WRAL Daily Download

Follow WRAL Daily Download
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

The WRAL Daily Download is an in-depth conversation about a single news story. WRAL covers news across North Carolina every day, but this podcast focuses on one story at a time, bringing context to each conversation. The in-depth, localized podcast takes you into the latest stories from Raleigh, Durham, and the entire Triangle region on North Carolina. This is community news aimed at keeping you informed about the more subtle stories that are happening around you. Hosted by WRAL News journalists, episodes post weekdays by 4:30am.

WRAL News | Raleigh, North Carolina


    • Oct 27, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 13m AVG DURATION
    • 818 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from WRAL Daily Download with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from WRAL Daily Download

    NC lawmakers brace for lawsuits over congressional districts

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 15:17


    North Carolina’s new congressional districts, approved Wednesday, are already facing legal challenges. The new voting map gives Republicans an edge in 11 of the state’s 14 congressional districts. Opponents allege racial gerrymandering, a claim GOP lawmakers deny. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down the arguments.

    5 On Your Side solves DMV mystery ticket for local woman

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 11:20


    Imagine getting a letter saying your driver’s license is being suspended, for a ticket from a state you’ve never even visited. That’s what happened to one North Carolina woman. 5 On Your Side’s Keely Arthur uncovers how a simple mistake nearly cost her license, and what you need to know to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

    Lawmakers approve new NC congressional map to boost GOP edge in U.S. House races

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 16:47


    In a victory for Republicans in the state legislature and nationwide, a new congressional map that seeks to increase the GOP's advantage in 2026 gained final approval. The 11 of 14 districts for the U.S. House of Representatives favor Republicans in the map. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains the impacts of this vote.

    Bill Belichick focuses on football as spotlight on UNC Tarheels remains bright

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 11:25


    Several headlines came out of a Tuesday press conference with UNC Football Coach Bill Belichick. From a suspended coach reinstated to a paused Hulu docuseries and a trip to Saudi Arabia, there's been a lot of distractions. WRAL's Brian Murphy explains how the team is handling all of that and preparing for this weekend's game against Virginia.

    5 On Your Side solves phone bill battle for woman and her husband with dementia

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 10:10


    A Wake Forest woman tried over and over again to get Verizon to cancel her husband's phone service. He was diagnosed with dementia more than a decade ago and now lives in an assisted care facility. She contacted 5 On Your Side and within a week Verizon resolved the matter. Keely Arthur explains what happened and how you can be prepared if you ever need to handle bills and subscriptions for a loved one. 

    NC Republicans make moves for more seats in the U.S. House

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 10:03


    State lawmakers are coming back to Raleigh this week to vote on newly proposed congressional districts — an effort to help the GOP maintain its majority in Congress. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down the new map and lays out what’s expected in the week ahead.

    How Raleigh plans to grow in the right ways

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 12:33


    The City of Raleigh is rewriting the plan that will guide growth over the next 20 years. The comprehensive plan will provide a roadmap for where to build homes, roads and parks while accounting for the the issues that come with a changing climate and a rapidly growing population. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin breaks down the strategies leaders are planning to use.

    A recipe for serious traffic jams around the North Carolina State Fair

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 13:30


    The first night of the North Carolina State Fair coincides with Billie Eilish's first of two concerts in Raleigh on Thursday. Officials are urging people to arrive several hours in advance due to traffic concerns around the fairgrounds and Lenovo Center. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher explains why this part of the city is so prone to traffic issues.

    Three years after Hedingham mass shooting, community remembers those killed

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 13:01


    Monday marked three years since a mass shooting in the Hedingham neighborhood in east Raleigh. On Monday, an end-of-watch ceremony was held for slain officer Gabriel Torres as the 3-year mark conjured memories of those killed. A trial for the accused shooter, Austin Thompson, is set for Feb. 2, 2026. WRAL anchor and reporter Eric Miller, who covered the shooting, reflects on that night and his conversations with those impacted.

    More than $6.5 billion in medical debt relieved through NC program

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 11:55


    More than $6.5 billion in medical debt has been relieved for more than 2.5 million North Carolinians over the past year, through a program set up by the state and paid for with federal funds. Governor Josh Stein called it "life changing news for so many families." WRAL state government reporter Will Doran explains how it came together, it's impact on individuals and hospitals and how the policy is designed to continue to reduce debt burden for years to come.

    Why the feds say NC is failing special education students

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 13:42


    U.S. Department of Education officials say North Carolina is failing to meet federal special education standards. State officials blame it on teacher turnover and the need for other special education resources. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains.

    Community mourns three Fayetteville high school football players killed in car crash

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 8:43


    Three E.E. Smith High School students died and another person was seriously hurt after a crash Wednesday night in Fayetteville. WRAL's Kirtsyn Clark talked to a friend of one of the players.

    Social media and AI algorithms may be linked to higher self harm risks among kids in NC

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 16:29


    Warning: This episode discusses topics of suicide and addiction. A state committee tasked with preventing child deaths in North Carolina is focused on social media, saying different apps and AI platforms may be contributing to expounding mental health issues among kids and teens. It comes as the state reports nearly 500 children have taken their own lives in the last decade. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran sat in on the latest Child Fatality Task Force meeting and shares the details.   

    How the U.S. trade war with China is bad for NC soybean farmers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 13:57


    One of North Carolina's biggest cash crops is the hardest hit by the impacts of new tariffs and trade tensions. China is one of the largest buyers of U.S. soybeans and it is now boycotting it. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains what that means for soybean farmers in eastern North Carolina.

    What to know ahead of Tuesday's local elections in NC 

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 11:51


    Tuesday is Election Day for many parts of North Carolina, including Durham, Fayetteville and Rocky Mount. Voters will get a chance to cast their ballot in city council races, mayoral contests and other municipal elections. WRAL State government reporter Will Doran has the latest information you need to know before going to your polling place and which elections have a spotlight on them.

    The Raleigh police officer fired, accused of taking a sexual favor during a DWI investigation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 9:06


    Raleigh police officer Tremale Cogdell is set to appear in court Monday afternoon. He was arrested on felony sexual misconduct charges Friday. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher explains what investigators know so far.

    What is the TikTok challenge that could make your kid sick?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 13:02


    There's a social media challenge circulating on TikTok encouraging kids to take a large amount of over the counter medicine, like Benadryl, for fun. It's not the first time you may have heard of a challenge like this, but law enforcement is taking this one seriously. Especially the Granville County Sheriff's Office. WRAL Reporter Kirstyn Clark explains why. 

    A battle over healthcare at the state and federal level

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 13:49


    On October 1, the federal government officially shut down. A big reason behind the shutdown is disputes of healthcare subsidies. Healthcare spending is also the focus of a budget fight here in North Carolina. WRAL State Government reporter tells us why it's a key focus and how both political fights may impact North Carolinians. 

    What witnesses say happened during a mass shooting at a Southport bar

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 14:55


    The community of Southport is grieving three killed in a shooting along the waterfront while the suspected shooter is awaiting his next court date. WRAL's Heidi Kirk talked to witnesses and investigators about what happened inside American Fish Company.

    Lawmakers return to Raleigh: The bills that did and did not make it to the Governor's desk

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 18:08


    Lawmakers returned to Raleigh last week, passing a flurry of bills aimed at individual projects and new policies. But, they left without a deal on a state budget or a plan to fund Medicaid expansion. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran shares the highlights. 

    Hillsborough's Gold Park reopens after major repairs from Tropical Storm Chantal damage

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 8:24


    Nearly three months after Tropical Storm Chantal caused millions of dollars in estimated damage to Hillsborough, one of the public spaces most impacted in the town, Gold Park, has reopened. Town officials said watermarks in the park's restrooms reached 6 feet high. WRAL news reporter Flynn Snyder spoke with Hillsborough residents about the park's return, while checking in on some more of the major damage to the town and the work still being done to recover.

    Helene: What We Lost, What We Found

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 15:35


    The newest WRAL Documentary airs Thursday, September 25 on WRAL-TV and online platforms and looks back at the damage caused in western North Carolina by Hurricane Helene one year later. Helene was the most damaging storm in state history causing $60 billion in damage and killing 108 people. WRAL's Cristin Severance shares the stories of hope and survival as recovery continues.

    Duke's Kara Lawson humbled to join the ranks of legendary Team USA Basketball coaches

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 13:57


    On Monday, Duke women's basketball head coach Kara Lawson was named the next head coach of the U.S. Women's basketball team for the next four years. Lawson will coach the Team USA in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, and at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. WRAL sports reporter Pat Welter talks about the emotional journey for Lawson and why the U.S. women's national team means so much to her.

    Teens found after escaping Raleigh mental health facility

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 13:21


    Holly Hill Hospital's CEO says seven teens who escaped Sunday night in Raleigh attacked a staff member to get out. The incident raised questions about past issues at the facility. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains the history of escapes and inspections at Holly Hill.

    New crime bill, health care spending, Helene aid: NC lawmakers return to Raleigh

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 13:33


    State lawmakers return to Raleigh this week for another check-in after failing to pass a budget on time earlier this summer. Lawmakers are expected to introduce a bill with a number of proposed law enforcement and judicial reforms. And they could consider funding for health care, economic development and more. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran breaks it all down. 

    Why the UNC System is considering raising tuition costs for incoming students

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 13:08


    The UNC System Board of Governors discussed a tuition increase up to 3% at its universities. It would be the first increase in the cost of tuition in the system in the last 9 years. WRAL's Monica Casey breaks down how much families could pay.

    State workers could face another health premium hike, depending on Duke-Aetna contract fight

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 12:19


    Duke Health and health insurance company Aetna are in the middle of contract negotiations. There's just about a month left to salvage a deal. Depending on the outcome, more than 750,000 state employees could see their insurance premiums rise for the second time in the past few months.  WRAL state government reporter Will Doran talks aobut what is slowing down negotiations, what State Teasurer Brad Briner has to say, and what are the consequences of a deal coming together or falling through.

    How hurricanes can harm your pet's health

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 11:50


    It is hurricane season in North Carolina. While you may be thinking about how to protect your family from floodwaters or your home from storm damage, veterinarians say you should be thinking about protecting your pets too. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin has been reporting on how hurricanes can impact our environment, our families, and now, our furry friends.  

    Calls to fire Durham Police Chief, Wake County teacher over comments about Charlie Kirk's death

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 15:16


    Charlie Kirk's death has led many people aroudn the country to voice their thoughts on the shooting and the state of our politics on social media. It has been met with swift public reaction in some cases. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher and Kirstyn Clark explain comments made by Durham's Police Chief and a Wake County Schools teacher that have some calling for them to be fired.

    New data centers in NC could strain the power grid and your wallet

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 9:28


    A new data center in Tarboro promised to bring in 500 jobs, $6.4 billion in investment and millions in new tax revenue for the rural North Carolina community, but residents weren't convinced. Fears over water use, noise and the project's long-term sustainability pushed the town council to reject the plan. Tarboro isn't alone in potential data center locations and concerns. WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin talks about how a growth of data centers could impact the environment, the power grid and your wallet. 

    Hemp vs. Marijuana: How a small difference between the two can have a big impact on law enforcement, civil rights in NC

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 13:19


    A North Carolina attorney boldly dared to be searched and even arrested in front of the state’s Supreme Court Justices while holding a baggie in hand. In that baggie was a green plant: Was it hemp or marijuana? No one in the room, not even top law enforcement, could tell. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran shares why the inability to do so is causing issues in the North Carolina legal system.   

    Why a stabbing in Charlotte sparked a political firestorm nationwide

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 16:22


    Last month, a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman who came to the U.S. to flee the war with Russia was fatally stabbed on a light rail train in Charlotte.  Though it received little national attention for a few weeks, in the last few days, the stabbing has sparked a political firestorm across all levels of government, from Charlotte, to Raleigh, to Washington, D.C. and beyond.  WRAL Political Reporter Paul Specht joins us now to talk about why politicians on either side of the aisle are paying attention to this specific case.   

    Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this year? We'll find out more this month

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 11:10


    As the cooler months approach, respiratory illnesses are front of mind, which includes COVID-19. Unlike years past, as of now, not everyone can walk up to a pharmacy and get the shot. WRAL's Ashley Rowe talks about where things stand, why there's confusion and when you'll find out for sure if you're eligible this season.

    Why people in Tarboro are pushing back against a proposed data center

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 10:59


    On Monday, Tarboro Town Council held a public hearing about a proposed data center. Hundreds of people have signed a Change.org petition against it. WRAL's Destinee Patterson explains the plans for the facility and the pushback.

    Durham woman partners with Duke to start grief program for brain cancer patients, families, doctors

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 16:33


    Duke University's Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center will soon offer new mental and emotional support for its patients, their families and their caregivers, all thanks to the donation of a former patient's daughter. Durham native Rebecca Feinglos donated $250,000 to create the Susan & Mark Feinglos Grief initiative in honor of her parents. Her mother died after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma, the most deadly for of brain cancer when she was 13 years old. Her father died from a sudden illness in 2020. WRAL news reporter Grace Holland shares how Feinglos hopes the new program can help all those impacted by the cancer - from patients to family and even medical professionals. 

    EMS employees worked more than 30,000 hours of overtime amid staffing crunch

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 11:25


    Durham County EMS workers made nearly $2 million in overtime and worked more than 30,000 hours of overtime in just one year, according to reports obtained by WRAL Investigates through a public records request. It's an example of the need for additional employees: 22% of positions are vacant. WRAL Investigative Reporter Sarah Krueger speaks on the concerns and potential solutions.

    Making the grade: NC test scores show proficiency rates are still behind pre-pandemic levels

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 17:20


    New data from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction shows student test scores are still not up to pre-pandemic levels, across nearly all subjects and grade levels. But, there’s some positive news: Test scores are on the rise, especially in math, and, in some cases, students are making big gains. WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst digs into the test scores and what they show about student performance in the classroom. 

    Why the South Wake Landfill is causing a stink for neighbors

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 13:19


    The South Wake Landfill has been causing an odor problem for neighbors in Apex and Holly Springs since it opened in 2008. In the past three months, complaints are on the rise again. The county said most come from within a half-mile radius, but some have been filed from as far as 2 miles away. WRAL news reporter Heidi Kirk spoke with residents about living with the smell and officials with the Division of Solid Waste and Recycling to see why the smell is more prominent this summer and what they're doing to find a solution.

    Saint Augustine's University interim president resigns ahead of first day of classes

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 8:52


    Fall semester starts at Saint Augustine's University on Tuesday but students will begin classes without a clear leader in place. SAU's interim president resigned two days before the first day citing personal reasons. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher explains the reaction from alumni.

    How a former NASCAR executive plans to guide UNC into a new era of college sports

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 12:29


    The University of North Carolina has turned to former NASCAR team executive Steve Newmark to help guide the Tar Heels into a new era of college athletics. Newmark says UNC is looking for every last bit of new revenue for an athletics budget approaching $200 million. WRAL sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy outlines the top priorities for Newmark, who takes over the role next year.

    EPA data shows more "forever chemicals" are showing up in NC drinking water

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 16:10


    New EPA data shows PFAS, short for per-and polyfluroalkyl, is showing up in 200 more drinking systems nationwide, including in Durham and Fayetteville. Those chemicals, known as "forever chemicals" because of how hard they are to break down, can cause health issues. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin digs into how utilities are responding and if their efforts are paying off. 

    "One Big Beautiful Bill" will likely bring changes to free or reduced-price school meals in NC

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 12:05


    Changes to federal benefit programs will likely mean a loss in free school meals for some students, advocates warn. The "One Big Beautiful Bill," signed into law by President Donald Trump in July, tightens eligibility for the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP) and Medicaid programs. While fewer families will qualify for SNAP and Medicaid, they may still qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. But they'll no longer automatically qualify for the meal program based on their SNAP or Medicaid eligibility. To stay eligible, they'll need to fill out extra paperwork --- paperwork that eligible families often don't fill out. WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst describes local reactions, how many families this could impact in North Carolina and when this could go into effect.

    Genentech becomes the latest biotech company to invest in Holly Springs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 8:56


    Biotechnology company Genentech broke ground on its first east coast facility on Monday. It plans to hire 420 people in Holly Springs as it works on developing obesity drugs. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher explains what the company's plans are over the next five years.

    NC officials scramble to keep defendant tracking system running

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 12:45


    The North Carolina Criminal Justice Information Network is scrambling to find permanent funding for a program that tracks defendants in domestic violence cases across the state. The group’s ankle monitors are being used in 12,000 cases across the state. But its funds are running low. WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht explains what it could mean for victims and defendants.

    Belichick at UNC, Duke's transfer QB among Triangle's top college football storylines

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 35:03


    WRAL's Mark Bergin and Pat Welter discuss the top storylines for UNC, Duke and NC State before the start of the 2025 college football season. The top storylines include: Will the Bill Belichick experiment work at UNC? Duke QB Darian Mensah making a reported $8 million in 2 years How long will Manny Diaz stay at Duke? Is Dave Doeren on the hot seat? Will NC State continue its 4-game winning streak vs. UNC? What role will Jordon Hudson have at UNC? UNC QB battle: Gio Lopez vs. Max Johnson Can NC State's defense return to form? CJ Bailey's sophomore season College football chaos Duke CB Chandler Rivers Duke's British LB Memorable Factor

    5 On Your Side: How do educators in NC plan to use AI in the classroom?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 11:44


    Artificial Intelligence – what most people now refer to as “A-I” – is a powerful tool that could help students learn. But it’s also raising new concerns about cheating and bias, and educators are being forced to rethink how they teach. 5 On Your Side’s Keely Arthur digs into how teachers are responding to AI and if it can help with academic performance.   

    Protecting Ocracoke Island and the only road in and out of it

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 9:20


    Right now, Hurricane Erin is churning offshore, pushing waves over dunes and spilling water across some roads. That’s not unusual along N.C. Highway 12 in the Outer Banks. But a new collaborative study finds that some of the very efforts to protect this road whenever a major storm comes through may actually be making Ocracoke more vulnerable in the long run. WRAL climate reporter Liz McLaughlin has been digging into the findings. 

    How to get a refund if a hurricane ruins your vacation plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 10:58


    Hurricane Erin is not projected to make landfall on the North Carolina coast, but that doesn't mean we won't feel its impact. Hurricane season in general tends to line up with some of the busiest times of the year for the beach. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur shares with us what you can do to get a refund if you have to cancel your vacation plans.

    Hurricane Erin prompts evacuation orders, rip current warnings from hundreds of miles offshore

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 11:35


    Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall but it is still having serious effects on the North Carolina coast. The Outer Banks are expected to see the most impacts from the storm's wind and rain. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher explains the precautions taken so far.

    Your favorite ACC team can make more money if you watch them on TV. Will it make them perform better?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 15:37


    College football season kicks off soon. And if your team is in the ACC, you can make them more money, just by watching them on TV. Those behind the move say its not just a way to help make teams more money, but also make them perform better.  WRAL’s Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy shares what he's learned about the change.   

    Wake County schools hope to expand therapy resources despite losing federal grant

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 11:42


    Wake County school leaders hope to expand student access to therapy to all campuses by the end of the upcoming school year, desptite the district losing most of a $14.1 million federal grant to do so earlier this year. According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention 40% of US high school students in 2023 reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year and 20% reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. More than half of U.S. adolescents reported discussing their mental and emotional health with a health care professional. WRAL news reporter Destinee Patterson spent time with professionals directly involved and shares how they're trying to meet the goal despite the loss of federal money. If you or someone you know needs help -- you can contact the Suicide and Crisis lifeline at any time.  The number is 988. You can also visit wral.com and search 'get help' for additional resources in our area.

    Claim WRAL Daily Download

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel