WRAL Daily Download

It’s time to tee up! The top names in golf are at Pinehurst, ready to tackle No. 2 for the 2024 U.S. Open. WRAL Sports Journalist Louis Fernandez joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about the tournament and more. 

The well-being of children has improved since the Covid-19 pandemic. But they’re still worse off than they were 10 years ago, according to the results of a federal survey of North Carolina students. Officials say more work needs to be done to improve students’ mental health.  WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains how they’re tackling the problem.

Rememberance services Tyler, Susie and 8-year-old Miles Campbell continue this weekend. The family of three were killed in a Memorial Day crash on U.S. Highway 70. In this episode, we reflect on the outpouring of support for their loved ones since the crash. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan also walks us through the charges against the man accused of causing the crash.

A new report shows public drinking water systems in cities like Durham and Fayetteville are contaminated with PFAS. These "Forever Chemicals" have been linked to serious health problems. The EPA set new limits on the amount of PFAS allowed in drinking water but WRAL Climate Reporter Liz McLaughlin explains how efforts to clean it up are stalling along party lines.

Over the last two decades, gangs have reportedly grown in the south and a change in the law here has resulted in younger people getting recruited to join. Some law enforcement members link hundreds of crimes to them. It’s why our lastest WRAL’s documentary digs into the topic. Producer and reporter Cristin Severance talks with Ali Ingersoll about her latest investigation.  

Summer is here and we are feeling the heat already. Local officials are looking to minimize the threat of that to our community. WRAL’s climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about this.  

Special education advocates are rallying around a new proposal that would fund services for students with disabilities based on the students’ needs. Right now, the state provides the same amount for every student — regardless of their disability — a system that has frustrated advocates for the disabled. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhosrt breaks down the plan and explains ho...

On Friday, Former President Donald Trump is expected to speak after a jury convicted him of felony crimes. He was found guilty Thursday of 34 counts of falsifying business records in a hush money scheme. WRAL spoke to a team of local experts about the implications of the case.

Nearly 100 people have been shot in Durham so far in 2024 and now the Bull City is considering a unique approach to stopping future shootings. City Council wants to create an Office of Survivor Care. WRAL Durham Reporter Monica Casey explains how the plan could work.

While a historic vote of no confidence was purely symbolic, records now show the university re-requested an independent health investigation just hours after that happened. Ali Ingersoll talks with 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur about what else is in documents she received and provides an update to her ongoing investigation into Poe Hall. 

North Carolina is filled with history like 150 year old trees, abandoned towns. You don’t have to travel far to find something interesting to explore. Wral digital journalist and resident historian Heather Leah joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about some of her favorite spots. 

North Carolina’s teacher shortage has been worse this year, even after statewide pay raises. The problem has people wondering: Are the raises enough? Or do leaders need to make other changes to help make sure North Carolina’s classrooms are staffed? WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst shares what she learned after speaking with teachers, administrators and education experts.

On Thursday, NOAA issued its forecast for the 2024 hurricane season saying there is an 85 percent chance for more named storms and major hurricanes than average. It's in line with what other forecasters have predicted. WRAL Meteorologist Brian Shrader explains what we need to prepare for here in North Carolina.

North Carolina lawmakers, business leaders and students made the case for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies Wednesday as the UNC System's Board of Governors prepared to repeal it. WRAL's Eric Miller explains the arguments for and against the decision.

It seems like every week Raleigh is making some kind of list. Ali Ingersoll spoke with WRAL digital journalist Jessica Patrick about the variety of lists and what exactly it is that people are loving about the triangle.  

A sewage situation backing up into people’s homes. 5 on your side has been investigating this problem for years. Producer Pritchard Strong joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about the latest update to this issue.

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs are on the chopping block at UNC System schools — part of a trend in Republican-led states. Supporters of the programs see an effort to help students whose communities have long faced discrimination. Critics say they’ve become too political, and they say eliminating the programs could save the state millions of dollars. UNC System officials are...

State lawmakers want to stop protesters from wearing masks. This week, a bill that passed the state senate would make it illegal to wear masks in public even when worn for health reasons. People who need them would need to weigh breaking the law against protecting themselves. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie explains what experts say about the legality of this potential ban.

On Wednesday, the North Carolina state senate passed a bill aimed at protecting people from a dark use of A.I. The bill outlaws A.I. generated child porn as our state's courts are facing these cases more and more. WRAL's Eric Miller breaks down the bill and one case out of Charlotte that's catching people's attention.

Colors danced above north carolina skies recently as the northern lights made a rare appearance in the area. Tony Rice -- a WRAL writer and NASA ambassador -- joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about this occurrence.  

A rare Camaro, an Escalade – pricey, luxury vehicles stolen from dealership lots in a matter of minutes. WRAL Investigative Producer Randall Kerr joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about the increasing trend with these thefts.

Dave Boliek and Jack Clark face each other Tuesday in a runoff to become the Republican Party’s nominee for state auditor, a position that voters haven’t sought to change in 16 years. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains why partisanship and professional licensing are at the center of the race.

The disappearances of Blake and London Deven have captured the attention of social media sleuths as the search for them continues to twist and turn. Both adopted siblings disappeared several years ago but were not reported missing until this year. On Blake Deven's 18th birthday, WRAL Anchor Chris Lovingood explains where the case stands.

 A long stretch of I-95 runs through our state as it takes travelers from Miami to Maine through a dozen states. Law enforcement say it's not just travelers using the route, it's also drug traffickers. WRAL Investigates' Chelsea Donovan rode along with a special team of officers on a 50 mile stretch through Nash County to see what they find in traffic stops every day.    

The battle for the Republican nomination for North Carolina lieutenant Governor will be decided in a May 14 runoff. GOP candidates Jim O’Neill and Hal Weatherman have different ideas for how to lead the office after Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s term ends — assuming one of them can beat Democrat Rachel Hunt in November. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains.