Episodes

Tropical Storm Debby to bring days of rain and flooding to North Carolina
Aug. 6, 2024

Tropical Storm Debby to bring days of rain and flooding to North Carolina

Much of our state is in the path of Tropical Storm Debby after it made landfall in Florida. It is expected to still have plenty of rain left after it brings flooding and historic rain to Georgia and South Carolina. WRAL Meteorologist Brian Shrader explains how you can prepare.
Will NC Democrats benefit from the Harris effect?
Aug. 5, 2024

Will NC Democrats benefit from the Harris effect?

North Carolina Democrats hope a Kamala Harris presidential nomination will help them win down-ballot races this year. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie explains how Democrats’ chances have changed since Harris inherited President Joe Biden’s campaign.
$3.7 million dollar project will aim to ease congestion in Clayton
Aug. 2, 2024

$3.7 million dollar project will aim to ease congestion in Clayton

As Clayton's population grows, so does the traffic coming into town. In 2023, more than 50,000 cars traveled through the intersection of U.S. 70 Business and Shotwell Road each day. By the end of next year, a $3.7 million project will help ease those backups. WRAL's Brett Knese explains the plan in place and how local drivers feel about it.
Your car is tracking your driving--is that information safe?
Aug. 1, 2024

Your car is tracking your driving--is that information safe?

Our cars and phones are gathering data about how we drive every time we get behind the wheel. 5 On Your Side looked into how that information is gathered and how insurance companies and manufacters are using it. 5 On Your Side Producer Pritchard Strong explains the findings of the tests.
North Carolina lawmakers banned 'gas station heroin' but its not off the shelves yet
July 31, 2024

North Carolina lawmakers banned 'gas station heroin' but its not off the shelves yet

Tianeptine was banned by lawmakers last month amid warnings of its opioid-like effects but people are still overdosing on it. Its sale is still allowed until the end of the year. WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba explains the awareness push to save lives before and after the ban goes into effect.
WRAL Investigates digs into Avantae Deven's past
July 30, 2024

WRAL Investigates digs into Avantae Deven's past

New details are emerging more than a month after Avantae Deven was charged with torturing and killing two of her adopted children and hiding their bodies. WRAL Investigates has been speaking with people who knew Deven years before she moved to North Carolina. WRAL's Chris Lovingood walks us through what those conversations have revealed.
How a freshman NC legislator ended up on the national stage
July 29, 2024

How a freshman NC legislator ended up on the national stage

North Carolina state Rep. Jarrod Lowery just wanted to be an usher at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. He ended up on stage giving the Pledge of Allegiance before millions on national television. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains what the appearance says about Lowery's political future, and what it means for his fellow members of the Lumbee Tribe.
Whooping cough cases are on the rise: What to know and how to protect your family
July 26, 2024

Whooping cough cases are on the rise: What to know and how to protect your family

Reported cases of people with pertussis -- or "whooping cough" -- are increasing in the United States and back to pre-pandemic levels. Before COVID, there were about 10,000 cases a year in the U.S. Now, the CDC reports, there have been nearly 9,000 cases so far this year. WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba shares what health officials are recommending, especially ahead of a new school year.
Why you need to check your airbags if you own a used car
July 25, 2024

Why you need to check your airbags if you own a used car

It's one of the most important safety features in our cars and we don't often think about it unless we find ourselves in a crash--airbags. 5 On Your Side has learned about a warning for defective airbags in used cars and Keely Arthur explains how you can check yours.
Why GOP lawmakers grilled NC elections officials over ballot access
July 24, 2024

Why GOP lawmakers grilled NC elections officials over ballot access

Was it process or politics? That’s the question that preoccupied North Carolina lawmakers as they grilled state elections officials Tuesday over why they delayed or denied ballot access to small political parties. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down why Republicans are crying foul.
Randy Woodson announces retirement after 15 years as NC State's chancellor
July 23, 2024

Randy Woodson announces retirement after 15 years as NC State's chancellor

North Carolina State University's chancellor will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Randy Woodson led the system's largest university by enrollment since 2010. WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy explains the highs and lows of Woodson's tenure.
Is NC Gov. Roy Cooper VP material? Some Democrats think so. Here's why.
July 22, 2024

Is NC Gov. Roy Cooper VP material? Some Democrats think so. Here's why.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is a moderate who has impressed Democrats by winning statewide races in years that Republicans also win. That’s why some political observers say he’d be a good running mate for Kamala Harris if she ends up winning the Democratic nomination. WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht breaks down the other reasons Cooper’s in the mix.
She almost lost $15,000 to a Bitcoin scam, now Pauline Miller is warning other potential victims
July 19, 2024

She almost lost $15,000 to a Bitcoin scam, now Pauline Miller is warning other potential victims

A Raleigh woman says she was pulled into a complicated, detailed scam that used fear and trust to prey on her. Looking back on it now, Pauline Miller can't believe what she did. WRAL's Meghan Glova shares her story and what police recommend to avoid this scam.
WRAL Investigates what is going on at Holly Hill Hospital after escapes earlier this year
July 18, 2024

WRAL Investigates what is going on at Holly Hill Hospital after escapes earlier this year

Documents obtained by WRAL this week show years of violations at Holly Hill Hospital where patients and staff have complained about the care given there. It's an investigation that started when teens escaped from the hospital earlier this year. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains what we know so far as calls for accountability continue.
Should Wake County Schools ban cell phones?
July 17, 2024

Should Wake County Schools ban cell phones?

Research shows cell phones can be a major distraction in the classroom and a group of parents in Wake County want the school district to do something about it. Other districts have cracked down on their use in the classroom or put bans in place. WRAL's Willie Daniely explains the conversation going on in Wake County and what other North Carolina school districts have done on this issue.
A jam packed day one of the Republican National Convention and what NC's delegates have to say about it
July 16, 2024

A jam packed day one of the Republican National Convention and what NC's delegates have to say about it

Former President Trump was officially named the Republican nominee at the party's National Convention Monday just 48 hours after surviving an assassination attempt. WRAL State Government reporter Will Doran breaks down all the North Carolina connections to the RNC and what the campaign could look like from here.
The $1B chancellor: Can UNC’s next leader make it rain?
July 15, 2024

The $1B chancellor: Can UNC’s next leader make it rain?

The University of North Carolina’s next chancellor will have to be a prolific fundraiser, capable of raising $1 billion every year. WRAL investigative reporter Brian Murphy explains why a knack for luring big bucks is critical to the job.
School safety, affordable housing among priorities in State of the City, County & Schools 2024
July 12, 2024

School safety, affordable housing among priorities in State of the City, County & Schools 2024

Year-round Wake County students are already back in the classroom, and even more will be heading to school next month. Their safety was one of the topics discussed during the State of the City, County & Schools 2024 event held this week. WRAL's Destinee Patterson shares some key takeaways -- everything from keeping your children safe to affordable housing.
How to protect yourself against the next generation of A.I. scammers
July 11, 2024

How to protect yourself against the next generation of A.I. scammers

Triangle law enforcement agencies are raising the alarm about Artificial Intelligence being used to scam more people out of their money. It's fooling people who never thought they'd fall victim to these kinds of schemes because it can spoof the voices of people they trust. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur found out how you can protect your money from ending up in the hands of these scammers.
The third party North Carolina is allowing on November's ballot and whether more could join
July 10, 2024

The third party North Carolina is allowing on November's ballot and whether more could join

On Tuesday, the State Board of Elections reversed course and decided to allow The Constitution Party to nominate candidates for this year's election. The board previously denied the Constitution party, as well as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, for the ballot. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down the possible impacts of this decision.
Two families fighting for justice and mental health reform after their sons were murdered
July 9, 2024

Two families fighting for justice and mental health reform after their sons were murdered

Christian Webster pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of first-degree murder for shooting and killing his roommates at their home in Franklinton. He's set to serve two consecutive life sentences without the possiblity of parole. The families of William Hulme and Matthew Johnson talked to WRAL's Destinee Patterson about the next phase of their push for justice.
Why mental health services are growing in NC schools
July 8, 2024

Why mental health services are growing in NC schools

Mental health has been worsening for young people in North Carolina — and beyond — for years. Now new partnerships with mental health agencies are helping to bring care to students. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains how the services are improving kids’ moods and helping them focus on school.
Hurricane Beryl's unusual intensity and what we'll feel in North Carolina
July 5, 2024

Hurricane Beryl's unusual intensity and what we'll feel in North Carolina

Hurricane Beryl may be weakening, but its itensity is unusual for this time of year. Beryl tore through Jamaica as a Category 4 storm this week, now Mexico and Texas brace for impact. WRAL Meteorologist Brian Schrader explains Beryl's progression and what we'll experience in North Carolina -- especially on our beaches.
WRAL Out and About's guide to Independence Day in the Triangle
July 4, 2024

WRAL Out and About's guide to Independence Day in the Triangle

From parades and live music to splash pads, food trucks and of course, fireworks--there's so much 4th of July fun going on in and around Raleigh and Durham. WRAL Lifestyle Editor Kathy Hanrahan walks us through all the events--and what you need to know if you're celebrating at home.