Episodes

GOP-led legislature wants to take regulatory powers from NC's Democratic governor
June 16, 2025

GOP-led legislature wants to take regulatory powers from NC's Democratic governor

North Carolina lawmakers could push to take more power away from the governor this week. A final vote is expected on the REINS Act. It would let the Republican-controlled legislature block new rules proposed by state agencies overseen by the state’s Democratic governor. Supporters say it’ll create more accountability and reduce regulatory costs for businesses. Critics fear public health or public safety could be at risk. WRAL State Government reporter Will Doran explains what could happen next i...
JetZero to hire 14,500 people at new North Carolina factory
June 13, 2025

JetZero to hire 14,500 people at new North Carolina factory

The state approved more than $1 billion in economic incentives to lure California jetmaker JetZero to North Carolina. The company plans to build its fuel-efficient all-wing aircraft at a new $4.7 billion dollar factory in Greensboro. WRAL's Jack Hagel explains one of the biggest job-creating commitments in our state.
Solved: 5 On Your Side helps man get knee surgery
June 12, 2025

Solved: 5 On Your Side helps man get knee surgery

A Triangle man's doctor recommended knee surgery but was denied coverage for the procedure by his insurance. 5 On Your Side stepped in to help him get the procedure approved. WRAL's Keely Arthur explains how she did it and the steps you can take if you end up in a similar situation.
State law changes possible after WRAL Investigates farm parties
June 11, 2025

State law changes possible after WRAL Investigates farm parties

WRAL has been investigating huge farm parties for more than a month. State lawmakers say they're now looking at changing the state's agritourism law to close a loophole that allows them. WRAL Investigates Sarah Krueger explains.
NC GOP Chairman Jason Simmons faced stiff competition for reelection. Here’s why
June 10, 2025

NC GOP Chairman Jason Simmons faced stiff competition for reelection. Here’s why

North Carolina Republicans reelected Jason Simmons as party chairman Saturday. He’ll be responsible for raising funds and organizing get-out-the-vote efforts for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht spoke with Simmons ahead of the election. Specht shares details of the interview — including Simmons’ take on U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis’s upcoming reelection bid and President Donald Trump’s efforts on tariffs.
Johnston County family goes viral with surprise after hospital stay
June 9, 2025

Johnston County family goes viral with surprise after hospital stay

Brittni Evans recorded her older son's reaction to seeing his younger brother back home after nearly two months in the hospital. The video has since reached hundreds of thousands of people on social media. WRAL's Carly Haynes talked to the family.
WRAL Investigates looks into cell phone policies at local high schools
June 6, 2025

WRAL Investigates looks into cell phone policies at local high schools

North Carolina lawmakers and school boards want to restrict cell phones in schools -- and there’s robust debate over how to do it. WRAL found that not all school policies are keeping kids off of their phones. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst shares what's working and what's not after a trip inside three local high schools.
Governor Stein announces a new council to explore legalizing THC products for adults in North Carolina
June 5, 2025

Governor Stein announces a new council to explore legalizing THC products for adults in North Carolina

In an exclusive interview with WRAL's Lena Tillett, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein called for statewide regulations to legalize THC-intoxicating products and announced the creation of a new state advisory council to explore methods to legalize products containing THC. We share their full conversation here.
How the new NC DMV commissioner plans to fix problems at offices across the state
June 4, 2025

How the new NC DMV commissioner plans to fix problems at offices across the state

Long wait times, lack of staff, and inefficiency -- these are ongoing problems at the North Carolina DMV. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher shares how the new NC DMV commissioner plans to fix it.
What’s next for the Carolina Hurricanes?
June 3, 2025

What’s next for the Carolina Hurricanes?

The Carolina Hurricanes postseason run ended in the Eastern Conference Final, leading to questions about whether the franchise has the talent and the playing style to win the Stanley Cup. WRAL’s Brian Murphy and Pat Welter breakdown the Canes' postseason success and what comes next in a big offseason for the team.
A toll road in North Raleigh? Why lawmakers are trying to stop it
June 2, 2025

A toll road in North Raleigh? Why lawmakers are trying to stop it

Northern Wake County leaders want to use tolls to pay for the widening of a stretch of U.S. 1 between Raleigh and Wake Forest. But state lawmakers are trying to shut down that plan, saying they’re trying to protect commuters from added costs. Local officials say lawmakers’ effort to block tolls could delay the work by decades, increasing commute times for people who rely on the road. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down the debate.
Local research into postpartum depression and the experience for both men and women
May 30, 2025

Local research into postpartum depression and the experience for both men and women

Doctors say more research is needed on perinatal depression -- that's the updated way to refer to postpartum depression. Just like there’s a stigma around talking about women experiencing this, there’s new research into men experiencing it, too. WRAL’s Chris Lovingood shares that research, plus the first-hand experiences of a local mother and father.
Why Durham County jail safety issues led Sheriff Birkhead to as for more money
May 29, 2025

Why Durham County jail safety issues led Sheriff Birkhead to as for more money

Durham County's sheriff says his detention center is understaffed and aging as inmate assaults become more frequent. He took those concerns to county leaders who will allocate more funds to address some of the problems. WRAL's Monica Casey explains how what's happening in Durham County compares to others in the Triangle.
Rocky Mount Police warns parents after toddler shoots self with teenage uncle's gun
May 28, 2025

Rocky Mount Police warns parents after toddler shoots self with teenage uncle's gun

A two-year-old is in critical condition after shooting themselves with an unsecured gun that belonged to their 17-year-old uncle. Officers say the teen had two guns--one of which was reported stolen 50 miles away. WRAL's Aaron Thomas explains what we know about the investigation so far.
Campbell family remembered a year after their deaths in Garner Memorial Day crash
May 27, 2025

Campbell family remembered a year after their deaths in Garner Memorial Day crash

It's been a year since Tyler, Susan and Miles Campbell were killed in a crash on U.S. 70 in Garner. A man charged with drinking and speeding behind the wheel still has not stood trial. WRAL's Carly Haynes talked to Tyler Campbell's mother about their legacy.
How UNC System cuts and tuition hikes could help GOP lawmakers reduce taxes
May 26, 2025

How UNC System cuts and tuition hikes could help GOP lawmakers reduce taxes

Republicans in the North Carolina legislature want to free up more than $100 million a year in state funding from higher education through tuition hikes and cost cutting. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains why UNC System students could soon be paying more for less — and how it all figures in to the GOP tax strategy.
New 911 calls shed light on a dangerous and chaotic farm party in Orange County
May 23, 2025

New 911 calls shed light on a dangerous and chaotic farm party in Orange County

New 911 calls are revealing the dangerous situation at a party earlier this month in Orange County. WRAL has done numerous stories on this growing issue of “farm parties," including a 2,000 person party that resulted in charges against the owner. WRAL investigates’ Sarah Krueger shares the latest.
Wake County DA decides not to charge to NC State Troopers in handling of fatal crash
May 22, 2025

Wake County DA decides not to charge to NC State Troopers in handling of fatal crash

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman announced that two state troopers will not face charges for their handling of a fatal crash in Raleigh last year. Freeman said the evidence in the case would not support a successful prosecution despite their 'dishonesty' on the night of the crash. WRAL Investigates Sarah Krueger explains.
Why do trains keep hitting people and cars in Durham?
May 21, 2025

Why do trains keep hitting people and cars in Durham?

On Monday, the latest crash between a car and a train happened in Durham. It's one of at least 19 similar crashes in the Bull City over the last 25 years. WRAL Durham Reporter Monica Casey explains why it keeps happening and possible solutions.
Mike Pence parts ways with Trump on tariff policy in Raleigh
May 20, 2025

Mike Pence parts ways with Trump on tariff policy in Raleigh

Former Vice President spoke about tariffs and free trade at a round table discussion in Raleigh Monday. He drew a contrast with his economic vision compared to President Trump's in his second term. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher talked one on one with Pence.
How Trump’s immigration policies could impact college athletes
May 19, 2025

How Trump’s immigration policies could impact college athletes

The Trump administration has threatened to revoke some student visas, pushed to revoke visas from certain countries and worked to implement a travel ban. All could impact international collegiate athletes. WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy explains who’s at risk — and why.
The investigation into unlicensed massage therapists at local shopping malls
May 16, 2025

The investigation into unlicensed massage therapists at local shopping malls

A new statewide effort to protect you when you get a massage. On this episode of the WRAL Daily Download, WRAL Investigates takes you undercover as investigators catch massage businesses in malls operating without a license.
EPA Scales Back PFAS Protections, Drawing Backlash in North Carolina
May 15, 2025

EPA Scales Back PFAS Protections, Drawing Backlash in North Carolina

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it is rolling back part of a rule meant to limit the toxic 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin explains the change.
Bill Belichick talks to WRAL for the first time about UNC football
May 14, 2025

Bill Belichick talks to WRAL for the first time about UNC football

Bill Belichick talked to WRAL in his first interview with local media this week. He talked to WRAL's Brian Murphy about the burst of attention on the UNC football prgram, why he opted to get back into the game and his expectations for the season.