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

The board will lose millions of federal dollars next year, but staffing challenges are pushing board members to find a way to give staff raises.

Wake school board must figure out how to pay staff as federal funds dry up

Wake school bus generic

WRAL's Smart Shopper Faye Prosser attempted to answer the question "Can you freeze Polident?" on the WRAL-FM Mix 101.5 Morning Show. She also shared tips to save on utilities and groceries.

WRAL's Smart Shopper Faye Prosser attempted to answer the question &quot;Can you freeze Polident?&quot; on the WRAL-FM Mix 101.5 Morning Show. She also shared tips to save on utilities and groceries.

LISTEN: <a href="https://www.wral.com/5onyourside/smartshopper/audio/7189181/">'Can you freeze Poligrip?'</a>

LISTEN: <a href="https://www.wral.com/5onyourside/smartshopper/audio/7189184/">Ways to save on your utilties</a>

Mix 101.5 morning show: 'Can you freeze Polident?'

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

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 

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 

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.

NCAA allows transfers to be immediately eligible, no matter how many times they've switched schools

Transfer_Rule_Lawsuit_40318

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. 

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WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

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

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday Powerball drawings, as shown live on WRAL.

Powerball Drawing

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

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 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 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

After the death of a Harnett County teenager, the softball community in Eastern North Carolina remembers her through stickers and fighting the stigma around mental health.

Mix 101.5 morning show: 'Can you freeze Polident?'

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