WRAL Daily Download

The college football regular season is over, so let's look back on how things went for the ACC Triangle teams. WRAL sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy talks about Dave Doeren's return, season one under Bill Belichick and Duke's suprise trip to the ACC Championship. Plus, Murphy dives into the college football playoff outlook for Duke and the ACC.

Four years ago consumer electronics giant Apple Inc. promised to create 3,000 jobs and build a hulking new campus in Research Triangle Park. But so far construction hasn’t started. And the company says it needs more time to meet hiring goals tied to hundreds of millions of dollars in state economic incentives. WRAL State Government Editor Jack Hagel explains why state officials agreed to adjust key deadlines to accommodate the company.

The holiday season is upon us, and for many, that means buying gifts and looking for deals. WRAL SmartShopper Faye Prosser talks us through the best deals and the best strategies to not pay too much in store or online during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and everything in between. 

The Federal Aviation Administration expected this Thanksgiving travel season to be the busiest in 15 years. We speakk with 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur about how to best prepare for travel turbulence you may experience when flying. 

A week from today marks three years since the attack on two Duke Energy substations in Moore County that left tens of thousands of people in the dark, even resulting in one woman's death. No one has been arrested. WRAL Investigates Sarah Krueger talks about where things stand and what's next for the investigation and the community.

The days are darker, the temperatures are dropping - winter is almost here. What should we expect this season? The WRAL Severe Weather Team has released its winter weather outlook. WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth explains what the team looks for, how it puts together its predictions and what to expect for all you snow lovers out there.

Did the recent federal immigration crackdown in North Carolina actually help traffic? Are jails blocking acess to inmates? Our NC Capitol team put together a whole list of claims surrounding these sweeps and the aftermath that were either false or in dispute.  

Imagine returning a rental car in perfect condition, only to be told days later that you damaged it and now owe thousands of dollars in repairs. That happened to Mike Robinson, who shared his story with WRAL's Keely Arthur. 

The euthanasia rate for animal shelters statewide is starting to tick up slightly, after bottoming out during the pandemic, according to numbers provided by the state. WRAL Investigates analyzed data from 2024 for every county's shelter to find which shelters have the highest euthanasia rates, which have the lowest, and what may be behind that variation. WRAL Investigates senior producer Randall Kerr discusses which counties are falling behind and how some counties are keeping rates low.

Local officials confirmed federal immigration agents were conducting operations in the Triangle Tuesday. Videos of interactions with those agents in Raleigh and Durham flooded social media along political statements on the operation. WRAL's Louis Fernandez and Grace Holland break down what we know so far.

An internal shuffle is raising new questions about partisanship at the North Carolina State Board of Elections.  Less than a week before voters went to the polls this month, a top staffer took voluntary leave after what appeared to be an internal dispute over a statement refuting a Democratic Party leader. That came a day after the board’s top lawyer had departed. The departures come months after the elections board shifted from Democratic to Republican control. It also has new oversight from the Republican state auditor.  WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht talks about what the changes mean.

Rising health care costs and increased enrollment have left the state’s Medicaid program with a gaping funding gap. But lawmakers can’t agree on a bill that would fill it, and they plan to ignore orders by Gov. Josh Stein to hold a special session this week to strike a deal. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down the battle over the funding, and explains what happens if the shortfall isn’t solved.

The first Toyota electric vehicle batteries built in the U.S. rolled off the line in North Carolina this week. It was the culmination of a 14 billion dollar project taking place over the last four years. WRAL's Grace Holland shares her experience touring the assembly line.

North Carolina is known for being first in flight. Wilbur and Orville Wright claimed that title. Fast forward 122 years later. America's first flying car is touching down in the Tar Heel state. WRAL's Flynn Snyder shares what this could mean for transportation in North Carolina and what challenges those wanting to fly may face. 

The House is set to vote on a Senate approved plan to reopen the government. It would restore important funding for federal food aid and federal workers' pay but it does not extend expiring health subsidies. WRAL's Ashley Roe explains what impacts that would have on healthcare costs in our state.

Researchers at the City University of New York's Advanced Science Research Center have published new findings that could create a new way to detect climate threats before they show up. They call it a "Climate BioStress Sentinel System" that would track how climate change is stressing living things, using those signals in a preventative fashion. WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin explains how this works and how it could be implemented in a state like North Carolina.

One of the most accomplished Republican legislators in North Carolina history faces a primary challenger with enough name-recognition to potentially capture his seat and upend the state’s power dynamics — a battle involving casinos, shrimpers, raw milk and allegations of playing politics with public safety. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains.

This year's government shutdown is the longest in history. Over the past few weeks, we've started to see direct impacts across the country. The newest trouble comes in the sky. The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered a reduction of air traffic at 40 of the busiest airports across the United States. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur joins us to talk through what troubles we could see at RDU and beyond, plus what you should know if you're flying soon.

Four different towns in Wake County will have new mayors next year. It comes after Democrats made big gains in the county’s suburbs on election night. Paul Specht and Will Doran with WRAL's NC Capitol Team break down what happened and what this may mean for Democrats and Republicans heading into 2026 – when all eyes will be on North Carolina for the U.S. Senate race. 

North Carolina FC is seeking membership in a new, higher USL division and will suspend operations after this season to pursue that. The move would require a larger stadiumm WRAL's Louis Fernandez explains how that could also help the NC Courage.

When you’re driving in Wake County, are there any intersections that make you worry? Maybe you make sure to pay EXTRA attention, maybe you just avoid them all together? WRAL Investigates has looked into what Wake County intersections have the most car crashes and what’s being done to make things better. Sarah Krueger combs through the NCDOT data and shares the results with us.  

As the government shutdown continues, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, has faced much uncertainty. The U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to the country's biggest food aid program starting on Saturday, November 1, but two federal judges have ruled that a contingency fund must be used. Even that emergency fund only extends SNAP so long. More than 1.4 million North Carolinians receive help from SNAP. We're sharing stories of people dealing with the uncertainty, ways you can receive help and ways you can give help.

When it comes to crime in Durham, both City and County leaders say things are heading in the right direction. Overall violent crime is down compared to last year. But now, Durham’s taking a new approach to tackling gun violence. WRAL’s Monica Casey weighs in.   

On Wednesday, the National Park Service put out a warning to visitors coming to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore: avoid the beach and stay out of the water. It comes after five different homes on the oceanfront collapsed this week, leaving hazardous debris in the water and along the beach. So far this year, the National Park Service has reported 16 oceanfront homes have collapsed. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin shares more. 

Johnston County deputies and State Bureau of Investigation agents searched for evidence at a home in Zebulon Tuesday after four children were found dead. Deputies say their father told 911 he killed them. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher explains what we know about the case so far.

The Atlantic Coast Conference got just four teams into the men's NCAA Tournament last season, one of the lowest totals it's had in decades. For the past few years, the men's side of things have underperformed in the regular season for the ACC. WRAL Sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy dives into why that is, what changes have been made and what the future could look like for the former top conference.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.   

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.