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

More than half a million North Carolinians now qualify for Medicaid 

Our experts on parenting, frugal living and the best that the Triangle has to offer have scoured their sources and shopped the stores (and the internet) for the best suggestions for your holiday giving. No matter the age or interest, you'll find gift ideas here.

WRAL 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Pitt County deputies on Monday arrested an 18-year-old Winterville man in connection with a statutory rape that happened Friday and Saturday. 

<b>WINTERVILLE, N.C.</b> — Pitt County deputies on Monday arrested an 18-year-old Winterville man in connection with a statutory rape that happened Friday and Saturday. 

According to investigators, James Adam Butler, of 2810 Basil Lane, developed a relationship with a 13-year-old girl for about two months before engaging in sexual activity with her on two occasions. 

He was charged Monday with two counts of statutory rape or sexual offense of a 13, 14, or 15-year-old. He was in the Pitt County jail Tuesday under a $200,000 secured bond. 

Derek Medlin

Pitt County 18-year-old charged with statutory rape

James Adam Butler

Saint Augustine's University president Dr. Christine McPhail has been relieved of her duties. McPhail said the decision stemmed from a contentious meeting in October where she and a colleague were berated by a board member.

Saint Augustine's University president fired, feels 'betrayed' from decision

Dr. Christine McPhail

A Clayton famliy is devastated after their dog was killed in a hit-and-run in their neighborhood. Ginger was only four years old.

Clayton family believes dog's death came from intentional hit-and-run

Family dog dies in tragic hit-and-run

One week after the deadly stabbing at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, the community had the chance to talk to school leaders about the tragedy.

More counseling, conflict reduction needed at Southeast Raleigh High, Wake schools, community tells school leaders

Southeast Raleigh High School

A Durham man facing charges in multiple rape cases evaded police for years. WRAL Investigates the challenges authorities faced in charging a man linked to rape cases dating as far back as 1989.

Why it took Durham police years to catch a serial rapist with charges dating back decades

WRAL Investigates rape cases

Monday will be sunny and mild with temperatures climbing into the 60s by the afternoon.

Temperature turnaround: A return to the 50s Tuesday

Rain chances Monday

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

Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday Powerball drawings, as shown live on WRAL.

Powerball Drawing

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

All eight state finalists are at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for a press conference ahead of the N.C. High School Athletic Association football state championships this weekend.

NCHSAA football state championship press conference

Videos

It is Arizona's turn to sit atop The Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll.

Arizona rises to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll; Gonzaga and North Carolina crack top 10, Duke tumbles

Florida_St_North_Carolina_Basketball_83611

Former NC State quarterback MJ Morris detailed his decision to enter the transfer portal. He said he has heard from Baylor, LSU and Maryland so far.

MJ Morris: 'I still want to be here,' but NC State said it was moving on

MJ Morris

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Brandon Ingram scored 30 points and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Sacramento Kings 127-117 on Monday night in the quarterfinals of the NBA's In-Season Tournament.

Brandon Ingram leads the Pelicans past the Kings 127-117 to advance to In-Season Tournament semis

Pelicans_Kings_Basketball_12642

With the College Football Playoff set and ready to roll with absolutely zero controversy of any kind, bowl matchups are slowly announced over the course of Sunday afternoon. Check back here for the updates on which games the Triangle teams will be playing in and who they will matchup against in the final games of their season.

Here's where NC State, North Carolina and Duke will play this bowl season

Dave Doeren and Payton Wilson

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Nikolaj Ehlers and Kyle Connor each had a goal and added an assist to lead the Winnipeg Jets to a 2-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night.