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

WRAL.com

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Voters in western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene's devastation may see several changes to how they can cast their ballots in the coming weeks after the state's election board approved an emergency resolution that modifies voting rules.

North Carolina residents impacted by Helene likely to see some voting changes

<p>TALK ABOUT MORE SPECIFICS FOR ALL OF OUR FLORIDA AND NORTH CAROLINA. COMING UP &gt;&gt; THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IS THIS FRIDAY. BUT EVEN THE PEOPLE IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA WHO ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE QUESTION, WHETHER THEY'LL BE ABLE TO PERFORM THEIR CIVIC DUTY JUST MINUTES AGO, THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO GIVE THE HARDEST HIT COUNTIES MORE FLEXIBILITY IN HOW THEY CONDUCT THEIR ELECTIONS. WRAL CAPITOL BUREAU CHIEF LAURA LESLIE JOINS US RIGHT NOW LIVE WITH WHAT THOSE CHANGES COULD LOOK LIKE. LAURA. &gt;&gt; YOU KNOW, NORTH CAROLINA IS NO STRANGER TO HOLDING ELECTIONS AFTER HURRICANES AND NATURAL DISASTERS. I MEAN, HURRICANE MATTHEW HIT IS JUST LESS THAN A MONTH BEFORE THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. BUT THIS IS AFTER IS LARGER THAN ANYTHING ELECTION OFFICIALS HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH THIS PAST CENTURY AS PART OF WHETHER STATE ELECTIONS BOARD VOTED UNANIMOUSLY JUST MINUTES AGO TO ALLOW COUNTY ELECTION OF BOARDS IN THOSE 13 HARDEST HIT COUNTIES TO USE DIFFERENT METHODS TO GET BALLOTS TO AND FROM VOTERS WHO MAY BE STRANDED BY DAMAGE FROM HELENE AND SOME PLACES. VOTING SITES HAVE BEEN WASHED AWAY AND COUNTY OFFICIALS WILL HAVE TO USE TEMPORARY SITES OR BUILDINGS TO CONDUCT VOTING AT OR NEAR THOSE PRECINCT LOCATIONS. IF COUNTY BOARDS APPROVE MULTI PARTISAN TEAMS AND THEY UP HOW THEY APPOINT WILL BE ALLOWED TO GO TO DISASTER SHELTERS AND OTHER AREAS WHERE AID IS BEING PROVIDED TO HELP PEOPLE CAST THEIR ABSENTEE BALLOT. THOSE TEAMS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO COLLECT THOSE BALLOTS AND BRING THEM BACK TO THE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION. SO VOTERS WON'T HAVE TO RELY ON THE MAIL TO RETURN THEM. STATE BOARD MEMBERS, STACY EGGERS LIVES IN WATAUGA COUNTY. THAT'S ONE OF THE 13 COUNTIES INCLUDED. &gt;&gt; WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE VOTING ACCESSIBLE TO VOTERS AND WHETHER WE NEED FOUR-WHEELERS HORSES ARE HELICOPTERS. THIS DISASTER HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR CONSISTENCY IN OUR WORK AND MAKING SURE THAT WE GET TO THE LOCATIONS THAT THE VOTERS EXPECT US. &gt;&gt; COULD BE. &gt;&gt; THE EMERGENCY RESOLUTION THAT PASSED TODAY WILL ALSO ALLOW VOTERS IN THOSE COUNTIES TO RETURN THEIR ABSENTEE BALLOTS IN PERSON ON ELECTION DAY AT ANY PRECINCT, THAT SOMETHING THAT'S NOT GENERALLY ALLOWED FOR MOST THAT UNITED UNDER THE LAW AND VOTERS WHO'VE BEEN DISPLACED BY THE STORM WOULD BE ABLE TO SUBMIT THEIR BALLOTS TO COUNTY BOARDS IN OTHER COUNTIES WHERE THEY'RE STAYING IN. THOSE COUNTIES WOULD THEN RETURN THOSE BALLOTS BACK TO THE HOME COUNTY FOR THEM. COMING UP AT 2 O'CLOCK TODAY, WE'RE GOING TO HEAR DIRECTLY FROM STATE ELECTIONS DIRECTOR KAREN BRINSON BELL ABOUT WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE CONDITIONS OF VOTING SITES IN THOSE 13 MOST AFFECTED COUNTIES AND WHAT THE STATE IS PREPARED TO DO TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE UP AND RUNNING. WHEN EARLY VOTING</p>

NC leaders approve flexibility for voters in Helene counties

Election_2024-North_Carolina-Voting_69003

FEMA administrator says people 'afraid' to apply for aid, debunks rumors 

Gov. Cooper, FEMA discuss Helene recovery and assistance

Johnston County commissioner sentenced to prison for sex crimes

Commissioner Richard Braswell arrested for indecent liberties with a child

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

North Carolina, neighborhood

Beautiful Weather ahead: Tuesday's sunny skies bring cooler temperatures in mid 70s

Cooler morning temperatures this week 

One year after Hamas attack: Nearly 50,000 lives lost, UNC students gather to honor victims

Tuesday marked one year since Hamas launched an attack on Israel

Hurricane Milton approaches: Thousands evacuate Florida as RDU sees surge of arrivals

Air travelers

WRAL News+

WRAL News+ Live Thumbnail

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

The change will go into effect in April. The group that runs Mega Millions is promising larger jackpots.

Mega Millions to increase tickets to $5

Mega_Millions_Price_Change_96429

After Tropical Storm Fred hit Haywood County in 2021, only a small percentage of the $13 million in relief money has been spent, with much of it remaining untouched. 

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

Tropical Storm Fred hit Haywood County in 2021.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs each year from June 1 to Nov. 30. The most active time is late August into October, but it's possible to see a hurricane make landfall any time of the year.

Hurricane season 2024: North Carolina tropical storm and hurricane updates 

11 p.m. path Monday on Hurricane Milton

The storm's rapid intensification highlights how climate change is driving stronger, faster-developing hurricanes, fueled by rising sea surface temperatures.

Hurricane Milton's rapid intensification linked to climate change, scientists say

Milton breaks records 

Alpha Automotive's owner, Alex Burgess, survived an EF3 tornado in Rocky Mount. He said he plans to rebuild the business at a new location.

'I need to find another location': Rocky Mount auto shop owner plans to rebuild after EF3 tornado

Alpha Automotive

While some rough surf, breezes and showers will be possible at the coast, the worst of Milton's weather stays well south of here

No, Hurricane Milton will not have a major impact on North Carolina

Milton and its very indirect impact on North Carolina

Rescue operations continue as communities work to repair roads, water and power lines.

Avery County residents appreciative of donations, kindness as they recover from Helene devastation

Rescue operations continue as communities work to repair roads, water and power lines in Avery County.

The mother of a man critically injured in a deadly pedestrian crash in Cumberland County is hoping charges will be filed. 

'My son needs justice': No charges filed in deadly pedestrian crash in Cumberland County

De'Rico Brewington

Thousands remain without water in western North Carolina, a week after Helene hit the area. A rise in crime has prompted a curfew in Black Mountain. On top of all this, misinformation has become the latest problem hindering recovery efforts.

Helene aftermath: 500 more troops to be deployed to western NC, misinformation hinders recovery efforts

Hurricane_Helene_59110

Officials are warning residents not to travel in or to western portion of North Carolina amid the destruction from Helene. Here is a look at what's roads are closed. This list will be updated as conditions improve.

Impassable, closed, narrowed: Here are the roads to avoid in western North Carolina

Major NC roads closed after Hurricane Helene

View WRAL's latest top news

MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM

95.7 That Station

99.9 The Fan

North Carolina data shows the state has had more than 100 deaths as a result of the destruction from Hurricane Helene.

Tracking Helene's impact: Search power outages in NC, number of deaths by NC county

Climate_Deadlier_Hurricanes_24896

Road closures continue throughout western NC: Find out what routes to avoid

After a hurricane hits, it can be overwhelming to try and figure out everything you need to do. Here's a list of resources to help you.

How to get help after the storm

WRAL News is covering the impact, aftermath and cleanup from Hurricane Helene, from the flooding as far west as the Tennessee border to tornado damage in Rocky Mount. 
Tap a pin for coverage from your hometown.

Map: County-by-county coverage of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina

Tropical_Weather_35042

Even a small scrape or a condition like eczema can allow an infection to enter the body.

Stay out of the water: Floodwaters pose risks of infection

Tropical_Weather_40_Trillion_Gallons_Explainer_29302

What, where and how to give to support western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene.

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

WRAL Cares

Don't Miss It

Tuesday marked one year since Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and sparking a war that has since claimed tens of thousands of lives in Gaza.

Vigils held at UNC, 1 year since Hamas attacked Israel

People leave Florida ahead of monster Cat 5 Hurricane Milton 

Answering viewer questions about Hurricane Helene aftermath

Pressure, loss, long days take toll on first responders and residents

Crews working to fix 400-plus roads, will impact most of fall tourism

Video Central

WRAL 6am News | October 7

6am Newscast Static

WRAL 9am News | October 7

9am Newscast Static

WRAL Noon News | October 7

12pm Newscast Static

WRAL 4pm News | October 7

4pm Newscast Static

WRAL 6pm News | October 7

6pm Newscast Static

WRAL 10pm News | October 6

10pm Newscast Static

Pedestrian killed in vehicle crash on Neuse Boulevard in New Bern, investigation underway

Local News

Helene flooded IV bag maker, causing nationwide supply issues

5 On Your Side: How to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene

State senate candidate reinstated to assistant principal job after monthlong suspension

Gas leak closes Six Forks Road in Raleigh

Supreme Court takes the bench with ghost guns, a capital case and transgender rights on the docket

Nation/World

Chicago mayor names new school board after entire panel resigns amid a fight over district control

War rages on multiple fronts as Israel marks a year since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack

Authorities are investigating after a Frontier Airlines plane lands with fire in one engine

Hurricane Milton is a Category 5. Florida orders evacuations and scrambles to clear Helene's debris

Many musical artists are planning benefit concerts to help raise funds for Hurricane Helene recovery in North Carolina. 

NC benefit concerts planned to aid in Hurricane Helene recovery

Mount Moriah At the Cat's Cradle

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

Concert for Carolina Oct. 26, 2024

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

Bicentennial Plaza 

First Char-Grill is up for sale again

Generic photo of Char-Grill located on Hillsborough Street in downtown Raleigh. 

Sturgill Simpson announces benefit show for NC hurricane relief

Sturgill Simpson Leaves His Old Sound (and the Spotlight) in the Rear View

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

Out & About

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

Politifact

Fact-checking 5 misleading claims about Helene relief efforts

Fact-checking Vance and Walz claims from vice presidential debate

Fact-check: Does Laurie Buckhout support national abortion ban with 'no exceptions?'

Fact check: Is rape up 53% in NC since Josh Stein became Attorney General?

Republicans seek 6-1 majority on NC Supreme Court in 2024 elections

NC Capitol

Can Democrats stop GOP dominance in NC judicial elections? A key state Supreme Court seat hangs in the balance

State lawmakers to vote on initial Helene relief package next week

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

NC superintendent plans more than $100M request to lawmakers for Helene-affected schools

Wake schools looking into Athens Drive reading assignment

Education

Wake schools adopts environmental sustainability policy

Wake County school leaders urge NC lawmakers to uphold HB10 veto for school vouchers

Wake school leaders take a stance against private school voucher expansion bill

Wake County school leaders share concerns with plan to expand school vouchers in NC

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

WRAL In Depth

NC State's 'Zero-Waste Game' tackles stadium waste one bin at a time

'We had entire roads collapse:' Road closures make it harder for western NC towns to get supplies, aid

'He died from vaping:' The rise of vaping among teens in NC

Place your bets: The top 5 sports Americans wager money on

UNC defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie wears his motivation on his sleeve

WRALSportsFan

Blowout loss to Bears another reminder of just badly the Panthers botched 2023 trade for Bryce Young

ACC Tipoff: Key basketball storylines for NC State, Duke, UNC men and women

NC State QB McCall out of hospital, in concussion protocol after scary hit vs. Wake Forest

Judge gives preliminary approval to $2.78 billion settlement designed to pay college athletes

NCHSAA announcement about Helene's impact on fall sports expected Wednesday

HighSchoolOT

Statewide Football Rankings: Hough moves into top 5 after shifts in the top 10

Statewide Volleyball Rankings: Seven ranked teams fall in Week 8, Lake Norman, Charlotte Country Day, and Topsail join poll

Statewide Boys Soccer Rankings: Enloe joins statewide top 25, Holly Springs and Wakefield rise

Great 58: See who made this week's statewide standout list

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

Only 0.7% of Buncombe County residents had flood insurance when Helene flooded their properties. 

5 On Your Side: Most of western NC didn't have flood insurance to pay for Helene damage. What's next?

Hurricane_Helene_68592

North Carolina elections officials say they're working to ensure voting still happens in areas damaged by flooding and mudslides from last week's powerful storm.

NC election officials grapple with Helene's impact

Republican State Sen. Danny Britt contacted Elon Musk through an assistant of former President Donald Trump. Trump then communicated with Musk to provide additional Starlink satellite terminals.

Helene recovery: NC lawmaker teams up with Elon Musk to help restore internet in western North Carolina

Starlink receivers are headed to western North Carolina to help get people devastated by Hurricane Helene get back online.

NC elections officials scramble to get ready for voting in western NC amid Helene's damage

Vote; election

WRAL Specialists

Volunteer pilots deliver supplies, hope through Operation Airdrop

Take flight with Operation Airdrop to deliver supplies to the mountains

Flooding, mudslides not typically covered by homeowners insurance

Hundreds of gas stations offline in western NC

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

Tom Snyder: AI could be smarter than humans when it comes to health care

Mike Walden: NCSU Index shows no signs of imminent recession

Tweener Fund will invest $778K in Triangle startups in Q3

Grace Ueng: Why 'practice makes perfect' is misleading

WRAL TechWire

As affordable housing disappears, states scramble to shore up the losses

US economy added 254,000 jobs in September, logging surprisingly robust growth

The president could invoke a 1947 law to try to suspend the dockworkers' strike. Here's how

More Americans file for unemployment benefits last week, but layoffs remain historically low

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Go Ask Dad: The magic of the mail

Family

Weekend best bets: Fall fun, movies and more

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

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

Weekend best bets: Selma Railroad Days, Triangle Oktoberfest

Early Amazon Prime Day Deals are LIVE: Amazon Smart Plug only $12.99 (48% off), Apple iPad (9th Gen) only $199, Fire TV Sticks starting at $17.99, Ring Camera only $29.99 (50% off), Prime Deal Days Oct. 8-9

SmartShopper

Target Circle Week is LIVE: Keurig K-Mini Go only $49.99 (50% off), Dyson Cordless Stick Vacuum only $279, KitchenAid 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer only $279.99, Instant Pot 6qt Bundle only $59.99

Big Walmart Holiday Deals event Oct. 8-13: See the long sneak peek deals list

Macy's Sale: Reversible microfiber comforter in ALL sizes only $19.99, 3-Pc comforter sets in ALL sizes only $24.99 (reg. $80), Sheet sets starting at $9.99

Xt MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (NY: HDEF )

Price and Volume

Chart

Price Performance