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Cooper is considered the favorite to win the Democratic nomination for the seat being vacated by Republican Thom Tillis. The decision could also shape the GOP's efforts to retain the seat in the chamber it narrowly controls.

Former NC Gov. Roy Cooper to announce bid for U.S. Senate seat

>> BREAKING NEWS FROM WRAL COVERAGE. YOU CAN COUNT ON. >> AND WE ARE FOLLOWING BREAKING NEWS RIGHT NOW AT 5.30, A MAJOR DOMINO IS SET TO FALL IN THE RACE FOR OUR STATE'S OPEN SENATE SEAT NEXT YEAR. SOURCES TELLING WRAL'S INTO CAPITAL TEAM FORMER GOVERNOR ROY COOPER WILL RUN AND THE ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE OUT SOON. GOOD EVENING AND THANKS FOR JOINING US. I'M LENA TILLETT AND I'M ASHLEY ROME. ANY POLITICAL INSIDERS HAVE WAITED FOR A DECISION FROM COOPER EVER SINCE HE LEFT THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION EARLIER THIS YEAR. JOINED NOW BY AND SEE CAPITOL REPORTER. >> WHILE SPAY, I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING YOUR SOURCES. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE SENATE RACE? >> WHITE WILL ONCE COOPER JUMPS IN OFFICIALLY, HE'LL BE THE BIGGEST NAME IN THE RACE. PEOPLE MAY REMEMBER THAT INCUMBENT REPUBLICAN THOM TILLIS HAS DECIDED NOT TO SEEK RE-ELECTION AFTER SERVING SINCE 2015. NOW THERE ARE A COUPLE REPUBLICANS WHO HAVE ENTERED THE RACE. THEY'VE BEEN CANDIDATES BEFORE, BUT THEY HAVEN'T HELD OFFICE ON THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE, THERE'S FORMER CONGRESSMAN WILEY NICKEL. HE SERVED ONE TERM IN CONGRESS, BUT >> COOPER HAS BEEN AROUND A LOT LONGER THAN WILEY NICKEL OR YOU EITHER THOSE OTHER REPUBLICANS. HE WAS A 2 TERM GOVERNOR. HE SERVED AS ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR MANY YEARS. >> AND SO HE HAS A LOT MORE NAME RECOGNITION THAN ANY OF THE OTHERS THAT HAVE JUMPED IN SO FAR. IS IT THAT NAME RECOGNITION THAT GIVES HIM THAT GOOD CHANCE OF WINNING IOWA? REPUBLICANS FEELING CONFIDENT THAT MAYBE THEY STAND A PRETTY GOOD CHANCE THAT IT MAY BE MEETING HIM, RIGHT? WELL, IT'S IT'S BOTH REALLY HE'S THE STRONGEST CHANCE THE DEMOCRATS HAVE, ACCORDING TO MANY OF THE ANALYSTS WE'VE SPOKEN TO. THAT'S BECAUSE HE'S FROM EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA. >> IT'S BECAUSE HE SERVED AS LONG AS HE HAS. HE'S A GREAT FUNDRAISER IN AND PEOPLE JUST THEY KNOW IS AND SO ON. AND ON TOP OF THAT, PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACT ABOUT HIM, HE'S NEVER LOST A RACE. SO THAT GIVES DEMOCRATS A LOT OF CONFIDENCE. HOWEVER, REPUBLICANS SAY, HEY, THAT LONG RECORD ALSO GIVES US A LOT TO RUN AGAINST, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE GOING TO RUN AGAINST HIS RECORD ON DISASTER RECOVERY. THEY SAY HE DIDN'T DO ENOUGH AFTER HURRICANES. HELENE AND OTHERS FOR THE BACK. THEY ALSO SAY THAT WHEN TILLIS WAS ON THE BALLOT, THEY DID A BUNCH OF SURVEYS THAT SHOW THAT TO US WITH PERFORM PRETTY POORLY AGAINST COOPER, BUT THAT A MORE GENERIC REPUBLICAN, SOMEONE WHO SUPPORTED THE TRUMP AGENDA. WE'VE DONE A LOT BETTER. SO WHAT THEY'RE FEELING A LITTLE CONFIDENT TO? YEAH, I THINK YOU NEED A BIG NAME IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO TO TACKLE ROY COOPER. THEY THINK SO. EVERYONE THINKS THAT THE POLICE HAD AT LEAST THE PEOPLE WE SPEAK TO SAY THAT IT'S GOING TO COME DOWN TO WHOEVER DONALD TRUMP WANTS, WHOEVER HE ENDORSES. THAT'S WHO'S GOING TO GET ALL THE MONEY AND ALL THE SUPPORT. IT COULD BE HIS DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, LARA TRUMP. IT COULD BE MICHAEL WADLEY, THE FORMER CHAIR OF THE STATE REPUBLICAN PARTY WERE COULD BE SOMEONE LIKE PAT HARRIGAN, A NEW CONGRESSMAN WHO IS VERY VOCAL IN HIS SUPPORT FOR TRUMP. OK? ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPORTING. >> RNC CAPITAL TEAM HAS BEEN ALL OVER THE SENATE RACE FOR MONTHS NOW AND WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR THAT OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM COOPER'S SOMETIME NEXT WEEK FOR A FULL DEEP DIVE INTO OUR CAPITAL. TEAMS REPORTING GO TO WRAL DOT COM AND FIND THIS STORY

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Cooper expected to enter Senate race

North Carolina Legislature Passes 12-Week Abortion Ban

Two seriously injured in Durham shooting, Police investigate

Durham police on Wednesday night responded to Sherwood Drive near Morreene Road.

UNC reaches $750K settlement with family of professor killed in 2023 on-campus shooting

Professor Zijie Yan

More heat and humidity making a return; possible dangerous heat this weekend

A big heat wave is coming to the Triangle over the next week.

Check washing scheme: Woman sees two mailed checks stolen in one year

Chapel Hill police investigate uptick in mail theft

Nash animal shelter closed, fined after failing inspection

State fines Nash County animal shelter for violations

ICE agents seek to detain man before court appearance in Durham

The Durham County Courthouse. Photo taken August 17, 2018. 

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UNC System schools implemented the "Equality Policy" last year, eliminating DEI positions. Now, leaders on the Board of Governors want schools to verify those realignments succeeded.

New memo from UNC System orders schools to prove DEI policies are eliminated

A file photo of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Fayetteville police arrested 18-year-old Micah James Boyer and charged him with attempted first-degree murder and other offenses related to a June shooting near Cude and Center streets in Fayetteville.


Fayetteville teen charged with attempted murder in June shooting near Cude and Center streets

Fayetteville teen charged with attempted murder in June

The Longleaf Golf Course Dam failure flooded three homes, and nearly claimed the lives of a Moore County family, during Tropical Storm Chantal.


NC inspectors found issues, ordered action, months before Moore County dam failed during Chantal

State inspectors found issues, ordered action, months before Moore County dam failed

A once-doomed theatre is now fueling the vision of a booming entertainment district in Roanoke Rapids. In August, the Carolina Crossroads Amphitheatre will open on the property, bringing in acts as big as Lynyrd Skynyrd.


Roanoke Rapids entertainment district finds new life; amphitheater to open in August

Carolina Crossroads Amphitheatre

A FedEx truck driver was injured and over 100 packages were destroyed Wednesday in a serious crash off Interstate 540 near Knightdale.


Over 100 packages destroyed, driver injured after FedEx truck crashed off I-540 near Knightdale

Fiery truck crash on I-540 near Knightdale blocks shoulder

U.S. Reps. Deborah Ross and Valerie Foushee are asking the Trump administration to un-freeze funding for North Carolina, saying Wake County public schools are being hit especially hard.

WCPSS among nation's biggest losers in Trump's effort to cut school spending, US Reps say

School classroom

A dramatic incident unfolded early Tuesday morning as security footage captured a car crashing into Berean Baptist Church in Fayetteville, causing significant damage to the building's front doors.


Caught on cam: Stolen car plows into church doors, men run from scene

Berean Baptist Church in Fayetteville crash

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the Trump administration to remove three Democratic members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, who had been fired by President Donald Trump and then reinstated by a federal judge.

Supreme Court allows Trump to remove 3 Democrats on the Consumer Product Safety Commission

APTOPIX_Trump_26802

It makes the earliest point at which UNC has sold out its football season in program history. The Tar Heels open the season on Sept. 1 against TCU in Chapel Hill.

UNC sells out every football ticket for Belichick's first season

UNC vs. Clemson

Police said they have identified a 16-year-old as a suspect in a carjacking from this past weekend that they believe is tied to an armed robbery.



16-year-old suspect charged in carjacking police believe is connected to Chapel Hill armed robbery

Chapel Hill police believe Shaun Dunn is armed and dangerous.

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Wawa will open a new store in Garner on Thursday, the chain's closest location to Raleigh yet.


Wawa opens in Garner on Thursday, the closest Wawa to Raleigh yet

Wawa

Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week returns July 24 to Aug. 3 with more than 30 restaurants offering special menus and deals.


Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week: List of 55+ lunch, dinner, drink specials

The Yard Milkshake Bar

GalaxyCon Raleigh is more than a comic-con! It's a four-day festival of fandom with celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, panelists and people like you. Enjoy this event at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Raleigh cornerstone GalaxyCon brings superhero, Rocky Horror star power to town

GalaxyCon 2024

Increased temperatures in Raleigh are causing more snakes to become active near trails and gardens, resulting in a higher incidence of snake bites, and the cost of treatment can be high.

Rising temps lead to more snake encounters: Treatment for bites can be costly

A file photo of a snake.

The magic of a rainbow makes everyone a child at heart.


Go Ask Dad: A rainbow connection

With a sizzling hot summer in full swing, there are plenty of places in the Triangle to cool down with frozen treats, such as ice cream shops, gelato stands, and frozen yogurt shops. 

15 places to find the best tasty frozen treats in central North Carolina

Frozen treats, ice cream

Don't Miss It

UNC kicks off its season on Sept. 1 against TCU.

UNC football sells out season and individual tickets

Continuity the key for Carolina Panthers in 2025 training camp

Inspectors found issues, ordered action months before Moore County dam failed

Outdoor amphitheater expands entertainment options at long-beleaguered Roanoke Rapids site

Nash animal shelter will close temporarily after failing inspection

Nash County animal shelter faces reforms amid violations; hosts free adoption event

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Proposal for four North Hills towers: New buildings would be up to 37 stories high

Local News

Raleigh officer crash: No serious injuries after van, police motorcycle crash downtown 

One person dead after car crashes on yard in downtown Clayton

Judge rejects Trump administration effort to unseal Epstein grand jury records in Florida

Nation/World

Appeals court finds Trumpâs effort to end birthright citizenship unconstitutional, upholds block

Columbia University agrees to pay more than $220M in deal with Trump to restore federal funding

NASCAR will hold first street race on active military base at Naval Base Coronado in 2026

Judge bars ICE from immediately taking Abrego Garcia into custody if heâs released from jail

It is a busy weekend in the Triangle with GalaxyCon in town, plus Wiz Khalifa, Willie Nelson and Weird Al.


Weekend best bets: GalaxyCon, Wiz Khalifa, Willie Nelson

Star Wars characters take over GalaxyCon

'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' coming to DPAC, special presale ticket offer available

These are the best educational family activities in the Triangle 

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences 

Chasing waterfalls: Check out these whimsical waterfalls right here in the Triangle

Waterfall at Juniper Level Botanic Garden, open four times a year. Courtesy of Juniper Level Botanic Garden.

Foodie News: Kingfisher owners announce new venture

Open sign broad hanging on wood door front of cafe.

Out & About

Fact check: Are 5 million able-bodied Medicaid recipients watching TV all day?

Politifact

Epstein files: A timeline of what the Trump administration has said about releasing a list

Fact check: Jeffries says tax breaks are permanent for billionaires, temporary for everyone else

Fact-checking rumor about 'Coffee with Roy Cooper' event in Winston-Salem

Fact check: North Carolina got a $22M grant to expand internet access. Trump said the program is 'based on race'

Chinese tableware maker plans 515 jobs in new North Carolina factory

NC Capitol

Duke Energy asks NC regulators to OK a second natural gas power plant in Person County

As Person County waits, Duke Energy argues merits of new power plant

Hemp vs. marijuana: North Carolina courts empower police searches, some law enforcement leaders call them unconstitutional

North Carolina elections officials make major changes to overseas and military voting 

UNC Board of Governors memo orders school to show DEI elimination, equality policy implementation

Education

Major retailers pledge to hold the line on school supplies

Harvard under investigation over participation in visa program for foreign students and researchers

Wake Tech program molds cybersecurity experts of the future, helps inform business owners

Former Durham superintendent accepts head role for Buffalo Public Schools

Toddler's death after dental procedure in Greensboro sparks anesthesia safety concerns

WRAL In Depth

UNC study: 43% of flooded NC buildings were outside FEMA's hazard zones

Beware: Spoofed "Verizon agent" calls use clever scam tactics

Hemp vs. marijuana: NC courts empower police searches that some law enforcement leaders call unconstitutional

Why is NC seeing so much rain and flooding in July?

In the books! Day one of Panthers Training Camp closes with optimism and speed.

WRALSportsFan

UNC to ACC title game? ACC coach: 'You got Bill Belichick, you better be, right?'

After a healthy and 'Hollywood' offseason, Panthers WR Xavier Legette ready to be a star

Frank Reich excited about Bryce Young's resurgence after 'terrible' start to QB's NFL career

The ACC has moved past lawsuits and uncertainty. Commissioner Jim Phillips sees stable years ahead

Millbrook's Rashad Streets and Quinton Cypher form one of the best defensive duos in the state

HighSchoolOT

Nyheim Hines agrees to one year deal with the LA Chargers, two years after tearing knee in jet ski accident

Here are the top returning 8A volleyball stat leaders in 2025

These are the top returning 8A boys soccer stat leaders in 2025

NCISAA: Start dates, playoff dates for the 2025-26 school year

A 2-year-old died after what was expected to be a routine dental visit. WRAL Investigates has reported extensively on deaths from dental anesthesia and the fight for accountability.

2-year-old dies after dental anesthesia complications in Greensboro

Erâmias Mitchell, courtesy of Smith family

Be careful which calls you answer! Even when the information that shows up on caller ID looks legitimate, it could be a scam. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur shows you how to block those unwanted calls.

5 On Your Side: Beware of imposters with phony caller IDs

In a decision issued last month, Orange County's Planning and Inspections Director told Union Grove Farm that it could not proceed with plans to build an amphitheater, determining that it "is not a form of agritourism."

Law under the microscope for farm parties now at the heart of farm amphitheater discussion

Union Grove Farm proposed amphitheater

Much of the U.S., including North Carolina, has experienced a significant increase in intense rainfall and widespread flooding throughout July, often unrelated to tropical systems and impacting areas outside designated floodplains. 

Why has NC had so much rain and flooding?

About one-third of Wake County's 200 schools have dismissed early at least once since 2023 because of malfunctioning HVAC systems, forcing tens of thousands of students and their families to find another place for the students to be in the middle of what should have been a school day.

Broken A/C and closed schools: How Wake County fell behind on HVAC funding

Broken A/C units are closing schools: How Wake schools ended up so far behind on HVAC repairs

Classroom

WRAL Specialists

5 On Your Side: How to identify counterfeit products sold through major online retailers

Inside job: NC inmates accused of running phone scams targeting families for fake bail payments

Target is changing one of its biggest customer perks

5 On Your Side: Inmates accused of running phone scams from NC jails

5 On Your Side

Pilot program works to protect firefighters from contaminated gear

Timeline: WRAL investigates cancer killing firefighters, how to reduce the risk

Woman claims Durham Housing Authority incorrectly sent her $6K bill

Durham Housing Authority resident was told she owes more than $6K in rent. She says it's a mistake.

Investigations

CivicReach: Transforming government customer experience with AI

Mike Walden: Drip of uncertainty constrains NCâs economic growth

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

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

WRAL TechWire

Krispy Kreme, GoPro and Beyond Meat surge as the latest meme stock revival rolls on

US stocks hit more records following US-Japan trade deal

From tech podcasts to policy: Trump's new AI plan leans heavily on Silicon Valley industry ideas

Hershey says it is hiking chocolate prices

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Family

Go Ask Dad: Advice for someone expecting their first child

Sunflowers are blooming at Dix Park

5 On Your Side: Which kids snack bars are actually healthy choices

Macy's Black Friday in July Sale up to 86% off: Comforter Sets for only $21.99 (73% off), Sheet sets start at $6.99, Swim & clothing up to 73% off,  Bras start at $12.99

SmartShopper

JCPenney Sandals Sale: Buy One Get TWO Free

Top Amazon deals: Outlet Extender w/USB only $6.99 (50% off), Eveready LED Flashlights 4 pk only $6.09 (56% off), Satin Pillowcases 2-pk set only $5 

Top grocery deals valid July 23-29

List of school supply deals starting at 15 cents

Tar Heel Traveler: Lemons race

Tar Heel Traveler

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