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Many Rocky Mount residents on Thursday went to a meeting with city councilmembers to learn why the city had a multmillion-dollar shortfall as documents from the state showed how far back the financial issues went.


As documents detail Rocky Mounty financial crisis, residents meet with city leaders for answers

>> WE'LL NEED ANNA LEE WRAL NEWS ROXBORO >> WHAT A TRAGIC STORY THAT IS NEW TONIGHT. WE'RE LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE FINANCIAL CRISIS IN ROCKY MOUNT. WE TOLD YOU LAST WEEK THAT THE CITY IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE UP FOR OVERSPENDING BY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. THEY NEED TO FIND 30 MILLION DOLLARS IN THE NEXT 10 MONTHS AND SOME OF THEIR SOLUTIONS WILL FALL DIRECTLY ON THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN ROCKY MOUNT. >> WRAL'S HEIDI KIRK IS JOINING US NOW LIVE IN THE CITY WHERE A COMMUNITY MEETING JUST WRAPPED UP. IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE BUDGET. AND HEIDI FOLKS ARE FRUSTRATED >> WE KNOW THAT IS THE WORD THAT WE HEARD FROM SO MANY PEOPLE TONIGHT JUST STANDING HERE RIGHT IN THIS PARKING LOT AHEAD OF THAT MEETING. AND THEN AFTER IT, PEOPLE USE THE WORD FRUSTRATED, HER UPSET. THE LIST JUST GOES ON AND ON. NOW, THIS IS ONE OF A SERIES OF MEETINGS THAT'S HELD BY THE CITY TO INFORM PEOPLE ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON HERE. NOT HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE FEELING LIKE THEY'RE PAYING FOR THE CITY'S MISTAKE. >> AND THAT'S WHAT DROVE IN HERE TO THIS MEETING. >> WHY TONIGHT? A ROOM FULL OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH QUESTIONS ASKING HOW WE GOT HERE TO A FINANCIAL CRISIS IN THE CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT. I WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT'S GOING ON. WHAT HAPPENED FROM THE HORSES MAP IS SUPPOSED TO AND THEN BUT PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. THAT'S WHAT DROVE PEOPLE HERE TO THIS MEETING WITH CONCERNS ABOUT THE VERY ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO APPROVED THE BUDGETS. IT DOESN'T PAINT A GOOD PICTURE AS TO WHAT I LIKE TO FISH. YOU SUPPOSED TO DO SOME DOCUMENTS OBTAINED BY WRAL TONIGHT SHOW THAT SOME ELECTED OFFICIALS NOT ONLY KNEW ABOUT THE DWINDLING RESERVE FUND AND OTHER ISSUES BUT ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THOSE ISSUES TO THE STATE. SINCE 2022, THE STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE IN ROCKY MOUNT OFFICIALS. WHAT'S CALLED A FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS OF CONCERN IN 2022, THE OPERATING NET INCOME WAS IN THE RED. THEY WERE SPENDING MORE THAN THEY WERE BRINGING IN. THEY GOT DEEPER AND DEEPER IN THE RED IN 2023 2024. DRAWING FROM A FUND BALANCE TO HELP BALANCE ITS BUDGET. THE STATE SENT THESE FINDINGS TO THE CITY TO WHICH IT RESPONDED WITH A PLAN OF ACTION SCENE HERE AT THE MEETING TONIGHT, COUNCILMEMBER JABARI US WALKER SAYS NOW IT'S TIME TO LOOK FORWARD. >> I WOULD HAVE DONE A LOT OF THINGS DIFFERENT. A FEW THINGS. I WOULD DEFINITELY NOT A DIFFERENT LIGHT. YOU PUT YOU ASKED ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU ASKED. WE ASKED AS A COUNCIL FROM THE MAYOR'S OFFICE, WE ASKED THOSE QUESTIONS. THIS IS WHAT WE WAS WAS IN IT. WE REALLY FELT AND THOUGHT EVERY DECISION WE MADE WAS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE CITY. >> TONIGHT PEOPLE ARE WALKING OUT WITH MIXED EMOTIONS, BUT ALL HOPING FOR A BETTER ROCKY MOUNT. >> THAT'S WORTH NOTING THAT THOSE DOCUMENTS THAT WE OBTAINED DO NOT TELL US EXACTLY WHY THE CITY SAVINGS DROPPED SO DRASTICALLY THAT SOMETHING THAT ALL OF THE CITY OFFICIALS THAT WE TALKED TO TONIGHT AND IN THE LAST WEEK HAVE TOLD US THEY ARE LOOKING INTO. WE'RE ALL AWAITING THOSE ANSWERS. HEIDI

Rocky Mount leaders meet with residents as documents detail depth of city's financial crisis

Rocky Mount city limits

Battling fires and burnout: Raleigh firefighters worked more than 117,000 hours of OT in one year

A file photo of Raleigh firefighters responding to a house fire.

Person County mother of 3 killed in domestic violence altercation

Shauna Richie

NC State suit admits 'extensive' PCB contamination, stops short of linking cancer cases to Poe Hall

A file photo of Poe Hall at NC State University.

Person shot Thursay night on Green Lantern Street, Raleigh police say

Shooting on Green Lantern Street in Raleigh

Red Hat suffers data breach, Raleigh based company says

Red Hat logo. 

One more cool night before weekend warmup coming

Friday, Oct. 3 temperatures

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Eight beachfront homes in the Outer Banks collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean this week as Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto passed offshore.


Two homes collapse into the Atlantic, bringing total to 8 lost this week in Outer Banks

Family Tides

North Carolina hosts Clemson on Saturday in the first Atlantic Coast Conference game of the Bill Belichick era in Chapel Hill.

North Carolina QB Gio Lopez questionable for ACC opener against Clemson

UNC loses to TCU on Sept. 1, 2025

Two food truck workers were rushed to the hospital from an explosion within the food truck at a Chatham County music festival on Thursday afternoon.

2 rushed to hospital from food truck explosion at Chatham County music festival

Food truck at Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival

The crash happened Thursday afternoon near the intersection of Jenks Road and Morris Acres Road in Apex.

School bus crashes in Apex, police respond

A car appeared to rear end a school bus on Thursday in Apex.

The Granville County Sheriff's Office and Granville County Public Schools are warning parents about a viral TikTok fad that encourages teens to take an excessive amount of over-the-counter medications, potentially causing severe health effects and even death. 

Officials warn parents of dangerous TikTok 'Benadryl Challenge' after teen tries it

Benadryl

Fort Bragg is starting to test soil samples in residential areas with homes built before 1978 to determine if dangerous levels of lead are present. 

Fort Bragg to begin testing soil near homes built before 1978 for lead

Fort Bragg renaming picture becomes clearer on Tuesday

Authorities arrested the owner and an employee of Little Life Changers in Raleigh for failing to report violence and child abuse against at least three different juveniles.

Warrants: Raleigh child care owner, employee charged for failing to report abuse captured on video

Authorities arrested the owner of Little Life Changers, Belinda McKissick, and employee Takayla Blackmon on Monday.

Competition for better class rank positions often hurts students, rather than helps them, members and advisors said this week.


Allow school districts to ditch class rank, State Board of Education asks lawmakers

2025 Graduation

Johnston County's new District Attorney Jason Waller is spearheading a task force to target and prosecute dangerous offenders, streamlining communication among law enforcement agencies.

Johnston County DA develops dangerous offenders task force

Johnston County District Attorney Jason Waller

The North Carolina State Board of Education decided not to vote on language Thursday intended to make a new rule clearer: That North Carolina high school students can no longer receive an "FF" failing grade solely based on not attending enough classes.

NC Board of Education declines to vote on failing grades, attendance policy

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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

A catty legend is missing in North Carolina from her usual home at a Richmond hardware store. Francine the Lowe's cat is such a beloved figure in the Richmond community that her owners and fans are offering a $2,000 reward for her return.


Viral search carries on at NC Lowe's for missing beloved Richmond cat, owners offering $2k reward

Photos of Francine the Lowe's cat

Beech Mountain Ski Resort season announced it will open on Nov. 22, weather permitting. Appalachian Ski Mountain plans to open Nov. 21 with the opening dates for other North Carolina ski resorts yet to be announced. 

NC ski resorts: Here's when Beech Mountain, Appalachian Ski Mountain will open for 2025-26 season

Skiers line up on Dec. 22, 2024, at the base of Beech Mountain.

The law requires agencies to furlough their "non-excepted" employees. Excepted employees, who include those who work to protect life and property, stay on the job but don't get paid until after the shutdown ends.

What happens now that a government shutdown is underway

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A golf tournament and dinner in Raleigh on Monday will raise awareness and funds for mental health in memory of Grayson Murray, a local professional golfer who died in 2024.


Raleigh charity golf event honors Grayson Murray, raises mental health awareness

Grayson Murray's Legacy Inspires Mental Health Awareness at Raleigh Golf Championship

Another home fell in Buxton on Wednesday, Oct. 1, bringing the total to 19 homes that have collapsed during the last five years in the Rodanthe and Buxton area. This comes as several homes crashed into the ocean on Sept. 30, 2025. Photos: Donny Bowers

Photos: More Outer Banks homes collapse into the ocean 

7th home to collapse along the NC Coast making 19 total to fall in five years.

Don't Miss It

October is Domestic Violence awareness month, and on Thursday, we heard from friends of a Person County woman who police say was killed in a fight with her boyfriend.

Family, friends remmeber life of Roxboro woman killed in dispute

In Depth with Dan: Examining the cost of college

Raleigh child care owner, worker charged for failing to report violence

NC State admits 'extensive' PCB contamination in lawsuit, stops short of linking cancer cases to Poe Hall

1-on-1 interview: Canes GM Eric Tulsky focused on Stanley Cup run entering his second season

A file photo of Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky.

Eric Tulsky comfortable, confident and focused on the Stanley Cup in 2nd season as GM

Eric Tulsky

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As playoffs loom, sports 'paused' at Lejeune High School due to government shutdown

Local News

Gotta go? NC State Fair has new family restrooms this year

NC ACLU chapter threatens legal action against UNC if professor is not reinstated by end of week

Duke extends Jon Scheyer through 2031 after Final Four run

'The Life of a Showgirl': Celebrate Taylor Swift's new album release with events in the Triangle

Man kills 2 in car ramming and stabbing attack at English synagogue on Jewish holy day

Nation/World

Average long-term US mortgage rate ticks up for second straight week, to 6.34%

Israeli navy intercepts boats attempting to break Gaza blockade and arrests activists

Jane Goodall, Who Chronicled the Social Lives of Chimps, Dies at 91

How Trump's Online Drugstore May Affect Your Drug Costs

The first weekend in October is filled with fall fun, including the Triangle Oktoberfest and Falling for Local fest at Dix Park.

Weekend best bets: Triangle Oktoberfest, Falling for Local fest

Triangle Oktoberfest

Selma Railroad Days Festival to feature carnival rides, parade

Selma Railroad Days (Courtesy photo)

Quiz: Which new NC State Fair food are you?

New NC State Fair foods for 2025 include hot Cheetos pickle pizza, BBQ doughnuts

New NC State Fair foods for 2025

Discover 7 fascinating historical sites in North Carolina

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Out & About

Federal government shutdown: Live fact-checks as Democrats, GOP spar over health care, layoffs

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Fact-checking claims that Erika Kirk's charity is tied to trafficking

Fact-checking claims about Tylenol's 2017 social media post and pregnancy guidance

Fact check: Noem says 1.6 million immigrants have 'voluntarily' left the U.S.

Fact-checking Trump's claims about the economy, foreign wars in United Nations speech

Millions in NC on Obamacare, Medicaid affected by budget fights

NC Capitol

Why a federal judge ruled NC Senate map is fair game

THC-infused treats spook state leaders, with Halloween just around the corner

Stein signs bills loosening DMV rules, funding disaster relief and Lenovo Center

Republicans prevail in racial gerrymandering lawsuit targeting NC Senate maps

Questions remain after fight at Durham high school

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Students, faculty rally for suspended UNC professor

Government shutdown and how schools, school programs will be impacted

Federal shutdown will affect some NC schools, officials monitoring possible impact on meals

Fight between more than a dozen people on Durham high school's campus didn't involve students

CJF America sends partial payment to worker amid lawsuit and executives evading police

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NC lawmakers wanted to make COVID shots easier to get. Why the law they passed did the opposite

NC officials begin process to help thousands of state workers switch doctors, as Duke negotiations sour

Former NCGOP director to lead 'election integrity' efforts, serve as election board liaison, says NC Auditor

Why Duke QB Darian Mensah was part of the conversation about new NC children's hospital

NC State can spend Lenovo Center naming rights money with fewer restrictions

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Injuries taking toll on NC State defense ahead of Campbell game

Yoshinobu Yamamoto shines as Dodgers sweep Reds to reach NL Division Series

Jazz Chisholm Jr. a gamer for Yankees in season-saving playoff win over Red Sox

College football picks: The discussion has turned to parity, close games and upsets

No. 15 Laney wins at No. 11 New Hanover for the first time in 10 years

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No. 23 Gray's Creek sweeps conference foe for 13th straight win

Predicted winners for 195+ games in football week 7

Week 7 JV scores from across North Carolina

Undefeated Watch: 34 perfect teams remain in Week 7; Only one matchup between unbeatens

On Wednesday, lawmakers failed once again to get the necessary votes to fund the government.

5 On Your Side examines the impacts of the federal government shutdown

A former employee of Durham-based CJF America, which faces lawsuits and criminal charges over accusations of not paying employees, says he finally received a partial payment.

CJF America sends partial payment to worker amid lawsuit

As sea levels rise at an increasing rate, oceanfront homes in the Outer Banks, particularly Buxton, face an increased risk of collapse.

High surf could topple more Outer Banks homes

Cleaning needed! WRAL's 5 On Your Side shows where health inspectors found restaurants in need of a deep kitchen cleaning. 

Restaurant Ratings: Benny Capitale's, Bojangles, Jamaica Jamaica

A fight between health care giants, Duke and Aetna, is worrying state leaders more and more. Duke Health and Aetna have a deadline of Oct. 20 to come to an agreement. Otherwise, those with Aetna would no longer be covered at Duke Health facilities.

Thousands of state workers might need to find new doctors, NC officials fear

CJF America President Kristen Picot missed her second straight court date on misdemeanor worthless check charges, with her attorney stating she was hospitalized in Raleigh.

CJF America president misses court for second time in as many weeks, attorney says she's hospitalized

Kristen Picot, president of the Durham-based nonprofit CJF America, is facing four misdemeanor charges for "simple worthless checks."

WRAL Specialists

How to save big on laundry costs

5 On Your Side: High lead levels found in three major food recalls in September

5 On Your Side: Three recalls for major foods containing lead

5 On Your Side: Alerting customers about unexpected charges from Lasta Fitness app

5 On Your Side

CJF America president misses court again, attorney says she's hospitalized

Two execs from Durham-based company charged in fraud investigation

Durham police charge two in CJF America fraud investigation

7 teens found after they escaped from Raleigh mental health facility

Investigations

Grace Ueng: What will you remember at 90?

Video gamer Electronic Arts to be bought in largest-ever private equity buyout valued at $55 billion

Tom Snyder: When the algorithm is the censor, free speech is at risk

The Fed's dual mandate: Keep unemployment, inflation low

WRAL TechWire

Wall Street ticks to more records, led by technology stocks

Gatorade and Cheetos are among the Pepsi products getting a natural dye makeover

Cockpit recorders of Delta jets that collided on LaGuardia taxiway are being analyzed

Don't Waste Your Money: Having a tire warranty doesn't necessarily mean free tire repairs

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Local kindergartener hears clearly for the first time thanks to innovative ear surgery

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100+ events in NC to enjoy this October

FDA authorizes first eyeglass lenses to slow nearsightedness in children in the US

NC State Fair teases new rides, attractions

Marbles Kids Museum shows off new 'Futuropolis' play exhibit, coming in 2026

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Top Amazon Deals: Electric Cordless Shower Spin Scrubber only $18.99, Chefman XL 10L Air Fryer and Dehydrator only $79.99, Fire TV Sticks up to 50% off starting at $17.99, Prime Day event Oct. 7-8

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