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

Wake County adding 74 jobs to Medicaid office but can't hire yet

Students are reported for possession of non-firearm weapons about 20 times as often as they are for firearms. But schools are still relatively safe places, and many crime statistics in schools have been improving for years, experts say. 

Easy to conceal, harder to detect: Knives more prevalent than guns in schools 

School lockers 

A Timberlake couple that was reported missing early Sunday have returned home safely, according to the Person County Sheriff's Office.

<b>TIMBERLAKE, N.C.</b> — A Timberlake couple that was reported missing early Sunday have returned home safely, according to the Person County Sheriff's Office.

A Silver Alert was issued for Leola Baker Lowe, 84, and her husband, Donnie Dean Lowe, 83, shortly after 1 a.m. Authorities said the couple left their home and were last seen driving on N.C. Highway 49.

It wasn't clear how long they were gone before returning home.

Developed in 2007, the Silver Alert system quickly notifies the public about missing endangered people who suffer from dementia or other cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease.

It also allows caregivers and nursing homes to report a person missing. In the past, only a family member could report an adult missing.

Bridget Whelan

Person County couple returns home after Silver Alert

Donnie and Leola Lowe

The morning will start off with some sunshine, but clouds will quickly move in by noon. 

Don't forget your umbrella!☔Rain expected for the next 3 days

Wetter and warmer weekend

According to an arrest warrant obtained by WRAL News, 26-year-old Daquan Seandre Thomas is charged with felony murder and felony concealment of 22-year-old Tyrone Taylor. According to Sheriff Wayne Coats, Thomas was already in jail for a domestic violence incident with the victim's sister.

'Infectious smile': Community grieves youth pastor found dead after missing for 10 weeks

Body of missing Dunn man found; suspect in custody, charged with murder

A landlord with properties spanning across the state, including multiple units in Raleigh, faces potential disciplinary action and legal scrutiny.

Landlord who charged NC State students $18,000 for beer pong table at center of multiple investigations

5 On Your Side investigates landlord with history of excessive charges

A 17-year-old Lumberton High School student will be suspended for a full year after staff found a handgun and marijuana in his car on Thursday.

Lumberton High student found with gun, pot in car

marijuana 

Students returned to Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School today for the first time since Monday's deadly stabbing - to at atmosphere they are describing as calm, quiet, somber and anxious.

Anxious, but resilient: Students, teachers describe atmosphere on first day of school after fatal stabbing at Southeast Raleigh

Anxiety and resiliency: Students, teachers describe atmosphere on first day of school after fatal stabbing at Southeast Raleigh

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

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Umbrellas for the weekend 

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

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Thursday plans to name a replacement for State Auditor Beth Wood, who previously said she would step down in the wake of charges related to her use of state-issued vehicles.

Replacement named for State Auditor Beth Wood

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

N.C. High School Athletic Association Commissioner Que Tucker and President Chris Blanton hold a press conference following the winter board of directors meeting in Chapel Hill.

NCHSAA press conference following winter board meeting

Videos

Here's a look at which bowl bids NC State, North Carolina and Duke could accept.

Which bowl game will NC State, North Carolina and Duke play in?

Dave Doeren with Mack Brown

Duke sophomore Ashlon Jackson scored 18 points and the Blue Devils outscored Georgia 17-10 in overtime to upend the Bulldogs, 72-65, in the inaugural ACC/SEC Women's Basketball Challenge.

Duke women prevail in overtime, 72-65, at Georgia

Duke Logo

NC State quarterback MJ Morris will enter the transfer portal. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

NC State QB Morris to enter transfer portal

MJ Morris (16) in the pocket. 

The #7 Shaw University volleyball team rallied from a 2-0 hole to notch a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the #2 Wheeling Cardinals 

Person County couple returns home after Silver Alert

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