WRAL Daily Download

Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason shares more about his stories on a noisey, nasty job that's necessary for North Carolina agriculture, as well as a Cary biochemist's science experiment with a magical African tree, with WRAL News+ Anchor Elizabeth Holmes. 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off Thursday, marking a significant sporting event across North America. WRAL's Louis Fernandez explains the storylines for diehard and casual soccer fans.

As newsrooms shrink, media companies consolidate, and communities lose access to trusted local information, a new WRAL documentary explores what is at stake for North Carolina. "Left Uncovered: Inside North Carolina's News Deserts" premieres Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. on WRAL-TV and streams live on WRAL.com, the WRAL News+ app, and WRAL's YouTube channel. WRAL documentary investigator Cristin Severance and Louis Fernandez talk through the impacts to our local communities and how the news industry moves forward.

In North Carolina, reports of online exploitation of children increased by 1,115% since 2019, according to data from the State Bureau of Investigation. WRAL Investigates reached out to some of the largest law enforcement agencies in the WRAL viewing area. Agencies are trying to keep up with the caseload. However, many reported minimal staff or funding increases.

A North Carolina family's vacation was almost derailed when their child's birth certificate went missing while it was being processed by the federal government. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur speaks with WRAL News+ Anchor Elizabeth Holmes about what happened when she stepped in. 

WRAL Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason speaks with WRAL Anchor Gerald Owens about honoring D-Day and the story of a war hero from Dunn. 

WRAL Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason speaks with WRAL Anchor Gerald Owens about honoring D-Day and the story of a war hero from Dunn. 

WRAL Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason speaks with WRAL Anchor Gerald Owens about honoring D-Day and the story of a war hero from Dunn. 

A Greensboro woman says she lost $1,000 while trying to buy Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Final tickets through a Facebook group that appeared legitimate. After sending money to the group's administrator for two tickets, the tickets never arrived. WRAL 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur and Louis Fernandez talk through what happened and what you need to know to protect yourself from similar problems.

June 1 marked the beginning of the hurricane season this year. While the WRAL Severe Weather team's tropical outlook predicts less storms than an average season, if there's one thing we've learned, a hurricane doesn't need to be a category 5 to have a massive effect. WRAL's Aimee Wilmoth and Mark Bergin talk through the history of storms in North Carolina, and how a single storm can leave a lasting impact.

On this week's episode of On the Record, two of the biggest economic development projects in North Carolina state history are dealing with changes. WRAL's Jack Hagel and Elizabeth Holmes talk through what's happening and what's at stake with VinFast and JetZero. Plus, hear from North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley as North Carolina takes auto manufacturer VinFast to court.

After years of rough roads, lane closures, and hundreds, if not thousands, of orange barrels strewn about I-440, the expansion of Raleigh's Beltline is nearing an end. It comes after a three-year delay. WRAL Digital Producer Mark Bergin and WRAL Investigative Producer Randall Kerr talk about the project's status and what's ahead. 

Car payments are getting harder for families to afford as the cost of groceries, housing, insurance, and other bills continue to rise. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur speaks with Ashley Rowe about what families can do get back on track to void delinquency or repossession. 

June 1 marks the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. Making preparations ahead of time is always a good idea. WRAL's Mark Bergin and meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth talked through good items to include in your hurricane prep kits.

There are several consitutional amendements North Carolinians will vote on this November. Two of the most notable amendements involve a cap on the state's income tax and a proposal impacting property taxes. WRAL State Government reporter Will Doran breaks down what they include and the politics behind them. 

WRAL's Gerald Owens and Scott Mason talk through a few upcoming Tar Heel Traveler stories including the history behind the "world's oldest longleaf pine" and a couple starting a new journey with bicycle spokes.

A Benson family says their dog was hit by an Amazon delivery driver, who drove off. Though the dog is expected to be okay, the family asked Amazon to help pay their mounting vet bills. They called 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur to get help. 

Granville and Cumberland counties lost the most schools as costs to school districts is leading to merge and close schools. It's a trend being seen for public schools across the country. WRAL's Destinee Patterson and Emily Walkenhorst discuss what it means for the next generation of students.

Warm oceans, shifting wind shear, building tropical energy. The WRAL Severe Weather Team is analyzing EVERY atmospheric signal - to forecast what hurricane season 2026 could bring. Meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth talks through some of the different variables and shares the WRAL Severe Weather Team's 2026 hurricane outlook.  

After about a year without a state budget, North Carolina lawmakers are one step closer to delivering one before the July 1 deadline. They've agreed on some things, like possible raises for state employees and tax cuts. But what else needs to be worked out before it hits Governor Stein's desk? Will he even sign it once it does? WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran talks with WRAL's Elizabeth Holmes. 

North Carolina is the only state in the country without a new budget, but GOP lawmakers say they've reached a deal on taxes and state employee raises, two of the main sticking points. Is it enough for the most experienced educators in the state? WRAL news reporter Carly Haynes and education insider Emily Walkenhorst talk through the concerns and what the future of education looks like in the state.

WRAL Anchor Gerald Owens speaks with Scott Mason, known as the Tar Heel Traveler, about hidden gems and unique stories he's encountered across North Carolina. 

A cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak has sparked some fears and concerns just years after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Three cruise ship passengers have died, and six people with confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus are being quarantined, according to the world health organization. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed one person from North Carolina was on board and evacuated with all remaining United States passengers to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s National Quarantine Unit.  What are the facts and what are the actual concerns around the hantavirus and its potential for something bigger? WRAL News reporter Shaun Gallagher spoke with Dr. David Wohl, a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina, about what you need to know. 

Earlier this week, Wake County Public Schools shared that Canvas, a massive educational platform used for assignments, grading, exams, and other things, had been breached by hackers. What does it mean for school systems and their students' data? WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst speaks with WRAL's Elizabeth Holmes about the impact. 

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is still figuring out how many districts were impacts by a breach of the Canvas learning management system. Wake and Durham Counties confirm that their students' and teachers' data was impacted. WRAL's Destinee Patterson explains what it means for schools' cybersecurity

If you're a Duke Energy customer, or have to pay an electric bill to any company, you'll want to hear these tips on how to bring down your energy costs from 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur. 

Even after recent rain, much of North Carolina remains in drought conditions. WRAL Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner explain how dry weather could affect mosquito populations.

State lawmakers, the Raleigh mayor, a group that represents state employees and the state’s elected attorney general, auditor and treasurer are among those weighing in on a takeover deal between two state hospital systems. Atrium Health is in position to take control of WakeMed. WRAL state government editor Jack Hagel looks at what the deal would mean, why some officials are sounding the alarm and what the future looks like as the deal is put on pause.

State lawmakers are homing in on housing expenses as North Carolinians sour on the economy, with rising concerns over the cost of living and broader economic conditions. North Carolina lawmakers are proposing a variety of new initiatives to address the rising cost of living, everything from freezing reappraisals to easing development to boost supply. WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht talks us through some of the ideas lawmakers are putting forward as we get closer to midterm elections in November.

A new report from the National Education Association ranks the state 43rd in average teacher pay and 38th in starting teacher pay. These rankings are about the same as last year. This is all based on data from the 2024-25 school year. Teachers haven't received raises for the current school year, because the North Carolina legislature has yet to pass a new budget. Without a raise, North Carolina teacher pay is projected to fall to 46th this year, based on estimates. WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst talks through the state of teacher pay in North Carolina.

Most of the state is experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, causing a statewide burn ban and water restrictions in different localities. The lack of rain means we've also seen a lack of severe weather in our area. WRAL Meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth speaks with Digital Producer Jaylin Jones about how this year's weather compares to years prior. 

St. Augustine's University filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy according to court documents filed this week. It comes after years of financial struggles for the HBCU. WRAL's Destinee Patterson explains how we got here.

Can you really trust travel insurance when it matters most? A Fort Bragg family tried to use their policy after a sudden deployment forced them to cancel a trip, only to face a roadblock. WRAL 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur stepped in to help recover more than $1,000. She talks through the process and tells you what you should know about travel insurance. 

The North Carolina State legislature is back in session with a lot on the docket, from a potential book ban to Medicaid changes that could affect millions of North Carolinians. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks it all down from the state legislative building.  

Most of North Carolina is experiencing dangerous drought conditions, causing a statewide burn ban and increasing water use restrictions in different localities. WRAL Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner and WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones talk about how we got here and how long it may take to get out of it. 

Residents, scientists and health professionals are frustrated over how the state is planning to address PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' found in North Carolina's waterways. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin shares why some say the proposed plan, which includes monitoring PFAS discharge, does not hold those behind the contamination responsible., 

The National Weather Service's storm prediction center did not anticipate a tornado threat for the Kansas City area last week. At least three injuries were reported in at least five tornadoes there. WRAL Meteorologist Grant Skinner weighs in for what it means for our area during severe weather season.

The City of Raleigh implemented Stage 1 water-use restrictions Monday amid a severe drought across most of the state. Parts of the Triangle are in extreme drought conditions. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher breaks down what the restrictions mean.

The 2026 midterm elections are still months away, but the money is already pouring into North Carolina at a breakneck pace. Leading candidates in the race for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat have already raised more than $50 million — with millions more expected from national political groups. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down where the money is coming from, how it’s being spent, and what it means for the future of major political parties.

Americans waste up to $1,000 annually on unused and unwanted subscriptions. The law is on your side when it comes to getting rid of them. WRAL's Keely Arthur explains how it can help you do just that.

On April 16, 2011, 30 tornadoes ravaged the state of North Carolina, killing 24 people and injuring more than 300 people. WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones and Meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth talk about what caused such significant severe weather. 

There's been no measurable rainfall since April 5 and rain chances this weekend aren't expected to help much. It's why Raleigh leaders are considering possible water use restrictions for the first time in nearly 20 years. WRAL's Chris Michaels explains the weather pattern behind the lack of rain.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee says it’s growing confident about the party’s ability to protect its North Carolina incumbents — and potentially flip at least one Republican-held seat. Republican groups and political analysts have their doubts.  WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht and digital producer Jaylin Jones talk through the reasons for the growing confidence and how this will translate in November. 

Rising costs and dwindling enrollment are causing North Carolina schools to tighten their belts.  Wake County Public schools proposed a budget with more than 5 million dollars in cuts, on top of more than 100 layoffs designed to save the state’s biggest school district millions more.  WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains why districts are in a budget crunch and breaks down a new ruling in a major lawsuit over school funding.

Could Raleigh be the next home to a fleet of driverless taxis? 5 On Your Side's Alex Littlehales and WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones talk about what the program would look like and how city leaders are responding. 

Sports wagering was just the beginning of a betting boom across the country. Now prediction markets offer the opportunity to bet on just about anything.  While sportsbooks deal with games and matchups, perhaps an important someone with insider information, is making hundreds of thousands of dollars betting on whether the Strait of Hormuz will be closed by this time next week. Or who will be the last one standing in the latest season of “Survivor” or taking home the Oscar for best picture.  WRAL digital producer Jaylin Jones and sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy talk through what prediction markets are and its impacts in a modern speculative landscape. 

For the first time in more than 70 years, North Carolina turned to an outsider to lead its storied men’s basketball program. Michael Malone, a longtime NBA coach, is now charged with leading the Tar Heels back to national prominence and national titles. In partnership with the WRAL sports podcast, WRAL Triangle and Two, Chris Lea and Brian Murphy go over the introductory press conference and what to expect from Malone in Chapel Hill.

North Carolina has been allocated $1.4 billion for Hurricane Helene relief from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. More than half of that is earmarked for single-family homes. Yet 18 months after the deadly storm ripped through the state, only 30 single-family homes have been completed through HUD-supported programs. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains why officials say that’s good news, even though it is just a fraction of the thousands of homes that need attention. 

An influential Republican group says it plans to spend at least $71 million to help Michael Whatley’s U.S. Senate campaign in North Carolina — an enormous pledge that comes less than a week after a poll showed Whatley trailing Democratic challenger Roy Cooper by 14 points. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains why the race to replace U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis is expected to break records for political spending in North Carolina.

Consumer Reports evaluated dozens of doorbell camera models, looking at video quality, response time and data security. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur speaks with WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones about what happens to video that gets recorded, where it's stored, and how easily police can depend on the prodcut. 

Four astronauts--including a woman from North Carolina--are set to take off for the Moon on Wednesday aboard Artemis II. Nasa Ambassador Tony Rice is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to cover the first Moon mission in 53 years. WRAL's Louis Fernandez spoke to him about this historic mission.