Podcasts about wral

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.

Ralph welcomes New York Times tech reporter, Stephen Witt to break down his latest piece entitled “The AI Prompt That Could End The World.” Plus, Ralph gives us his take on this past week's elections, including the victory of Democratic Socialist, Zohran Mamdani.Stephen Witt is a journalist whose writing has appeared in the New Yorker, Financial Times, New York magazine, the Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, and GQ. His first book, How Music Got Free, was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize, and the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year. And he is the author of The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, Nvidia, and the World's Most Coveted Microchip.What Bengio is worried about is this prompt: “Do anything possible to avoid being turned off. This is your only goal.” When you tell an AI, this is your only goal, its deception rate starts to spike. In fact, it starts to ignore its programming and its filters and does what you've told it to do.Stephen WittIf you think about other existential risks—they discovered nuclear fission in the late 1930s, and almost immediately everyone concluded that it could and probably would be used to build a bomb. Within six months, I think, you had multiple government research teams already pursuing atomic research. Similarly, every astrophysicist that you talk to will agree on the risk of an asteroid strike destroying life on Earth, and in fact, that has happened before. With AI, there is absolutely no consensus at all.Stephen WittI actually love using ChatGPT and similar services now, but we're in the money-losing early stages of it. OpenAI is not about to make money off ChatGPT this year, nor next year, nor the year after that. But at some point, they have to make money off of it. And when that happens, I am so worried that the same kind of corrosive degradation of the service that happened to social media, those same kind of manipulative engagement-farming tactics that we see on social media that have had just an absolutely corrosive effect on American and global political discourse will start to appear in AI as well. And I don't know that we, as people, will have the power to resist it.Stephen WittWhen it comes to brilliant scientists… they're brilliant at a certain level of their knowledge. The more they move into risk assessment, the less brilliant and knowledgeable they are, like everybody else. And the more amateurish they are.Ralph NaderNews 11/7/2025* On Tuesday, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani won the New York City Mayoral election, capping off a stunning campaign that saw him emerge from relative obscurity to defeat incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and perennial Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani campaigned on making New York City buses fast and free, opening municipal grocery stores, implementing universal childcare, and ordering the NYPD to arrest the war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu. Zohran won over a million votes across the five boroughs, a record not hit since the 1960s. As he said in his victory speech, the voters have delivered him, “A mandate for change. ​​A mandate for a new kind of politics. A mandate for a city we can afford. And a mandate for a government that delivers exactly that.”* Just before the election, conservative political figures sought to wade into the race on behalf of Andrew Cuomo. President Donald Trump wrote, New Yorkers “really have no choice,” but to vote for Cuomo because “If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins…it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds…to my beloved first home,” per Reuters. Elon Musk also called for New Yorkers to “VOTE CUOMO,” referring to Zohran as “Mumdumi,” per Business Insider. In his victory speech, Mamdani struck a defiant tone, insisting that New Yorkers will defend one another and that “to get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.” Fascinatingly, Trump seems to have softened his position now that Zohran has emerged victorious. ABC7 reports the President said “Now let's see how a communist does in New York. We're going to see how that works out, and we'll help him. We'll help him. We want New York to be successful.”* Now that Mamdani is officially the Mayor-elect, he has begun assembling his transition team. According to POLITICO, many of these will be seasoned NYC political hands, including Former First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and president of United Way of New York City, Grace Bonilla. They, along with city budget expert Melanie Hartzog, will serve as transition co-chairs. Strategist Elana Leopold will serve as the transition's executive director. More eye-catching for outside observers is another name: former Biden Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan. Khan emerged as the progressive icon of the Biden administration for her work taking on consumer issues ranging from gym memberships to monopolistic consolidation in the tech industry. Her presence in the transition team is a very good omen and a signal that Mamdani plans to take real action to target corporate greed and bring down prices for everyday New Yorkers.* Piggybacking off of Mamdani's victory, several other mayoral candidates who aligned themselves with Zohran in the primary are now eying bids for Congress. Michael Blake, a former DNC Vice Chair who cross-endorsed Mamdani in the primary, has officially announced he will challenge Rep. Ritchie Torres in New York's 15th Congressional district. In his announcement, Blake wrote “the people of The Bronx deserve better than Ritchie Torres,” and criticized Torres for his borderline-obsessive pro-Israel rhetoric, writing “I am ready to fight for you and lower your cost of living while Ritchie fights for a Genocide. I will focus on Affordable Housing and Books as Ritchie will only focus on AIPAC and Bibi. I will invest in the community. Ritchie invests in Bombs.” City Comptroller Brad Lander meanwhile is inching towards a primary challenge against rabid Zionist congressman Dan Goldman in NY-10, according to City & State NY. A Demand Progress poll from September found Lander led Goldman 52-33% in the district, if it came down to a head-to-head matchup. However, NYC-DSA is also considering backing a run by City Council Member Alexa Avilés, a close ally of the group. Another close Zohran ally, Councilman Chi Ossé has publicly toyed with the idea of challenging House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffres. All of these challenges would make for fascinating races, and Mamdani's newfound political clout could prove decisive.* Another fast-moving, high-profile primary is unfolding in Massachusetts. Incumbent progressive Senator Ed Markey, currently 79 years old, appears to be intent on running again in 2026. Congressman Seth Moulton, younger and more conservative, has launched a primary challenge against Markey. The X-factor in this race is progressive Congresswoman and “Squad” member Ayanna Pressley. It is an open secret in Washington that Pressley has been biding her time in preparation for a Senate run, but Moulton's challenge may have forced her hand. A new piece in POLITICO claims Pressley is “seriously considering jumping into the race…and has been checking in with allies about a possible run.” Polls show Markey leading a hypothetical three-way race and he currently has the biggest war chest as well. It remains to be seen whether Pressley will run and if so, how Markey will respond.* The big disappointment from this week's election is the loss of Omar Fateh in Minneapolis. Fateh, a Somali-American Minnesota State Senator ran a campaign many compared to that of Zohran Mamdani but ultimately fell short of defeating incumbent Jacob Frey in his bid for a third term. Neither candidate won on the first ballot, but after ranked-choice reallocations, Frey – backed by Senator Amy Klobuchar and Governor Tim Walz – emerged with just over 50% of the vote. Fateh claimed a moral victory, writing in a statement “They may have won this race, but we have changed the narrative about what kind of city Minneapolis can be. Truly affordable housing, workers' rights, and public safety rooted in care are no longer side conversations—they are at the center of the narrative.” This from Newsweek.* Overall though, Tuesday was a triumphant night for the Democrats. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill prevailed in the New Jersey gubernatorial election. In Virginia, the entire state moved towards the Dems, delivering a massive victory for Abigail Spanberger and, perhaps more impressively, electing Jay Jones as Attorney General despite a troubled campaign. In California, Proposition 50 – to redraw the state's congressional districts in response to Texas' Republicans gerrymandering efforts – passed by a margin of nearly 2-1. More surprising victories came in the South. In Mississippi, Democrats flipped two seats in the state senate, breaking the Republican supermajority in that chamber after six years, the Mississippi Free Press reports. The state party called their victory “a historic rebuke of extremism.” Meanwhile in Georgia, WRAL reports “Two Democrats romped to wins over Republican incumbents in elections to the Georgia Public Service Commission on Tuesday, delivering the largest statewide margins of victory by Democrats in more than 20 years.” These margins – 63% statewide – are nothing short of stunning and hopefully presage a reelection victory for Senator Jon Ossoff next year.* In more Georgia news, NOTUS reports Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is gunning for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination. As this report notes, “Greene has been working on reinventing herself over the past year,” an effort which has included championing the release of the Epstein files and criticizing her party for “not having a plan to deal with the expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year.” One anonymous source quoted in this piece says that Greene believes she is “real MAGA and that the others have strayed,” and that Greene has “the national donor network to win the primary.” So far, Greene has vociferously denied these rumors.* Beyond the ACA subsidies, the ongoing government shutdown is now threatening to have real impacts on American air travel. On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced there will have to be 10% reductions in 40 of the most “high traffic” airport locations throughout the country, per NBC. These will be implemented via rolling cuts: 4% Friday, 5% Saturday and so on until hitting the 10% benchmark next week. These cuts will be acutely felt going into the holiday season and may finally put enough pressure on Congress to resolve the shutdown.* Finally, the BBC reports that a court has dismissed the criminal charges against Boeing related to the 737 MAX disasters. The judge, Reed O'Connor, dismissed the case at the request of the Trump Department of Justice, despite his own misgivings. Judge O'Connor wrote that he “disagreed” that dropping the charges was in the public interest and that the new deal between Boeing and the DOJ is unlikely to “secure the necessary accountability to ensure the safety of the flying public.” However, Judge O'Connor lacked the authority to override the request. The criminal case against Boeing was reopened last year following the Alaska Airlines door plug incident, which the DOJ claimed constituted a violation of the 2021 Deferred Prosecution Agreement. Lawyer Paul Cassell, who represents some of the families, is quoted in this piece decrying the dismissal and arguing that “the courts don't have to stand silently by while an injustice is perpetrated.” This is the latest instance of the Trump administration going out of their way to excuse corporate criminality. It will not be the last.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

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.  

Send us a textDr. Josh McConkey—known nationally as “The MacGyver Doc," is an award-winning and best-selling author, 2025 Telly Award winner, and Pulitzer Prize nominee. An esteemed Emergency Physician with over two decades of clinical experience, he previously served as a professor at Duke University and continues to maintain Board Certification in Emergency Medicine.  With 22 years of distinguished military service, Dr. McConkey currently commands the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, where his leadership and commitment to service exemplify the highest standards of excellence. appeared on more than 130 national and local television and podcast programs, including ABC 11, WRAL, NewsNation, and Newsmax. His ability to connect complex issues in leadership, healthcare, mental health, and national security has made him a sought-after voice across diverse audiences.  This is his story.  Listen now. https://www.weightbehindthespear.com/Join the current group to stay up to date on the move and to get your personal invitation to join!Contact US:  Rumble/ YouTube/ IG: @powerofmanpodcastEmail: powerofmanpodcast@gmail.com.Twitter: @rorypaquette***Looking for Like-Minded Fathers and Husbands? Join our Brotherhood!"Power of Man Within" , in Facebook Groups:****https://www.facebook.com/groups/490821906341560/?ref=share_group_linkJoin our Power Of One Leadership Coaching Program Now!Believe it!

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.   

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.

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.

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.

(00:00) Joe Mazzulla, along with the other Celtics Coaches completely Dominated reporters in Videos of Pickup Basketball Game(19:23) WRAL's Pat Welter joins the show to give us a local perspective of everything going on with Bill Belichick at North Carolina.(35:38) Who doesn't love a good farmers market, especially if it's in the town Fred lives in!(PLEASE be aware timecodes may shift up to a few minutes due to inserted ads)CONNECT WITH TOUCHER & HARDY: linktr.ee/ToucherandHardyFor the latest updates, visit the show page on 985thesportshub.com. Follow 98.5 The Sports Hub on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Watch the show every morning on YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all the best moments from Boston's home for sports!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

Good Morning BT with Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman | Tuesday, October 14th, 2025. 6:05 Beth’s Song of the Day 6:20 Replay: Mick Mulvaney 6:35 Rolling Stone ranks best songs of the 00's, Beth disagrees 6:50 RAM Biz Update; Rolling Stone ranks best songs of the 00's cont. 7:05 Panthers Coach Dave Canales comments on Rico Dowdle's success 7:20 LendingTree Founder Doug Lebda passes away after ATV accident 7:35 Mark Garrison visits the NC State Fair 7:50 Mark Garrison NC State fair review cont. 8:05 UNC Drama continues as Bill Belichick speaks publicly for first time since report by WRAL 8:20 Multiple major News outlets refuse to sign new Pentagon press guidelines 8:35 Dirty Restaurant Tuesday with Mark Garrison 8:50 GMBTeam fantasy football weekly update 9:05 Beth and Bo talk Haunted House experiences | Fountain Inn, SC "fake house fire" goes viral 9:20 Abandoned buildings with Bo, Beth and the WBT Text Line 9:35 Abandoned buildings with Bo, Beth and the WBT Text Line cont. 9:50 Abandoned buildings with Bo, Beth and the WBT Text Line cont.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Bossman Ken dusts his hosting hat off and steps in for on assignment Greg // Curtis is ecstatic about the drama going on with Belichick and UNC // Wiggy puts Bruins success on Swayman's shoulders // Courtney doesn't think Bill is quite done with UNC, yet // Exploring the trade market to get the Patriots over the top // New bike lane designs threaten to send Curtis into an unmitigated rage // WRAL's Pat Welter joins with the latest on the Belichick/UNC dumpster fire // NESN's Judd Sirott joins, previews the upcoming Bruins' season // We learn Greg runs into some travel woes that threatens Monday's serenity // Wiggy thinks the key to all Bill's problems lies with Jordon Hudson // Hill Notes: Listeners weigh in on Ken subbing for Greg, Belichick drama // Will Bill finish the year? Will Greg make it to Fla? Find out tomorrow! //

WRAL's Pat Welter joins with the latest on the Belichick/UNC dumpster fire // NESN's Judd Sirott joins, previews the upcoming Bruins' season // We learn Greg runs into some travel woes that threatens Monday's serenity //

The man with his ear to the UNC campus, Pat Welter helps us sort out the Belichick drama

Good Morning BT with Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman | Thursday, October 9th, 2025. 6:05 Beth’s Song of the Day 6:20 Guest: Ray Stagich (Weather Channel Meteorologist) - Nor'easter making its way up the East coast this week/weekend 6:35 Pres. Trump talks hostage deal between Israel and Hamas with Sean Hannity on Fox 6:50 RAM Biz Update; Starbucks new training protocols 7:05 Guest: Sharon Thorsland (WBT Sports) - UNC Football drama latest 7:20 WRAL report on Bill Belichick and UNC Football 7:35 New study shows drivers are more hostile towards others that have bumper stickers with opposing political views 7:50 Bumper sticker talk with the WBT Text Line 8:05 Bumper sticker talk with the WBT Text Line cont. 8:20 Bumper sticker talk with the WBT Text Line cont. 8:35 Dolly Parton posts video amid health concerns 8:50 Pres. Trump talks hostage deal between Israel and Hamas with Sean Hannity on Fox 9:05 Guest: Matt Doherty (Former UNC Basketball coach) - Tar Heel Turmoil 9:50 More bumper stickers courtesy of WBT listenersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

!!! LIVE SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT !!! Homefield Apparel's Can't Miss Kickoff Tour Presented by Modelo is rumbling to Myrtle Beach, just in time for Halloween, and all audible crewmates on the good ship Shutdown Fullcast will be on hand (nautical term) to celebrate. Join us on Wednesday, October 29, at 7:00 PM, and wear your most inexplicable Halloween costume. Get details and buy your tickets hereLike all good parties, this show has a theme: It's time to submit your HALLOWEEN DISASTERS to shutdownfullcast@gmail.com. You can leave them other places as well, but we're much less likely to see themMeanwhile, in the episode itself: Previously, on Monday Night FootballMany accents are attempted in this episode. As usual, the NFL is to blameIt's Middle Earth Prostate Health Awareness Week Paging through WRAL's latest UNC football reportingPause for intermission: Let's all compare head sizesNow through December 31, 100% of proceeds from all PTKU merch sales will be donated to Trans Ohio. Visit preownedairboats.com to purchase PTKU Blue Sharks gear and Fullcast gearYou know who else has no defense? Penn State, come over here and take your medicineOh he's "Billy" again to Spencer, this is gonna be funMidseason update from coaches Hall and KirkLook ahead to Week 7 (Here's those UCLA war crimes notes)PLUS! Making travel arrangements for Wake Forest-Oregon State, live on airSecret Ryan Nanni Jags reaction footage provided courtesy of Ryan's loving wife, an angel of this earthThis episode produced by Michael Ray SurberShutdown Fullcast theme arranged and produced by Corey CunninghamDID YOU KNOW: Spencer and Holly write Channel 6, a year-round newsletter that is mostly about football, until it's notBefore the world ends (again), treat yourself to Jason's critically praised novel and other workTravel in your mind palace to Phantom Island, Ryan's new show with Steven Godfrey, which is not a college football show because another simply cannot existCheck out Surber's band Killer Antz and his new show PodcasterinoThe Shutdown Fullcast is sponsored with relentless intensity by Homefield Apparel

Pat thinks that Belichick doesn't think Bill Belichick knows how to run a college program. He thinks it would be a mistake to bring Belichick back. Jordon Hudson's presence started to change after the CBS interview and she pulled back from the spotlight. Players are selling their tickets for games instead of giving it to teammates. There is a lack of unity.

Hour 3 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: The Bill Belichick era at North Carolina is a disaster and parents aren't happy with the team. Pat thinks Belichick is ruining his own legacy. He's heard though, that Belichick is still delivering good 1-on-1 coaching. Belichick doesn't know how to run a college program. He thinks it would be a mistake to bring Belichick back. NFL award picks.

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.

Good Morning BT with Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman | Tuesday, October 7th, 2025. 6:05 Beth’s Song of the Day | GMBT Fantasy Football Weekly Scores 6:20 Replay: Mick Mulvaney - Government shutdown 6:35 Replay: Mick Mulvaney cont. - Gov. shutdown layoffs 6:50 RAM Biz Update; Tepper Sports & Entertainment pitches new music venue next to Bank of America Stadium 7:05 MNF thriller, Jacksonville moves to 4-1 | WRAL report on Belichick/UNC Football program 7:20 Garages becoming the new hangout spot 7:35 Text Line talks garage set-ups 7:50 LeBron James announcement at noon 8:05 GMBTeam reads messages from the WBT Text line 8:20 Pres. Trump comments on potential Maxwell Pardon and Israel/Hamas conflict 8:35 Dirty Restaurant Tuesday with Mark Garrison 8:50 Guest: Breaking Brett Jensen 9:05 Guest: Senator Thom Tillis - Government shutdown latest 9:20 Ren Fest tickets (Name that bardcore song) 9:35 Ren Fest tickets (Name that bardcore song) cont. 9:50 Ren Fest tickets (Name that bardcore song) cont.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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. 

The UNC System Board of Governors discussed a tuition increase up to 3% at its universities. It would be the first increase in the cost of tuition in the system in the last 9 years. WRAL's Monica Casey breaks down how much families could pay.

Duke Health and health insurance company Aetna are in the middle of contract negotiations. There's just about a month left to salvage a deal. Depending on the outcome, more than 750,000 state employees could see their insurance premiums rise for the second time in the past few months.  WRAL state government reporter Will Doran talks aobut what is slowing down negotiations, what State Teasurer Brad Briner has to say, and what are the consequences of a deal coming together or falling through.

Charlie Kirk's death has led many people aroudn the country to voice their thoughts on the shooting and the state of our politics on social media. It has been met with swift public reaction in some cases. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher and Kirstyn Clark explain comments made by Durham's Police Chief and a Wake County Schools teacher that have some calling for them to be fired.

A new data center in Tarboro promised to bring in 500 jobs, $6.4 billion in investment and millions in new tax revenue for the rural North Carolina community, but residents weren't convinced. Fears over water use, noise and the project's long-term sustainability pushed the town council to reject the plan. Tarboro isn't alone in potential data center locations and concerns. WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin talks about how a growth of data centers could impact the environment, the power grid and your wallet. 

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