned Parenthood

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

Oklahoma State fires football coach Mike Gundy after 20-plus years

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Cardinal Gibbons junior DE Griffin Cockerham commits to NC State

Jaxson Dart to start at quarterback for the Giants against the Chargers, AP sources say

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Seven teens who escaped from a mental health facility in Raleigh are back in custody after allegedly attacking a staff member for keys.

7 teens found after they escaped from Raleigh mental health facility

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

WRAL Specialists

Consumer Reports investigation finds lead in boba tea

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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

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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

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WRAL TechWire

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

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

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Carolina Ballet, Martin Marietta Center to offer free ballet classes for children

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

BugFest bites: Elizabeth Gardner tries some cricket cuisine

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Top Amazon Deals: The Children's Place Chino Pants only $8.98 (70% off), Shark Cordless VACMOP only $59.99, Prime Day event Oct. 7-8

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

BJ's Wholesale Club 1-yr membership only $15 (75% off)

Time to activate your Food Lion Shop & Earn offers for September

Have a birthday in September? Sign up for all the restaurant and retail freebies 

Tar Heel Traveler: Oxford barber of 50 years retires

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