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A young girl was killed Saturday in a crash on Harris Lake in Chatham County and a man faces DWI charges, according to warrants.


Man charged with DWI after boat accident kills 10-year-old girl on Harris Lake

SO YOU CAN GET IMPORTANT ALERTS SENT RIGHT TO YOUR HOME SCREEN. >> THE TRAGIC BOAT ACCIDENT TOOK THE LIFE OF A YOUNG GIRL ON SATURDAY. IT HAPPENED ON HARRIS LAKE IN CHATHAM COUNTY. THE DRIVER OF THAT BOAT NOW FACES FELONY CHARGES. THE BUREAU'S KIRSTEN CLARK IS LIVE TONIGHT AT HARRIS LAKE AND JOINS US BY PHONE DUE TO CELL SERVICE ISSUES OUT THERE. KIRSTEN, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS HORRIFIC ACCIDENT. >> YEAH, ERIC, WE'VE BEEN HERE FOR A WHILE NOW. AND IT'S CLEAR THAT HARRIS LAKE IS A POPULAR PLACE FOR FAMILIES TO FISH BOAT AND SIMPLY JUST HAVE A GOOD TIME. NO ONE COULD HAVE FORESEEN THE TRAGEDY THAT OCCURRED IN THE WATER HERE YESTERDAY. ACCORDING TO ARREST WARRANTS FOR THE BOATER, WE LEARNED THAT 10 YEAR-OLD A BROOKLYN CARROLL WAS KILLED. ANOTHER VICTIM THAT JENNIFER STALEY IS NOW IN CRITICAL CONDITION. THE BOATER HE'S IDENTIFIED AS 40 YEAR-OLD QUENTIN KITE. HE FACES A FELONY CHARGE FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VESSEL WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF IMPAIRING SUBSTANCE. HE ALSO FACES A FELONY CHARGE FOR UNINTENTIONALLY CAUSING THE DEATH OF ANOTHER PERSON AND AN ADDITIONAL MISDEMEANOR DWI CHARGE. CHRISTIE STALEY OF JENNIFER STALEY SISTER-IN-LAW SHARED WITH ME OVER THE PHONE EARLIER AND EMOTIONAL REMINDER FOR OTHER VOTERS. >> PLEASE KEEP THOSE FAMILIES IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH AS THEY COPE AND HEAL FROM THIS TERRIBLE TRAGEDY. ONE THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS DID EVERYTHING RIGHT. BUT BECAUSE OF A SERIES OF RECKLESS AND SELFISH TO CITIZENS. BOTH FAMILIES ARE NOW LEFT TRAUMATIZED AND FOREVER CHANGED. THIS IS A HEARTBREAKING REMINDER THAT EVERY CHOICE WE MAKE CAN DEEPLY AFFECT THE LIVES OF OTHERS SOMEPLACE. THINK BEFORE YOU ACT YOUR DECISIONS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL THEY SEEM TO HAVE LIFE ACT ALTERING CONSEQUENCES FOR GOOD, LOVING, HARDWORKING CHRISTIAN PEOPLE WHO DESERVE PEACE, NOT PAIN. >> YES, THEY LEASE CLEARLY THEY'RE EMOTIONAL AND GRIEVING. WE LEARNED THAT QUENTIN QAEDA ALSO HAS A PENDING CHARGE OF A HIT AND RUN INJURY FROM 2023. WE ARE STILL WORKING TO LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRAGIC BOAT INCIDENT AND THOSE INVOLVED. BUT FOR NOW LIVE BY PHONE AT HARRIS LAKE, KIRSTIN

Man charged with DWI after boat accident killed young girl on Harris Lake

Quinten Kight

False fall: Cool start to the week, but humidity and storms to ramp up

Weather on tap this week

Hurricane season 2025: Tropical Storm Dexter forms, two additional areas to watch

Tropical Storm Dexter 11 p.m. advisory on August 3, 2025

Plane crashes in ocean near Oak Island Pier, pilot rescued

Former US soldier suspected of killing 4 in Montana remains at large

Montana_Shooting_58905

NC woman's fight with the state over menstrual pain could help others, disability advocates say

North Carolina flag flies over state capitol

North Carolina State Fair traffic woes loom as Blue Ridge Road Project faces delays

Blue Ridge Road construction

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WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

During evening rush hour in New York City on Monday, a man calmly walked into a Park Avenue office building lobby and killed a police officer, then opened fire on other innocent strangers.

New details highlight harrowing minutes inside Manhattan office building as mass shooting unfolded

NYC shooter

Police are investigating a robbery reported Sunday morning at a Raleigh gas station.


Robbery at Circle K on Louisburg Road in Raleigh under investigation

Circle K

A 3.0-magnitude earthquake struck late Saturday in northern New Jersey, jolting parts of the state and New York City, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Earthquake jolts New Jersey and New York City

LOS ANGELES (AP) â Loni Anderson, who played a struggling radio stationâs empowered receptionist on the hit TV comedy âWKRP in Cincinnati,â died Sunday, just days before her 80th birthday.

Popular 1980s actor Loni Anderson of the hit TV series 'WKRP in Cincinnati' has died

Obit_Loni_Anderson_60700

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: Whatley laces up

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Whatley laces up...

A mother is calling for change at the San Antonio Aquarium after an octopus latched onto her son's arm during an interactive exhibit.



Octopus latches onto boy's arm at San Antonio Aquarium, causing bruising

Octopus latches onto boy's arm at aquarium, causing bruising

Raleigh police are investigating a shooting that stemmed from a fight on New Bern Avenue. A man was injured, but police said he is expected to be OK.


Fight leads to shooting at Raleigh bus stop, leaving man injured

Fight leads to shooting at Raleigh bus stop leaving one injured, police investigating

NEW YORK (AP) -- Millions of student borrowers could begin having their wages garnished as soon as this summer, according to estimates from credit bureau TransUnion.

What to know if you're at risk of having your wages garnished over student loan debt

Financial_Wellness-Student_Loans_67259

North Carolina and new coach Bill Belichick begin fall practice Saturday. The Tar Heels open their season -- and the Belichick era -- on Sept 1 against TCU.

Belichick, rebuilt Tar Heels open fall camp with more questions than answers

 Bill Belichick ACC Kickoff

Traffic has resumed on Falls of Neuse Road following a severe crash involving a car that went airborne after striking an embankment and hitting a tree. Investigators believe that speed and alcohol played roles in the incident.


Falls of Neuse Road reopens after serious crash; speed and alcohol suspected

Falls of Neuse Road reopen after serious crash; speed and alcohol suspected

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A look at key dates on the 2025-2026 school calendar for traditional schools in and around the Triangle.

2025-2026 traditional school calendars for Wake, Durham, Orange, Cumberland and Johnston counties

Children in classroom

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

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced a tentative plan with the goal of saving around $70 million across the institution on Wednesday.

Staff cuts, less aid for some students all part of UNC's $70M cost-cutting plan

Old Well at UNC-Chapel Hill

Democrats see 2026 as a chance to flip one of North Carolina's U.S. Senate seats for the first time in years. Republicans want a new senator who will be more loyal to President Donald Trump.

What to know about Roy Cooper, Michael Whatley and the 2026 U.S. Senate race to replace Thom Tillis

Roy Cooper, left, and Michael Whatley

Corpse plants, known scientifically as titan arums, are given the nickname because of the strong odor they make when they bloom. Scientists compared the smell to rotting flesh or a decaying corpse. It also attracts natural pollinators, such as beetles and flies.


What's that smell? Corpse plant begins rare blooming at botanic garden in Raleigh

Corpse plant before blooming 

Don't Miss It

WRAL's Lora Lavigne speaks to neighbors and business owners left navigating the ongoing changes. 


Neighbors, businesses frustrated over delay of Blue Ridge Road underpass project

Caught on cam: Airplane crashes into waters of Outer Banks

Caught on cam: Plane crashes into waters of the Outer Banks

Millions face unexpected interest charges on student loans

Classroom

Woman bitten by rat near Fenway Park in Boston

Judge: Menstrual pain from endometriosis can qualify for disability

Stomach ache

Video Central

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WRAL Noon News | August 3

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Carolina Hurricanes Star Jaccob Slavin delights Raleigh kids with back-to-school bash

Local News

Hillsborough charter school relocates after Eno River flooding, community rallies in support

Durham police capture suspect after 7-hour manhunt

Raleigh police investigate shooting at gas station that left one injured

5 pigs rip up Wake Forest family's yard

A man fell to his death during an Oasis concert at London's Wembley Stadium

Nation/World

Pope Leo XIV tells 1 million Catholic youths that they are 'the sign a different world is possible'

Israeli minister prays at flashpoint holy site as officials say 33 aid-seekers killed in Gaza

Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard has details about new restaurants in the area, including the latest restaurant to move into Raleigh Iron Works, plus information about Dave's Hot Chicken's first Raleigh location and the new Whataburger spot.


Foodie News: Raleigh Iron Works is getting a new restaurant from an acclaimed chef

Raleigh Iron Works development future 

Uproar Festival celebrates public art in August

Uproar Festival of Public Art

Weekend best bets: Beer, Bourbon and BBQ, plus Kesha and The Flaming Lips

Flaming Lips at City Plaza

From fishing to bike rentals: NC parks offer free family fun year-round

Falls Lake fishing pier

70+ events happening in NC this August

August events

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.

Out & About

Ice cream deficit? Trump administration says Biden oversaw trade imbalance

Politifact

Fact check: Will Trump's tariffs 'pay off' the U.S. deficit?

Fact check: Stein says guns are top cause of child deaths in North Carolina

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

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

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending July 31

NC Capitol

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley enters 2026 US Senate race

State spending plan calls for larger DMV site in Fuquay-Varina

RNC Chair Michael Whatley announces run for US Senate

Larger Fuquay-Varina DMV office to tackle long waits, boost service for growing community

Criminal justice teacher charged with choking student

Education

UNC leaders building relationships in Washington in effort to minimize impact of cuts

Hillsborough charter school opening delayed due to Chantal flood damage, volunteers welcome

Federal education tax credit program would come to NC under bill passed by lawmakers

In sickness and in health: Newlyweds face second battle with aggressive breast cancer

WRAL In Depth

WRAL Investigates tracks down CFO of Durham-based nonprofit accused of not paying employees

Bounced checks, thousands owed: Employees say they were never paid by Durham-based nonprofit

Cary testing way to remove 'forever chemicals' from Jordan Lake without waste

Family of man killed by Wake Forest coach's punch seeking $18 million in damages

Rolesville 4-star junior RB Amir Brown commits to UNC

WRALSportsFan

QB Max Johnson almost lost his leg due to injury. Now he's battling to be UNC's starter.

MLB Home Run Derby X returns to Durham Bulls Athletic Park 

Cameron Young wins first PGA Tour title by demolishing field at Wyndham Championship

William Byron has enough fuel to win NASCAR Cup race at Iowa Speedway

HSOT Press Box: 2025 NC High School Volleyball Preview Show

HighSchoolOT

Where to watch NC high school football scrimmages this August

Athletic director changes in North Carolina for the 2025-26 school year

NRCA standout Marcus Monroe commits to Stanford

Here's how many NC high school athletes have signed NIL deals, including one for $1.2M

As many prepare to take those final road trips of the summer, WRAL News shares some things you should never do when pulling into a gas station. 

Don't Waste Your Money: Gas station dos and don'ts

The EPA still labels Cherry Point "under control," yet 2023 tests show PFAS at 12Ã legal limit. New report warns 15 U.S. bases pose ongoing health risks as cleanup lags.

Forever chemicals seeping into NC marine base

WRAL Investigates asked CJF America CFO Nick Gallardo why the nonprofit's employees haven't been paid.

Durham-based nonprofit CFO responds to claim of not paying employees

EPA still labels Cherry Point "under control," yet 2023 tests show PFAS at 12Ã legal limit. New report warns 15 U.S. bases pose ongoing health risks as cleanup lags.

Military bases flagged for high PFAS while EPA status remains unchanged

This machine from Invicta Water destroys PFAS in drinking water.

Multiple employees of Durham-based nonprofit CJF America claim they have not been paid for weeks of work, with some receiving bounced checks. 

Employees claim they are owed thousands by Durham nonprofit

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley said Thursday that he will seek his party's nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis. If he wins it, he could face former Gov. Roy Cooper in the 2026 general election.

GOP Chairman Michael Whatley announces U.S. Senate campaign

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, the longtime ally of President Donald Trump and former leader of the state GOP, launched a campaign Thursday to seek his party's nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis.

WRAL Specialists

5 On Your Side: Property damage, injuries and even death, the products recalled in July.

5 On Your Side: Recent recalls to keep in mind before packing your child's lunch

Lawmakers want it done, but deed fraud bill is stalled

5 On Your Side: Testing AI and robotic technology before welcoming them into your home

5 On Your Side

Don't Waste Your Money: Dealers, websites making instant cash offers for cars

Scammers using artificial intelligence for disaster fraud

AI-driven scams threaten NC disaster aid: How to protect yourself from fraudsters

Family seeks $18 million after Wake Forest University coach's deadly punch

Investigations

CivicReach: Transforming government customer experience with AI

Mike Walden: Drip of uncertainty constrains NC'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

Drugmakers are pouring billions of dollars into new US manufacturing. It still won't achieve all of Trump's tariff goals

Doritos thinks this flavor is its next 'Cool Ranch'

Profits drop at Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway as it writes down its Kraft Heinz investment

Who is Erika McEntarfer, the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner fired by Trump?

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

ChatGPT unveils 'study mode' for college students

Family

Protecting your pets when a hurricane threatens

Nature as curriculum: A simple solution to a big problem

Tar Heel Traveler: Furnitureland South

What to do when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Top Amazon deals: Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush Set w/8 Brush Heads only $7.99 (47% off), KitchenAid Can & Bottle Opener only $6.30 (62% off), 60L Closet Storage Bags 6 pk only $9.19 w/coupon (reg. $21.99)

SmartShopper

BJ's Wholesale Club for 1-yr only $13.50 (82% off) through Aug. 4 PLUS $15 reward with purchase!

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

Where can I find the best prices on grocery staples this week?

Top grocery deals valid July 30 - Aug. 5

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