What we are working on now: A man is in the hospital after an overnight crash in Southern Pines, A home exploded in Virginia while authorities were executing a warrant and St. Aug's President fired. Watch WRAL-TV at 6 a.m. and search for these and other stories on WRAL.com.

On WRAL at 6: Grab a coat before heading out. On TV, Elizabeth is tracking our cold start, and when we see another warmup.

Medicaid expansion means North Carolina's working poor can go to the doctor for free. It also means billions in new federal funding for hospitals.

After 14 years, billions to flow as 600,000 qualify for Medicaid insurance in NC

More than half a million North Carolinians now qualify for Medicaid 

Our experts on parenting, frugal living and the best that the Triangle has to offer have scoured their sources and shopped the stores (and the internet) for the best suggestions for your holiday giving. No matter the age or interest, you'll find gift ideas here.

WRAL 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Found a deal? Here's the place to share it!

Happy Wednesday everyone! The grocery deals lists are done so I am definitely happy!  There are LOTS of good grocery deals this week!

Share the deals 5/25

Saint Augustine's University president Dr. Christine McPhail has been relieved of her duties. McPhail said the decision stemmed from a contentious meeting in October where she and a colleague were berated by a board member.

Saint Augustine's University president fired, feels 'betrayed' from decision

Dr. Christine McPhail

A home exploded in Arlington, Virginia, Monday night as police were trying to execute a search warrant, sending the building up in flames with a suspect still inside and prompting the evacuation of several nearby houses, officials said.

Virginia authorities investigating explosion of Arlington home as police were executing a warrant

Home explodes in Virginia

Health care experts from the NC Navigator Consortium will answer your questions about who is eligible under Medicaid expansion, what it covers, how to apply and much more during a live, call-in event on Dec. 5.

Medicaid and more: Navigators answer questions to get you the best health coverage

Medicaid expansion in North Carolina will begin Dec. 1, 2023

A Clayton famliy is devastated after their dog was killed in a hit-and-run in their neighborhood. Ginger was only four years old.

Clayton family believes dog's death came from intentional hit-and-run

Family dog dies in tragic hit-and-run

Monday will be sunny and mild with temperatures climbing into the 60s by the afternoon.

Temps dip into 50s Tuesday, cooldown to continue Wednesday & Thursday

Dropping lows Dec. 5-7, 2023

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

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

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

All eight state finalists are at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for a press conference ahead of the N.C. High School Athletic Association football state championships this weekend.

NCHSAA football state championship press conference

Videos

Former NC State quarterback MJ Morris detailed his decision to enter the transfer portal. He said he has heard from Baylor, LSU and Maryland so far.

MJ Morris: 'I still want to be here,' but NC State said it was moving on

MJ Morris

It is Arizona's turn to sit atop The Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll.

Arizona rises to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll; Gonzaga and North Carolina crack top 10, Duke tumbles

Florida_St_North_Carolina_Basketball_83611

With the College Football Playoff set and ready to roll with absolutely zero controversy of any kind, bowl matchups are slowly announced over the course of Sunday afternoon. Check back here for the updates on which games the Triangle teams will be playing in and who they will matchup against in the final games of their season.

Here's where NC State, North Carolina and Duke will play this bowl season

Dave Doeren and Payton Wilson

The Soccer Tournament, or TST, will once again take place at WakeMed Soccer Park from June 5-10.



The Soccer Tournament returning to Cary, adding $1M women's tournament

The Soccer Tournament in Cary at the WakeMed Soccer Park  

UConn dropped to 17th in The Associated Press Top 25 women's basketball poll Monday, its worst ranking in 30 years.