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

WRAL.com

Deputies on Wednesday are searching for an inmate convicted of murder who escaped more than 24 hours ago while authorities were taking him to the UNC Hospitals Hillsborough campus.

'Extremely dangerous': Reward increases to $35K as Orange County deputies search for convicted murderer who escaped Tuesday morning

We appreciate um your attention to this and the um concern of um the news media and all the folks in the community. Um Today we're gonna start with Keith Acre. He's with the Department of Adult Correction and that's Keith Ac Ree. He'll be followed by Kirby Saunders S A UN D er S Orange County Emergency Services Director and then um Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood, both standard spellings will also be here for any questions. Thanks again for being here. Good morning everyone. I'm Keith Acre, communications Director for the Department of Adult Correction. Um This morning, a couple updates for you. The United States Marshals Service is contributing an additional $10,000 to the reward amount that's not available, which now brings the total reward available to $35,000 for information that relates to the uh the capture of Ramon Austin. Um And in, in, in an effort to better manage the flow of information and incoming phone calls. Um We are providing a new phone number this morning for uh people calling in with information. Um That new number is 919324, 1082 9193241082. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mr Alston is encouraged to call that number, um provide what they know um and that information may um may qualify them, may lead to AAA reward for them if that information leads to his capture. Thank you. Good morning. I'm Kirby Saunders, the Director of Orange County Emergency Services, as I mentioned yesterday, uh we have been uh tasked to assist the local law enforcement, state and federal partners in the capture of Mr Austin. Uh Specifically, we are helping to coordinate uh both an intensive ground search effort as well as assisting in the investigative task. Uh That law enforcement is the mission um that they are doing currently, as I mentioned yesterday, we searched approximately 580 acres yesterday with an additional 100 acres or so over into the evening hours. Our focus uh intention yesterday was to really focus uh a lot of efforts in and around the hospital area where Mr Austin escaped from um to really assure the community that he was not there. Uh We did not find any office, did not find Mr Austin and we didn't find, have any additional sightings in that area. Uh It's important to note that there are really two sides to this search effort. There's a ground search effort which are clearing known areas, uh residences, ravines creeks and things that any places he may be while simultaneously in an exhaustive investigative search also happening in the rest of the world outside of that immediate vicinity. Yesterday, in initial response, we involved both aerial assets, helicopters canine resources and ground searchers. Law enforcement officers specifically trained in searching for individuals who are fleeing capture. Um Those canine tracks led us north of the hospital area in some areas. Uh We followed those until they uh the canine since ran cold. Uh Today's effort is to re uh search those areas along those, those canine tracks to look for any uh what we call clues. So any uh any signs that Mr Austin may have been there, any footprints, any uh discarded remains, handcuffs, a tie or anything that we can find that would confirm a direction of travel and how he may have evaded capture. And that is our focus today. So our, our law enforcement resources and searchers will be uh focusing north of Hillsboro, north of the UN C hospital, Hillsboro campus uh on the ground today as well as assisting law enforcement investigative functions. Did anyone have any questions? Uh Laura Levine here with WRL News, we know Alston uh has family and friends within this area. Have they been in communication with you all? Have you been communicating with them? Are they cooperating with this investigation? So we have made contact with some family members? Yes. Um Cooper has been varied. You see, you know how he was able to get out of it. There are a couple of theories. Um None have uh given us a concrete answer. Uh We're interviewing the two transport officers in more detail um about that. But right now we're, we're not able to speculate exactly how they were able to be removed. I'm Dina with CBS 17 was his escape caught on hospital camera. And if so will that be? So I spoke with uh Chief Kelly White of the hospital police yesterday and he allowed me to look at that video. Um I understand that there has been a request of the media to the hospital for that and I'm sure that will be provided. Um doesn't show a whole lot because it happens so quickly as as most of you know, the technology behind those cameras is stop gap. So um all of that information is not captured, there is a, a very um the door opens, his foot hits the ground and then he's out of the frame. So he was moving quickly more quickly than the camera could capture with the reward announced yesterday. Have you all received an influx of information calls? Um If so, do you have an estimate on how many tips? I don't have an estimate. I can tell you that um throughout the night on up to three o'clock this morning, I was getting calls on my cell phone. Um None of them, to be honest with you, a lot of them were people that were just playing games with the phone numbers. Um And we expect that we know that's going to happen. Um, no concrete leads at this time. Again, $35,000 is, is a lot of money. Um Somebody knows out there that this was planned and they know who's involved in it and we hope that motivates them to do the right thing and let us know so that we can bring this to a successful conclusion and a just conclusion may have changed Anthony. That's quite possible. Um And I want, I'm glad you brought that up because that's on my notes to address today. There have been some questions about what he looked like because there's so many different photographs of him. Um The reason there are a lot of photographs and I understand that the Department of Corrections takes pictures of them frequently. Um I did not realize he had dreadlocks until yesterday when I saw that first picture. It's my understanding that when he ran, he was in dreadlocks and he had those tied back. Um It's quite likely and probable that he's cut those, but we don't know that we can't say that with any degree of certainty. So I would ask the public to concentrate on the photograph of his face and all the iterations of his hair so that if they see him and it has changed, they'll know that it's him. Mark said he has a very distinguishing mark tattoo on his chest and it is um the word flame, which is that I'm told a nickname and it's done in DOTS and right in the center of that word flame is a star. Um The other than that, I think there's a tattoo on his right arm, niece, the word niece on his right arm. Other than that, I'm not familiar with any other tattoos scars. He left the jail when they made it to the, the so the timeline I can give you is that he arrived or the the escape happened at 7:01 a.m. As for when he left, uh we're gonna be back here today at four for our next press briefing and unless something happens before then and I'll have a more detailed timeline by the about. Uh and I just wasn't prepared for that question. I apologize uh for when they left when they arrived so forth. You said that you were talking to the two transport officers, has anybody been put on suspension or any sort of? No, ma'am, we're offering them support. Uh One more question, Sheriff, as you mentioned, the calls and tips that were coming in, obviously, media, media getting them as well. We received a few that he possibly were spotted in the timber Lake area, any belief or any substance to the fact that he could have been traveling in that direction. So I'll say this since he left the hospital, everything indicates uh the northern push. Um We received a call last night that he was at Big Lots in Durham. Um We received another call that might suggest that he was in another area in Durham. Um There was some discussion about him being in another part of the state. Um I cannot put any degree of certainty with any of those. Um We, uh we do have a team that's going to some of these locations, look at cameras there and I wanna really emphasize cameras. Our neighborhoods are, are riddled with ring cameras. And I just wanna, you know, plead to the public. If you're in that area of, of interest, it's Hillsboro, uh especially around the hospital in these neighborhoods. Please check your ring cams. You know, I got one, I don't look at it every day. It doesn't give me alerts every day. But if I take the time to go back and look at what happened on Thursday, maybe I could. So I would ask the public to please do that, whether it's a ring cam or other kind of surveillance equipment, you might have to please check that for us and let us know and remind everyone about the, the $35,000 reward. And again, remind one of the 911, 324919324, 1082 1082 tip line. Uh for those calls, got a question share. Uh Again, a lot of folks locally will remember Ramon also name a type of, I went to high school with his father. I went to, I went to all school with his father first through and I've known Ramon since he was born. He was a, um, he was a troubled child and he was, he's been involved in criminal activity since he was a juvenile. He's extremely cagey. He's extremely dangerous and he has nothing to lose. Thank you all very much. We appreciate you four o'clock. All right. Like that was the most informative, like, press briefing I've done in a long time and usually it's just them showing their face, you know. Yeah. And that's why I appreciate it. Round of applause for Jim. Yeah, I appreciate that looking out on the podium.

Law enforcement gives update on escaped inmate convicted of murdering 1-year-old girl

Ramone Alston, 30

Shots fired at home in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood

Shots fired on Shadow Glen Drive in Raleigh

Trump to make campaign stop in Asheville Wednesday to discuss economic issues

Election_2024_Trump_23474

NC Superintendent race: Morrow defends comments on using military to keep Trump in office

Mo Green and Michele Morrow are running for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction

'This was major': Toddler safe after wandering away from Greenville child care center and into oncoming traffic, family says

Child found in road in Greenville

Wonderful weather Wednesday: Warm, dry, some clouds

Highs in the mid 80s Wednesday afternoon

Grocery store fire closes N. Alston Avenue between Holloway Street and Taylor Street in Durham

Fire closes N. Alston Avenue in Durham Wednesday morning

WRAL News+

WRAL News+ Live Thumbnail

The car hit the guard rail then went into the woods, according to state troopers.

At least one person killed in crash on I-95 North in Johnston County, state troopers say

Deadly crash on I-95 North near Smithfield kills at least one person

Around 9:05 p.m., police responded to a shooting on Clay Hill Drive.

Police investigating shooting in Knightdale neighborhood

Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024 -- President Joe Biden's proposals don't weaken the presidency or the courts. Rather they will strengthen the independence of the judiciary and enhance public trust and integrity of the justices.

Editorial: Biden's proposed reforms would enhance U.S. Supreme Court's credibility

Supreme Courtâs New Ethics Code Is Toothless, Experts Say

A Lenoir County man and woman were arrested and charged with animal cruelty on Tuesday after two dogs were found dead on their property, according to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

Two dogs found dead, two arrested on animal cruelty charges in Lenoir County

Animal cruelty charges filed against 2 people in Lenoir County, 2 dogs found dead

Tropical Storm Ernesto, the fifth named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, is expected to reach hurricane strength Wednesday.

Hurricane season 2024: Ernesto expected to reach hurricane strength Wednesday morning

Tracking Ernesto's path 

At the DMV on Avent Ferry Road Tuesday, people are so desperate to get in that some are camping out, often waiting all day for multiple days, only to be turned away.

'It could be all day:' Long wait times at the DMV are plaguing drivers across the state

DMV office, Division of Motor Vehicles

The city plans to relocate the amphitheater to 205 W. Lenoir St., which is one block south of its current location. To begin construction, the city would need to approve the closure of South Street between Dawson Street and McDowell Street.

Boylan Heights residents oppose street closure for Red Hat Amphitheater relocation 

Red Hat Amphitheater update rendering

Hunter Biden sought assistance from the U.S. government for a potentially lucrative energy project in Italy while his father was vice president, according to newly released records and interviews.

Hunter Biden sought State Department help for Ukrainian company

Hunter Biden Sought State Department Help for Ukrainian Company

Cyclospora can take anywhere from a few days to weeks to make someone sick. Symptoms of something like salmonella usually occur within 72 hours.

Wake County asking eaters to remember weeks back in tracking parasite illnesses

onions and potatoes

This weekend's deadly shooting highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence in North Carolina, with 54 domestic violence-related homicides so far this year. 

Sharpsburg murder-suicide involving 6-year-old girl highlights rise in NC domestic violence, group says

6-year-old Rocky Mount girl dies after quadruple shooting, father recently released from jail

View WRAL's latest top news

MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM

95.7 That Station

99.9 The Fan

North Carolina health officials were first to discover high lead levels in Wanabana Apple Cinnamon fruit pouches last year.



Changes coming after lead poisoning scare involving children's snack, health officials say

Recalled Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches

Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Raleigh on Friday, her campaign tells WRAL News.



Kamala Harris plans to visit Raleigh on Friday 

Election_2024_Harris_99209

While many year-round students have already started classes, Aug. 25 marks the first day of the 2024-2025 academic year for most traditional calendar students.


Schedules, buses, lunch fees, tips: WRAL is your back-to-school HQ

Back to school headquarters

(CNN) -- Realtors across the US are bracing for a seismic shift in the way they do business. Starting August 17, new rules will roll out that overhaul the way Realtors get paid to help people buy and sell their homes.

Biggest shakeup in a century set to hit real estate agents this week: Here's how they're preparing

Biggest shakeup in a century set to hit real estate agents this week

The Wake County Public School System introduced a universal free breakfast program for the first time in the 2024-25 school year. In some schools, all students get free breakfast and lunch every day.

These Wake County schools offer free breakfast, lunch

Wake Schools, USDA administrators school lunch event June 4, 2024

The North Carolina Health Department is investigating more than 100 cases of illnesses that come from a parasite spread when people eat or drink food or water contaminated with feces.

What is the parasite, food-borne illness spreading in North Carolina?

Wake County Health Dept. investigating after at least 134 people infected from parasite 

Don't Miss It

Four people were shot overnight at Virginia State University, according to police.

Police: Four people shot at Virginia State University overnight

Safety strategies in Wake Schools focus of SRO summit Wednesday

Juvenile hurt in shooting on Trailwood Heights Lane in Raleigh

Shooting investigation underway in Knightdale neighborhood

Video Central

WRAL 6am News | August 14

6am Newscast Static

WRAL 9am News | August 13

9am Newscast Static

WRAL Noon News | August 13

12pm Newscast Static

WRAL 4pm News | August 13

4pm Newscast Static

WRAL 6pm News | August 13

6pm Newscast Static

WRAL 10pm News | August 13

10pm Newscast Static

Wake County Schools to address student safety, on-campus threats ahead of new school year

Local News

Juvenile shot at Raleigh apartment complex

Raleigh homicides up 78% so far in 2024 compared to last year, survey shows

5 On Your Side: New federal rules target hassle-free subscription cancellations

Driver killed in Caldwell County crash after failing to reduce speed 

Jurors to hear opening statements in trial of ex-politician accused of killing Las Vegas reporter

Nation/World

US inflation slowed again in July, clearing the way for the Fed to begin cutting rates

Officer faces murder charge in shooting of pregnant Black woman who was accused of shoplifting

Dentist charged with invasion of privacy after camera found in employee bathroom, police say

An ex-Kansas police chief who led a raid on a newspaper is charged with obstruction of justice

Old North State Food Hall has announced two new restaurants are joining the venue.



Old North State Food Hall welcomes burger joint, The Blue Taco

Mr. Outrageous,

The Harry Potter film concert series to return to DPAC

Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets i

Rialto releases fall concert lineup

Rialto Theater

Is a Disney theme park vacation still worth the price?

Is a Disney Theme Park Vacation Still Worth the Price?

Q&A: John Legend on his ambitious children's album, 'My Favorite Dream,' and new single, 'L-O-V-E'

Music-John_Legend_24756

Guide: Amusement parks within driving distance of Raleigh

New Carowinds rollercoaster nears opening date

Out & About

Fact check: Vance says Walz left National Guard after being called to Iraq

Politifact

Fact-checking claims about Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's Olympic boxing eligibility

Did an Olympic sponsor pull support after the opening ceremony?

Trump rally shooting put scrutiny on Secret Service women. Here are the facts.

Fact check: Did Graham say Trump will 'round up and deport legal immigrants?'

New voter ID options approved in NC for college students, government workers

NC Capitol

Mo Green says Michele Morrow's calls for a Trump coup on Jan. 6 are 'disturbing'

NC GOP superintendent candidate Michele Morrow talks about Jan. 6 Capitol attack, upholding Constitution and improving schools

Plan approved by North Carolina panel to meet prisoner reentry goals

Jewelry insurance company plans to add 200 high-paying jobs in Raleigh's North Hills

NC superintendent candidates Michele Morrow, Mo Green speak with WRAL News

Education

College prep guide: A 'do great' guide for students, parents

Durham Public Schools talks growth, funding with city leaders 

Durham Public Schools plans for growth

Wake schools eyeing real-time security center, leaders tell county commissioners

2024 Olympics by the numbers

WRAL In Depth

State revokes Raleigh child care facility's license following investigation

Parasite cases continue to climb in Wake County with no definite source identified

NC State new-look wide receiver room prepares for season

WRALSportsFan

'Best soccer coach in the country': New UNC coach earns high praise from Dorrance

Who will make an expanded College Football Playoff? A potential bracket, using the Top 25 as a guide

On eve of season, UNC soccer coaching giant Dorrance retires

Durham defeats Nashville in opener, 8-3

2024 HighSchoolOT Football Preview Magazine: Your guide to NC high school football

HighSchoolOT

Weddington volleyball heats up late for five set win at Cox Mill

No. 5 Hough scores in bunches to open 2024 with big win over No. 9 Hickory

No. 2 West Forsyth boys soccer runs away with season-opening win over No. 10 Lake Norman

Every reported NC high school football scrimmage happening this August

Both presidential candidates say they are in favor of eliminating taxes on tips.

In Depth with Dan: Harris, Trump propose no taxes on tips

Following storms like Debby, scammers often target homeowners offering quick repairs for great prices.

How to recognize storm scams

Following storms like Debby, scammers often target homeowners offering quick repairs for great prices,.

New NC homeowner protections in place against predatory roofing contractors

New homeowner protections against predatory roofing contractors

Beware of post-storm scammers: New NC protections for homeowners after Debby passes through

Roofing contractors

A complaint filed with federal and state regulators alleges that Greater Carolina, a politically connected nonprofit organization, skirted laws governing fundraising and lobbying to benefit Republican state Rep. Jason Saine, who recently announced plans to resign.

Complaint alleges social welfare group covertly bankrolled powerful NC lawmaker

Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln

The Wake County school board voted to move several planned schools to new locations.

Schools planned for Morrisville will swap locations

Classroom, desk

WRAL Specialists

5 On Your Side: New rules proposed to make canceling subscriptions easier 

New focus on lead testing after applesauce contamination

5 On Your Side: Requiring companies to make canceling subscriptions as easy as signing up 

5 On Your Side

What lies below: WRAL Investigates old landfill sites across NC that sit under playgrounds, businesses and more

WRAL Investigates the dangerous chemicals found in the soil of local parks

GOP voter registration sees upswing in rural counties across NC

Republican voter registrations show growth in rural NC counties around Raleigh

Investigations

Grace Ueng: Visualization is part of a winnerâs formula

200 high-paying engineering, tech jobs promised for Raleigh

Public and private come together to map NCâs digital future at summit Thursday

Rankings place NC State among national leaders in science research output

WRAL TechWire

Stock market today: Wall Street holds firm after latest inflation data comes in as expected

Elliott seeks 10 of the 15 board seats at Southwest in bid to strengthen the airline's performance

Mars, maker of M&M's and Snickers, to buy Cheez-It owner Kellanova for nearly $30 billion

Wyoming reporter caught using artificial intelligence to create fake quotes and stories

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Is play therapy right for your child?

Family

Chuck E. Cheese targets inflation-weary families with a bargain subscription program

Go Ask Dad's rules of paddle boarding 

Women protest breastfeeding ban at Ohio pool

Doll doc: She repairs playthings for children in need

Top Amazon Deals: Dickies Men's Dri-Tech Crew Socks 6 pk only $9.09, Wireless Earbuds & charging case only $15.29 (49% off), Expo Magnetic Dry Erase Markers 4 Count w/Eraser only $4.49 (64% off)

SmartShopper

Macy's Big Home Sale: Reversible Down Alternative Comforter only $17.99 in ALL sizes, 3-Pc Comforter Sets in ALL sizes only $24.99 (reg. $80)

Subway: BOGO footlong subs through Aug. 25 with promo code

New Swagbucks Team Challenge August 12-18

Top grocery sales valid August 7-13: Good buys on school snacks and lunch items

(NY: SCMB )

Price and Volume

Chart

Price Performance