Episodes

The Johnston County town of Benson is mostly known for an annual festival called Mule Days. But in the coming years, it’s expected to become known as a critical destination for a key national security initiative. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains what’s coming to this town of 4,000 people.

As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area. In a victory for Republicans in the state legislature and nationwide, a new congressional map that seeks to increase the GOP's advantage in 2026 gained final approval. The 11 of 14 districts for the U.S. House of Representatives favor Republicans in the map. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains the impacts of this vote.

As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area. Tarboro Town Council held a public hearing about a proposed data center. Hundreds of people have signed a Change.org petition against it. WRAL's Destinee Patterson explains the plans for the facility and the pushback.

As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area. Tropical storm Chantal brought record rain to parts of Moore, Chatham, Orange and Durham counties. It also brought flooding to parts of Person County along Hyco Lake. WRAL's Grace Holland explains the clean up ahead.

As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area. Millie Dunn Veasey's family knew about her accomplishments as a civil rights activist but they didn't know the full extent of her military service until late last year. The Raleigh native served in the only all-Black, all female unit to operate overseas during World War II.--the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. WRAL's Destinee Patterson talked to her family about her life of service.

WRAL’s PolitiFact team investigated dozens of claims made by politicians and government officials in North Carolina in 2025. WRAL PolitiFact reporter Paul Specht breaks down some of the year's most popular fact-checks.

This year, the WRAL Documentary team premiered five stories. They range in topics from western North Carolina recovering from Hurricane Helene to the first season of Bill Belichick's tenure at UNC. WRAL's Cristin Severance sat down to talk through these five stories, what they learned and what they hope people take away from these documentaries.

Grace Gymnastics Academy in Morrisville placed fifth in the world at a competition in Bulgaria next month. The studio has international roots--and plans on competing globally in the coming year. WRAL' s Grace Holland learned more about the growing sport of aesthetic gymnastics.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, NORAD, is a United States and Canada bi-national organization which, according to its website, "defends the homeland through aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning for North America." On Christmas Eve, for the past 70 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command, track Santa Claus. We spoke with Major Kathleen Leaton about their work helping out the big man.

In the summer, we told you the story of Jill Fuller. She developed Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome after replacing a glass of wine at night with THC gummies for months. CHS is a condition characterized by persistent nausea and vomiting, intense abdominal pain and loss of appetite. As the condition gains attention on social media, WRAL health reporter Grace Hayba revisits what it looks like, what causes it and updates us on how Jill is doing.

The North Carolina Tar Heels finished year one under head coach Bill Belichick with a disappointing 4-8 record. Offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer were fired in December. The team has a large group of freshmen coming in, but there's a lot of work to be done in the offseason. WRAL Sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy talks about where the program stands after a full season with Bill Belichick, what challenges the team faces and how much patienc...

Several days ago, the town of Hillsborough noticed something wrong with their water. A creek that flows through the Town Cemetery was neon green. The picture of it garnered hundreds of comments and shares on social media. WRAL's Kirstyn Clark spoke with officials about what caused the problem.

WRAL’s newest documentary, "Coaching Carolina: The Belichick Way," reveals how the University of North Carolina landed Bill Belichick, arguably the greatest football coach of all time, and what unfolded next. WRAL Documentary Investigator Cristin Severance speaks ahead of the documentary, detailing how it uncovers the real story behind one of the most unlikely and consequential hires in college athletics.

The Town of Cary appointed an interim town manager after weeks of questions about spending under the former town manager. Sean Stegall will receive a $194,832 severance package after resigning. WRAL's Carly Haynes explains how we got here.

Community activists from western North Carolina voiced their frustrations at the U.S. Capitol on Monday. They’re upset about the slow pace of Hurricane Helene recovery relief, which they blame on the federal government. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein’s advisory committee on Western North Carolina recover, a bipartisan group of state and local officials in charge of Helene recovery goals, are pretty upset as well. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran discusses what these groups say is slowin...

Law enforcement searched for Dominic Connelly for 47 days after they said he killed his grandmother, set fire to her home in Havelock, and then stole her car. The timeline had some community members wondering if the wait was worth the resources. We share why the Craven County Sheriff said it was, and will be in future cases.

Earlier this week, the North Carolina General Assembly announced a comittee to look into ways to lower property taxes. It's unusual, since property tax revenue stays in the cities and counties that collect those taxes. WRAL's Will Doran explains what this says about housing affordabilty in our state.

A top North Carolina legislator yelled and threw a book Wednesday during a legislative hearing where lawmakers grilled Chapel Hill-Carrboro school officials about ignoring parts of the "Parents' Bill of Rights" law. That law limits discussion of gender identity among some of the state's youngest students. WRAL's Flynn Snyder was at the hearing and explains how school officials are responding.

The Lumbee Tribe in the southeastern part of our state have been calling for federal recogition for as long as people have been fighting against it. A vote in Congress could finally make that recognition a reality. WRAL's Will Doran explains what will change if and when its approved.

At least nine North Carolina children were shot this year - with one very preventable cause: an unsecured gun. Four of those kids died. These stories are difficult to hear, but bring up important questions. WRAL Investigative reporter Sarah Krueger looks into who has been charged in these cases, what kind of charges they face and what is the state doing to prevent these deaths.

Proposed changes to North Carolina's math standards would shake up requirements for upperclassmen in the state’s public high schools and emphasize real-world problem-solving in all grade levels. Education leaders say they want to make math more interesting and relevant to students. WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst explains.

President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Michael Whatley in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race isn’t deterring other Republicans from the race. Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chairman who Trump endorsed this summer, is expected to face Waxhaw lawyer Don Brown and teacher Elizabeth Temple of Smithfield in the GOP primary to replace outgoing Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who isn’t seeking reelection in next year’s midterms. WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht goes over ...

The fallout from a fire that caused two million dollars in roof damage to the Raleigh Convention Center continues. While some events have been cancelled or postponed, neighboring towns' convention centers are offering to host if needed. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains where the investigation into the cause stands.

UNC Health and Cigna have yet to come to an agreement on a contract renewal. While they continue negotiating, real people are finding ways to navigate potentially life-saving procedures without spending an exorbitant amount of money. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher spoke with one woman ahead of her scheduled hysterectomy on Tuesday. Plus, what we know about insurance company contracts with healthcare providers across the state.