Episodes

After about a year without a state budget, North Carolina lawmakers are one step closer to delivering one before the July 1 deadline. They've agreed on some things, like possible raises for state employees and tax cuts. But what else needs to be worked out before it hits Governor Stein's desk? Will he even sign it once it does? WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran talks with WRAL's Elizabeth Holmes.

North Carolina is the only state in the country without a new budget, but GOP lawmakers say they've reached a deal on taxes and state employee raises, two of the main sticking points. Is it enough for the most experienced educators in the state? WRAL news reporter Carly Haynes and education insider Emily Walkenhorst talk through the concerns and what the future of education looks like in the state.

WRAL Anchor Gerald Owens speaks with Scott Mason, known as the Tar Heel Traveler, about hidden gems and unique stories he's encountered across North Carolina.

A cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak has sparked some fears and concerns just years after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three cruise ship passengers have died, and six people with confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus are being quarantined, according to the world health organization. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed one person from North Carolina was on board and evacuated with all remaining United States passengers to the University of...

Earlier this week, Wake County Public Schools shared that Canvas, a massive educational platform used for assignments, grading, exams, and other things, had been breached by hackers. What does it mean for school systems and their students' data? WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst speaks with WRAL's Elizabeth Holmes about the impact.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is still figuring out how many districts were impacts by a breach of the Canvas learning management system. Wake and Durham Counties confirm that their students' and teachers' data was impacted. WRAL's Destinee Patterson explains what it means for schools' cybersecurity

If you're a Duke Energy customer, or have to pay an electric bill to any company, you'll want to hear these tips on how to bring down your energy costs from 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur.

Even after recent rain, much of North Carolina remains in drought conditions. WRAL Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner explain how dry weather could affect mosquito populations.

State lawmakers, the Raleigh mayor, a group that represents state employees and the state’s elected attorney general, auditor and treasurer are among those weighing in on a takeover deal between two state hospital systems. Atrium Health is in position to take control of WakeMed. WRAL state government editor Jack Hagel looks at what the deal would mean, why some officials are sounding the alarm and what the future looks like as the deal is put on pause.

State lawmakers are homing in on housing expenses as North Carolinians sour on the economy, with rising concerns over the cost of living and broader economic conditions. North Carolina lawmakers are proposing a variety of new initiatives to address the rising cost of living, everything from freezing reappraisals to easing development to boost supply. WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht talks us through some of the ideas lawmakers are putting forward as we get closer to midterm elections...

A new report from the National Education Association ranks the state 43rd in average teacher pay and 38th in starting teacher pay. These rankings are about the same as last year. This is all based on data from the 2024-25 school year. Teachers haven't received raises for the current school year, because the North Carolina legislature has yet to pass a new budget. Without a raise, North Carolina teacher pay is projected to fall to 46th this year, based on estimates. WRAL education reporter Emi...

Most of the state is experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, causing a statewide burn ban and water restrictions in different localities. The lack of rain means we've also seen a lack of severe weather in our area. WRAL Meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth speaks with Digital Producer Jaylin Jones about how this year's weather compares to years prior.

St. Augustine's University filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy according to court documents filed this week. It comes after years of financial struggles for the HBCU. WRAL's Destinee Patterson explains how we got here.

Can you really trust travel insurance when it matters most? A Fort Bragg family tried to use their policy after a sudden deployment forced them to cancel a trip, only to face a roadblock. WRAL 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur stepped in to help recover more than $1,000. She talks through the process and tells you what you should know about travel insurance.

The North Carolina State legislature is back in session with a lot on the docket, from a potential book ban to Medicaid changes that could affect millions of North Carolinians. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks it all down from the state legislative building.

Most of North Carolina is experiencing dangerous drought conditions, causing a statewide burn ban and increasing water use restrictions in different localities. WRAL Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner and WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones talk about how we got here and how long it may take to get out of it.

Residents, scientists and health professionals are frustrated over how the state is planning to address PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' found in North Carolina's waterways. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin shares why some say the proposed plan, which includes monitoring PFAS discharge, does not hold those behind the contamination responsible.,

The National Weather Service's storm prediction center did not anticipate a tornado threat for the Kansas City area last week. At least three injuries were reported in at least five tornadoes there. WRAL Meteorologist Grant Skinner weighs in for what it means for our area during severe weather season.

The City of Raleigh implemented Stage 1 water-use restrictions Monday amid a severe drought across most of the state. Parts of the Triangle are in extreme drought conditions. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher breaks down what the restrictions mean.

The 2026 midterm elections are still months away, but the money is already pouring into North Carolina at a breakneck pace. Leading candidates in the race for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat have already raised more than $50 million — with millions more expected from national political groups. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down where the money is coming from, how it’s being spent, and what it means for the future of major political parties.

Americans waste up to $1,000 annually on unused and unwanted subscriptions. The law is on your side when it comes to getting rid of them. WRAL's Keely Arthur explains how it can help you do just that.

On April 16, 2011, 30 tornadoes ravaged the state of North Carolina, killing 24 people and injuring more than 300 people. WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones and Meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth talk about what caused such significant severe weather.

There's been no measurable rainfall since April 5 and rain chances this weekend aren't expected to help much. It's why Raleigh leaders are considering possible water use restrictions for the first time in nearly 20 years. WRAL's Chris Michaels explains the weather pattern behind the lack of rain.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee says it’s growing confident about the party’s ability to protect its North Carolina incumbents — and potentially flip at least one Republican-held seat. Republican groups and political analysts have their doubts. WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht and digital producer Jaylin Jones talk through the reasons for the growing confidence and how this will translate in November.