WRAL Daily Download

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.

StarBar has been the center of criticism for years. WRAL News has previously reported on issues and violence at the Raleigh bar. The most recent incident was a shooting earlier this month outside the nightclub. As the ALE investigation continues and more criminal charges expected, WRAL's Shaun Gallegher catches us up on how we got here.

A trial court ruled that Republican state lawmakers violated North Carolina’s constitution when they passed a law transferring election board appointment power from Gov. Josh Stein to the state auditor. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains the ruling, why it matters — and what happens next.  

Car stunts, lighting things on fire, and spectators crowded around -- all of this happened in downtown Durham. WRAL Investigates' Sarah Krueger explains the setbacks police are facing in trying to put a stop to it.

Massive wildfires continue to burn in the western part of the state, many fueled by Hurricane Helene debris. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin explains the challenges facing firefighters and why the fire threat could stick around for much longer.

Wednesday at 7:30p.m. WRAL's latest documentary which takes viewers inside the immigration debate airs. The documentary follows people who have been directly impacted by current immigration laws and the changes to their enforcement since President Trump began his second term. WRAL documentary reporter Cristin Severance shares how it's all playing out in North Carolina.

Tributes are pouring in from around the world after Pope Francis died on Easter Monday. He was the first Latin American pontiff and many North Carolinians shared their own stories about him. WRAL also found out what happens next to name a new pope.

North Carolina high school students are earning more workforce credentials than ever before, leaving school with skills needed for jobs in all kinds of industries. The credentials can help students gain an edge in the job market or help them work toward more ambitious professional or educational goals. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains why more students are signing up.  

WRAL Investigates has extensively covered the case of Avantae Deven -- the woman arrested last June after being accused of murdering two of her adopted children. WRAL's Chris Lovingood explains when her murder trial could begin.

Opening statements began in the trial of Dorian Thomas, a Johnston County man, charged with killing his child's aunt, Emily Steinhoff. Steinhoff was shot while accompanying her sister on a custody exchange at Thomas' home in March of last year. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan walks through what played out in the courtroom.

Opening statements began in the trial of Dorian Thomas, a Johnston County man, charged with killing his child's aunt, Emily Steinhoff. Steinhoff was shot while accompanying her sister on a custody exchange at Thomas' home in March of last year. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan walks through what played out in the courtroom.

Opening statements began in the trial of Dorian Thomas, a Johnston County man, charged with killing his child's aunt, Emily Steinhoff. Steinhoff was shot while accompanying her sister on a custody exchange at Thomas' home in March of last year. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan walks through what played out in the courtroom.

Apostles Church in Raleigh has welcomed about 25 people who came to the U.S. after the Taliban took over. In the last week, they got an email from the Department of Homeland Security informing them that their temporary protection in the country is expiring. WRAL's Heidi Kirk talked to one man about his story.

Internet was restored for about a dozen DMV offices that lost connection--the latest issue to cause long wait times. Last week the NCDMV announced 42 more offices will now open as 50 other offices were already extending hours. WRAL Carly Haynes explains what the outage meant for people waiting.

Republicans who control the North Carolina General Assembly say they’ve been encouraged by Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s willingness to work together on Helene relief and other topics. It’s a contrast from his predecessor, they say. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains.  

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office says human remains found late last year have now been identified as 29-year-old Caitlin Hodges who went missing in July.Hoges was living with her boyfriend in Goldsboro at the time of her disappearance. WRAL's Heidi Kirk talked to Hodges' sister and friend about the investigation.

A new national study projects that more than two-thirds of North Carolina's counties could lose home value over the next few decades due to climate change. North Carolina has alread experienced firsthand the rising costs tied to weather events. WRAL Climate Reporter Liz McLaughlin explains how homeowners can prepare their homes.

People living in Raleigh could see changes to the city's leaf pickup program. Raleigh leaders met Tuesday to discuss potential changes to leaf pickups due to the city's increasing population, which has led to increased demand. WRAL reporter Shaun Gallagher spoke with WRAL's Mark Bergin to discuss the changes city leaders are considering. Web story: https://www.wral.com/news/local/raleigh-city-council-possible-leaf-pickup-changes-discussion-april2025/

Thousands of North Carolina voters could soon have their 2024 ballots thrown out after a state Court of Appeals ruling Friday. The case could flip another seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court to Republicans months after the election. WRAL's Will Doran explains where the case goes from here.

WRAL’s Mark Bergin spoke with NC State’s Entrepreneurship Clinic Director Haley Huie about the preparations before Raleigh-Durham Startup Week. The free event is held from April 7-11 throughout the Triangle. Raleigh-Durham Startup Week helps showcase the region’s entrepreneurial community through workshops, networking and keynote speakers. It's expected to draw about 2,500 attendees. Huie explained how there’s something for everyone at Raleigh-Durham Startup Week, from people trying to get into the startup industry to established founders looking to grow their companies.