Balloons Coverage

In Depth with Dan: Examining the environmental impact of balloon releases

The town of Duck in the Outer Banks has unanimously passed an ordinance that bans anyone from doing a balloon release.

How balloon releases affect the environment

Balloon releases are a common practice for remembering loved ones who have passed away, but they can cause environmental harm and harm wildlife.

Are balloon releases worth the environmental cost?

Balloon releases are a common practice for remembering loved ones who have passed away, but they can cause environmental harm and harm wildlife.

Dan Haggerty, WRAL anchor/reporter

Chinese spy balloon used US internet provider to communicate its location

(CNN) -- US intelligence agencies found that the Chinese surveillance balloon that transited the United States in early 2023 used an American internet service provider to send short, periodic transmissions of data related to navigation and location back to China, according to a US official.

By Katie Bo Lillis, CNN

Durham community gathers for pink balloon release honoring 5-year-old shot and killed

Family and friends gather to remember the life of 5-year-old Khloe Fennell.

A balloon will, once again, float across Carolina skies, this time for a film shoot

People in the Charlotte area could once again see an ominous balloon in the skies, WCNC Charlotte reports.

WCNC Charlotte

President Biden discusses US response to shooting down UFOs

President Biden will deliver remarks on the U.S. response to recent aerial objects in the nation's airspace.

Spies, aliens or weather gauges: Experts are stumped about what's in U.S. airspace

The United States military has shot down a series of "unidentified objects" from the sky in the past week.

UFO? No, It's Venus

Often mistaken as a UFO, Venus brightness is rivaled by only the Moon,

Tony Rice, NASA Ambassador

Photos: Navy recovers Chinese balloon shot down over Myrtle Beach

U.S. Fleet Forces released new pictures on Tuesday showing sailors assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recovering the high-altitude surveillance balloon. The photos were taken by Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Thompson.

Navy releases pictures of Chinese surveillance balloon recovery off Myrtle Beach coast

U.S. Fleet Forces released new pictures on Tuesday showing sailors assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recovering the high-altitude surveillance balloon.

WMBF staff

US search for wreckage of China spy balloon

The search continues for the Chinese spy balloon shot down by the U.S. military off the South Carolina Coast. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard are canvassing a 10-mile debris field in shallow waters with the FBI on hand to start analyzing the wreckage.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Crowded hot air over North Carolina

Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

North Carolinians, travelers react to the suspected Chinese spy balloon shot down off the coast

Multiple videos from people on the Carolina coastline who witnessed fighter jets shoot down the suspected surveillance balloon pop up. WRAL News has reactions from one traveler who came through the Wilmington International Airport about the balloon, as well as a few senators from the State.

Leslie Moreno, WRAL reporter

See the moment a fighter jet shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off Carolina coast

A video taken Saturday from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, shows the moment a fighter jet shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon. Video courtesy of Pamela Patterson.

Chinese surveillance balloon spotted in western NC

On Saturday morning, the balloon was seen flying in western North Carolina as Asheville police confirmed it was near Asheville Regional Airport at one point.

China balloon: Many questions about suspected spy in the sky

The massive white orb drifting across U.S. airspace has triggered a diplomatic maelstrom and is blowing up on social media.

By LOLITA C. BALDOR and TARA COPP

Here's what to worry about and what not as Chinese balloon drifts over US

Bruce Jentleson, Duke professor of public policy and political science, says foreign tensions are too high for the U.S. to risk shooting a Chinese balloon out of the sky.

Wife shares experience with husband's suicide after his service in US Army

The first day of the First Fruits Farm Memorial Balloon Festival is in the books. Today's event in Louisburg included a parachute team, planes, music and a whole lot more. Of course, it is a lot of fun. But at the heart of the festival, honoring those who died in service to our country.

Wimpy kid gets tangled in trees along parade route

Disaster was averted by some quick thinking balloon handlers as the Wimpy Kid balloon became entabgled in tree branches at the start of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Raleigh Balloon Glow helps bring tourism back to Raleigh

The impact of recent festivals and events in Raleigh is also making a difference in hotel stays, with occupancy rates up by 21 percent.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

NC woman's balloon business is taking off!

Check out these cool balloon decorations.

Google internet balloon passes through Triangle

A Google Loon balloon was tracking east over central North Carolina Tuesday morning.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL multiplatform producer

Winds threatened to keep Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons grounded

All eyes are on the weather as high winds could keep the balloons grounded for the annual parade.