Episodes

Nov. 19, 2025

Federal immigration enforcement agents on the ground in Raleigh and Durham

Local officials confirmed federal immigration agents were conducting operations in the Triangle Tuesday. Videos of interactions with those agents in Raleigh and Durham flooded social media along political statements on the operation. WRAL's Louis Fernandez and Grace Holland break down what we know so far.
Nov. 18, 2025

What an internal shuffle means for the future of the North Carolina State Board of Elections

An internal shuffle is raising new questions about partisanship at the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Less than a week before voters went to the polls this month, a top staffer took voluntary leave after what appeared to be an internal dispute over a statement refuting a Democratic Party leader. That came a day after the board’s top lawyer had departed. The departures come months after the elections board shifted from Democratic to Republican control. It also has new oversight from t...
Nov. 17, 2025

Why NC lawmakers are at a stalemate over Medicaid funding

Rising health care costs and increased enrollment have left the state’s Medicaid program with a gaping funding gap. But lawmakers can’t agree on a bill that would fill it, and they plan to ignore orders by Gov. Josh Stein to hold a special session this week to strike a deal. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down the battle over the funding, and explains what happens if the shortfall isn’t solved.
Nov. 14, 2025

Inside the Toyota electric vehicle battery plant charging up in North Carolina

The first Toyota electric vehicle batteries built in the U.S. rolled off the line in North Carolina this week. It was the culmination of a 14 billion dollar project taking place over the last four years. WRAL's Grace Holland shares her experience touring the assembly line.
Nov. 13, 2025

Could flying cars come to North Carolina?

North Carolina is known for being first in flight. Wilbur and Orville Wright claimed that title. Fast forward 122 years later. America's first flying car is touching down in the Tar Heel state. WRAL's Flynn Snyder shares what this could mean for transportation in North Carolina and what challenges those wanting to fly may face.
Nov. 12, 2025

As government shutdown nears an end, thousands of North Carolinians could see healthcare costs rise

The House is set to vote on a Senate approved plan to reopen the government. It would restore important funding for federal food aid and federal workers' pay but it does not extend expiring health subsidies. WRAL's Ashley Roe explains what impacts that would have on healthcare costs in our state.
Nov. 11, 2025

How climate stressors can serve as early warning signs for North Carolina and beyond

Researchers at the City University of New York's Advanced Science Research Center have published new findings that could create a new way to detect climate threats before they show up. They call it a "Climate BioStress Sentinel System" that would track how climate change is stressing living things, using those signals in a preventative fashion. WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin explains how this works and how it could be implemented in a state like North Carolina.
Nov. 10, 2025

Why one of NC’s most powerful politicians is in a ‘slugfest’ for his seat

One of the most accomplished Republican legislators in North Carolina history faces a primary challenger with enough name-recognition to potentially capture his seat and upend the state’s power dynamics — a battle involving casinos, shrimpers, raw milk and allegations of playing politics with public safety. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains.
Nov. 7, 2025

Flying during the shutdown as flights across the country are set to be canceled

This year's government shutdown is the longest in history. Over the past few weeks, we've started to see direct impacts across the country. The newest trouble comes in the sky. The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered a reduction of air traffic at 40 of the busiest airports across the United States. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur joins us to talk through what troubles we could see at RDU and beyond, plus what you should know if you're flying soon.
Nov. 6, 2025

What does Wake County's blue wave mean ahead of the 2026 U.S. Senate race?

Four different towns in Wake County will have new mayors next year. It comes after Democrats made big gains in the county’s suburbs on election night. Paul Specht and Will Doran with WRAL's NC Capitol Team break down what happened and what this may mean for Democrats and Republicans heading into 2026 – when all eyes will be on North Carolina for the U.S. Senate race.
Nov. 5, 2025

North Carolina FC to pause team and focus on USL Division One in 2028

North Carolina FC is seeking membership in a new, higher USL division and will suspend operations after this season to pursue that. The move would require a larger stadiumm WRAL's Louis Fernandez explains how that could also help the NC Courage.
Nov. 4, 2025

WRAL Investigates tracks what Wake County intersections have the most car crashes

When you’re driving in Wake County, are there any intersections that make you worry? Maybe you make sure to pay EXTRA attention, maybe you just avoid them all together? WRAL Investigates has looked into what Wake County intersections have the most car crashes and what’s being done to make things better. Sarah Krueger combs through the NCDOT data and shares the results with us.
Nov. 3, 2025

How local North Carolinians are being impacted by SNAP uncertainty

As the government shutdown continues, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, has faced much uncertainty. The U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to the country's biggest food aid program starting on Saturday, November 1, but two federal judges have ruled that a contingency fund must be used. Even that emergency fund only extends SNAP so long. More than 1.4 million North Carolinians receive help from SNAP. We're sharing stories of people dealing with the uncert...
Oct. 31, 2025

How is Durham taking a different approach to gun violence?

When it comes to crime in Durham, both City and County leaders say things are heading in the right direction. Overall violent crime is down compared to last year. But now, Durham’s taking a new approach to tackling gun violence. WRAL’s Monica Casey weighs in.
Oct. 30, 2025

The continous collapse of beachfront homes in the Outer Banks a "gut punch" to residents

On Wednesday, the National Park Service put out a warning to visitors coming to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore: avoid the beach and stay out of the water. It comes after five different homes on the oceanfront collapsed this week, leaving hazardous debris in the water and along the beach. So far this year, the National Park Service has reported 16 oceanfront homes have collapsed. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin shares more.
Oct. 29, 2025

Zebulon man arrested after his four children found dead in the trunk of a car

Johnston County deputies and State Bureau of Investigation agents searched for evidence at a home in Zebulon Tuesday after four children were found dead. Deputies say their father told 911 he killed them. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher explains what we know about the case so far.
Oct. 28, 2025

What the ACC is doing to return to powerhouse status in men's basketball

The Atlantic Coast Conference got just four teams into the men's NCAA Tournament last season, one of the lowest totals it's had in decades. For the past few years, the men's side of things have underperformed in the regular season for the ACC. WRAL Sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy dives into why that is, what changes have been made and what the future could look like for the former top conference.
Oct. 27, 2025

NC lawmakers brace for lawsuits over congressional districts

North Carolina’s new congressional districts, approved Wednesday, are already facing legal challenges. The new voting map gives Republicans an edge in 11 of the state’s 14 congressional districts. Opponents allege racial gerrymandering, a claim GOP lawmakers deny. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down the arguments.
Oct. 24, 2025

5 On Your Side solves DMV mystery ticket for local woman

Imagine getting a letter saying your driver’s license is being suspended, for a ticket from a state you’ve never even visited. That’s what happened to one North Carolina woman. 5 On Your Side’s Keely Arthur uncovers how a simple mistake nearly cost her license, and what you need to know to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Oct. 23, 2025

Lawmakers approve new NC congressional map to boost GOP edge in U.S. House races

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.
Oct. 22, 2025

Bill Belichick focuses on football as spotlight on UNC Tarheels remains bright

Several headlines came out of a Tuesday press conference with UNC Football Coach Bill Belichick. From a suspended coach reinstated to a paused Hulu docuseries and a trip to Saudi Arabia, there's been a lot of distractions. WRAL's Brian Murphy explains how the team is handling all of that and preparing for this weekend's game against Virginia.
Oct. 21, 2025

5 On Your Side solves phone bill battle for woman and her husband with dementia

A Wake Forest woman tried over and over again to get Verizon to cancel her husband's phone service. He was diagnosed with dementia more than a decade ago and now lives in an assisted care facility. She contacted 5 On Your Side and within a week Verizon resolved the matter. Keely Arthur explains what happened and how you can be prepared if you ever need to handle bills and subscriptions for a loved one.
Oct. 20, 2025

NC Republicans make moves for more seats in the U.S. House

State lawmakers are coming back to Raleigh this week to vote on newly proposed congressional districts — an effort to help the GOP maintain its majority in Congress. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down the new map and lays out what’s expected in the week ahead.
Oct. 17, 2025

How Raleigh plans to grow in the right ways

The City of Raleigh is rewriting the plan that will guide growth over the next 20 years. The comprehensive plan will provide a roadmap for where to build homes, roads and parks while accounting for the the issues that come with a changing climate and a rapidly growing population. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin breaks down the strategies leaders are planning to use.