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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. Meanwhile, dueling health care proposals emerge.

New criminal law changes proposed by NC lawmakers after Charlotte stabbing

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Hurricane season 2025: Gabrielle reaches hurricane strength Sunday afternoon

Hurricane Gabrielle 5 p.m. advisory on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025

Large police presence outside mental hospital in Raleigh

Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh

'Very shocking': Five people shot in Rocky Mount neighborhood, one killed

Multiple people injured in Rocky Mount shooting, police say

'I love everything': Residents pack Fayetteville Street for La Fiesta del Pueblo

La Fiesta del Pueblo in downtown Raleigh.

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

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Pleasantly warm start to Fall, rain later in the week

High temperature forecast for the next five days

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According to deputies, the explosion happened around 9:50 a.m. in the 7200 block of Old Bunch Road near Doc Procter Road.


ATF, Wake County deputies investigating explosion that started house fire near Wendell

Fire flames

An SUV traveling on U.S. Highway 64 in Wendell went off the highway and crashed into a creek on Sunday.


People run across US 64 to help after SUV crashes into creek near Wendell, injuries reported

A deadly crash on Sunday closed the Wade Avenue ramp (Exit 289) off Interstate 40 East. 



Person killed in fiery crash on Wade Avenue ramp off I-40 in Raleigh

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) â President Donald Trump praised Charlie Kirk as a âgreat American heroâ and âmartyrâ for freedom as he and other prominent conservatives gathered Sunday evening to honor the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance.

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

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Large crash shuts down I-40 near Buck Jones Road in Wake County

Crash on Sunday, September 21, 2025, on I-40 near Buck Jones Road

The Pentagon says it will require credentialed journalists at the military headquarters to sign a pledge to refrain from reporting information that has not been authorized for release -- including unclassified information.

Pentagon steps up media restrictions, now requiring approval before reporting even unclassified info

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WRAL's Opinion section was launched in 2016 by Capitol Broadcasting Company to raise awareness of important statewide issues, fostering meaningful discussions and encouraging civic engagement to drive positive change for North Carolinians. As part of this initiative, Dennis Draughon has served as the company's editorial cartoonist since 2017, bringing sharp visual commentary to the platform. 

With a 38-year career that began at the former Raleigh Times, Draughon has also contributed to The Scranton Times-Tribune, The Durham News, The Fayetteville Observer and The (N.C.) Insider. His work has earned him several prestigious awards, including the 1993 Fischetti Award for Distinguished Achievement in editorial cartoons and the 1999 Golden Spike Award from the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists. More recently, he received Editor & Publisher Magazine's EPPY Award for best editorial/political cartoons, recognizing his impact in the digital news landscape. 

Through his work, Draughon continues to provide insightful and thought-provoking illustrations that enrich WRAL's Opinion section and engage readers across North Carolina.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: The FCC takes the hard way on broadcast speech

Weeks after a woman was killed riding Charlotte's light rail system, police have arrested a man for allegedly having a gun and other weapons on the train.


Man arrested with weapons on Charlotte light rail weeks after deadly stabbing

Man arrested with weapons on Charlotte light rail weeks after woman's tragic death

A person was shot Sunday morning along New Bern Avenue, according to police.


Person shot along New Bern Avenue in Raleigh

Hurricane Helene's damage can still be felt through many communities in western North Carolina. 
Before you head out to enjoy fall in the mountains, check out our list of the top 10 attractions with updates on their recovery. 

Know before you go: Top 10 western NC attractions rebounding from Hurricane Helene damage

10 attractions to explore in Western nC

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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.

For more than 30 years, La Fiesta del Pueblo has been attracting more than 20,000 people each year to downtown Raleigh with a mix of music, art, dance performances, educational booths, children's activities and food. This year's event is planned Sunday in Raleigh.


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

La Fiesta del Pueblo lights up downtown Raleigh

Don't Miss It

The Hispanic festival has attracted thousands of people to the area for more than 30 years. 

La Fiesta del Pueblo brings out thousands amid nationwide deportation fears

Wake Co. deputies, ATF investigating home explosion and fire at home near Wendell

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

"Helene: What We Lost, What We Found"

Tarantulas stolen from pet store, customers help find thief

Charlie Kirk's memorial planned for Sunday in Arizona

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Woman, pregnant with twins, jumps out window and survives

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Shots fired in parking lot near Raleigh nightclub off Atlantic Avenue

Local News

Man found dead inside pickup truck on 540 in Cary, police investigating

Increased patrols on UNC's campus after false threat at UNCW earlier in the week

Secret Service: Armed NC man impersonating law enforcement arrested at site of Charlie Kirk memorial

UNCW student says she's getting harassed, doxed over viral 'spirit rock' video she's not even in

Man who died on Universal Orlando roller coaster had a spinal condition, report says

Nation/World

Dozens arrested and hurt in clashes with police near Philippine presidential palace

French towns fly Palestinian flag despite government orders ahead of state recognition

US lawmakers push for military dialogue in a rare China visit

UK, Australia and Canada recognize a Palestinian state, prompting anger from Israel

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

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

NC Capitol

Roy Cooper hosts roundtable on health care

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

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

Aetna-Duke Health talks could take doctors out of state health plan

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

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

WRALSportsFan

Miami jumps to No. 2 behind Ohio State in AP Top 25, Oklahoma into top 10

Duke hands mistake-prone NC State its first loss of the season

Gio Lopez injured as UCF powers past North Carolina, 34-9

Former NC State athletes accuse school of negligence in a 2nd sexual abuse lawsuit

HSOT Press Box: Millbrook vs. Rolesville Preview, 704 Boys Soccer, Volleyball Contenders

HighSchoolOT

No. 24 Hickory claims inaugural West Henderson Falcon Bash championship

21 points in 26 seconds helps No. 12 Watauga roll past Erwin

No. 6 Mallard Creek scores in final minutes to win at No. 4 Cardinal Gibbons

Lexington player Kamari McDonald breaks NCHSAA record for pick-sixes in a game

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?

WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty explained why ABC decided to take Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show off the air indefinitely after his recent comments about Charlie Kirk's suspected killer.

In Depth with Dan: Why Jimmy Kimmel's show was pulled off the air

Disney's ABC is taking Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show off the air indefinitely after his recent comments about Charlie Kirk's suspected killer.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is convening for a crucial two-day meeting to vote on new guidelines for MMRV, Hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccines. Decisions could impact vaccine schedules and insurance coverage nationwide.


Committee changes recommendation for childhood vaccines; considers COVID vaccines Friday

FDA Reviews Reports of COVID Vaccine Deaths

Viewers are telling 5 On Your Side about hazards involving in-ground utility boxes near their homes. Our team started getting these emails after a recent story. Now, Keely Arthur previews the problem neighbors say they can't get fixed.

5 On Your Side: Viewers say utilities ignore requests to fix broken box covers

Leaders of the North Carolina House and Senate, who remain far apart on the state's overall spending priorities, are working on a mini-budget to enable continued funding for health care initiatives, people familiar with the negotiations said.


GOP NC lawmakers spar over Medicaid, children's hospital funding

An employee is scammed out of $300, when her boss asks her to run some errands for him. Turns out it is not her boss, but it sure looks like it. WRAL News explains boss text scams so you don't waste your money.

Don't Waste Your Money: Boss text scams targets new employees

WRAL Specialists

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 exposes problems getting potentially hazardous utility boxes fixed

What federal interest rate cuts mean for area housing market

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

Amazon Prime Day event Oct. 7-8 PLUS early deals available now

SmartShopper

List of top grocery deals valid Sept. 17-23

Swagbucks Swago game Sept. 15-22

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

JCPenney Really Big Deals Sale: Clearance up to 80% off, Women's Doorbusters up to 50% off

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