Episodes

North Carolina updates flood maps to prepare for more rain, urban growth
March 13, 2026

North Carolina updates flood maps to prepare for more rain, urban growth

Do you know if you live in a flood zone? Multiple studies show that more than half of flood damage actually occurs outside of FEMA's regulatory floodzones. WRAL's Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin and WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones discuss what this means for North Carolinians and why funding issues make it hard for those creating new flood maps.
The training program in Chapel Hill giving nurses more experience with Botox
March 12, 2026

The training program in Chapel Hill giving nurses more experience with Botox

Botox and other cosmetic injectibles are a booming business with no national standard for training. A cosmetic injectibles training company is partnering with the UNC School of Nursing to offer hands-on instruction. WRAL's Grace Hayba explains what patients should know before seeking these types of treatments.
Is allergy season getting worse? How climate change is impacting pollen
March 11, 2026

Is allergy season getting worse? How climate change is impacting pollen

The official start to spring is still more than a week away, but doctors say North Carolinians are already feeling the effects of allergy symptoms. Allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer, making symptoms worse for many. Climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin talks to digital producer Jaylin Jones, explaining the reasons behind the intensifying pollen and shares practical tips to manage allergies.
5 headlines to watch ahead of men's ACC basketball tournament
March 10, 2026

5 headlines to watch ahead of men's ACC basketball tournament

The men's ACC basketball tournament begins Tuesday in Charlotte, NC. WRAL digital producer Jaylin Jones goes over his top five headlines ahead of the start of the matchups, including where NC State, UNC and Duke lineup with the NCAA Tournament on the horizon.
Wake County schools responding to reports of new Jeffrey Epstein-inspired video game
March 6, 2026

Wake County schools responding to reports of new Jeffrey Epstein-inspired video game

A video game centered around convicted child sex offender financier Jeffrey Epstein may have been accessed and played by students in Wake County, school officials confirmed to WRAL Tuesday. The game in question, "Five Nights at Epstein's" is a survival-based game appearing to parallel another internet horror game "Five Nights at Freddy's." WRAL's Alex Littlehales and Jaylin Jones talk about what we know about the game, the response from WCPSS and what parents should know.
Two votes separate GOP primary race that could shake up NC legislature
March 5, 2026

Two votes separate GOP primary race that could shake up NC legislature

One of North Carolina’s most powerful state legislators was in a dead heat with his GOP primary opponent late Tuesday after all of the district’s precincts reported their vote totals. Senate leader Phil Berger, who was first elected in 2001, trailed Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by two votes Tuesday night in the Republican primary to represent the senate’s 26th district. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher and Paul Specht have everything you need to know about this tight race.
Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley to face off for US Senate seat
March 4, 2026

Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley to face off for US Senate seat

A popular former governor and a key ally of President Donald Trump cruised to their parties’ U.S. Senate nominations Tuesday, setting up an expected matchup that could play a key role in determining control of the chamber in November. Former two-term North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who is a Democrat, and former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley will meet in the general election in a race for a current GOP-held seat in North Carolina. WRAL's Brian Murphy and Louis Fernandez d...
A changing spring housing market in the Triangle
March 3, 2026

A changing spring housing market in the Triangle

Whether you're looking to buy or sell--spring is typically the best time of the year for real estate. The red-hot Triangle market could look a little different this year. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur explains what to expect.
All eyes on NC’s open U.S. Senate seat as voters head to the polls
March 2, 2026

All eyes on NC’s open U.S. Senate seat as voters head to the polls

North Carolina voters go to the polls Tuesday to pick party nominees for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat. The seat is being closely watched nationally as Republicans try to maintain control of the chamber. WRAL state government reporters Will Doran and Paul Specht break down the race.
How N.C. schools are rewriting the rules of A.I.
Feb. 27, 2026

How N.C. schools are rewriting the rules of A.I.

Is there a right way to use artificial intelligence in or out of the classroom? WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst and WRAL's Destinee Patterson look into how teachers, students, and tech leaders are talking about A.I. use in the classroom.
Wholesale or grocery? What's worth your money?
Feb. 26, 2026

Wholesale or grocery? What's worth your money?

Does buying more actually save more? But is the time and cost worth it in the end? 5 On Your Side's Alex Littlehales tries to find out where your money is best spent.
What we know about the Morrisville Apartment fire that displaced 70 people
Feb. 25, 2026

What we know about the Morrisville Apartment fire that displaced 70 people

Six people are injured and 70 people are out of their homes after a fire at the Camden Westwood Apartments in Morrisville. As residents move into recovery mode, investigators are working to figure out the cause. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains where the investigation stands.
5 On Your Side: What you need to look for when buying a new-build home
Feb. 24, 2026

5 On Your Side: What you need to look for when buying a new-build home

New construction homes are booming across the Triangle. A report from Realtor.com ranked the Raleigh area as one of the top 10 metros in the country for new home construction. WRAL 5 On Your Side reporter Keely Arthur speaks with WRAL digital producer Jaylin Jones and shares that new doesn't always mean perfect. What buyers need to check before they sign on the dotted line.
Two houses in Holly Springs and their impact on Black History
Feb. 20, 2026

Two houses in Holly Springs and their impact on Black History

During Black History Month, WRAL anchor/reporter Kirstyn Clark and digital producer Jaylin Jones talk about a local piece of important history - the Pack-House and Grigsby House in Holly Springs. Clark dives into her reporting on the Grigsby family, their impact and the desire to preserve an important part of Black History in Holly Springs.
Why overdoses are down in some parts of North Carolina, but not others
Feb. 19, 2026

Why overdoses are down in some parts of North Carolina, but not others

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports fentanyl and opioid overdoses dropped dramatically between 2024 and 2025. However, some parts of the state are still struggling with rates higher than the state average. WRAL's Alex Littlehales explains why.
WRAL's Ken Smith reflects on Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy
Feb. 18, 2026

WRAL's Ken Smith reflects on Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy

Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday at the age of 84. The civil rights icon was also a groundbreaking politician who made two runs for the presidency in the 1980s. WRAL's Ken Smith looks back at Jackson's accomplishments.
How a routine phone call led to the closure of a Wake County high school
Feb. 17, 2026

How a routine phone call led to the closure of a Wake County high school

About 150 students at Crossroads Flex High School are without a school building after fire marshal intervention. It all started with a phone call in 2023 - a Wake high school administrator made a routine call, asking when the last time Crossroads Flex High School had a fire inspection. The problem? The Wake County fire marshal’s office had no idea a school was even there. WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst tells us how this came to pass and what's next for the school and its students.
The battle over elections in North Carolina
Feb. 16, 2026

The battle over elections in North Carolina

Which political party should have the final say on where, when and how people vote in North Carolina? That’s a question being argued in state court. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains the arguments, and what’s at stake.
How climate change is reshaping winter sports--from the Olympics to the NC mountains
Feb. 13, 2026

How climate change is reshaping winter sports--from the Olympics to the NC mountains

Warmer winters are shrinking reliable snow worldwide. It's leading to adaptions at ski resorts in western North Carolina and at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin explains.
5 On Your Side: Why a bank held a woman's $10K ATM deposit
Feb. 12, 2026

5 On Your Side: Why a bank held a woman's $10K ATM deposit

A woman went to deposit a $10K check at an ATM and didn't receive a receipt back. After bringing it forward to her bank, they told her the deposit would be held, saying it was being investigated. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur explains how she was able to get it back.
NCDMV cuts early morning hours after federal funding runs out
Feb. 11, 2026

NCDMV cuts early morning hours after federal funding runs out

We’ve been following along with changes to the DMV. WRAL has reported extensively on long wait times, new offices and a top-down effort to make the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles better. The most recent development - early morning hours are getting cut. Starting this week the DMV will no longer offer extended early morning hours, opening at the standard 8 a.m. statewide. WRAL’s Carly Haynes and Jaylin Jones sat down to talk through the changes and how they fit into the big picture whe...
Will Austin Thompson testify in the Hedingham shooting sentencing hearing?
Feb. 10, 2026

Will Austin Thompson testify in the Hedingham shooting sentencing hearing?

On Tuesday, Austin Thompson's defense team will begin presenting evidence in his sentencing hearing. Thompson pleaded guilty to killing five people in the Hedingham neighborhood in October of 2022. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher reviews the prosecution's case and what we expect to hear from the defense.
Stein seeks to bridge gap between mental health and criminal justice systems
Feb. 9, 2026

Stein seeks to bridge gap between mental health and criminal justice systems

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed a new executive order last week aimed at improving coordination between the state’s behavioral health and criminal justice systems. It comes on the heels of recent killings in Charlotte, Raleigh and Southport that police say were committed by people with histories of mental illness. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran breaks it down.
How a North Carolina HBCU is keeping its historic radio station alive
Feb. 6, 2026

How a North Carolina HBCU is keeping its historic radio station alive

Nearly a third of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S. have radio stations. As we celebrate Black history this month, WRAL's Kirstyn Clark and Jaylin Jones shine a light on one that is right here in our backyard – North Carolina Central University’s WNCU 90.7 FM.