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

Check out summer movies with our cheap and free movies database, which lists 26 options for inexpensive summer movie fun.

Summer movie guide: 25 places for free, cheap kid-friendly movies

Summer movies - free movies

I will look forward to the next snow with you.

Beanie in Angier has shared your high anticipation for snow for these 30 years and have counted on your informative and complete forecasts. I will look forward to the next snow with you.

From Beanie in Angier

The North Carolina GOP's annual convention in Greensboro aims to offer conservative voters and political observers the chance to see speeches by Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump and Mike Pence as they vie to take on Democratic President Joe Biden in 2024.

DeSantis kicks off NCGOP convention Friday, followed by Trump and Pence Saturday

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Improving air quality is expected across North Carolina this weekend.



Declining air quality: Code Orange alert for Wake County, warm temps expected 

Air quality index scale

Darryl Williams' cause of death is listed as a "sudden cardiac arrest in the setting of cocaine intoxication, physical exertion, conducted energy weapon use and physical restraint," the autopsy states. 

Attorney Ben Crump to hold conference after autopsy finds manner of death homicide for Darryl Williams, who died in police custody

On Tuesday, the man's mother, Sonya Williams, said her son Darryl Williams was the man who died. He was 32 and lived in Raleigh.

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 Edgecombe Sheriff's Office says 5-year-old Ronald Velazquez drowned Thursday afternoon in the 90 block of Lillie Lane. 

5-year-old child drowns in Edgecombe County, mother in critical condition

Police: Child dies after drowning in Edgecombe County 

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

Former President Donald Trump and his aides are bracing for a potential indictment in the classified documents investigation as prosecutors handling the probe were spotted Thursday at a Miami courthouse where a grand jury has been hearing from witnesses.

NBC News Special Report: Donald Trump says he has been indicted in classified documents probe

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

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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.

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

On Thursday, Apex police said Siomara Sibrian was charged with two counts of felony larceny and one count of possession of a stolen firearm.

Woman charged with possessing stolen firearm in fatal Apex Academy Sports shooting

Apex police responded Tuesday to 1151 Pine Plaza Drive.

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)

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.