50 NC counties and 1 VA county are under alert, including Wake, Cumberland, Durham, Johnston, and Orange counties.

Shortages of teachers, infrastructure and technology workers will hamper schools' ability to provide the best education, facilities and tools to children, Superintendent Robert Taylor said Thursday.

Higher employee pay will be key to running Wake schools smoothly, superintendent says

Wake County Public School System Superintendent Robert Taylor speaks to the League fo Women Voters of Wake County, April 18, 2024

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

-- PHOTO MOVED IN ADVANCE AND NOT FOR USE - ONLINE OR IN PRINT - BEFORE MAY 06, 2018. -- In an undated photo provided by Stephen Cummiskey, George Benjamin, left, speaks to Barbara Hannigan during rehearsal for “Lessons in Love and Violence.” Benjamin, the painstaking composer of the acclaimed opera “Written on Skin,” prepares for the premiere of his “Lessons in Love and Violence” in 2018. (Stephen Cummiskey/ROH via The New York Times) -- NO SALES; FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY WITH OPERA PERFECTIONIST BY ANDREW DICKSON FOR MAY 6, 2018. ALL OTHER USE PROHIBITED. --

RESTRICTED -- Perfectionist Tries to Follow a Masterpiece