WRAL Daily Download

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 hap...

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.

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 investig...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The GOP-led North Carolina House of Representatives wants to spend almost $1 billion on bigger raises for teachers and other state employees. But will the proposal go anywhere? WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down that and other ideas in the House budget proposal, which was released late Monday.

School boards across the state are starting their school years ahead of the earliest allowable date in North Carolina. A group of parents and coastal businesses are challenging one board in court. The outcome of the case could affect school systems across the state. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains.

As hundreds of thousands decend on Pinehurst for the U.S. Open, many of them will look for nightlife in the town's social district. A nonprofit is hoping some of them will find their way to it's beer garden, which is raising money for the families of Special Operations. WRAL's Grace Holland explores what this event shows about the close relationship between golfers and military families in the San...

The U.S. Open begins Thursday in Pinehurst and it's bringing tens of thousands of people to the Sandhills. WRAL's Brett Kneese talks about what the atmosphere is like for fans visiting the legendary golf course.