Episodes
Jan. 16, 2026
What happens if a 'life-saving' ankle monitor program doesn't get funding?
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...
Jan. 15, 2026
Outpatient committments: Can it help close the gap in mental health care and criminal justice in NC?
A legislative committee is reviewing the state's procedures when it comes to treating people with mental health problems after two high-profile killings in North Carolina. WRAL State Government reporter Paul Spetch shares why...
Jan. 14, 2026
Why discipline of NC animal shelters tripled in 2025
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.
Jan. 13, 2026
Court proceedings begin for now 21-year-old charged in 2022 double murder in Orange County
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 remot...
Jan. 12, 2026
Assessing North Carolina's prison reentry efforts as repeat offenders come under scrutiny
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 ...
Jan. 9, 2026
Why police departments are using civilians, not officers, to investigate some crashes
Several police departments in North Carolina are now using civilians, not officers, to respond to less serious car crashes. Departments say the goal is to lighten the load on their already strained staff. WRAL Investigative R...
Jan. 8, 2026
2025 was a year of weather extremes in North Carolina
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 d...
Jan. 7, 2026
The plea deal that let a man out of jail before he was charged with killing a Raleigh teacher
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 f...
Jan. 6, 2026
Defense files pre-trial motions one month ahead of accused Raleigh mass shooter's trial
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, Febru...
Jan. 5, 2026
JoCo’s Benson poised to bloom as Vulcan Elements grows
The Johnston County town of Benson is mostly known for an annual festival called Mule Days. But in the coming years, it’s expected to become known as a critical destination for a key national security initiative. WRAL State G...
Jan. 2, 2026
Top Stories of 2025: North Carolina's new congressional map and its impact on this year's election
As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area. In a victory for Republicans in the state legislature and nationwide, a new congressional map that seeks to increase the GOP...
Jan. 1, 2026
Top Stories of 2025: Data center expansion in NC and how people are reacting to it
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 petitio...
Dec. 31, 2025
Top Stories of 2025: Tropical Storm Chantal's impact on NC
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 ...
Dec. 30, 2025
Top Stories of 2025: Raleigh's Millie Dunn Veasey honored for her life of service
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 o...
Dec. 29, 2025
Breaking down PolitiFact’s top 2025 NC fact-checks
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.
Dec. 26, 2025
Here's what the WRAL Documentary team learned from its five stories this year
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 sa...
Dec. 25, 2025
The Morrisville gymnastics team with big world travel plans in 2026
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 ...
Dec. 24, 2025
NORAD tracks Santa every year. So we asked - how does he do it?
The North American Aerospace Defense Command, NORAD, is a United States and Canada bi-national organization which, according to its website, "defends the homeland through aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warn...
Dec. 23, 2025
Checking in on one local woman after Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome kept her down for months
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 a...
Dec. 22, 2025
What the future holds for UNC and Bill Belichick after one season
The North Carolina Tar Heels finished year one under head coach Bill Belichick with a disappointing 4-8 record. Offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer were fired in December. The tea...
Dec. 19, 2025
Wild green water in Hilsborough shows importance of infrastructure
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. WRA...
Dec. 18, 2025
WRAL documentary - Coaching Carolina: The Belichick Way debuts Thursday
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...
Dec. 17, 2025
Why Cary's former town manager is due to get nearly $200K in severance after resigning
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 ho...
Dec. 16, 2025
NC officials, activists remain frustrated with slow pace of Helene recovery
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. Meanw...