Intense smoke blanketed the northeastern United States for a second day Wednesday, turning the air a yellowish gray and prompting warnings for people to stay inside and keep windows closed. The smoke was flowing from dozens of wildfires in several Canadian provinces.

Air pollution cloaks eastern US for a second day. Here's why there is so much smoke

Canada_Wildfires_New_York_30524

In the wake of tragic and traumatic events, feelings like stress, anxiety, grief and depression are natural. Here is a list of crisis counseling and county-by-county resources in North Carolina, as well as nationally. These resources are available for you -- just call. 

Get Help: County-by-county guide to mental health and crisis resources in NC

 Mental health graphic

The Durham City Council voted unanimously Monday night to change the city ordinance to ban putting upholstered furniture outside on front porches and in yards.

<b>DURHAM, N.C.</b> — Couches are indoor, not outdoor furniture, according to the Durham City Council.

The council voted unanimously Monday night to change the city ordinance to ban putting upholstered furniture outside on front porches and in yards.

City officials said several residents complained that outdoor couches were an eyesore and unhealthy because upholstery retains water.

Anne Johnson

Couches banned from Durham porches, yards

Outdoor couch

The North Carolina GOP's annual convention in Greensboro aims to offer conservative voters and political observers the chance to see speeches by Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump and Mike Pence as they vie to take on Democratic President Joe Biden in 2024.

DeSantis kicks off NCGOP convention Friday, followed by Trump and Pence Saturday

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Improving air quality is expected across North Carolina this weekend.



Declining air quality: Code Orange alert for Wake County, warm temps expected 

Air quality index scale

An application shows plans for a 324,000-square-foot office, calling for professional space with buildings up to 73 feet tall, roughly 6 to 8 stories. Apple filed the site work plans on May 30 in order to start moving dirt.

Apple files plans for 324,000 square feet of office space at RTP campus

Apple moves forward with 'confidential' plans for RTP Campus, records show

The Edgecombe Sheriff's Office says 5-year-old Ronald Velazquez drowned Thursday afternoon in the 90 block of Lillie Lane. 

5-year-old child drowns in Edgecombe County, mother in critical condition

Police: Child dies after drowning in Edgecombe County 

The next time you're involved in a fender bender, the person who shows up to investigate may not be a police officer. A proposal that's close to becoming law would allow cities to hire and train civilians to handle minor traffic crashes that don't involve an injury.

Traffic crashes could soon be investigated by civilians in North Carolina

Raleigh, Durham drivers spend less time in traffic compared to national average

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

Former President Donald Trump and his aides are bracing for a potential indictment in the classified documents investigation as prosecutors handling the probe were spotted Thursday at a Miami courthouse where a grand jury has been hearing from witnesses.

NBC News Special Report: Donald Trump says he has been indicted in classified documents probe

The police officers involved in the shooting death of a young mother suffering a mental health crisis will not get attorneys paid for by taxpayers.

Fayetteville leaders vote to not cover attorney fees for officers involved in shooting of young mother

Meet Wilma! This adventurous 1.5-year-old bunny loves to run around and explore. It may take her a little time to warm up to you, but once she's comfortable, she'll follow you around. To give Wilma a forever home that provides lots of space to exercise, visit TriangleRabbits.org.

Pet of the Day: June 4, 2023

Videos

A 4-year-old is recovering after a venomous copperhead bit him on a family camping trip in North Carolina.



Child bitten by copperhead snake while camping in North Carolina

Child bit by copperhead snake while camping in North Carolina

On Thursday, Apex police said Siomara Sibrian was charged with two counts of felony larceny and one count of possession of a stolen firearm.

Woman charged with possessing stolen firearm in fatal Apex Academy Sports shooting

Apex police responded Tuesday to 1151 Pine Plaza Drive.

The N.C. Baseball Coaches Association has released its all-state teams for the 2023 season.

N.C. Baseball Coaches Association releases all-state teams

Baseball: South Brunswick vs Hoggard (Mar. 21, 2023)

With a hot summer ahead, there are many ways to keep cool, including enjoying tasty frozen treats from Jeremiah's Italian Ice in Wake Forest. 