WRAL Daily Download

A partnership between UNC Health and Duke Health plans to build the state's first standalone hospital in Apex. The deal is expected to transform a wide swath of the growing western Wake County town, paving the way for a multibillion-dollar project that would create thousands of jobs and spur ancillary development of hotels, restaurants, shops and offices at the long-planned Veridea development. WRAL State Government Editor Jack Hagel explains how the project came together, and when construction might start.

Imagine picking up an item on sale, only to be charged full price at checkout. 5 On Your Side found that this is taking place at several local grocery stores. 5 On Your Side Producer Pritchard Strong shares where this is happening and what you can do about it.

Even after lifting a boil water advisory, Hillsborough town leaders called for people who live there to conserve their water. Intense floods overwhelmed the sanitary sewer system over the weekend. WRAL's Flynn Snyder explains the process to fix the system as concerns over more storms continue.

Travis, Candace, Aubrey and Walker Buchanan died Monday in a plane crash in Lee County. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating what happened. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains what we know so far.

The storm brought record rain to parts of Moore, Chatham, Orange and Durham counties. It also brought flooding to parts of Person County along Hyco Lake. WRAL's Grace Holland explains the clean up ahead.

North Carolina has long depended on career-switching professionals to help fill its teaching ranks, giving them temporary licenses with the expectation that they’ll earn a full license within a few years. But many of these teachers are quitting, saying they don’t have the time or the wherewithal to earn a full license. The situation underscores the challenges the state’s public schools are having when it comes to retaining and recruiting new teachers. WRAL’ Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains.   

1 year ago, a Fayetteville mother was arrested because she was accused of murdering two of her adopted children. Since that time, WRAL has kept an eye on Avantae Deven's case ahead of trial. WRAL's Chris Lovingood recaps what we've learned.

A new study led by UNC researcher Elizabeth Dunford reveals that nearly 20% of popular U.S. food products contain synthetic dyes, with a significant concentration found in items marketed to children. WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba shares the details.

U.S. Senator Thom Tillis surprised fellow Republicans Sunday when he said he wouldn’t seek reelection next year. The decision has underscored the dangers Republicans face when opposing Republican President Donald Trump. And it raised questions about who might run for the GOP nomination for the North Carolina seat. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains why Republicans are suddenly more hopeful about their North Carolina prospects in the 2026 election.

In the last week, we've seen a stretch of record breaking summer heat. Experts says climate change is making those kinds of days five times more likely. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin explains the metric used to track this kind of temperature change.

North Carolina lawmakers adjourned for summer vacation without approving a budget, leaving a number of big spending priorities in limbo. But the legislature did agree on a few things, sending dozens of bills to Gov. Josh Stein. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down some of the bills that passed, some that stalled, and he explains how the dynamic between the Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled legislature could be shifting. He also explains the “shrimpgate” controversy that divided lawmakers.  

Cancer is striking people younger than ever. We’re talking about aggressive forms of cancer happening to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. WRAL Documentary Reporter Cristin Severance shares the stories of three North Carolinians diagnosed at young ages and what could be the cause. It's a small glimpse into WRAL's new documentary Diagnosis: Young, The New Face of Cancer in NC.

The first case of the measles was found in Guilford and Forsyth counties earlier this week. It comes as cases continue across the country. WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba explains how to protect yourself.

The Wake County Sheriff's Office says 49-year-old Shannon Collins, a 13-year-old and a -15-year-old were found dead inside a home after a house fire. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of their death. WRAL's Willie Daniely explains what we know so far about the investigation.

North Carolina lawmakers are sparring over the details of a $32 billion-dollar state spending plan. One thing they seem to agree on is a $95,000 budget request for new office furniture for Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt. But the request could get caught up in negotiations between Republican leaders in the legislature. WRAL’s Jack Hagel and Paul Specht explain why she needs new furniture and where things stand in state budget negotiations.

WRAL obtained new emails and text messages that show how Bill Belichick repsonded to questions about why his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson joined him at a nationally televised interview. WRAL's Brian Murphy explains what we learned.

From Research to Residential. Research Triangle Park covers 7,000 acres in Wake and Durham counties. 55,000 people also work at RTP, but when they clock out, it goes empty -- until now. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher explains the rezoning that will make this all possible.

People all over the Triangle say their Pride flags have disappeared from their neighborhoods. A Cary woman believes hers was stolen from her home--and she's not alone. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains.

Wake County Democrat Julie Von Haefen posted an image of a protest sign featuring a guillotine and a fake severed head that resembled Trump. Republicans called for her ouster. WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht offers the latest.  

Wake County Schools is expanding it's pilot program to repurpose food waste. A select few of the district's schools are already saving hundreds of packaged items and fruit from the dumpster every day. WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst explains how it works.

North Carolina lawmakers could push to take more power away from the governor this week. A final vote is expected on the REINS Act. It would let the Republican-controlled legislature block new rules proposed by state agencies overseen by the state’s Democratic governor. Supporters say it’ll create more accountability and reduce regulatory costs for businesses. Critics fear public health or public safety could be at risk. WRAL State Government reporter Will Doran explains what could happen next if it passes.  

The state approved more than $1 billion in economic incentives to lure California jetmaker JetZero to North Carolina. The company plans to build its fuel-efficient all-wing aircraft at a new $4.7 billion dollar factory in Greensboro. WRAL's Jack Hagel explains one of the biggest job-creating commitments in our state.

A Triangle man's doctor recommended knee surgery but was denied coverage for the procedure by his insurance. 5 On Your Side stepped in to help him get the procedure approved. WRAL's Keely Arthur explains how she did it and the steps you can take if you end up in a similar situation.

WRAL has been investigating huge farm parties for more than a month. State lawmakers say they're now looking at changing the state's agritourism law to close a loophole that allows them. WRAL Investigates Sarah Krueger explains.

North Carolina Republicans reelected Jason Simmons as party chairman Saturday. He’ll be responsible for raising funds and organizing get-out-the-vote efforts for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht spoke with Simmons ahead of the election. Specht shares details of the interview — including Simmons’ take on U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis’s upcoming reelection bid and President Donald Trump’s efforts on tariffs.

Brittni Evans recorded her older son's reaction to seeing his younger brother back home after nearly two months in the hospital. The video has since reached hundreds of thousands of people on social media. WRAL's Carly Haynes talked to the family.

North Carolina lawmakers and school boards want to restrict cell phones in schools -- and there’s robust debate over how to do it. WRAL found that not all school policies are keeping kids off of their phones. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst shares what's working and what's not after a trip inside three local high schools.

In an exclusive interview with WRAL's Lena Tillett, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein called for statewide regulations to legalize THC-intoxicating products and announced the creation of a new state advisory council to explore methods to legalize products containing THC. We share their full conversation here.

Long wait times, lack of staff, and inefficiency -- these are ongoing problems at the North Carolina DMV. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher shares how the new NC DMV commissioner plans to fix it.

The Carolina Hurricanes postseason run ended in the Eastern Conference Final, leading to questions about whether the franchise has the talent and the playing style to win the Stanley Cup. WRAL’s Brian Murphy and Pat Welter breakdown the Canes' postseason success and what comes next in a big offseason for the team.

Doctors say more research is needed on perinatal depression -- that's the updated way to refer to postpartum depression. Just like there’s a stigma around talking about women experiencing this, there’s new research into men experiencing it, too. WRAL’s Chris Lovingood shares that research, plus the first-hand experiences of a local mother and father.

Durham County's sheriff says his detention center is understaffed and aging as inmate assaults become more frequent. He took those concerns to county leaders who will allocate more funds to address some of the problems. WRAL's Monica Casey explains how what's happening in Durham County compares to others in the Triangle.

A two-year-old is in critical condition after shooting themselves with an unsecured gun that belonged to their 17-year-old uncle. Officers say the teen had two guns--one of which was reported stolen 50 miles away. WRAL's Aaron Thomas explains what we know about the investigation so far.

It's been a year since Tyler, Susan and Miles Campbell were killed in a crash on U.S. 70 in Garner. A man charged with drinking and speeding behind the wheel still has not stood trial. WRAL's Carly Haynes talked to Tyler Campbell's mother about their legacy.

Republicans in the North Carolina legislature want to free up more than $100 million a year in state funding from higher education through tuition hikes and cost cutting. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains why UNC System students could soon be paying more for less — and how it all figures in to the GOP tax strategy.

New 911 calls are revealing the dangerous situation at a party earlier this month in Orange County. WRAL has done numerous stories on this growing issue of “farm parties," including a 2,000 person party that resulted in charges against the owner. WRAL investigates’ Sarah Krueger shares the latest.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman announced that two state troopers will not face charges for their handling of a fatal crash in Raleigh last year. Freeman said the evidence in the case would not support a successful prosecution despite their 'dishonesty' on the night of the crash. WRAL Investigates Sarah Krueger explains.

On Monday, the latest crash between a car and a train happened in Durham. It's one of at least 19 similar crashes in the Bull City over the last 25 years. WRAL Durham Reporter Monica Casey explains why it keeps happening and possible solutions.

Former Vice President spoke about tariffs and free trade at a round table discussion in Raleigh Monday. He drew a contrast with his economic vision compared to President Trump's in his second term. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher talked one on one with Pence.

The Trump administration has threatened to revoke some student visas, pushed to revoke visas from certain countries and worked to implement a travel ban. All could impact international collegiate athletes. WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy explains who’s at risk — and why.  

A new statewide effort to protect you when you get a massage. On this episode of the WRAL Daily Download, WRAL Investigates takes you undercover as investigators catch massage businesses in malls operating without a license.

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it is rolling back part of a rule meant to limit the toxic 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin explains the change.

Bill Belichick talked to WRAL in his first interview with local media this week. He talked to WRAL's Brian Murphy about the burst of attention on the UNC football prgram, why he opted to get back into the game and his expectations for the season. 

Republican Jefferson Griffin lost his effort to overturn the results of a 2024 race for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court. But North Carolina voters will feel the effects of the case for years to come because Griffin’s lawsuit succeeded in changing the rules for future elections. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains what some voters might face going forward.

University of North Carolina Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham's email inbox was full of angry West Virginia University fans in the days after Selection Sunday. Cunningham, also the chairman of the selection committee for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, oversaw the decision to leave the Mountaineers out in favor of the Tar Heels. WRAL's Brian Murphy explains what we learned from these newly-released emails.

For the second summer in a row, kids in Durham will not be able to enjoy some of the city's biggest parks. It comes 2.5 years after Duke researchers discovered "alarmingly high" levels of lead in the soil there. WRAL Investigates' Sarah Krueger is asking officials when the parks will reopen, how much it'll cost, and where they'll find the money.

The North Carolina election that just wouldn't end--ended this week. Republican Jefferson Griffin conceded to incumbent Democrat Allison Riggs in the race for a seat on the state Supreme Court. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains how we got here.

Experts estimate that 23,000 cars, trucks and SUVs were flooded in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene. As those cars go to auction, they could fall into the hands of scammers looking to profit off those vehicles at your expense. WRAL 5 On Your Side Producer Pritchard Strong explains the warning signs to look out for.

Earlier this year — North Carolina parents learned that a hacker accessed data tied to most of the state’s public school students. The breach underscored why children’s data is so coveted by hackers, and why government officials have a hard time protecting it. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains.

A letter sent to parents by the Alston Ridge Middle School principal reveals that 300 students saw porn through a Snapchat group chat. WRAL's Heidi Kirk shares what happened and reaction from concerned parents.

On Wednesday, Bill Belichick released a statement saying it was a 'false narrative' that his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, was steering an interview with CBS News Sunday Morning. The couple works closely professionally and their personal relationship has gotten attention since before Belichick became UNC's Head Football Coach. WRAL Investigative Sports Reporter Brian Murphy explains.