Episodes

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
July 3, 2024

Nearly 8 years since Cole Thomas disappeared, his family celebrates his 30th birthday with a wish for answers

On November 25, 2016, Cole Thomas was driving home to Florida from Minnesota and went missing in Benson. Searches for him turned up nothing. Arrests in the case did not lead to convictions. His family is still fighting for answers on what should have been his 30th birthday. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan spoke to Thomas' dad about where the case stands.
July 2, 2024

Durham's new school superintendent and his plan to rebuild trust in the district

Durham Public Schools' new superintendent is set to get started next month. Anthony Lewis is inheriting a lot of challenges after a controversial end to last school year. WRAL Durham Reporter Monica Casey spoke to him one-on-one about his goals for the job.
July 1, 2024

Flurry of bills were passed in NC legislature, but failed efforts stand out

North Carolina lawmakers passed dozens of bills in the past few days. They also had some high-profile failures. GOP leaders couldn’t muster enough votes for four of five constitutional amendments they wanted to put on the ballot this November. And they couldn’t come to a budget deal. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down the past legislative session — and what happens next.
June 28, 2024

How a Durham church bellringer's message of love to the LGBTQ community went viral

Since the start of Pride Month, new songs have been ringing over Durham over a church's bells. Katelyn MacDonald went viral for playing "Hot To Go" by Chappell Roan at Duke United Methodist Church--but it's bigger than that. It's now her way to minister to other LGBTQ people across the world. WRAL's Grace Holland talked to her about what it all means to her moving forward.
June 27, 2024

The chilling details that led Fayetteville Police to arrest Blake and London Deven's adoptive mother in their disappearance

Avantae Deven was arrested and charged with murder on Wednesday in the disappearances of her two adopted children. Blake and London Deven disappeared years ago but Fayetteville police didn't learn about it until this year. Their adoptive mother's arrest is the biggest development so far in the highly publicized case that WRAL's Chris Lovingood has been following since the beginning of the investigation.
June 26, 2024

Everything you need to know with 30 days to go until the Paris Olympics

Anticipation is building for the 2024 Olympics set to open in Paris next month. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin, who will report from the games, walks us through some of the biggest storylines as trials continue.
June 25, 2024

Raises for teachers among the budget items standing between the State House and Senate

The State Senate approved its budget proposal Monday but the chamber's standoff with the State House continues. Lawmakers disagree about how, or if, to spend North Carolina's $1 billion dollar surplus. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie explains where there's common ground, and where there's a divide.
June 24, 2024

Tribe says NC defying UN as bill to bulldoze Native American sites dies

Republican lawmakers are no longer planning to let a coastal developer bulldoze a major archeological site. But Tuscarora Nation says existing development on the land could be in violation of a United Nations resolution with protections for indigenous people. WRAL State Government Will Doran explains.
June 21, 2024

Dangerous summer heat on the way to the Triangle this weekend

The start of summer is bringing triple digit heat to North Carolina this weekend. That kind of heat can be dangerous for people spending lots of time outdoors. WRAL Meteorologist Brian Shrader explains how you can protect yourself.
June 20, 2024

The NC employee accused of trying to meet a minor for sex and the YouTube vigilante who filmed his arrest

Harlan Frye, a former department head at the North Carolina Department of Revenue, was arrested for a felony charge for a crime involving a child in California. Days later, a YouTube account posted a video showing his arrest. It turns out that arrest came because of a man who poses as a minor to catch would-be child predators. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan breaks down how we got here.