Morning Original Coverage

'The Grief Lady:' NC woman uses mother's funeral flowers to create art, help others heal

Janet Willis used the flowers from her mother's funeral to create a 100 day Instagram art project that explores grief.

Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

Spanish Flu: Historic PTA documents show how NC schools dealt with past pandemic

In 1918 and 1919, the Spanish flu pandemic took countless lives. A PTA meeting in that day included the head of the Wake County Health Department. The official spoke to the group about infectious diseases "and talking to parents about making sure that they were notifying if their children were sick and quarantining them and keeping them safe," said Jones.

Person County schools bring back pandemic precautions

This summer, most parents and teachers thought back to school would be back to normal. However, with COVID-19 case numbers spiking and masks returning, many precautions are back in place.

How to plan for a happy, fulfilling retirement

A look at what you need to do to prepare - and why the time for planning is sooner than you may think.

Retirement planning: Begin early, set goals and stay socially engaged

Planning your retirement is a "rest of your life" decision. To make those years all you hoped they would be involves planning.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

Despite booming economy, labor shortage could be long-term problem in NC

What many hoped would be a temporary problem, is instead a sign of a generational challenge. The worker shortage may be long-term.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

NC Education Corps helping K-3 students needing a boost during COVID

A new federally funded program is helping children who lost opportunities succeed, with the deadline to apply is quickly approaching.

NC Education Corps' program to help students struggling during COVID-19

Learning opportunities that were lost for children during the pandemic as well as people looking for work; - They are two of COVID-19's side effects that we still face in our state.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

A look at what's behind the inflated costs of household goods

From beef to paper towels, everyday household goods simply cost more. Economists differ on when prices will get better.

What's causing bigger grocery bills? Economists debate causes, length of inflation

Take a closer look at your next grocery store receipt. Prices are going up. From beef to paper towels, everyday household goods simply cost more. Economists differ on when prices will get better.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

Why car owners delay maintenance or repairs and why it can be costly

It is perhaps the most important time ever to keep your current car in good repair.

Survey finds drivers use several excuses for delaying recommended maintenance of their vehicles

It is perhaps the most important time ever to keep your current car in good shape. Due to a nationwide shortage of microchips which control the various electronic systems in current car models, the supply of new and slightly used vehicles has dwindled and their costs have skyrocketed.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

What to consider when selling a high-value used car

Your car may be worth more now than when you bought it. Here's a look at what to consider when selling a high-value used car.

Your used car may be worth more now than when you bought it

The car you own now may be worth more than when you bought it. It may be tempting to sell it at a profit, as long as you are aware of the cost of replacing it with a new car.

With emergency rooms at full capacity, get ready for longer hospital waits

If you need emergency care, be prepared for possible longer waits. Even with the pandemic winding down, emergency departments now often work at full capacity around the clock.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

Selma business owners carry optimism for post-COVID rebound

Business owners in one Johnston County town are hoping to rebound as a community.

Morning Original: Podcast class offers creative outlet for youth

A new local company has developed classes to teach multimedia skills that will help participants produce their podcast.

Siblings develop class to teach multimedia and podcasting skills to youth

A new local company has developed classes to teach multimedia skills that will help participants produce their podcast.

NCPIRGS warns of virtual wallet risks in digital transactions

Virtual wallet apps like Venmo, Cash App or Coin Base can be convenient ways to make digital payments. "The popularity of these have definitely been on the rise," said Katie Craig with North Carolina Public Interest Research Group.

Payment apps convenient, but less secure than cash, debit, credit or checks

Virtual wallet apps like Venmo, Cash App or Coin Base can be convenient ways to make digital payments. "The popularity of these have definitely been on the rise," said Katie Craig with North Carolina Public Interest Research Group.

NC blueberry shortage increases prices

A one-two punch of severe weather -- starting with a severe freeze, followed by severe hail -- has caused a blueberry shortage in NC. In turn, prices have gone up.

NCCU trying to meet growing cybersecurity demand after large-scale hacks

After recent attacks, cybersecurity labs like the one at North Carolina Central University serve a big purpose.

NCCU cyber-pros boost important skills in light of major hacks on critical infrastructure

Big and small businesses are now in great need of new cyber-warriors to combat hackers. It is training that more universities now offer in order to meet a booming demand.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

Car care experts warn summer heat can increase the risk of tire blowouts

Now is the time to check your tires before you leave on a vacation road trip or just down to your nearest grocery store. The summer heat can increase the risk of tire failure as well as the accidents they can cause.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

Scammers seek FEMA money meant for grieving families

It's about as low as a scammer can get, targeting families of those who lost a loved one to COVID-19. A time of grieving for many families has become a nightmare due to scams. It began last year with the FEMA program to reimburse families for funeral costs of loved ones who died due to COVID-19.