The WRAL Daily Download is an in-depth conversation about a single news story. WRAL covers news across North Carolina every day, but this podcast focuses on one story at a time, bringing context to each conversation. The in-depth, localized podcast takes you into the latest stories from Raleigh, Durham, and the entire Triangle region on North Carolina. This is community news aimed at keeping you informed about the more subtle stories that are happening around you. Hosted by WRAL News journalists, episodes post weekdays by 4:30am.
Wake County Public Schools is looking at putting its first-ever cell phone policy in place. Many options are on the table, including banning phones altogether. WRAL's Eric Miller talked to parents and students about the possible solutions.
Longtime WRAL reporter Gilbert Baez departed after 17 years leading our reporting from Fayetteville. He's covered the area for decades--through breaking news, severe weather and community driven stories. Gilbert reflects on his time at the station.
There are big changes in North Carolina leadership after the November elections--from the governor to the state legislature and beyond. WRAL State Government Reporter breaks down what he's watching in the new year.
At least 14 were killed and dozens injured when a truck drove through a New Year's Day crowd on Bourbon Street. As the investigation into the suspect continues, WRAL spoke to two men who found themselves in the French Quarter during the attack. We also found out how they're reflecting on what happened.
As we look back on 2024, the WRAL Daily Download is revisiting some of our episodes from the year. WRAL's Chris Lovingood began reporting on two children missing for years from Fayetteville as soon as we learned about the investigation in the spring. We bring you back to the day their adoptive mother was arrested for their murder and bring you an update on the case.
As we close out 2024, WRAL has updated its Promise Tracker for North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper one last time. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down Cooper's final grades.
It's the most wonderful time of the year...for college football! This weekend, NC State will play in the Military Bowl and UNC-Chapel Hill in the Fenway Bowl. Next week, Duke is in the Gator Bowl. WRAL Sports Reporter Louis Fernandez breaks down who each team is up against and which are favored to win.
As we look back on 2024, the WRAL Daily Download is revisiting some of our episodes from the year. Back in February, WRAL's Gerald Owens told us the story of Shiloh--a historically Black neighborhood in the Asheville area that you may know as the Biltmore Estate. We bring you that story and how the area is doing after Helene.
Tornadoes, flooding, and hurricanes are just some of the wild weather our state saw in 2024. WRAL Meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth reflects on what we learned and what it could tell us about weather in the new year.
Election claims and the government’s response to a devastating natural disaster in western North Carolina spawned an endless stream of misleading rhetoric in 2024. And WRAL’s fact-checking team helped check claims and set the record straight. WRAL’s PolitiFact North Carolina reporter Paul Specht breaks down the top North Carolina fact-checks of the year.
Election claims and the government’s response to a devastating natural disaster in western North Carolina spawned an endless stream of misleading rhetoric in 2024. And WRAL’s fact-checking team helped check claims and set the record straight. WRAL’s PolitiFact North Carolina reporter Paul Specht breaks down the top North Carolina fact-checks of the year.
Over the past six months, WRAL 5 On Your Side has reviewed more than 1,000 pages of testing documents to understand the toxic chemicals people working and learning inside Poe Hall may have been exposed to. WRAL 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur explains the results of that reporting.
As we head into the start of the winter season, new data shows that truly cold temperatures are becoming less and less frequent. While some may celebrate fewer snow days, it can have wide reaching impacts on the ecosystem. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin explains what it means for you.
Burlington Police are warning that a man found guilty of first-degree murder is on the loose. 47-year-old Litego Marshall left during a lunch break and never returned when the jury handed down a guilty verdict. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher dug into his criminal history.
A WRAL investigation uncovered that some criminals, seemingly, are not facing consequences for carrying guns in Durham. WRAL Investigates Reporter Sarah Krueger explains the apparent policy of the District Attorney's Office.
Crystal Mangum told a podcast host she falsely accused three Duke lacross players of raping her in 2006. The case put a national spotlight on Durham and Duke. WRAL Investigates Sarah Krueger explains why Mangum confessed 18 years later.
Bill Belichick was formally introduced as UNC-Chapel Hill's head football coach on Thursday. WRAL Sports Reporter Louis Fernandez breaks down Belichick's impressive NFL background and what he could bring to Carolina's program.
The University of North Carolina's Board of Trustees is expected to meet Thursday morning and approve Bill Belichick's five year contract. WRAL's Aaron Thomas reports from Chapel Hill about Tar Heel fans' reaction to the hire.
On Tuesday, sources told WRAL that the Tar Heels have offered former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick their head coaching job. No deal had been completed that night and no announcement was imminent but the news sent shockwaves nationally. WRAL's Brian Murphy breaks down the possible impacts.
North Carolina schools superintendent Catherine Truitt is preparing to leave office at the end of her four year term. While she says she and her team have accomplished a lot, North Carolina’s public schools still face many challenges. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst and NC Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie sat down with Truitt for an exit interview. Walkenhorst takes us through the high points.
Amgen Inc.’s expanded manufacturing plans could bring $1.5 billion and more than 700 jobs to Holly Springs. It’s one of several biotechnology companies to target the southern Wake County town for future production. WRAL State Government Editor Jack Hagel explains why the town has become a hotbed for life sciences — and how other parts of the Triangle are benefitting from the growth in the biotechnology sector.
According to a new Meredith College poll, a majority of North Carolina voters support President-elect Donald Trump's plan to deport undocumented immigrants with help from the military. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie breaks down those numbers.
A Garner man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for shooting Alex Shirley and his friend Sophie Hagy. Shirley, a son of the star of "Lizard Lick Towing", was killed. Hagy is paralyzed from the waist down. WRAL Brett Knese explains what played out in court Wednesday.
Clients of a Wilson County law firm say they cannot reach their attorney after paying for legal services. As the state tries to figure out where he is, it leaves a void for those seeking counsel about immigration. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains what this shows us about the lack of immigration attorneys in rural parts of the state.
On Monday, the ACC announced both UNC and NC State would receive fines for a post-game fight. It was one of several fights at college football games over the weekend that started when the away team planted their flag on the home team's field. WRAL Investigative Sports Reporter Brian Murphy talks through how we got here.
It’s been two months since Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina in the region’s worst natural disaster in modern history. Since then, the state’s recovery efforts have become bogged down by political infighting. That’s a contrast from Washington, where the federal government’s efforts have remained mostly above the partisan fray. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains.
Raleigh Police says it's network of 1,200 cameras throughout the city now includes those in and around Crabtree Valley Mall. The mall says will make the response to possible emergency situations faster. WRAL's Brett Kneese explains how it works.
UNC fired Mack Brown with three years left on his contract as head football coach for the Tarheels. It comes after a rough season for the team. WRAL's Brian Murphy explains who could be the next to fill the role.
Last week, Michael McLellan pleaded guilty to kidnapping, raping and murdering 13-year-old Hania Aguilar, who was taken from her Lumberton driveway in 2018. He was then taken back to prison to serve a life sentence--but he did not go easily. Deputies say he tried to escape twice. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan found out why law enforcement believes he'd been planning it for a while.
The Carolina Hurricanes are planning a $1 billion redevelopment around Lenovo Center. WRAL reporter Brian Murphy explains why it’s the centerpiece of a reimagined West Raleigh, why it’s taken so long for the area to evolve.
