WRAL Daily Download

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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


    • Aug 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 13m AVG DURATION
    • 766 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from WRAL Daily Download

    What's next for the Heritage Square development in Durham

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 13:56


    Heritage Square is a 10-acre former shopping center in Durham, located in the middle of the historic Hayti community. Sterling Bay, a real estate development group, purchased the site in the summer of 2022 with plans to develop it into an area for lab science spaces, offices, and residential units. But there’s a lot in flux, including a pulled rezoning request and the feelings of the historic African American community around it. WRAL news reporter Monica Casey dives into the history and details while trying to answer the question: what comes next?  

    How Wake County students want to modernize their school's HVAC systems

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 8:11


    Wake County Public School System has a $200 million dollar maintenance backlog affecting heating and cooling its classrooms. Students have been pushing for new HVAC technology but the district says it's not ready for that kind of upgrade. WRAL's Destinee Patterson explains the obstacles.

    How Wake's school system is trying to improve special education

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 13:44


    The Wake County Public School System is taking a deep look at how it serves students with disabilities. District leaders are evaluating how to better utilize staff and tweak processes to improve special education services, and they’re looking for ways to improve management of individualized education plans — a source of frustration for many parents. WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst breaks down the reorganization.

    wake special education school system wral wake county public school system
    Fact check: How many Congressional seats would Democrats lose if noncitizens are excluded from the Census?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 14:28


    North Carolina State Representative John Blust, a Guilford County Republican, said Democrats have 24 more seats in the U.S. House than they would if noncitizens were not counted in the U.S. Census. And now, President Trump is calling for changes to the Census to count them out. But would it make a difference? PolitiFact Reporter Paul Specht weighs in. 

    Why Person County road repairs from Chantal could take months to complete

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 8:39


    More than two dozen roads are still damaged or washed out in North Carolina two months after Chantal's floodwaters. Most of those are in Person County. WRAL's Eric Miller takes a look at how it's impacting people who live there.

    Cases of a rare flesh-eating bacteria are slowly rising off the NC coast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 13:43


    Vibrio Vulnificus is a flesh-eating bacterium that can cause serious illness and lead to sepsis, shock, and large blisters that destroy tissue. Infections are rare, but can be fatal, and the North Carolina coast is seeing an uptick in cases. WRAL Climate Change reporter Liz McLaughlin puts the danger into perspective, discusses who is most at risk, and looks at the reason for this troubling trend.

    WRAL Investigates the cost of a gunshot

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 9:18


    More than 3,500 people become gun violence victims in our state every year. Survivors have their lives totally altered by their injuries in physical, emotional and financial ways. WRAL's Willie Daniely tells the story of one woman.

    How a North Carolina woman's case over menstrual pain could help others

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 12:43


    A federal judge in Raleigh ruled that endometriosis can qualify as a disability for legal protections. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains how the decision could help women who suffer from the condition receive accommodations at work or school.

    RNC Chair Michael Whatley officially launches U.S. Senate campaign in North Carolina

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 15:00


    Thursday, Michael Whatley, Republican National Committee Chair and longtime ally of President Trump, launched his campaign to seek his party's nomination for the U.S. Senate Seat. We explore his background, his platform, and why going up against the Democratic challenger, former Governor Roy Cooper, will make this an expensive and exciting race. 

    A new bill could make getting and renewing an NC driver's license easier

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 10:52


    The North Carolina House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to pass House Bill 245, which would allow North Carolinians to renew their driver’s licenses online more frequently and ease a law requiring new drivers to document their driving practice hours and submit logs to the state. The bill now goes to the Senate. WRAL's Kirstyn Clark explains the impact to DMV lines and safety.

    NC lawmakers override vetoes and reach deal on 'mini budget'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 14:01


    On Tuesday, republicans in the General Assembly found enough democratic support to override some of Governor Josh Stein's vetoes. They also reached a deal on a 'mini budget' plan to fund some basic state functions. WRAL's Laura Leslie and Liz McLaughlin explain the impacts of these moves.

    The illness linked to cannabis and THC landing more people in the hospital

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 15:43


    Doctors in the Triangle report seeing more patients reporting persistant nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration. Many are being diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. WRAL health reporter Grace Hayba talked to one woman who was sick for months before doctors could get to the bottom of it.

    Here are North Carolina's ties to Netflix's 'The Waterfront'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 34:01


    Set in the fictitious North Carolina coastal town of Havenport, the Netflix drama "The Waterfront" follows the powerful Buckley family as their fishing and restaurant empire crumbles. To stay financially afloat, the family resorts to drug smuggling. Created by New Bern native Kevin Williamson, the eight-episode first season features prominent Wilmington and Southport landmarks. WRAL's Mark Bergin and Justin Arner shared their thoughts on the first season of "The Waterfront," and whether they'd like to see a second season.

    The race for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat begins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 18:38


    On Thursday, WRAL News learned Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley is entering the race as the likely GOP front runner for the 2026 U.S. Senate race. Meanwhile, former governor Roy Cooper is likely to be the front runner fo the Democrats. WRAL's Paul Spect explains as the race takes shape.

    5 On Your Side team gets Morrisville man refund after a Raleigh Vrbo troubles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 13:26


    A Morrisville man thought he'd picked the perfect Vrbo rental in Raleigh while his family's home was under construction, until he got there. A discovery about what happened at the home, and help from the 5 On Your Side team, got him a $6,000 refund. 

    WRAL Investigates anesthesia safety concerns after Greensboro toddler dies during dental procedure

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 10:57


    A two-year-old boy's death has raised questions about anesthesia protocols at dental offices in our state. WRAL Investigates has reported on deaths from anesthesia-related dental procedures. Sarah Krueger explains the growing calls for reform.

    New college football season begins with an uncertain future

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 16:28


    Tuesday marks the beginning of the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte. It's the Atlantic Coast Conference's annual football preview event. It's the unofficial start to a season full of uncertainty. WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy looks at the changes to revenue sharing, player endorsment deals and more. Plus the biggest stories to watch for this season across the Triangle.

    Storm Myths, Cloud Seeding and North Carolina's Geoengineering Debate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 10:06


    After the deadly floods in Texas, your social media feed may have been filled with viral false posts blaming "weather-control planes" for the storms. Experts say the physics do not line up but state lawmakers are seeking to ban geoengineering. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin separates fact from fiction.

    NC Democrats seek to pry a state Senate seat from Republicans

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 13:33


    North Carolina Democrats need to flip just one seat in the state Senate next year to give Gov. Josh Stein more veto power. Republicans hold a veto-proof majority in the chamber. Whether the GOP keeps that power could come down to a few key 2026 races. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran explains why Democrats are focused on their candidate in Rocky Mount — and how Republicans plan to stop him.

    Why North Carolina is seeing a bug boom after heavy rain and heat

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 7:52


    As parts of our area recover from flooding due to recent rainfall, some are dealing with another consequence--more bugs. Experts say insect populations are exploding due to summer heat and rain. WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin joins us to explain how to protect yourself, your home and your pets.

    Man charged in Faith Hedgepeth murder now faces new drug charges

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 12:47


    Miguel Salguero-Olivares is waiting for trial in the Durham County Detention Center. On Tuesday, a court hearing focused on charges that he had meth inside the jail. It comes as his defense team continues to build its case for his trial for the murder of Faith Hedgepeth. WRAL's Monica Casey breaks down these new developments.

    North Carolina sues over Trump education funding cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 12:44


    North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced announced a lawsuit Monday over more than $165 million in frozen education funds. Other states have also filed suits over federal education grants cancelled nationwide. WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst explains what it means for our state's school systems.

    How a new children's hospital could transform a growing Wake County town

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 14:01


    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.

    5 On Your Side testing finds pricing errors at local grocery stores

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 6:59


    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.

    Hillsborough urges conservation as water system remains fragile

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 9:14


    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.

    Sanford community remembers family of four killed in plane crash

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 13:45


    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.

    Tropical Depression Chantal leaves widespread property damage at Hyco Lake

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 12:18


    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.

    Why NC's career-switching teachers are quitting the classroom 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 16:34


    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 later: WRAL revisits the case of a Fayetteville mother accused of murdering her adoptive children

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 10:39


    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 finds kids' foods are more likely to contain synthetic dyes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 8:20


    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.

    With Tillis out, GOP has more clarity — and hope — in North Carolina

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 16:04


    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.

    How climate change made Raleigh's record-breaking heat more likely

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 12:06


    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.

    Budget talks stall, shrimping ban fails and Helene bill prevails as NC lawmakers adjourn 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 18:07


    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.  

    A new WRAL documentary explores cancer in young North Carolinians

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 11:30


    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.

    What you need to know about the first measles case in North Carolina

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 15:06


    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.

    SBI joins investigation into a Wake County house fire that killed a man and two teenagers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 6:22


    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.

    A top NC Democrat needs new desks. She also needs Republicans' approval

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 13:43


    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.

    What new emails tell us about how UNC handled fallout from Bill Belichick interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 12:16


    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.

    Zoning change approval opens up RTP for residential redevelopment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 8:52


    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.

    Why are Pride flags disappearing from a Wake County neighborhood?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 10:09


    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.

    NC lawmaker apologizes for ‘inapropriate' social media post

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 10:01


    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.  

    The program turning wasted Wake Schools food into snacks for students

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 9:36


    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.

    GOP-led legislature wants to take regulatory powers from NC's Democratic governor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 12:46


    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.  

    JetZero to hire 14,500 people at new North Carolina factory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 15:59


    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.

    Solved: 5 On Your Side helps man get knee surgery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 9:52


    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.

    State law changes possible after WRAL Investigates farm parties

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 12:11


    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.

    NC GOP Chairman Jason Simmons faced stiff competition for reelection. Here's why  

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 12:25


    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.

    Johnston County family goes viral with surprise after hospital stay

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 9:19


    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.

    WRAL Investigates looks into cell phone policies at local high schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 17:23


    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.

    Governor Stein announces a new council to explore legalizing THC products for adults in North Carolina

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 27:17


    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.

    How the new NC DMV commissioner plans to fix problems at offices across the state

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 9:39


    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.

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