This year marks the 65th annual lighting of the WRAL-TV tower in Raleigh, an annual tradition that has grown to include celebrations with towers at American Tobacco Campus in Durham and Rocky Mount Mills.

WRAL lights towers in Raleigh, Durham and Rocky Mount

Medicaid expansion takes effect Dec. 1 in North Carolina, and 5 On Your Side is helping answer your questions about the change. 

Call Dec. 5 to get answers about Medicaid in NC

Medicaid expansion in North Carolina will begin Dec. 1, 2023

In the 'old days', I used to go to Mission Valley Inn and try to meet Greg, the WRAL meterologists and other staff on Friday nights but got too chicken or goofy to do it.

In the 'old days', I used to go to Mission Valley Inn and try to meet Greg, the WRAL meterologists and other staff on Friday nights but got too chicken or goofy to do it. I would watch from across the room but never got the courage! Congratulations from afar!

From Cookie in Raleigh

As you head out the door, temperatures will be in the upper 30s. You may want to grab an umbrella before leaving the house.

December kicks off with much-needed rain, wet weekend on tap ☔

Heading to school

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 

A landlord with properties spanning across the state, including multiple units in Raleigh, faces potential disciplinary action and legal scrutiny.

Landlord who charged NC State students $18,000 for beer pong table at center of multiple investigations

5 On Your Side investigates landlord with history of excessive charges

According to an arrest warrant obtained by WRAL News, 26-year-old Daquan Seandre Thomas is charged with felony murder and felony concealment of 22-year-old Tyrone Taylor. According to Sheriff Wayne Coats, Thomas was already in jail for a domestic violence incident with the victim's sister.

'Infectious smile': Community grieves youth pastor found dead after missing for 10 weeks

Body of missing Dunn man found; suspect in custody, charged with murder

Here are some of our favorite light shows scheduled for the 2023 holiday season.



Guide to Christmas lights in Raleigh and across NC

lights

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

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Thursday plans to name a replacement for State Auditor Beth Wood, who previously said she would step down in the wake of charges related to her use of state-issued vehicles.

Replacement named for State Auditor Beth Wood

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

N.C. High School Athletic Association Commissioner Que Tucker and President Chris Blanton hold a press conference following the winter board of directors meeting in Chapel Hill.

NCHSAA press conference following winter board meeting

Videos

Here's a look at which bowl bids NC State, North Carolina and Duke could accept.

Which bowl game will NC State, North Carolina and Duke play in?

Dave Doeren with Mack Brown

NC State quarterback MJ Morris will enter the transfer portal. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

NC State QB Morris to enter transfer portal

MJ Morris (16) in the pocket. 

No. 1 South Carolina rallies from 11 down to beat No. 24 UNC 65-58 in ACC/SEC Challenge

South Carolina North Carolina Basketball

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Luke Eckardt recalled the excitement of finding out that Deion Sanders would be his new head coach at Colorado.

Former Colorado players were told they weren't ready for Prime Time. They moved on but won't forget

Colorado_Outcasts_52328

George Williams, a former St. Augustine's University coach, was fired in July 2020. He continues to coach athletes and is preparing several for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.