Podcasts about wral

Six people are injured and 70 people are out of their homes after a fire at the Camden Westwood Apartments in Morrisville. As residents move into recovery mode, investigators are working to figure out the cause. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains where the investigation stands.

New construction homes are booming across the Triangle. A report from Realtor.com ranked the Raleigh area as one of the top 10 metros in the country for new home construction. WRAL 5 On Your Side reporter Keely Arthur speaks with WRAL digital producer Jaylin Jones and shares that new doesn't always mean perfect. What buyers need to check before they sign on the dotted line.

During Black History Month, WRAL anchor/reporter Kirstyn Clark and digital producer Jaylin Jones talk about a local piece of important history - the Pack-House and Grigsby House in Holly Springs. Clark dives into her reporting on the Grigsby family, their impact and the desire to preserve an important part of Black History in Holly Springs.  

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports fentanyl and opioid overdoses dropped dramatically between 2024 and 2025. However, some parts of the state are still struggling with rates higher than the state average. WRAL's Alex Littlehales explains why. 

Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday at the age of 84. The civil rights icon was also a groundbreaking politician who made two runs for the presidency in the 1980s. WRAL's Ken Smith looks back at Jackson's accomplishments.

About 150 students at Crossroads Flex High School are without a school building after fire marshal intervention. It all started with a phone call in 2023 - a Wake high school administrator made a routine call, asking when the last time Crossroads Flex High School had a fire inspection. The problem? The Wake County fire marshal’s office had no idea a school was even there. WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst tells us how this came to pass and what's next for the school and its students.  

We’ve been following along with changes to the DMV. WRAL has reported extensively on long wait times, new offices and a top-down effort to make the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles better. The most recent development - early morning hours are getting cut. Starting this week the DMV will no longer offer extended early morning hours, opening at the standard 8 a.m. statewide. WRAL’s Carly Haynes and Jaylin Jones sat down to talk through the changes and how they fit into the big picture when it comes to fixing the DMV.  

On Tuesday, Austin Thompson's defense team will begin presenting evidence in his sentencing hearing. Thompson pleaded guilty to killing five people in the Hedingham neighborhood in October of 2022. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher reviews the prosecution's case and what we expect to hear from the defense.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed a new executive order last week aimed at improving coordination between the state’s behavioral health and criminal justice systems. It comes on the heels of recent killings in Charlotte, Raleigh and Southport that police say were committed by people with histories of mental illness. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran breaks it down.

Nearly a third of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S. have radio stations. As we celebrate Black history this month, WRAL's Kirstyn Clark and Jaylin Jones shine a light on one that is right here in our backyard – North Carolina Central University’s WNCU 90.7 FM. 

Witnesses, first responders, victim's loved ones and survivors took the stand on the first day of Austin Thompson's sentencing hearing. Thompson killed five people in the Hedingham neighborhood in 2022. WRAL's Megan Cloherty walks us through the heart-wrenching testimony.

The sentencing hearing for Austin Thompson is slated to begin on Tuesday. Thompson pleaded guilty in January to five counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and three charges of assault. All this stems from an October 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh’s Hedingham neighborhood.  WRAL’s Megan Cloherty and Jaylin Jones talked before the hearing began: a top-down view of what you need to know ahead of what could be a long few weeks in court.   

North Carolina elections officials are investigating whether a candidate for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat actually lives in North Carolina. A voter challenged the eligibility of Republican Margot Dupre, alleging she actually lives in Florida. State law requires candidates to live in North Carolina, and Dupre says she does. Officials plan to hold a hearing in the case this week. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran explains.   

Nashville woke up to the strangest Christmas soundtrack imaginable in 2020: an RV parked on 2nd Avenue, a calm recorded warning to evacuate… and “Downtown” playing like a twisted holiday playlist no one asked for. We are going to walk through the accepted timeline of the Christmas Day bombing, what investigators say happened, and what the FBI concluded about the man behind it.Then we follow the story into the weird side streets, where reality starts to bend. Reincarnation loops. “High energy events.” Alleged reptilian watchers in the woods. A camping trip that turned into a front-row seat to paranoia, strange gear, and a belief that something evil was hiding in plain sight.We'll separate confirmed facts from internet fog, explore what fringe and UFO circles claim it all really meant, and bring it home with the uncomfortable truth: sometimes the most unsettling part isn't the conspiracy… it's how fast a mind can build one when everything else is falling apart. All that and more this week on Hysteria 51!Special thanks to this week's research sources:PRIMARY / OFFICIAL1) FBI Nashville Field Office. “FBI Releases Report on Nashville Bombing.” March 15, 2021.https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/nashville/news/fbi-releases-report-on-nashville-bombing2) FBI Nashville Field Office. “Seeking Information Concerning Operator or Owner of RV Linked to Explosion.” December 25, 2020.https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/nashville/news/seeking-information-concerning-operator-or-owner-of-rv-linked-to-explosion3) FBI Nashville Field Office. “FBI Memphis Special Agent in Charge Announces Identity of Remains Discovered in Nashville Explosion Site; Multi-Agency Investigation Continues.” December 27, 2020.https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/nashville/news/fbi-memphis-special-agent-in-charge-announces-identity-of-remains-discovered-in-nashville-explosion-site-multi-agency-investigation-continues4) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). “SAFE-COM and NCSWIC Release Communications Dependencies Case Study: Nashville.” June 13, 2022.https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/safecom-and-ncswic-release-communications-dependencies-case-study-nashville LOCAL / INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING5) Finley, Jeremy (WSMV4 Investigates). “FBI: Nashville Christmas Day bomber wanted explosion to break ‘reincarnation loop' (New photos show Anthony Warner's device…).” December 22, 2025.https://www.wsmv.com/2025/12/22/fbi-nashville-christmas-day-bomber-wanted-explosion-break-reincarnation-loop/6) Hall, Ben & Wisniewski, Kevin (NewsChannel 5 Investigates / WTVF). “Nashville bomber's bizarre writings reveal belief in aliens and lizard people.” January 4, 2021.https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/nashville-bombers-bizarre-writings-reveal-belief-in-aliens-and-lizard-people NATIONAL / WIRE REPORTING7) ABC News. “FBI report finds Nashville bomber wanted to kill himself, not motivated by terrorism.” March 15, 2021.https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/fbi-report-finds-nashville-bomber-wanted-kill-motivated/story?id=764710788) PBS NewsHour. “FBI says Nashville bomber driven by conspiracies, paranoia.” March 15, 2021.https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/fbi-says-nashville-bomber-driven-by-conspiracies-paranoia9) Associated Press. “FBI: Nashville bomber sent material to ‘acquaintances'.” (Published January 2, 2021.)https://apnews.com/article/us-news-bombings-8d59b300ed4b41d050a8cc86f500351a10) CBS News. “Nashville bomber sent writings espousing conspiracy theories to multiple people before explosion.” January 3, 2021.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nashville-bomber-anthony-quinn-sent-conspiracy-theories-to-people-before-explosion/11) Reuters. “Nashville bombing suspect may have believed in lizard people, aliens — source.” January 3, 2021.https://www.reuters.com/world/us/nashville-bombing-suspect-may-have-believed-lizard-people-aliens-source-2021-01-03/12) Reuters. “‘He was not on our radar': authorities search for motive in Nashville blast.” December 29, 2020.https://www.reuters.com/world/us/he-was-not-our-radar-authorities-search-motive-nashville-blast-2020-12-28/13) Reuters. “Motor home explodes in Nashville, possible human remains found near site.” December 26, 2020.https://www.reuters.com/world/us/motor-home-explodes-nashville-possible-human-remains-found-near-site-2020-12-26/14) NBC (via NBC San Diego). “Feds probing if Nashville bomber believed in lizard people conspiracy.” December 30, 2020.https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/national-international/feds-probing-if-nashville-bomber-believed-in-lizard-people-conspiracy/2483371/ FACT CHECKS15) Reuters Fact Check. “Debunking conspiracy links between Nashville explosion and Dominion.” December 29, 2020.https://www.reuters.com/article/world/fact-check-debunking-conspiracy-links-between-nashville-explosion-dominion-and-idUSKBN2931AJ/16) PolitiFact. “No, AT&T was not conducting an audit of Dominion Voting Systems machines in Nashville.” December 29, 2020.https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/dec/29/facebook-posts/no-t-was-not-conducting-audit-dominion-voting-syst/17) Associated Press Fact Check. “AT&T not conducting voting machine audit near Nashville after explosion.” December 28, 2020.https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-989820964118) WRAL. “Fact check: 3 conspiracy theories about the Nashville bombing.” December 30, 2020.https://www.wral.com/story/fact-check-3-conspiracy-theories-about-the-nashville-bombing/19450775/ CONTEXT / BACKGROUND19) Business Insider. “Lizard-people conspiracy theory origins (and why it resurfaced after the Nashville bombing).” January 7, 2021.https://www.businessinsider.com/lizard-people-conspiracy-theory-origin-nashville-bomber-qanon-2021-120) War on the Rocks. “The Nashville Bombing and Threats to Critical Infrastructure: We Saw This Coming.” December 31, 2020.https://warontherocks.com/2020/12/the-nashville-bombing-and-threats-to-critical-infrastructure-we-saw-this-coming/21) Domestic Preparedness (Kelly, Robert F. & Alexander, Dean C.). “Four Takeaways From the Nashville Christmas Bombing.” July 20, 2022.https://domesticpreparedness.com/cbrne/four-takeaways-from-the-nashville-christmas-bombing/22) DataCenterDynamics (Moss, Sebastian). “FBI does not believe Nashville bomber was targeting AT&T.” August 13, 2021.https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/fbi-does-not-believe-nashville-bomber-was-targeting-att/23) Axios. “Girlfriend told police Nashville man was building bombs year before explosion.” December 30, 2020.https://www.axios.com/2020/12/30/nashville-anthony-warner-bombsEmail us your favorite WEIRD news stories:weird@hysteria51.comSupport the Show:Get exclusive content & perks as well as an ad and sponsor free experience at https://www.patreon.com/Hysteria51 from just $1Shop:Be the Best Dressed at your Cult Meeting!https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51?ref_id=9022See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're about one week out from  We’re about a week away from the start of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic games. Some of the greatest athletes from around the world will be competing to bring home gold for their counties.  Today’s conversation comes to us from WRAL’s Ashley Rowe and Liz McLaughlin. Both have covered the winter games. They take a look at some major storylines for the world, the USA and right here in NC.

A judge will allow defense attorneys for Miguel Salquero-Olivares to call Faith Hedgepeth's roommate and another UNC student as witnesses at trial. Court filings reveal details about the argument the defense team may be preparing to make. WRAL's Monica Casey breaks down the documents.

A judge will allow defense attorneys for Miguel Salquero-Olivares to call Faith Hedgepeth's roommate and another UNC student as witnesses at trial. Court filings reveal details about the argument the defense team may be preparing to make. WRAL's Monica Casey breaks down the documents.

Bitter cold forced some school districts to go remote Tuesday as our area tries to thaw out after the weekend's winter weather. More winter weather is possible this coming weekend. WRAL Meteorologists Elizabeth Gardner and Aimee Wilmoth break down what we know so far.

WRAL meteorologist Grant Skinner breaks down the ingredients of the top predictive weather models — the American model and the European model — and explains why they sometimes contradict one another and how WRAL meteorologists use the data, as well as their own insight, to refine forecasts. He also describes the future of weather forecasting as artificial intelligence plays a greater role.

WRAL Meteorologists Elizabeth Gardner and Grant Skinner break down the potential for ice that could create dangerous conditions for our area and most of the state this weekend. You can also watch this podcast on the WRAL YouTube page.

WRAL Meteorologists Elizabeth Gardner and Chris Michaels share what goes into forecasting major snow and ice events, like the one slated to hit our state this weekend. This podcast can also be found on the WRAL YouTube page. 

A group of Buddhist monks from a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Texas have been on a months-long journey to Washington, D.C. with one goal: peace. The group of about 20 monks began their "Walk for Peace" in late October, drawing the adoration and attention of people all over the country in person and on social media. WRAL state government reporter Caroline Yaffa spoke with one man who spent miles with the monks about his experience. Plus, we have the latest information on what to expect when the group gets to the Triangle. 

North Carolina is month's past due on a state budget. WRAL's Dan Haggerty and state government reporter Will Doran take a look at what's causing the delay, what it means for you and when we could see a change.

A state program using ankle monitors, designed to protect victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes, has proven successful in North Carolina. But confusion about how it'd be funded means it could end soon, with no back-up plan in sight. WRAL's Paul Specht shares why those in the legal field say the program has been called a 'life saver.' 

State Department of Agriculture data shows seven registered animal shelters were disciplined in 2024. The number rose to 22 in 2025. WRAL's Sarah Krueger explains the issues impacting animal welfare.

Court proceedings are set to begin in the trial of 21-year-old Issiah Mehki Ross. He's been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark, two teens killed and found along a remote ATV path in 2022.  WRAL news reporter Monica Casey was in court on Monday and has the latest developments and what's next. Plus, how this case created "Lyric and Devin's Law," which impacts how law enforcement agencies search for juvenile suspects.

Debates are brewing over the criminal justice system following two recent high-profile killings in Charlotte and Raleigh - crimes, police say, that were committed at random by people with mental health issues who had been in and out of local jails and prisons for years. North Carolina is making strides toward helping people get health care, jobs and other assistance after they leave prison, Gov. Josh Stein said last week, part of a push to help prepare convicted criminals for life after prison. WRAL digital producer Jaylin Jones and state government reporter Will Doran discuss Stein's speech, where things stand, and what can be done in 2026 and beyond. 

If 2025 weather felt like a lot to you, you’re not alone. This year we saw quite a few extreme temperature swings, and for some communities, events that will be talked about for years to come. From the cold winter days that delivered some snow this year, to the extreme heat of the summer. WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell joins WRAL's Jaylin Jones to look back on what the data can tell us about weather trends in North Carolina. 

Ryan Camacho is being held without bond, charged with Ravenscroft teacher Zoe Welsh's murder. WRAL Investigates found public records showing he avoided a multi-year prison sentence last year due to a plea agreement reducing four felonies to a single misdemeanor. WRAL's Randall Kerr explains what we're learning from Camacho's criminal history.

The legal defense for a teen accused of killing five people in the 2022 shooting in Raleigh’s Hedingham neighborhood has filed a series of pre-trial motions. The trial date for Austin Thompson is set to begin on Monday, February 2nd. The shooting took place on October 13, 2022, starting inside the Thompson family home and ending on the nearby Neuse River Greenway. Thompson was 15 at the time of the shooting. He faces 5 murder charges as well as 2 charges each of attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. WRAL news reporter Shuan Gallagher spoke with a local defense attorney to learn more about what these pre-trial motions mean.  

Venezuela blames physical attacks for blackout as cyber questions swirl. Trump reverses a chip technology sale over national security issues, and removes sanctions linked to Predator spyware. Greek officials say an air traffic shutdown was not a cyberattack. The U.S. Army launches a new officer specialization in AI and machine learning. The Kimwolf botnet infects more than two million devices worldwide. ZoomStealer uses browser extensions to grab sensitive online meeting data. The European Space Agency confirms a cybersecurity incident. Former lawmakers and cyber policy leaders warn that U.S. cyber defenses are slipping. On today's Afternoon Cyber Tea host Ann Johnson welcomes Troy Hunt, founder of Have I Been Pwned. A researcher swipes left on white supremacy. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest On this segment of Afternoon Cyber Tea with host Ann Johnson, Ann is joined by Troy Hunt, founder of Have I Been Pwned, to explore what billions of breached records reveal about attacker behavior, human weakness, and the state of breach disclosure. To listen to Ann and Troy's full conversation, visit the episode page. You can catch new episodes of Afternoon Cyber Tea every other Tuesday on your favorite podcast app.  Selected Reading Trump suggests US used cyberattacks to turn off lights in Venezuela during strikes (POLITICO) US Action in Venezuela Provokes Cyberattack Speculation (GovInfosecurity) COMUNICADO | CORPOELEC denuncia ataque perpetrado contra el Sistema Eléctrico Nacional (MPPEE) President Trump Orders Divestment in $2.9 Million Chips Deal to Protect US Security Interests (SecurityWeek) Treasury removes sanctions for three executives tied to spyware maker Intellexa (The Record) Greece says a radio failure that grounded flights is unlikely to be a cyberattack (WRAL.com) US Army to Establish AI Officer Corps for High-Tech Military Management (ForkLog) The Kimwolf Botnet is Stalking Your Local Network (Krebs on Security) Zoom Stealer browser extensions harvest corporate meeting intelligence (Bleeping Computer) European Space Agency Confirms Server Breach (Infosecurity Magazine) Time to restore America's cyberspace security system (CyberScoop) Researcher Wipes White Supremacist Dating Sites, Leaks Data on okstupid.lol (Hackread) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area. 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.

As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area. Tropical storm Chantal 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.

As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area. Millie Dunn Veasey's family knew about her accomplishments as a civil rights activist but they didn't know the full extent of her military service until late last year. The Raleigh native served in the only all-Black, all female unit to operate overseas during World War II.--the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. WRAL's Destinee Patterson talked to her family about her life of service.

WRAL’s PolitiFact team investigated dozens of claims made by politicians and government officials in North Carolina in 2025. WRAL PolitiFact reporter Paul Specht breaks down some of the year's most popular fact-checks. 

This year, the WRAL Documentary team premiered five stories. They range in topics from western North Carolina recovering from Hurricane Helene to the first season of Bill Belichick's tenure at UNC.  WRAL's Cristin Severance sat down to talk through these five stories, what they learned and what they hope people take away from these documentaries.

Grace Gymnastics Academy in Morrisville placed fifth in the world at a competition in Bulgaria next month. The studio has international roots--and plans on competing globally in the coming year. WRAL' s Grace Holland learned more about the growing sport of aesthetic gymnastics.

In the summer, we told you the story of Jill Fuller. She developed Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome after replacing a glass of wine at night with THC gummies for months. CHS is a condition characterized by persistent nausea and vomiting, intense abdominal pain and loss of appetite. As the condition gains attention on social media, WRAL health reporter Grace Hayba revisits what it looks like, what causes it and updates us on how Jill is doing.

Several days ago, the town of Hillsborough noticed something wrong with their water. A creek that flows through the Town Cemetery was neon green. The picture of it garnered hundreds of comments and shares on social media. WRAL's Kirstyn Clark spoke with officials about what caused the problem. 

WRAL’s newest documentary, "Coaching Carolina: The Belichick Way," reveals how the University of North Carolina landed Bill Belichick, arguably the greatest football coach of all time, and what unfolded next. WRAL Documentary Investigator Cristin Severance speaks ahead of the documentary, detailing how it uncovers the real story behind one of the most unlikely and consequential hires in college athletics.

When one member of a military couple is found murdered in their own bed, police discover the average seeming couple had a shocking secret sex life.Sources:1. Dateline NBC. 1992.2. “Killer to Testify Against Her Mother - Los Angeles Times.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2004, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jun-13-na-slaying13-story.html.3. Lathem, Niles. “WILD-CHILD TEEN NABBED IN DAD'S FORT MURDER.” New York Post, New York Post, 4 Aug. 2002, https://nypost.com/2002/08/04/wild-child-teen-nabbed-in-dads-fort-murder/.4. “MAJ David Ray Shannon (1962-2002) - Find a Grave Memorial.” Find a Grave - Millions of Cemetery Records, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/240087670/david-ray-shannon. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.5. Married with Secrets. 2016.6. Morgan, Ella-Brooke. “Too Close To Home: Joan & Elizabeth Shannon – Fayetteville – The Zephyr.” The Zephyr, https://wfhszephyr.com/5385/features/too-close-to-home-joan-elizabeth-shannon-fayetteville/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.7. Smith, Benjamin H. “Joan And Elizabeth Shannon: Mother-Daughter Duo Kill Husband.” Oxygen, Oxygen, 29 Aug. 2018, https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/crime-time/daughter-kills-stepfather-with-mom-affair-man-swingers-club.8. Stoogenke, Jason, Michael Joyner, et al. “Both Sides Present Closing Arguments In Shannon Murder Trial.” WRAL.Com, WRAL, 3 Aug. 2006, https://www.wral.com/story/119585/.9. Stoogenke, Jason, Chad Flowers, et al. “Soldier Offers Scandalous Testimony In Shannon Murder Trial.” WRAL.Com, WRAL, 29 Aug. 2005, https://www.wral.com/news/local/story/119548/.10. “Teen Sentenced; Says Mom Made Her Kill Own Dad.” Wilmington Star-News, Wilmington StarNews, 15 Oct. 2005, https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2005/10/15/teen-sentenced-says-mom-made-her-kill-own-dad/30245333007/.11. The News and Observer, 1 Aug. 2002.Aura Frames - Use promo code LOVEMURDER at checkout to get $35 Aura's best selling frames - http://auraframes.com/SuperPower - This holiday, give your loved ones the only gift that keeps on giving — health. Go to Superpower.com/giftto get a free $49 gift box with your gifted membership.BetterHelp - Convenient and affordable online therapy and counseling - https://betterhelp.com/lovemurder for 10% off your first monthShopify - $1 per month trial - http://shopify.com/lovemurderFind LOVE MURDER online:Website: lovemurder.loveInstagram: @lovemurderpodTwitter: @lovemurderpodFacebook: LoveMrdrPodTikTok: @LoveMurderPodPatreon: /LoveMurderPodCredits: Love Murder is hosted by Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette, researched by Sarah Lynn Robinson and researched and written by Jessie Pray, produced by Nathaniel Whittemore and edited by Kyle Barbour-HoffmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Town of Cary appointed an interim town manager after weeks of questions about spending under the former town manager. Sean Stegall will receive a $194,832 severance package after resigning. WRAL's Carly Haynes explains how we got here.

Community activists from western North Carolina voiced their frustrations at the U.S. Capitol on Monday. They’re upset about the slow pace of Hurricane Helene recovery relief, which they blame on the federal government. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein’s advisory committee on Western North Carolina recover, a bipartisan group of state and local officials in charge of Helene recovery goals, are pretty upset as well. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran discusses what these groups say is slowing things down and what they want to see change. Plus, what federal government representatives are saying about the complaints.  

Earlier this week, the North Carolina General Assembly announced a comittee to look into ways to lower property taxes. It's unusual, since property tax revenue stays in the cities and counties that collect those taxes. WRAL's Will Doran explains what this says about housing affordabilty in our state.

A top North Carolina legislator yelled and threw a book Wednesday during a legislative hearing where lawmakers grilled Chapel Hill-Carrboro school officials about ignoring parts of the "Parents' Bill of Rights" law. That law limits discussion of gender identity among some of the state's youngest students. WRAL's Flynn Snyder was at the hearing and explains how school officials are responding.   

The Lumbee Tribe in the southeastern part of our state have been calling for federal recogition for as long as people have been fighting against it. A vote in Congress could finally make that recognition a reality. WRAL's Will Doran explains what will change if and when its approved.

At least nine North Carolina children were shot this year - with one very preventable cause: an unsecured gun. Four of those kids died. These stories are difficult to hear, but bring up important questions. WRAL Investigative reporter Sarah Krueger looks into who has been charged in these cases, what kind of charges they face and what is the state doing to prevent these deaths.

President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Michael Whatley in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race isn’t deterring other Republicans from the race. Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chairman who Trump endorsed this summer, is expected to face Waxhaw lawyer Don Brown and teacher Elizabeth Temple of Smithfield in the GOP primary to replace outgoing Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who isn’t seeking reelection in next year’s midterms.  WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht goes over who has entered the race. Plus a look at the state's 1st Congressional District.

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

!!! 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