WRAL Daily Download

As part of WRAL’s continuing celebration of Black History Month, we are sharing another story about the Underground Railroad with WRAL’s Hidden History Reporter Heather Leah. This time, she tells us about her experience traveling to Halifax, the site of triumph for many Freedom Seekers, but also the site where the struggle of some enslaved people to escape ended tragically.

Back in 1991, the Triangle was growing, and so was the interest in professional sports. The World League of American Football started the Skyhawks. They played for exactly one season at Raleigh’s Carter-Finley Stadium and never won a game. Sports Radio Host Joe Ovies fills us in on this little-known story in local sports history and tells us about his upcoming podcast, “Brief History of Triangle S...

This is a big week for Raleigh and the Carolina Hurricanes. Saturday’s outdoor game at Carter Finley Stadium puts Raleigh in the national hockey spotlight. The Canes are having an amazing season, and with one Stanley Cup win in 2006, the spotlight is not new to team. What’s different here is Raleigh, North Carolina itself. Adam Gold talks with Brian Murphy on what the game brings to the community,...

Republicans took control of the state Supreme Court in November’s elections, and in short order they’ve moved to overturn precedents in major election cases. Now, based on leaked notes from a recent meeting, more changes are coming to consolidate power at the court’s highest levels.

WRAL’s Gerald Owens talks with former North Carolina men's basketball coach Roy Williams about his life in retirement -- from putting on the Tar Heels mascot costume for a cameo in a Super Bowl commercial, to watching UNC games as a fan instead of as a coach. The wide-ranging conversation covers NIL, the transfer portal, and the simple joy of finally having the time to play a round of golf during...

Some people watch for the game, others watch for the half-time show, still others watch for the creative commercials that we remember long after the game fades from our memories. This year WRAL picked a winner with a commercial that wowed audiences with a surprise appearance from a legendary sports figure. We speak with Capitol Broadcasting Marketing Director John Gilliam about how he created this...

African Americans fleeing slavery took refuge in this swampy area that straddles the northern North Carolina and Virginia line in the 1800’s. Today, it is part of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. As part of our special coverage of Black History Month, Hidden History reporter Heather Leah took a trip to these wetlands and shares her experience along with the history, the myths and t...

Wait times are up again at North Carolina’s Division of Motor Vehicles, and it’s not even the busy season. 5 On Your Side’s Keely Arthur joins us to break down what she found at the state’s DMV and what’s causing the delays. Plus: Tips to make your experience move faster.

Thirty-five years ago two men walked into a Robeson County newspaper with sawed off shotguns, chained the doors and demanded to speak to the governor. During the 10-hour ordeal, WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy spoke to one of the men live on the air. Documentary photographer Jay Jennings covered the story that day, and remembers a “surreal” day and story.

In the past week, we’ve seen multiple schools in Wake County on lockdowns after threats of violence were made on social media. This prompted schools to add extra security to basketball games over the weekend. Some parents say they are thinking about keeping their children home in light of these threats. WRAL reporter Adam Owens explains.

North Carolina schools are handed an A-F letter grade every year, marking them for success or failure in the eyes of regulators and the public. State education leaders say those grades rely too much on standardized tests, which most of the state’s teachers don’t even teach. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains what they’re doing to change the way they assess schools.

As a special bonus episode today, listen in on WRAL anchor/reporter Ken Smith’s extended interview with North Carolina State University professor Jason Miller about recently found film of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to Reynolds Coliseum in 1966. Miller talks about the moment he found out about the existence of the film after years of searching, the images it shows – including a KKK protest...

It’s only 22 seconds long and it’s silent, but this newly discovered film of Martin Luther King visiting Reynolds Coliseum in July of 1966 speaks volumes. WRAL reporter and anchor Ken Smith interviews people who vividly remember that day and speaks to an NCSU English professor who has spent years researching the visit. This is part of our special Black History Month coverage.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis spent five years in the Bull City and now has found herself in the middle of a national firestorm—the beating death of a man after a traffic stop by five of her officers. She called the incident “heinous, reckless and inhumane.” She fired the officers and disbanded their special unit. WRAL reporter Sarah Krueger talks about Davis’ time serving Durham and h...

One of only four homes on the National Historic Register in Cary, the 150-year-old Ivey-Ellington Waddell House is being moved from one spot in the downtown area to make way for new development. WRAL’s Hidden History reporter, Heather Leah, shares with us the significance of this house and why it’s so important to preserve this part of the town’s past.

Traffic in the Triangle sometimes means slower speeds, and longer trips. Julian Grace talks with WRAL Traffic Anchor Brian Shrader about current traffic patterns, projects in the works, and if a light rail commuter system is a possible solution. This discussion will give listeners insight on how traffic patterns in the Triangle work, and what could change in the future.

Mike Krzyzewski talks about the Final Four, his last game in Cameron Indoor Stadium, and his new dog, Coach, with WRAL’s Debra Morgan in part two of her in-depth interview with the coaching legend.

Love him, or not, former Duke Men’s Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski has been a fixture in the Triangle for decades. With his retirement last year, our local basketball landscape experienced the end of an era -- but retirement has been a new beginning for Coach K. In part one of this special two-part special, Coach K talks with WRAL’s Debra Morgan about family, watching Duke basketball (from...

Before last week, State Auditor Beth Wood wasn’t often in the headlines. But then news of a hit-and-run charge against her came to light. Lots of questions remain about the crash. For people who don’t follow North Carolina government closely, the biggest one was: “Who is Beth Wood?” WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht, who profiled Wood at WRAL.com, explains.

In 2022, the North Carolina Highway Patrol chased more than 1000 drivers. This represents a 131 percent increase in chases since 2019. In 2022, seven people died, and 13 were seriously hurt in these pursuits. Why is this happening? What are the official Highway Patrol policies surrounding chases? WRAL’s Joe Fisher investigated the issue and shares what he learned.

North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood hit another car after a holiday party last month, then left the scene with the car running. She’s been charged with hit and run, and has a court date Thursday, but has refused to answer questions about that night, including whether she was drinking.

Page Calloway wasn’t really living in 2021, she just existed. Her failing kidney caused the wife, mother, grandmother, and full-time hair stylist for be on dialysis for nine hours a day. WRAL employee Erin Simanskis died in January 2022 after being struck by a hit and run driver during a snowstorm. Her family donated her organs. Her kidney went to Page. We bring Page and Erin’s widower, Ed, togeth...

Since 1986, the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network has supported people in their darkest hour…people who are the family members of murder victims. They offer emotional support, support in the courtroom, and financial support. Their state funding has been virtually eliminated. It’s a non-profit organization that offers services free to their clients. They are hoping the Governor’s Crime Commi...

North Carolina’s students with disabilities are falling behind. Test score data show they’re not doing as well as their peers nationally. They’re suspended at far higher rates than other students. Advocates in the state want to see more resources, more training and better curriculum. WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst explains the battle parents are fighting for services for disabled childr...

As Raleigh’s skyline fills with cranes that are busy building new high rises, some of the old flavor that many people grew up with is disappearing. WRAL’s Hidden History reporter Heather Leah takes us on a trip down memory lane to take stock in what is vanishing to make way for progress. https://www.wral.com/losing-history-8-iconic-places-that-changed-forever-in-raleigh-last-year/20646793/