Podcasts about wral

Violence has a way of shaking us to the core. In recent weeks, two tragedies have gripped our nation. But here's the question: How should we respond? Not just politically, not just socially—but spiritually. Today, we're going to step back from the headlines and ask: What does the Bible say when a nation is rocked by violence? We'll explore five timeless truths from scripture—truths about the value of life, the call to justice, the danger of hatred, the responsibility of leadership, and the hope of peace through Christ.Connect --> https://drmatmonharrell.bio.link/ Written by Dr. Matmon HarrellReferencesEconomic Times. (2025, August 29). Charlotte train stabbing ends Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska's pursuit of the American dream. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/charlotte-train-stabbing-ends-ukrainian-refugee-iryna-zarutskas-pursuit-of-the-american-dream/articleshow/123838303.cmsPBS NewsHour. (2025, September 11). How recent political violence in the U.S. fits into a long, dark history. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-recent-political-violence-in-the-u-s-fits-into-a-long-dark-historyAssociated Press. (2025, September 12). A timeline of Charlie Kirk's assassination and the arrest of a suspect. WRAL. https://www.wral.com/story/a-timeline-of-charlie-kirks-assassination-and-the-arrest-of-a-suspect/22156728/ WRAL.comReuters. (2025, September 11). Investigators in Charlie Kirk killing find weapon, release images of person of interest. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/investigators-charlie-kirk-killing-find-weapon-release-images-person-interest-2025-09-11/ ReutersFox News. (2025, September 10-11). Charlie Kirk shot dead in Utah: Timeline of assassination. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/us/charlie-kirk-assassination-timeline-utah-campus-shooting-details-attack-manhunt-suspect Fox News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the cooler months approach, respiratory illnesses are front of mind, which includes COVID-19. Unlike years past, as of now, not everyone can walk up to a pharmacy and get the shot. WRAL's Ashley Rowe talks about where things stand, why there's confusion and when you'll find out for sure if you're eligible this season.

On Monday, Tarboro Town Council held a public hearing about a proposed data center. Hundreds of people have signed a Change.org petition against it. WRAL's Destinee Patterson explains the plans for the facility and the pushback.

Duke University's Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center will soon offer new mental and emotional support for its patients, their families and their caregivers, all thanks to the donation of a former patient's daughter. Durham native Rebecca Feinglos donated $250,000 to create the Susan & Mark Feinglos Grief initiative in honor of her parents. Her mother died after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma, the most deadly for of brain cancer when she was 13 years old. Her father died from a sudden illness in 2020. WRAL news reporter Grace Holland shares how Feinglos hopes the new program can help all those impacted by the cancer - from patients to family and even medical professionals. 

The South Wake Landfill has been causing an odor problem for neighbors in Apex and Holly Springs since it opened in 2008. In the past three months, complaints are on the rise again. The county said most come from within a half-mile radius, but some have been filed from as far as 2 miles away. WRAL news reporter Heidi Kirk spoke with residents about living with the smell and officials with the Division of Solid Waste and Recycling to see why the smell is more prominent this summer and what they're doing to find a solution.

Fall semester starts at Saint Augustine's University on Tuesday but students will begin classes without a clear leader in place. SAU's interim president resigned two days before the first day citing personal reasons. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher explains the reaction from alumni.

The University of North Carolina has turned to former NASCAR team executive Steve Newmark to help guide the Tar Heels into a new era of college athletics. Newmark says UNC is looking for every last bit of new revenue for an athletics budget approaching $200 million. WRAL sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy outlines the top priorities for Newmark, who takes over the role next year.

Changes to federal benefit programs will likely mean a loss in free school meals for some students, advocates warn. The "One Big Beautiful Bill," signed into law by President Donald Trump in July, tightens eligibility for the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP) and Medicaid programs. While fewer families will qualify for SNAP and Medicaid, they may still qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. But they'll no longer automatically qualify for the meal program based on their SNAP or Medicaid eligibility. To stay eligible, they'll need to fill out extra paperwork --- paperwork that eligible families often don't fill out. WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst describes local reactions, how many families this could impact in North Carolina and when this could go into effect.

Biotechnology company Genentech broke ground on its first east coast facility on Monday. It plans to hire 420 people in Holly Springs as it works on developing obesity drugs. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher explains what the company's plans are over the next five years.

The North Carolina Criminal Justice Information Network is scrambling to find permanent funding for a program that tracks defendants in domestic violence cases across the state. The group’s ankle monitors are being used in 12,000 cases across the state. But its funds are running low. WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht explains what it could mean for victims and defendants.

WRAL's Mark Bergin and Pat Welter discuss the top storylines for UNC, Duke and NC State before the start of the 2025 college football season. The top storylines include: Will the Bill Belichick experiment work at UNC? Duke QB Darian Mensah making a reported $8 million in 2 years How long will Manny Diaz stay at Duke? Is Dave Doeren on the hot seat? Will NC State continue its 4-game winning streak vs. UNC? What role will Jordon Hudson have at UNC? UNC QB battle: Gio Lopez vs. Max Johnson Can NC State's defense return to form? CJ Bailey's sophomore season College football chaos Duke CB Chandler Rivers Duke's British LB Memorable Factor

Right now, Hurricane Erin is churning offshore, pushing waves over dunes and spilling water across some roads. That’s not unusual along N.C. Highway 12 in the Outer Banks. But a new collaborative study finds that some of the very efforts to protect this road whenever a major storm comes through may actually be making Ocracoke more vulnerable in the long run. WRAL climate reporter Liz McLaughlin has been digging into the findings. 

Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall but it is still having serious effects on the North Carolina coast. The Outer Banks are expected to see the most impacts from the storm's wind and rain. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher explains the precautions taken so far.

College football season kicks off soon. And if your team is in the ACC, you can make them more money, just by watching them on TV. Those behind the move say its not just a way to help make teams more money, but also make them perform better.  WRAL’s Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy shares what he's learned about the change.   

Wake County school leaders hope to expand student access to therapy to all campuses by the end of the upcoming school year, desptite the district losing most of a $14.1 million federal grant to do so earlier this year. According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention 40% of US high school students in 2023 reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year and 20% reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. More than half of U.S. adolescents reported discussing their mental and emotional health with a health care professional. WRAL news reporter Destinee Patterson spent time with professionals directly involved and shares how they're trying to meet the goal despite the loss of federal money. If you or someone you know needs help -- you can contact the Suicide and Crisis lifeline at any time.  The number is 988. You can also visit wral.com and search 'get help' for additional resources in our area.

A Garner teen is facing charges after allegedly using someone else's Smoothie King account to order nearly $600 of food items. Authorities say the account was compromised during a 2023 data breach, impacting thousands of customers. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher shares how he found the story and what steps to take to protect yourself.

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?  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.  

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.

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.