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West Raleigh is bracing for a  traffic backup on Thursday and Friday as the start of the North Carolina State Fair coincides with back-to-back Billie Eilish concerts at the Lenovo Center. Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell acknowledged complaints from Tuesday's Chris Brown concert at Carter-Finley Stadium.

North Carolina State Fair, Billie Eilish concerts could create west Raleigh traffic woes

SAYS IT'S TIME TO ROLL IT BACK. I KNOW IT'S 6 TRAFFIC TROUBLES AROUND. RALEIGH HAVE BEEN WORSE THAN THIS IS A LIVE LOOK FROM SKY 5 LOOKS PRETTY COMMON ORGANIZED TO A LACK OF THE FIRST DAY. IT IS OPENING NIGHT OF THE STATE FAIR. BUT YOU MIX THAT WITH A SOLD OUT BILLY EILISH CONCERT AT NEARBY LENOVO CENTER AND YOU UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO ADD EXTRA TIME TO GET TO THESE EVENTS. >> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US. I'M GERALD OWENS AND I'M LENA TILLETT. SO BOTH THE FAIRGROUNDS AND LENOVO CENTER SHARE THE SAME PARKING LOT. THAT'S KEY. AND THAT'S A RECIPE FOR MAJOR TRAFFIC JAMS. >> AND WE ARE BEGINNING TO SEE THEM WE HAVE LIVE TEAM COVERAGE OF THE TRAFFIC AROUND THE FAIRGROUNDS AND LENOVO AS PEOPLE TRY TO GET TO AND FROM THESE EVENTS DURING RUSH HOUR, NO DID NOT NO LESS. >> LET'S BEGIN WITH ASHLEY ROLE. SHE IS INSIDE THE FAIR ON OPENING DAY AS SHE LEFT SEVERAL HOURS AGO. HAD NO PROBLEM GETTING THERE. I'M SURE. >> I'LL TELL YOU WHAT, A PERFECT DAY WEATHER WISE TO HERE AT THE FAIR ON IN SHORT SLEEVES AND FEELING TOTALLY COMFORTABLE AS THE SUN STARTS TO GO DOWN. AS WE'VE BEEN ALL OVER THE FAIRGROUNDS TODAY, HAVING A WHOLE LOT OF FUN BEING ON THE RIGHT GETTING TO ENJOY THE FOOD. NOW WE ARE BACK AT HOME BASE AT THE WRAL PICNIC AREA WHERE, YOU KNOW, FOLKS CAN JUST SIT BACK IT SOME FAIR FOOD PUTT, PUTT. THAT WAS A TERRIBLE SHOT AND PLAY SOME GAMES AND JUST LAY LOW. HANG OUT. PLEASE DO COME BY. IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE AT THE STATE FAIR THIS WEEK IN THE OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS TO COME BY. SAY HELLO. WE'VE GOT SOME OF THE WRAL TELLING HER GOING TO BE WANTING TO SAY HELLO TO YOU. AND IT'S ALWAYS SUCH A PLEASURE. AND, YOU KNOW, YOU GET TO ALL DAY LONG, SAY HI TO OUR FOLKS OVER HERE. YOU'RE RIGHT OVER HERE, LOOKING GREAT. WE KNOW I'M GONNA GET BACK TO YOU IN JUST A BIT. BUT FIRST, WE'VE GOT TO CHECK OUT HOW THINGS ARE LOOKING TRAFFIC WISE. GERALD, YOU MENTIONED THERE'S ALSO BILLION DOLLARS CONCERT GOING ON. THERE'S A LOT GOING ON IN THE CITY RIGHT NOW. SEAN GALLAGHER IS CHECKING ON THE TRAFFIC TIE-UPS SHOT. >> YEAH, ACTUALLY, THINGS ARE PICKING UP HERE. WE JUST HAD TO TURN SOUTH ON EDWARDS MILL ROAD ARE TRYING TO GO EAST ON TRINITY THERE. BUT THE WAY THAT THEY HAVE AN ORGANIZED RIGHT NOW, WE CAN'T GO SO IN FRONT OF US. IT IS SMOOTH SAILING, BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING ALL OVER THE PLACE, ESPECIALLY WITH AT BILLIE EILISH CONCERT, THE STATE FAIR DIRECTOR TOLD ME YESTERDAY WITH 2 EVENTS THAT ARE GOING ON AT THE SAME TIME, EVERYONE ENDS UP SUFFERING. SOON AS THE GATES OPENED, PEOPLE FLOCKED TO THE STATE FAIR. >> I IS RIDING ON THE RIGHT FOOD. YEAH, I'M HERE FOR THE FOOD. BUT BEFORE YOU GET TO THE FOOD AND THE FUN, YOU MAY HAVE TO PUT UP A FIGHT. I LIKE THE FIRST DAY BECAUSE IT'S, YOU KNOW, LIKE LESS TRAFFIC. WE NOW HAVE BIRTHDAY TRAFFIC GOES. IT WAS ACTUALLY PRETTY SMOOTH AGAIN HERE TODAY DEALT WITH CHRIS BROWN CAUSE OF THE OTHER DAY. SO I APPRECIATE THAT TODAY. IT'S STILL TOO SOON FOR PEOPLE LIKE SEAN DOUBT. WALLACE, SOME THIS TO CHRIS BROWN SHOW ENTIRELY OF CARTER FINLEY STADIUM TUESDAY. CONCERNS ARE HIGH FOR REPEAT TONIGHT BECAUSE ACROSS THE STREET AT THE LENOVO CENTER 20,000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED AT THE BILLIE EILISH CONCERT. THESE EARLY BIRDS ARE READY TO GET BACK TO THE COOP, I ASSUME WILL BE HOME BY 5. THERE'S WORK TO DO THAT TO GET THIS BETTER. RALEIGH MAYOR JANET CAL WILL HAVE HER EYES GLUED TO THE TRAFFIC AROUND HERE TONIGHT. HER INBOX WAS FILLED WITH COMPLAINTS AFTER THE CHRIS BROWN CONCERT DEBACLE. WHAT IS YOUR OFFICE DOING TO TRY TO ALLEVIATE THESE TRAFFIC ISSUES AROUND THE ARENAS? >> THE MAIN SOLUTION I HAVE IS THAT THE RALEIGH POLICE DEPARTMENT, I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM MORE DIRECTLY INVOLVED. THEY HAD NO FORMAL ROLE AT ALL IN THE TRAFFIC RIGHT FOR THIS. CHRIS BROWN CONCERT. SO THE FACT THAT, YOU KNOW, NC STATE AND THE POLICE ARE GETTING TOGETHER TO DEBRIEF THIS WHOLE EVENT NEXT WEEK. >> THAT'S THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO SEE. >> SO THAT'S GOOD NEWS TO HEAR THAT THEY'RE MAKING PLANS TO TRY TO ALLEVIATE ANY ISSUES IN THE FUTURE. BUT I HAD BIG QUESTIONS FOR THE LENOVO CENTER FOR THE LAST 2 DAYS AND ONLY JUST NOW GOT A RESPONSE ABOUT WHY THEY BOOKED FOR CONCERTS DURING THE STATE FAIR. THEY SAID IN PART, WE STRIVE TO TRY TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN MANAGING TRAFFIC AND CONGESTION WITHOUT TURNING AWAY WORLD CLASS TOURS THAT HAVE A LIMITED WINDOW TO VISIT NORTH CAROLINA. SO THAT'S WHY BILLY EILISH WILL BE PLAYING TONIGHT AND TOMORROW AT THE LENOVO CENTER, THOSE

A Ferris wheel at the North Carolina State Fair.

NC State Fair, Billie Eilish concert brings big crowds to Raleigh

On Tuesday, traffic was backed up for miles on Trinity Road to get to Carter-Finley Stadium for the Chris Brown concert.

One person shot, another arrested near Franklin Street in Chapel Hill

One person shot and another arrested in Chapel Hill shooting, investigation ongoing

Saudi Arabia hosted UNC's Lombardi on preseason fundraising trip

North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi met with reporters Tuesday to discuss the Tar Heels' signees.

NC lawmakers unveil proposed congressional map in effort to maintain GOP control

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Cool, clear weather ahead of the opening night of the NC State Fair

State Fair Start 10/16/2025

Bipartisan effort underway in NC to give you rights over what data companies collect and share about you

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Warrant: Woman stabbed man with campaign sign in Raleigh

Jasmine Dunn is accused of stabbing a man with a campaign sign.

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Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, died Thursday. He was 74.

Ace Frehley, Kiss' original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74

Obit_Ace_Frehley_81985

The Strada Education Foundation said more than two-thirds of in-state students will see a positive return on their investment within 10 years of graduating.


College remains a good investment for most in NC amid rising costs, new study shows

UNC Bell Tower

Fayetteville Technical Community College's Spring Lake campus was placed on lockdown for about an hour Monday after college leaders got a report of a shooter. Authorities were not able to confirm that there was ever a shooter on campus.

Fayetteville Tech contractors used tools that sounded like gunfire, college says

Fayetteville Technical Community College Spring Lake Campus

The grants were intended to create jobs, lower energy bills and help the environment. The Trump administration said it was a waste of money.

NC sues Trump EPA over canceled solar grants for 12,000 families

EPA Moves to Cancel $7 Billion in Grants for Solar Energy

Bragg Boulevard has reopened on Thursday afternoon between Pearl Street and Stamper Road in Fayetteville as police investigate a deadly crash.

Bragg Boulevard reopens after deadly Fayetteville crash involving motorcycle, truck

Police car, blue lights

The Buffalo Creek Preserve project and renovations to Green Hills County Park have been delayed to a future bond following a commissioner work session.

Rising costs force changes to Wake County park, road projects

Green Hills County Park

North Carolina faces a growing threat as drug-resistant bacteria cases surge, raising concerns among health officials. 

Drug-resistant bacteria on the rise in North Carolina

Bacteria

First responders pulled a person out of a car after driving over a ledge along Western Boulevard in Raleigh on Thursday morning.

Driver rescued after car goes over ledge in Raleigh

Driver rescued from going over ledge in Raleigh

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About $83 million in North Carolina food-stamp benefits were distributed late between 2021 and 2024 -- less than 1% of the total payout during that period. Wake, Cumberland and Edgecombe counties were among the worst performers.

Timeliness of NC food-stamp payments dipped below federal standards, state audit says 

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A new Consumer Reports investigation uncovered a hidden risk in protein powders and shakes -- some of these supplements contain concerning levels of lead.


5 On Your Side: Some protein powders and shakes contain high levels of lead

Protein powder

Read on for North Carolina State Fair tips for parents, especially those bringing young children.



2025 NC State Fair: Tips for families with children

NC State Fair carousel

Explore budget-friendly ways to enjoy the North Carolina State Fair this year, with tips on saving money on admission, rides, and attractions. 

On a budget? Save money at the NC State Fair this year

NC State Fair Sky Glazer

The Better Business Bureau is urging consumers to remember some key points before making any big purchases at the North Carolina State Fair.


5 On Your Side: Avoid buying scams at the NC State Fair

NC State Fair ferris wheel

Food and ride inspections are underway at the 2025 North Carolina State Fair, which runs Oct. 16 until Oct. 26.


Food and ride inspections begin at NC State Fair, which opens Thursday

NC State Fair media lunch tray

Don't Miss It

Republican North Carolina lawmakers released newly proposed congressional districts Thursday -- a move that seeks to protect or expand the GOP's control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Republicans release plan to redraw NC congressional map

One person shot, another arrested after shooting near Franklin Street in Chapel Hill

NC lawmakers push to make companies tell you what they're doing with your data

NC Attorney General sues EPA over canceled solar grants

Raleigh woman accused of stabbing someone with a campaign sign

Tar Heel Traveler: State Fair Mum Tree

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Raleigh man faces 20 counts of child sex exploitation

Local News

3-year-old boy killed, mother and 2 other siblings hurt in Sampson County crash

NC-grown Gregory Poole Equipment to move headquarters to Garner, future of Raleigh site unknown

North Carolina's early voting opens for 2025 municipal elections: Key dates and candidates

Donald Thompson: Grant Hill's formula for winning at sports and life

Ex-Trump national security adviser Bolton charged with storing and sharing classified information

Nation/World

Chief of staff of Yemen Houthi rebel's military dies from wounds suffered in Israeli airstrike

Senate Democrats, holding out for health care, reject government funding bill for 10th time

Trump confirms the CIA is conducting covert operations inside Venezuela

JD Vance dismisses bipartisan outrage over racist and offensive Young Republican group chat

It is a busy weekend in the Triangle with the state of the NC State Fair and Billie Eilish at Lenovo Center for two nights.


Weekend best bets: NC State Fair, Billie Eilish

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Tickets for Pullen Park's Holiday Express sold out on Ticketmaster

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Transgender state employees, family members in NC to lose some health coverage

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Indiana announces new 8-year contract with coach Curt Cignetti worth nearly $93 million

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With the cost of flights up almost 10% in 2025, basic economy tickets can look appealing. WRAL News takes a look at whether the savings are worth it.

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ICE confirmed Wilmer Fuentes Mejia is in the country illegally. Mejia was charged with hit-and-run and involuntary manslaughter in connection with a deadly crash in Durham in September.

Deadly hit-and-run suspect was in country illegally, ICE says

A man said he gave CJF America's founder and  chief financial officer nearly $200,000 to invest, but now fears the money is gone after learning of criminal charges and allegations against the company's executives

Man claims he lost $200K to two men at center of WRAL investigation

WRAL Investigates found Raleigh Firefighters are working a lot of overtime. Raleigh's Mayor Pro Tempore is now planning to help cut back.

WRAL Investigation into firefighter overtime spurs call to action

After a WRAL investigation showing Raleigh firefighters worked more than 117,000 hours of overtime in one year, Mayor Pro Tempore Stormie Forte requested that the city manager and fire chief formally assess firefighter burnout, appropriate staffing levels, and the need for a shift modification study.

WRAL investigation into Raleigh firefighter overtime spurs call to action by mayor pro tem

Raleigh fire truck at Station No. 5

A church in Edgecombe County is a symbol of the power of a hurricane. WRAL's Tar Heel Traveler shares the spirit of a town, committed to keeping its history upright.

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Man's complaints about Durham road haven't led to action at city level

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Sam's Club 12-Month Membership only $15 (70% off)

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Walmart Deals: Kids Headphones only $11.89, Halloween Sleep Pants only $5, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls set only $19.99 (reg. $69.99)

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