Episodes

North Carolina has long depended on career-switching professionals to help fill its teaching ranks, giving them temporary licenses with the expectation that they’ll earn a full license within a few years. But many of these teachers are quitting, saying they don’t have the time or the wherewithal to earn a full license. The situation underscores the challenges the state’s public schools are having when it comes to retaining and recruiting new teachers. WRAL’ Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst ex...

1 year ago, a Fayetteville mother was arrested because she was accused of murdering two of her adopted children. Since that time, WRAL has kept an eye on Avantae Deven's case ahead of trial. WRAL's Chris Lovingood recaps what we've learned.

A new study led by UNC researcher Elizabeth Dunford reveals that nearly 20% of popular U.S. food products contain synthetic dyes, with a significant concentration found in items marketed to children. WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba shares the details.

U.S. Senator Thom Tillis surprised fellow Republicans Sunday when he said he wouldn’t seek reelection next year. The decision has underscored the dangers Republicans face when opposing Republican President Donald Trump. And it raised questions about who might run for the GOP nomination for the North Carolina seat. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains why Republicans are suddenly more hopeful about their North Carolina prospects in the 2026 election.

In the last week, we've seen a stretch of record breaking summer heat. Experts says climate change is making those kinds of days five times more likely. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin explains the metric used to track this kind of temperature change.

North Carolina lawmakers adjourned for summer vacation without approving a budget, leaving a number of big spending priorities in limbo. But the legislature did agree on a few things, sending dozens of bills to Gov. Josh Stein. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down some of the bills that passed, some that stalled, and he explains how the dynamic between the Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled legislature could be shifting. He also explains the “shrimpgate” controver...

Cancer is striking people younger than ever. We’re talking about aggressive forms of cancer happening to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. WRAL Documentary Reporter Cristin Severance shares the stories of three North Carolinians diagnosed at young ages and what could be the cause. It's a small glimpse into WRAL's new documentary Diagnosis: Young, The New Face of Cancer in NC.

The first case of the measles was found in Guilford and Forsyth counties earlier this week. It comes as cases continue across the country. WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba explains how to protect yourself.

The Wake County Sheriff's Office says 49-year-old Shannon Collins, a 13-year-old and a -15-year-old were found dead inside a home after a house fire. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of their death. WRAL's Willie Daniely explains what we know so far about the investigation.

North Carolina lawmakers are sparring over the details of a $32 billion-dollar state spending plan. One thing they seem to agree on is a $95,000 budget request for new office furniture for Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt. But the request could get caught up in negotiations between Republican leaders in the legislature. WRAL’s Jack Hagel and Paul Specht explain why she needs new furniture and where things stand in state budget negotiations.

WRAL obtained new emails and text messages that show how Bill Belichick repsonded to questions about why his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson joined him at a nationally televised interview. WRAL's Brian Murphy explains what we learned.

From Research to Residential. Research Triangle Park covers 7,000 acres in Wake and Durham counties. 55,000 people also work at RTP, but when they clock out, it goes empty -- until now. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher explains the rezoning that will make this all possible.

People all over the Triangle say their Pride flags have disappeared from their neighborhoods. A Cary woman believes hers was stolen from her home--and she's not alone. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains.

Wake County Democrat Julie Von Haefen posted an image of a protest sign featuring a guillotine and a fake severed head that resembled Trump. Republicans called for her ouster. WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht offers the latest.

Wake County Schools is expanding it's pilot program to repurpose food waste. A select few of the district's schools are already saving hundreds of packaged items and fruit from the dumpster every day. WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst explains how it works.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.