Episodes

Climate change is hitting home in North Carolina--literally
April 10, 2025

Climate change is hitting home in North Carolina--literally

A new national study projects that more than two-thirds of North Carolina's counties could lose home value over the next few decades due to climate change. North Carolina has alread experienced firsthand the rising costs tied to weather events. WRAL Climate Reporter Liz McLaughlin explains how homeowners can prepare their homes.
Raleigh leaf pickup: City leaders consider changes to collection program
April 9, 2025

Raleigh leaf pickup: City leaders consider changes to collection program

People living in Raleigh could see changes to the city's leaf pickup program. Raleigh leaders met Tuesday to discuss potential changes to leaf pickups due to the city's increasing population, which has led to increased demand. WRAL reporter Shaun Gallagher spoke with WRAL's Mark Bergin to discuss the changes city leaders are considering. Web story: https://www.wral.com/news/local/raleigh-city-council-possible-leaf-pickup-changes-discussion-april2025/
Republican Jefferson Griffin wins NC appeals court challenge contesting 65,000 ballots
April 7, 2025

Republican Jefferson Griffin wins NC appeals court challenge contesting 65,000 ballots

Thousands of North Carolina voters could soon have their 2024 ballots thrown out after a state Court of Appeals ruling Friday. The case could flip another seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court to Republicans months after the election. WRAL's Will Doran explains where the case goes from here.
Raleigh-Durham Startup Week showcases the Triangle's entrepreneurial spirit
April 4, 2025

Raleigh-Durham Startup Week showcases the Triangle's entrepreneurial spirit

WRAL’s Mark Bergin spoke with NC State’s Entrepreneurship Clinic Director Haley Huie about the preparations before Raleigh-Durham Startup Week. The free event is held from April 7-11 throughout the Triangle. Raleigh-Durham Startup Week helps showcase the region’s entrepreneurial community through workshops, networking and keynote speakers. It's expected to draw about 2,500 attendees. Huie explained how there’s something for everyone at Raleigh-Durham Startup Week, from people trying to get into ...
Why is the I-440 construction taking so long?
April 3, 2025

Why is the I-440 construction taking so long?

The project to widen I-440 was supposed to be done in 2023 but now it's been delayed until the end of this year. Drivers say it creates headaches for their commute. WRAL's Aaron Thomas looked into what slowed the project down.
Duke vs. Houston in Final Four: Will Cooper Flagg lead Duke to a national championship?
April 2, 2025

Duke vs. Houston in Final Four: Will Cooper Flagg lead Duke to a national championship?

WRAL's Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez previewed Saturday night's Final Four game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Houston Cougars. Star freshman Cooper Flagg leads Duke, but it was the Blue Devils' defense that helped propel the team to the Final Four. Bergin and Fernandez discussed why Duke is considered the favorite to win the national championship. Plus, they shared how the Blue Devils match up against a Houston team with lots of basketball experience. Last, the guys discussed which team...
Are NC DMV waits getting longer?
April 1, 2025

Are NC DMV waits getting longer?

WRAL has been tracking long wait times and appointment shortages at the state's DMV for years. With the deadlines for Real ID's coming up, that wait could become even longer. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur explains other factors contributing to the problem and possible solutions.
NC lawmakers face tough decisions as they draw up new budget
March 31, 2025

NC lawmakers face tough decisions as they draw up new budget

Efforts by North Carolina lawmakers to write a new state budget are more complicated than normal this year. That’s because the state is bracing for cuts to federal funding at a time when the state is also cutting taxes. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains how lawmakers could be forced to make tough decisions over funding for teachers, farmers, scientific research and public health.
What we know about Wolfspeed's new CEO
March 28, 2025

What we know about Wolfspeed's new CEO

A Durham-based semiconductor company has a new leader. This comes months after Wolfspeed eliminated hundreds of positions, the majority of which were in North Carolina. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher shares what we know about Robert Feurle.
Why is help in Western North Carolina taking so long? An Ashe County woman shares her story
March 27, 2025

Why is help in Western North Carolina taking so long? An Ashe County woman shares her story

Six months after Hurricane Helene, some people in Western North Carolina are still without basic necessities. 100 miles from Asheville, volunteers are still helping residents in the Fleetwood community in Ashe County. WRAL's Willie Daniely talked to a woman who still doesn't have running water.
Sweet 16: Duke men's basketball team faces familiar foe in Caleb Love
March 26, 2025

Sweet 16: Duke men's basketball team faces familiar foe in Caleb Love

WRAL's Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss how Duke will play Arizona on Thursday night in the Sweet 16. Arizona guard Caleb Love used to play for North Carolina. Love's 3-pointer in the 2022 Final Four eliminated Duke from the tournament and ended legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski's career. If Duke wins, the Blue Devils will play the winner of Alabama and BYU in the Elite Eight. Bergin and Fernandez discussed how Duke has its best team in years, whether any other Duke players deserved to...
Two NC State Troopers are under investigation--what does that mean for their cases?
March 25, 2025

Two NC State Troopers are under investigation--what does that mean for their cases?

Nearly 200 cases tied to two North Carolina State Highway Patrol members have been dismissed. Many cases that led to convictions have not been re-examined and some are asking why. WRAL's Sarah Krueger explains what her investigation has revealed.
Why NC’s treasurer thinks the state pension plan could be more aggressive
March 24, 2025

Why NC’s treasurer thinks the state pension plan could be more aggressive

North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner left a career in high finance to pursue one of the highest-pressure roles in state government. Briner oversees the state pension plan and the state health plan, which serve hundreds of thousands state government employees, retirees and their families. Briner recently spoke with WRAL’s Dan Haggerty about everything from investment strategies to coverage of weight-loss drugs. Haggerty offers highlights from their wide-ranging conversation.
The reel truth about the great white shark caught on the Outer Banks
March 21, 2025

The reel truth about the great white shark caught on the Outer Banks

A video of fishermen releasing a great white shark on the Outer Banks went viral earlier this week. Many had questions about the legality of catching these sea creatures in the first place. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher met the men behind the video.
No proof found for the Durham DA's claims of courthouse security system issues
March 20, 2025

No proof found for the Durham DA's claims of courthouse security system issues

Last month, WRAL Investigates reported that Durham's District Attorney swiped into the office on only about half of work days. She claimed that number was incomplete, in part, because of "issues with the courthouse's security system" -- That sparked concern from some, wondering if the building is safe! WRAL's Sarah Krueger investigates the DA's claims.
Cooper Flagg’s ankle injury + Why wasn't Duke the No. 1 overall seed?
March 19, 2025

Cooper Flagg’s ankle injury + Why wasn't Duke the No. 1 overall seed?

WRAL's Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss Cooper Flagg’s left ankle injury, which looms over the start of the tournament for the Duke Blue Devils. Duke expects to get Flagg back for the start of the NCAA Tournament. The guys also shared why Auburn was the No. 1 overall seed of the tournament despite losing three of its lats four games. Several talented teams will play this weekend at the Lenovo Center, including No. 1 seeds Duke and Florida along with back-to-back national champions Connect...
WRAL 5 On Your Side investigation shows criminals can make it harder to find Apple AirTag trackers
March 18, 2025

WRAL 5 On Your Side investigation shows criminals can make it harder to find Apple AirTag trackers

A Louisburg woman says earlier this month, she got an alert that an unknown Apple AirTag had been with her for more than seven hours--but after several tries, she still hasn't found it. WRAL's 5 On Your Side has learned that criminals can disable the speaker designed to locate these devices, making them harder to find. Keely Arthur explains why this makes it harder for law enforcement and Apple to protect victims of this kind of stalking.
NC officials get death threats, pushback, profane voicemails and more
March 17, 2025

NC officials get death threats, pushback, profane voicemails and more

North Carolina officials have found themselves the target of protests, violent threats and menacing voicemails in recent weeks. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains why — and what lawmakers are doing about it.
ACC Tournament preview: Duke is No. 1 + Will UNC make the NCAA Tournament?
March 12, 2025

ACC Tournament preview: Duke is No. 1 + Will UNC make the NCAA Tournament?

Duke is the No. 1 team in the country entering the ACC Tournament. WRAL's Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discussed Cooper Flagg's incredible season and Duke's historic scoring differential. Duke is vying to become the No. 1 overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Plus, the guys shared what North Carolina needs to do in the ACC Tournament to make the NCAA Tournament.
How 5 On Your Side got a $126,000 health insurance denial overturned
March 11, 2025

How 5 On Your Side got a $126,000 health insurance denial overturned

A local mom was stunned when her health insurance denied coverage for a $126,000 procedure. WRAL 5 On Your Side Producer Pritchard Strong explains how his team got the massive medical bill wiped away.
NC State fires men's basketball coach Kevin Keatts
March 10, 2025

NC State fires men's basketball coach Kevin Keatts

After eight years with the team and one year after a trip to the Final Four, NC State fired men's basketball coach Kevin Keatts. WRAL Sports Reporter/Anchor Louis Fernandez explains why, what comes next, and breaks down the social media response from Keatts.
Getting free legal answers with 'Lawyers On Call'
March 7, 2025

Getting free legal answers with 'Lawyers On Call'

Free legal answers are just a phone call away! WRAL 5 On Your Side Producer Pritchard Strong shares more about Lawyers On Call, happening March 7th.
Warrants say Spring Lake teen used Instagram to arrange meeting with man
March 6, 2025

Warrants say Spring Lake teen used Instagram to arrange meeting with man

A teenage girl who was the subject of one of two Amber Alerts last week made plans on Instagram to meet one of the suspects. Suspects in this case and another out of Siler City face kidnapping and human trafficking charges. WRAL's Willie Daniely talked to the Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Center about how parents can protect their kids.
Raleigh man's 'Pretend' podcast explores deceptive world of true crime
March 5, 2025

Raleigh man's 'Pretend' podcast explores deceptive world of true crime

Javier Leiva has lived in the Carolinas for the past decade. In 2017, the Raleigh man began hosting the "Pretend" podcast . "Pretend" is a documentary-style, true crime podcast about real people pretending to be someone else. In 2024 alone, he surpassed 5 million audio downloads. Plus, a Spotify billboard featured "Pretend" on a Times Square billboard in New York City. Leiva spoke with WRAL News' senior multiplatform producer Mark Bergin about how he’s covered con artists, cult leaders and even ...