We’re also reacting to the new NCAA ruling changing the game for college athletes. Plus, the causes for empty shelves during a national ADHD medication shortage. Watch WRAL-TV at 11 p.m., and search for these and other stories on WRAL.com.

On WRAL at 11: Level 1 storms to end the week. When and where we could see heavy rain and gusty winds. Plus the cool weather coming after

Compared to pre-pandemic prices, ground beef is up 35%, chips are up 45%, bread is up 57% and a 12-ounce can of soda is up 66%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks trends on common grocery store items.

WRAL Investigates: 'Greedflation' and other drivers behind inflation at the grocery store

A look at inflation at the grocery store

Stores that sell electronics, like Best Buy and Staples, offer convenient and accessible solutions for North Carolina residents looking to responsibly dispose of their electronics.

How to recycle your old electronics: A guide for North Carolina households

Old electronics 

<b>RALEIGH, N.C.</b> — Prosecutors want Meg Scott Phipps to spend 57 months in prison for her role in the state Agriculture Department campaign scandal.

Phipps, the former state Ag Commissioner, admits she accepted thousands of dollars in illegal cash payments, doctored campaign finance reports to cover it up and extorted money from carnival operators with the promise of state fair contracts.

After her trial on state charges in November, Phipps offered her first public apology.

"I just want to say that I'm truly sorry that I have brought this sadness and this grief to my family, but also the people of North Carolina, which I consider my family," Phipps said.

The 57-month sentence is just a recommendation by prosecutors. The judge in the case has the final word. Phipps' sentencing is scheduled for next week.

Prosecutors Want Former State Ag Commissioner To Face 57 Months In Prison

An NC State student is out $41,000 after university police say he fell victim to a global dating agency scam.

Dating agency scam costs NC State student $41,000

Talking Tech: Tinder app offers coronavirus safety reminders

A Board of Governors committee approved repealing and replacing the UNC System's policies on diversity and inclusion at a Wednesday meeting in Winston-Salem. The full board will vote next month.

UNC System moves to eliminate diversity goals, jobs at public campuses across the state

Old Well at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

We have a summer-like day on tap Thursday, but it will be short lived as we have a Level 1 risk for storms on Friday.

Summer-like day on Thursday, Level 1 risk for severe storms Friday 

Level 1 risk for severe storms Friday 

There are more active drug shortages in the United States than ever, according to data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the University of Utah Drug Information Service. Parents in North Carolina are feeling the strain of the shortage especially for ADHD medication

NC parents struggling to find ADHD medication as drug shortages reach record high in US

Generic photo of medicine 

Economists for the General Assembly and Gov. Roy Cooper's state budget office now predict collections will exceed revenue budgeted for the year ending June 30 by $413 million, or a 1.2% increase. And state coffers will bring in $1 billion more in the fiscal year starting July 1 than what was anticipated, or a 3% increase.

North Carolina sees slight surplus this year, $1B more next year

North Carolina Legislative building off Salisbury Street. Photo taken May 22, 2021. 

WRAL-TV News Broadcasts: Watch each newscast live or watch the most recent newscast on demand.

WRAL Late News 

WRAL Noon News

Get the latest WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast whenever you need it, including the DUALDoppler5000 and the 7-Day Forecast.

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

A crash has shut down all but one lane of Interstate 540 westbound near Buffaloe Road in Raleigh. Sky 5 is over the scene

Crash shuts down I-540 West near Buffaloe Road in Raleigh; Sky 5 is over the scene

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 drawings are held at 3 p.m. daily. They can be seen as live or on-demand video.

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 Drawing

Nightly N.C. Education Lottery drawings during the 11 p.m. News.

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Videos

Over the course of her career, Ashley Twichell has pushed through situations that might have otherwise been the end of it, including a recurring shoulder injury and the COVID pandemic.

Triangle-based Olympic swimmer finds new balance while embarking on motherhood journey

Ashley Twichell

The NBA has banned Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter from the league after an investigation found that the 24-year-old had violated betting rules, the league said.

NBA bans Toronto Raptors' Jontay Porter for violating league's gambling rules

Jontay Porter

The Carolina Hurricanes are no stranger to playoff hockey. They're in the postseason for the sixth-straight season and are regarded as a Stanley Cup contender.

Chaos-causing Canes start chase for the cup as favorites

Bruins_Hurricanes_Hockey_24349

The NHL has set the start times for game 1's across the Eastern Conference. The Canes are the opening act with puck drop Saturday at 5 pm from PNC Arena.

Get ready for 'Saturday Night in Raleighwood' as the NHL sets game 1 start time

Carolina Hurricanes Logo

NCAA athletes will be immediately eligible to play no matter how many times they transfer -- as long as they meet academic requirements -- after the association fast-tracked legislation Wednesday to fall in line with a recent court order.