WRAL anchor

2 months ago | wral.com | Lora Lavigne |WRAL anchor

J.Cole’s fifth and final Dreamville festival has come to an end with an expected over 100,000 people in attendance from across the globe. North Carolina’s biggest festival is not only known for boosting the local economy but also for creating core memories and life-changing moments. For North Carolina Central University graduate Josiah Russell, it’s an event he will never forget. “It’s bittersweet, you know? Because it literally changed my entire life,” he said reflecting on Dreamville 2022.

Feb 23, 2025 | wral.com | Lora Lavigne |WRAL anchor

Farmers in western North Carolina are still struggling to rebuild four months after Hurricane Helene hit the region. The storm devastated crops, equipment and land. Meanwhile, state and federal aid is still slow to arrive. Students at North Buncombe High School in the Future Farmer's of America (FFA) program have stepped up to help provide aid over the past few months. "It's honestly mind blowing.

Feb 22, 2025 | wral.com | Lora Lavigne |WRAL anchor

Durham homeowners will soon begin to see the impacts of the pandemic housing boom this year. The county is preparing to mail out reappraisal notices of property values. This is the first revaluation since 2019. “The number one factor would be the local real estate market. Over the last six years, since our last reappraisal, 2019, Durham has seen an increase it has never seen before,” said Keyar Doyle, Durham County’s Tax Administrator.

Feb 14, 2025 | wral.com | Renee Chou |WRAL anchor

It’s practically a golden rule among North Carolinians: barbecue is a noun, not a verb. At Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, a sign inside the restaurant proudly proclaims that “BBQ is not a sauce.” Instead, barbecue is a way of life and the best food to eat, according to Prime owner and champion pitmaster Christopher Prieto. Prime Barbecue doesn’t define itself as Eastern or Western style NC barbecue.

Feb 2, 2025 | wral.com | Lora Lavigne |WRAL anchor

Three countries are striking back against the United States after President Trump imposed tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China. Economists warn the tariffs and in-turn, retaliatory moves from these North American neighbors , could ignite a trade war and hit the wallets of everyday Americans.