Raleigh breaking news and weather, Raleigh North Carolina news today, WRAL 7-day forecasts, NC lottery updates. WRAL news in Raleigh, NC.

WRAL.com

State lawmakers unanimously approved a $273 million recovery aid bill for western North Carolina Helene storm damage. More funding is expected in the future as the full extent of damage becomes known.

Cooper signs Helene recovery package into law, with $273 million in disaster relief

<p>THE CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER AND THAT MEANS THE RISK OF SEEING FLOODING IS ESSENTIALLY GUARANTEED &gt;&gt; FROM MILTON LEANS IMPACT IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. THE TODAY STATE LAWMAKERS ARE EXPECTED TO PASS AN EMERGENCY RELIEF BILL FOR HELENE WRAL. CAPITOL BUREAU CHIEF LAURA LESLIE IS LIVE AT THE LEGISLATIVE BUILDING WHERE LAWMAKERS ARE EXPECTED TO VOTE WITHIN THE HOUR ON WHAT IS A QUARTER BILLION DOLLAR MEASURE FLOOR. &gt;&gt; JEFF LEGISLATIVE LEADERS STRESSED OVER AND OVER THIS MORNING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE THAT THIS WILL BE THE FIRST ROUND, ONLY THE FIRST ROUND OF WHAT WILL BE MONTHS AND YEARS OF RECOVERY BILLS RECOVERY A FROM A LIEN. THE MONEY WILL GO TO STATE COUNTY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO HELP THEM CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY RELIEF AND RELIEF AND SERVICES. THIS MORNING'S PRESS CONFERENCE FEATURED LAWMAKERS WHO REPRESENT THE AFFECTED AREA. THE STATE MANY SAID THEIR DISTRICTS ARE DEVASTATED ENTIRE COUNTIES WITHOUT POWER OR CELL SERVICE. NO GROCERY STORES, WATER TREATMENT PLANTS LITERALLY WASHED AWAY. REPUBLICAN JENNIFER BALCOMBE REPRESENTS HENDERSON COUNTY, ONE OF THE HARDEST HIT. SHE SAID WESTERN NORTH CAROLINIANS ARE TOUGH, RESILIENT PEOPLE WHO WILL REBUILD. BUT IT WILL TAKE TIME. &gt;&gt; TIMES WE HATE ASKING FOR HELP. I KNOW THAT MYSELF AND UP COMES, DYLAN GOING TO CRY, BUT HEADS. &gt;&gt; PEOPLE ARE STILL NEEDING HELP EVEN THOUGH THEY DON'T ASK FOR IT. AND THIS IS JUST A START. THIS IS A START TO HELP GIVE PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEED. &gt;&gt; THE 273 MILLION DOLLAR RELIEF PACKAGE ALSO EXTENDS MORE ELECTION FLEXIBILITY TO ALL. 25 COUNTIES INCLUDED BEEN THAT FEDERAL DEBT DISASTER DECLARATION, NOT JUST THE 13 WORST HIT AS THE STATE ELECTIONS BOARD DEAD VOTERS IN THOSE COUNTIES WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN THEIR ABSENTEE BALLOT TO ANY COUNTY ELECTIONS. OFFICER POLLING PLACE IN THE STATE. IT ALSO INCLUDES 5 MILLION DOLLARS IN EMERGENCY FUNDS FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTION. THE SENATE IS POISED TO TAKE THE FIRST VOTE ON THIS BILL AT ANY MOMENT HERE. AFTER THAT, IT'LL GO TO THE HOUSE AND IS EXPECTED TO BE A GOVERNOR COOPER'S DESK LATER</p>

Hurricane_Helene_Climate_34411

Cooper signs $273 million relief bill for Helene recovery

Election_2024-North_Carolina-Voting_13818

Student cut in face, 3 teens wearing ski masks get on school bus in Enfield

Southeast Halifax High School

Hurricane Milton destroys roof of Tropicana Field in Florida

Hurricane Milton tore off the roof at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Some have been critical of the government's response to Helene. Here's a breakdown of how disaster response works

Small Business Administration Will Soon Exhaust Disaster Loan Funds

Franklin sheriff calls for county manager's resignation after she issues guidance for Helene reimbursements

Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White

Thursday could bring another opportunity to see the northern lights

Aurora forecast for Thursday, Oct. 10

AG candidate Bishop sues Jackson campaign for defamation

Attorney general candidates

WRAL News+

WRAL News+ Live Thumbnail

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Friday's game for the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center carries all the usual excitement for the start of a new season -- this time with hurricane victims in North Carolina and Florida at top-of-mind. 

Canes' game at Tampa Bay on Saturday postponed due to Hurricane Milton

Carolina Hurricanes left wing Juha Jaaska (54) celebrates his goal during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

People might have the chance to see the northern lights again in North Carolina on Thursday night starting around 7:30 p.m.

Fall weather expected this week, chance to catch northern lights ðin the sky Thursday night 

Northern lights

By the time Hurricane Milton caused a construction crane to crash onto the building that houses The Tampa Bay Times late Wednesday, the newsroomâs journalists had already evacuated, fanning out across the region to cover the storm.

A Crane Hit Their Building, but the Journalists Were Out Reporting

Get ready for a jam-packed weekend of fall festivities, live performances, and family fun this weekend. See our top picks! 

Weekend best bets: Fall fun, movies and more

Pumpkins on a farm ready to pick

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) â Hundreds of Florida residents were rescued Thursday from the aftermath of Hurricane Milton after the storm smashed through coastal communities where it tore homes into pieces, filled streets with mud and spawned a barrage of tornadoes that killed at least five.

Milton knocks out power to millions and spawns tornadoes across Florida. At least 5 dead

APTOPIX_Hurricane_Milton_Weather_52626

DETROIT (AP) â Donald Trump on Thursday lobbed new complaints about the federal response to a pair of hurricanes that ravaged large swaths of the Southeast, as he again seeks to increasingly turn two deadly storms to his political advantage ahead of the November election.

Trump complains about disaster response as he and Harris campaign following Milton's landfall

APTOPIX_Election_2024_Trump_16946

Dennis Draughon, Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Some find disaster amid the disaster! 

BOSTON, Mass. (AP) â Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the familyâs legacy for decades thereafter, died on Thursday, her family said. She was 96.

Ethel Kennedy, social activist and wife of Robert F. Kennedy, has died

Ethel_Kennedy-Stroke_20741

The Carolina Cooker team from Garner, led by Jason Allen, has set up a mobile kitchen in the community of Vilas to provide barbecue and sweet potatoes to people affected by Hurricane Helene.

Helene relief: Garner company barbecues 1,600 meals per day in Vilas

Jason Allen's Garner-based Carolina Cooker team has set up a mobile kitchen in the community of Vilas.

View WRAL's latest top news

MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM

95.7 That Station

99.9 The Fan

There's been some confusion regarding the government's response to Helene in western North Carolina. So let's break it down.

Thousands of people have donated more than $900,000 through the WRAL Cares telethon. The Red Cross is using those donations to operate 20 shelters in the state, helping nearly 1,300 people with a safe space to stay. 

Help North Carolina rebuild: Ways to give money, goods, volunteer to help western NC

WRAL Cares

Musicians with North Carolina connections will collaborate to celebrate the Tar Heel State and raise money for hurricane relief. The Concert for Carolina takes place Oct. 26 at Bank of America Stadium.


Concert for Carolina: Sheryl Crow, Luke Combs, Eric Church, James Taylor to perform Oct. 26

Concert for Carolina Oct. 26, 2024

At least 121 people have died in North Carolina due to Helene, according to state data.



Tracking Helene's impact: Search county-by-county death toll, power outages in NC

Climate_Deadlier_Hurricanes_24896

The 2024 North Carolina State Fair is a beloved annual tradition, offering something for everyone. From thrilling rides and delicious food to educational exhibits and live entertainment, there's always something to enjoy.

Your ultimate guide to the 2024 North Carolina State Fair  

NC State Fair Sky Glazer

Don't Miss It

The Friends of Harnett County have been hard at work since the hurricane struck, preparing two 18-wheelers full of supplies. 

Organizers want shipments of Hurricane Helene relief supplies staggered 

NC election officials provide update on election changes for counties hit by Helene

Weak building codes making North Carolina less safe, engineer says

Pet of the Day for Oct. 10, 2024

Family dog finds boy under rubble after western NC mudslide during Helene

Tucker saves his family

Hurricane Milton destroys roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida

Strong winds from Hurricane Milton on Wednesday night tore through the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, home to the Tampa Bay Rays

Video Central

WRAL 6am News | October 10

6am Newscast Static

WRAL 9am News | October 10

9am Newscast Static

WRAL Noon News | October 10

12pm Newscast Static

WRAL 4pm News | October 9

4pm Newscast Static

WRAL 6pm News | October 9

6pm Newscast Static

WRAL 10pm News | October 9

10pm Newscast Static

Organizers want shipments of Hurricane Helene relief supplies staggered

Local News

Access to mental health resources in wake of natural disasters reduces long-term issues

Playpen on Amazon recalled, should be destroyed

Sanford man builds 300 mini lighthouses to uplift those facing life-threatening illnesses, including 2-year-old boy

Disney World and other Orlando parks to reopen Friday after Hurricane Milton shutdown

Nation/World

'Our dreams were falling down the mountain': American and British climbers stranded in the Himalayas for three days

Africans recruited to work in Russia say they were duped into building drones for use in Ukraine

Tesla is unveiling its long-awaited robotaxi amid doubts about the technology it runs on

At least 22 people killed in Israeli airstrikes in central Beirut. A strike on Gaza school kills 27

Catawba's own Christina Eagle has captured a coveted spot on Team Snoop Dogg on "The Voice" after a standout performance of Lainey Wilson's "Wildflowers and Wild Horses."


Catawba singer Christina Eagle joins Team Snoop Dogg on 'The Voice'

5 On Your Side: Vacationers getting mixed messages about traveling to NC mountains

EARNHARDT-5 Blue Ridge Mountains

Beech Mountain Ski Resort announces opening date for 2024-25 ski season

On Dec. 17, 2022, skiers and snowboarders go down the slopes at Beech Mountain.

NC benefit concerts planned to aid in Hurricane Helene recovery

Mount Moriah At the Cat's Cradle

Closed for renovations: NC Museum of History working to retell the state's story

Bicentennial Plaza 

Out & About

The future of fact-checking & how people can combat misinformation

Politifact

Fact check: Is government seizing North Carolina lithium after Helene?

Fact check: No, Democrats didn't withhold aid to right-leaning NC counties after Helene

Fact check: No, FEMA and other Helene responders aren't 'confiscating' supplies

Fact-checking 5 misleading claims about Helene relief efforts

State lawmakers plan to unveil $273-million Helene relief package Wednesday

NC Capitol

North Carolina sports betting numbers bounce back with big September

Lawmakers ready to okay a quarter-billion dollar relief bill for Helene 

Health care staffing company plans to add high-paying 155 jobs in Raleigh's North Hills

Home insurers argue for a 42% average rate hike in North Carolina

Ahead of formal installation, UNC chancellor reflects on tenure, reiterates commitment to affordability

Education

A month without a teacher! 5 On Your Side digs into a statewide teacher shortage

New E.E. Smith High School to be built, but location still up in the air after Fort Liberty site rejection

State senate candidate reinstated to assistant principal job after monthlong suspension

Senate candidate suspended with pay from school job as district probes role in breaking up fight

Did weak building codes contribute to devastation from Helene?

WRAL In Depth

CDC investigating potential 'cancer cluster' at NC State after hundreds of people who worked, studied in Poe Hall develop cancer

FEMA fact check

Much of Tropical Storm Fred relief money remains untouched as western NC regroups after Helene

Community event at NC State aims to address, reduce cancer disparities

NC State, 0-2 in ACC play for first time since 2015, hosts fast-starting Syracuse

WRALSportsFan

ACC's additions of Cal, Stanford create test for coast-to-coast basketball scheduling plans

Carolina Hurricanes host Tampa Bay Lightning for 2024-25 regular season opener

Panthers, Canales must evaluate Ejiro Evero as defensive coordinator

'Undervalued': Phillips takes aim at ACC's lack of NCAA bids in men's hoops

Watch 6-0 Millbrook vs. No. 10 Rolesville in the HighSchoolOT Game of the Week

HighSchoolOT

The Huddle: The most important games of the week & Bryan Till's return to Richmond

Undefeated Watch: Week 8 features 30 perfect teams, no matchups between unbeatens

Pisgah hopes to host rivalry game with Tuscola at Memorial Stadium following flooding from Helene

No. 1 Cardinal Gibbons rounding into postseason form with sweep of Seaforth

After months of WRAL investigations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now working to determine if there is a connection between PCBs in Poe Hall and employee cancer cases.

CDC to investigate potential cancer cluster among Poe Hall workers at NC State

Before hunting for deep discounts on Amazon Prime Day, 5 On Your Side is warning you about the pitfalls to watch out for while you shop and after.

How to guard against scammers this Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day Is Coming Up And Some Clothing And Shoes Are Already On Sale

WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty answers viewer questions related to the response to Hurricane Helene.

Answering viewer questions about Hurricane Helene aftermath

The North Carolina Board of Elections voted unanimously to give the hardest-hit counties more flexibility in how they conduct the elections.



NC leaders approve flexibility for voters in Helene counties

Before Helene there was Fred - $13 million was promised and few dollars were received by this town. WRAL Investigates North Carolina's long history of hurricane recovery and why funds to help communities rebuild take years to get to those in need.

NC town waiting for millions hit again 3 years later. WRAL Investigates why relief funds take years to help local communities

Many people sent WRAL News questions about the lack of internet and cell service after Hurricane Helene.

Answering viewer questions about lack of internet and cell service from Hurricane Helene

WRAL Specialists

5 deaths reported with this Fisher-Price product

Vacationers getting mixed messages about traveling to NC mountains 

Helene shuts down mines critical to semiconductor production

If Helene causes a chip shortage, it'll be different than COVID

5 On Your Side

Hope Mills man charged with murdering 25-year-old man after turning himself in

How difficult is it for underage people to get vapes? WRAL goes undercover to find out

Man killed outside barbershop Saturday in Clinton

Police investigate abuse allegations at Mount Olive nursing home

Investigations

Grace Ueng: The controversy over 'Founder Mode

Mike Walden: What does the Fed's rate cut mean?

New AI phone conversation tool QuikTok is getting people talking

Health care staffing company plans to add high-paying 155 jobs in Raleigh

WRAL TechWire

US jobless claims hit 258,000, the most in a year. Analysts point to Hurricane Helene, Boeing strike

Boeing withdraws contract offer after talks with striking workers break down

McDonald's sues top meat packers for allegedly colluding to inflate the price of beef

Small business disaster loan program said to be in danger of running out of funds by end of month

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Lena Tillett welcomes a second son, Zayden

Family

Go Ask Dad: The magic of the mail

Shifting from parenting to coaching: How and when to make the switch

Adults Night: 'Magic and Monsters' planned at Raleigh museum

Volunteer pilots airdrop donations to isolated, rural communities in western NC

Target Circle Week Top Deals: Carter's Baby Clothing 40% off today, Oct. 10, Instant Pot 6qt Bundle only $59.99 PLUS get a $10 Target Gift Card, Shoes & clothing up to 66% off

SmartShopper

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

Top grocery deals valid Oct. 9-15

Walmart Holiday Deals event is LIVE: See the long list of top buys

Long list of Amazon Prime Day deals!

Former WRAL photojournalist compares Asheville flooding to storm 20 years ago

20 inches of rain cut off Fred's Mercantile on top of Beech Mountain

On Beech Mountain, Fred's Mercantile stayed open to serve after hurricane hit

Helene's impact on livestock in NC

Unfathomable devastation: McDowell County faces historic loss in wake of flooding

Tar Heel Traveler

The kleptocrats aren’t just stealing money. They’re stealing democracy