Episodes

Feb. 14, 2023

Big doings at the NC Supreme Court

Republicans took control of the state Supreme Court in November’s elections, and in short order they’ve moved to overturn precedents in major election cases. Now, based on leaked notes from a recent meeting, more changes are coming to consolidate power at the court’s highest levels.
Feb. 13, 2023

Roy Williams, after the court

Gerald Owens' extended interview with Coach Roy Williams
Feb. 13, 2023

WRAL Super Bowl commercial has a big reveal

Some people watch for the game, others watch for the half-time show, still others watch for the creative commercials that we remember long after the game fades from our memories. This year WRAL picked a winner with a commercial that wowed audiences with a surprise appearance from a legendary sports figure. We speak with Capitol Broadcasting Marketing Director John Gilliam about how he created this year’s big hit.
Feb. 10, 2023

A visit to the Great Dismal Swamp where enslaved people took refuge

African Americans fleeing slavery took refuge in this swampy area that straddles the northern North Carolina and Virginia line in the 1800’s. Today, it is part of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. As part of our special coverage of Black History Month, Hidden History reporter Heather Leah took a trip to these wetlands and shares her experience along with the history, the myths and the lore of this fascinating place.
Feb. 9, 2023

Tips to make your DMV wait time shorter

Wait times are up again at North Carolina’s Division of Motor Vehicles, and it’s not even the busy season. 5 On Your Side’s Keely Arthur joins us to break down what she found at the state’s DMV and what’s causing the delays. Plus: Tips to make your experience move faster.
Feb. 8, 2023

Hostage taking at The Robesonian newspaper

Thirty-five years ago two men walked into a Robeson County newspaper with sawed off shotguns, chained the doors and demanded to speak to the governor. During the 10-hour ordeal, WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy spoke to one of the men live on the air. Documentary photographer Jay Jennings covered the story that day, and remembers a “surreal” day and story.
Feb. 7, 2023

Threats to schools in Wake County cause alarm

In the past week, we’ve seen multiple schools in Wake County on lockdowns after threats of violence were made on social media. This prompted schools to add extra security to basketball games over the weekend. Some parents say they are thinking about keeping their children home in light of these threats. WRAL reporter Adam Owens explains.
Feb. 6, 2023

What makes a good school? The state of education in North Carolina

North Carolina schools are handed an A-F letter grade every year, marking them for success or failure in the eyes of regulators and the public. State education leaders say those grades rely too much on standardized tests, which most of the state’s teachers don’t even teach. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains what they’re doing to change the way they assess schools.
Feb. 3, 2023

Lost footage of 1966 MLK visit to Raleigh found – extended interview

As a special bonus episode today, listen in on WRAL anchor/reporter Ken Smith’s extended interview with North Carolina State University professor Jason Miller about recently found film of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to Reynolds Coliseum in 1966. Miller talks about the moment he found out about the existence of the film after years of searching, the images it shows – including a KKK protest outside the coliseum – and how the film informs our collective understanding of this complicated and...
Feb. 3, 2023

Film of 1966 MLK visit to Raleigh found, includes KKK protest

It’s only 22 seconds long and it’s silent, but this newly discovered film of Martin Luther King visiting Reynolds Coliseum in July of 1966 speaks volumes. WRAL reporter and anchor Ken Smith interviews people who vividly remember that day and speaks to an NCSU English professor who has spent years researching the visit. This is part of our special Black History Month coverage.
Feb. 2, 2023

Former Durham police chief in national spotlight

She leads investigation into Tyre Nichol’s death
Feb. 1, 2023

Moving a historic house in Cary

Iconic home moving to make way for development
Jan. 31, 2023

Present and future traffic projects in the Triangle

Traffic in the Triangle sometimes means slower speeds, and longer trips. Julian Grace talks with WRAL Traffic Anchor Brian Shrader about current traffic patterns, projects in the works, and if a light rail commuter system is a possible solution. This discussion will give listeners insight on how traffic patterns in the Triangle work, and what could change in the future.
Jan. 30, 2023

Coach K, after the court, Pt 2

Debra Morgan’s extended interview with Mike Krzyzewski
Jan. 30, 2023

Coach K, after the court, Pt 1

Debra Morgan’s extended interview with Mike Krzyzewski
Jan. 30, 2023

Who is State Auditor Beth Wood anyway?

NC official in the spotlight after crash
Jan. 27, 2023

Trooper chases increase dramatically

Pursuit policies by NC Highway Patrol examined
Jan. 26, 2023

State Auditor Beth Wood hits parked car

Questions remain after wreck in state-owned vehicle
Jan. 24, 2023

Homicide victims lose money

NC Victim Assistance Network struggles with funding
Jan. 23, 2023

Is North Carolina failing students with disabilities

Parents of disabled students fight for school services
Jan. 19, 2023

Suspect dies in police custody

Man dies in Raleigh after police use stun gun
Jan. 18, 2023

Outrageous medical bills after death

Insurance mistake creates financial crisis for Wilson family