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

Every year, 47,000 people die by suicide in the United States. After her husband became one of them, a Cary woman shared her family's experience as an example of what's still lacking in emergency care for people experiencing mental health crisis.

Cary woman says husband's suicide is example of mental health treatment weaknesses statewide

Widow calls for change in handling mental health emergency care in NC 

Raleigh police officers rounded up 15 needy kids and brought them in--into a local Wal-Mart, that is--to go Christmas shopping Saturday.

RALEIGH, N.C. — If you want to see a happy holiday shopper, tell a 12-year old he has $100 to spend anyway he wants!

That's what happened Saturday when Raleigh police officers rounded up 15 needy kids and brought them in—into a local Wal-Mart, that is—to go Christmas shopping.

The program marked the department's debut of a program called &quot;Shop With a Cop.&quot; It's a program that has been used elsewhere, including Wake Forest and Rocky Mount, to get police and kids together outside the context of crime and complaints.

It certainly seemed like everyone enjoyed the outing. Some of the kids, who had been recommended by Raleigh Parks and Recreation staff members, led their fashion police all over the store.

Gregory Harris was looking for the best deals so he could stretch his money.

“It’s Christmas, and I wanted to get everybody something,” Harris said. He bought earrings for his grandma and a watch for his dad.

“He was real excited about shopping for other people,” Officer Stephen Hinnant said after shopping with Harris. “He had something in his heart about sharing the spirit of Christmas with everybody else.”

When Harris went a little over his $100 limit, Hinnant came to the rescue with his own wallet.

“He got me excited about Christmas, so it’s the least I can do,” the shopping cop said with a smile.

John Bachman

Bobbie Eng

Ron Gallagher

Kids Get "Shop Opp" With Raleigh Cops

Kids Join Raleigh Police for 'Shop With a Cop'

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 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

Charges against Louis Ray Harrison, 48, of Apex, include attempted second-degree forcible rape and felony breaking and entering with intent to terrorize or injure for offenses alleged to have taken place on March 21.

Hillside High assistant principal, football coach charged with attempted rape

Louis Ray Harrison

After a February 2023 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, WRAL Investigates raised questions about the preparation of law enforcement and first responders in central North Carolina.

Hidden dangers on the rails: How Triangle first responders plan for a potential train derailment disaster

WRAL investigates the local emergency plan for a potential train derailment disaster, and asks why we're left in the dark about the hazardous materials traveling through the Triangle.

First responders and the Edgecombe Sheriffs' Office are on the scene of a drowning Thursday afternoon in the 90 block of Lillie Lane.

Child drowns in Edgecombe County, mother in critical condition

Police: Child dies after drowning in Edgecombe County 

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

Our drone shows you a perspective you've never seen on the 15+ foot tall century plant -- from the top down! 

Drone: New perspective on WRAL's Century Plant

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

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

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

Videos

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)

A Michael Jordan sighting is likely again at The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City this year.



Michael Jordan's 'Catch 23' yacht registered to compete in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament again

Michel Jordan at 2022 Big Rock Marlin Tournament 

Family members told WRAL News three sisters riding in the same car were killed Wednesday in a crash on N.C. Highway 690 in Moore County. A fourth person, the other driver, also died.

Three sisters killed in head-on crash on Moore County highway 

Three sisters killed in Moore County crash

The CPSC says loungers made by Momaid do not comply with federal safety standards for infant sleep products. That creates a risk of suffocation and a fall hazard for infants.