Shows / WRAL Daily Download
WRAL Daily Download
The WRAL Daily Download is an in-depth conversation about a single news story. WRAL covers news across North Carolina every day, but this podcast focuses on one story at a time, bringing context to each conversation. The in-depth, localized podcast takes you into the latest stories from Raleigh, Durham, and the entire Triangle region on North Carolina. This is community news aimed at keeping you informed about the more subtle stories that are happening around you. Hosted by WRAL News…
Episodes
- WRAL Daily Download
Breaking down the ballot: 3 constitutional amendments you should know about before you vote in N.C.
In less than 10 minutes, WRAL's Emily Walkenhorst and Elizabeth Holmes talk about the three constitutional amendments that will appear on everyone's ballot in…
- WRAL Daily Download
What to watch in the races for Wake County Schools Board of Education
Four Wake school board seats are up for grabs this November. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst asked all eleven candidates for their thougths on…
- WRAL Daily Download
What you need to know about the race for North Carolina State Supreme Court
North Carolina is somewhat unique in that the justices on it's highest court are elected by the voters. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains why…
- WRAL Daily Download
How to rise of "AI Slop" is impacting a content creator in NC
Imagine you're scrolling on social media and you see your face being used on someone else in multiple videos. That's what happened to a Triangle woman who uses…
- WRAL Daily Download
Congressional races in N.C. we're keeping our eyes on
WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran shares more on the Congressional races heating up, especially one in Eastern North Carolina, as well as what happened…
- WRAL Daily Download
Why you'll likely see higher heating bills this winter
WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin shares the reason why you'll see higher heating costs this winter and what you can do to save money on your utility…
- WRAL Daily Download
In Depth: Wake Schools technology survey
Wake Schools is discussing how much students should be using technology in the classroom. Dan Haggerty takes an in-depth look at specific programs and what…
- WRAL Daily Download
Prosecution rests in Faith Hedgepeth murder trial
After 9 days of testimony, the prosecution has rested its case in the UNC student murder trial. Miguel Salguero-Olivares is on trial for the murder of Faith…
- WRAL Daily Download
On The Record: Everything we learned from the WRAL Poll
For this week's On the Record, WRAL state government reporter Will Doran and WRAL News+ anchor Grace Holland talk through this week's exclusive WRAL/WSOC Poll…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL POLL: Where voters stand on violent crime, immigration and youth sports
The exclusive WRAL/WSOC Poll conducted by SurveyUSA asked North Carolinians how they feel about several big talking points for Republican candidates. WRAL…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL POLL: Economy is top Midterm Election issue for North Carolinian
North Carolinians who are likely to vote in 2026 are mostly unsure or pessimistic about their personal finances, say that it’s gotten worse over the past…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL POLL: Democrat Roy Cooper leads by double digits in race for North Carolina's U.S. Senate seat
Democrat Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley by a wide margin in the race to claim North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat as voters sour on…
- WRAL Daily Download
Tornadoes hit central North Carolina: A look at the video and data
People in North Carolina are assessing damage after tornadoes touched down across the central part of the state. WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner and…
- WRAL Daily Download
On the Record: NC gas tax suspended
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed a law suspending the state's gas tax on gasoline and diesel fuel. It's aimed at lowering prices that have remained…
- WRAL Daily Download
In Depth: What happened to Zoe Welsh? New WRAL documentary highlights decades of warning leading up to her tragic death
The tragic loss of Zoe Welsh shook the Ravenscroft community, but the warning signs were there for decades. WRAL Documentary Investigator Cristin Severance…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL Investigates | More families come forward after cemetery mix-up in Raleigh
New claims of burial mistakes at a Raleigh cemetery. Several weeks ago, we first told you about a cemetery mix-up at Montlawn Cemetery. A family discovered a…
- WRAL Daily Download
In Depth: The AI Regulation Crisis
Artificial Intelligence is evolving at a breakneck pace, but industry leaders and governments are clashing over how we can keep it under control. WRAL'S Dan…
- WRAL Daily Download
Does a calmer Atlantic hurricane season mean a more active winter?
This Atlantic hurricane season has been pretty inactive so far. Does the quiet now lead to more noise down the road – in the winter? WRAL meteorologist…
- WRAL Daily Download
Will you be able to retire? Social Security becomes issue in senate race
Social Security is a pillar of retirement for older people across the country. Because of a variety of factors, this government program will reach insolvency…
- WRAL Daily Download
Multiple injuries and an escape: Father shares frustrations pulling children out of dangerous Orange County home
A Fayetteville father is upset his complaints to Social Services did not help remove his children from dangerous living conditions, even providing documented…
- WRAL Daily Download
Senate passes Protect College Sports Act in bipartisan vote
Earlier this week, the Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act in a bipartisan vote. It would regulate governing payments in NIL deals and how often…
- WRAL Daily Download
5 On Your Side | Lawsuit alleges companies mixed contaminated fuel into clean loads
Do you know what's in your fuel? A lawsuit alleges two companies conspired to mix contaminated fuel with clean fuel loads and sell it to drivers at 130 gas…
- WRAL Daily Download
Faith Hedgepeth murder trial | Jury selection begins in 2012 killing of UNC student
The murder trial in the death of UNC student Faith Hedgepeth began in Durham Monday. The case has gripped the Triangle for more than a decade. WRAL's Monica…
- WRAL Daily Download
On the Record | Hurricane Helene: 2 years later
Sunday, September 27, marks two years since Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, becoming both the deadliest and most economically destructive storm in state…
- WRAL Daily Download
Former NC State athletic trainer faces doezen of charges for sexual abuse
Robert Murphy Jr. is now facing dozens of charges tied to possible sexual abuse while working with athletes at NC State. WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter…
- WRAL Daily Download
In Depth: Fact-Checking President Trump’s NC Rally: Crime, Gas Prices & The Senate Race
President Donald Trump visited Gastonia, NC to back Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, Michael Whatley. He discussed violent crime, diesel prices, and more…
- WRAL Daily Download
From the Vault: What should you do if you fall behind on car payments?
Car payments are getting harder for families to afford as the cost of groceries, housing, insurance, and other bills continue to rise. 5 On Your Side's Keely…
- WRAL Daily Download
On the Record | President Trump focuses on crime, hurricane response in North Carolina stop
President Donald Trump spoke in Gastonia to give a boost to Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley. His comments got a strong response from Governor…
- WRAL Daily Download
UNC football internal investigation: Drug use, inappropriate relationships and compliance issues
WRAL sports investigate reporter Brian Murphy talks about what he learned from investigators who looked into allegations of drug use, sexual relationships and…
- WRAL Daily Download
From the vault: What additives are putting junk in your junk food?
For today's WRAL Daily Download, we're going back in the vault to a previous episode. A new Consumer Reports investigation found concerning levels of certain…
- WRAL Daily Download
WakeMed CEO discusses possible Atrium Health merger
As WakeMed plans a massive partnership with Atrium Health, major questions remain about the cost of care, charity care and the potential for a $2 billion…
- WRAL Daily Download
North Carolina's fall foliage forecast for 2026
The fall foliage forecast is out for 2026! WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell spoke with a local expert to go over what our leaves will do this year. The heat…
- WRAL Daily Download
On the Record | US senate race in North Carolina heating up
Less than two months from midterm elections and the campaign trail is heating up for U.S. senate Democratic nominee Roy Cooper and U.S. senate Republican…
- WRAL Daily Download
NC auditor: It might be time to change the math as lottery sales soar, money to schools doesn't
The North Carolina Education Lottery has for years not met its goal of giving out at least 38% of proceeds to public education, which mostly includes K-12…
- WRAL Daily Download
Unfolding the investigation into Michael Lombardi
What led up to UNC Football's General Manager Michael Lombardi's resignation? WRAL's Pat Welter and Chris Lea walk us through the month leading up to his…
- WRAL Daily Download
5 On Your Side: Doorbell cameras for safety
Consumer Reports evaluated dozens of doorbell camera models, looking at video quality, response time and data security. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur speaks…
- WRAL Daily Download
‘Our high standard’: Belichick says UNC football has environment of compliance as probe continues
On Monday morning, we heard from UNC football head coach Bill Belichick for the first time since the resignation of general manager Michael Lombardi…
- WRAL Daily Download
On the Record | Voting underway in NC as officials make last-minute changes
Voting is underway in North Carolina, as the 2026 midterm elections started here Friday. North Carolina is the first state in the country to begin voting…
- WRAL Daily Download
Lombardi out as UNC investigators probe allegations of drug use, sex among players, staff
University of North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi, the highest-paid general manager in college football, resigned Thursday after a…
- WRAL Daily Download
How one university is closing the maternity care gap in rural North Carolina
What is a maternity care desert? How many of them are in North Carolina? WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba and WRAL News+ Anchor Elizabeth Holmes speak about…
- WRAL Daily Download
‘More opportunity’: Former leaders reflect on merger of Wake, Raleigh schools 50 years later
Students in the capital used to go to school at either a Raleigh city school or a Wake County school. 50 years ago this year, the two school districts merged…
- WRAL Daily Download
What happened when a Raleigh cemetery buried someone else in a family plot
A Wake County family is raising questions about the state's cemetery oversight after someone else's remains were buried in a plot they bought burial rights for…
- WRAL Daily Download
On the Record: The back-and-forth about mail-in ballots
North Carolina election officials say things are "business as usual" as they plan to send mail-in ballots out next week. But there's been legal back-and-forth…
- WRAL Daily Download
Is hydroponic produce safer during foodborne illness outbreaks?
Foodborne illness outbreaks have some shoppers eyeing hydroponic lettuce, but is is safer? WRAL Climate Change reporter Liz McLaughlin spoke with farmers and…
- WRAL Daily Download
How to get rid of secret subscriptions
Americans waste up to $1,000 annually on unused and unwanted subscriptions. The law is on your side when it comes to getting rid of them. WRAL's Keely Arthur…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL'S Elizabeth Gardner and Aimee Wilmoth discuss Christina Koch's impact
NASA Astronaut Christina Koch returned to her alma mater, NC State, this week for the first time since her trip to the moon. WRAL Meteorologists Elizabeth…
- WRAL Daily Download
Daily Download Vault: As Christina Koch is honored, looking back at Artemis II mission
NASA astronaut Christina Koch visited North Carolina State University, her alma mater, on Monday for a "welcome home"-style event. Koch, who became the first…
- WRAL Daily Download
On the Record | NC early voting plan eliminates Sunday voting in some counties
Critics of early-voting plans adopted this year by North Carolina Republicans are accusing GOP leaders of discrimination, alleging that they’re…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL investigates: Students say Wake County schools' biggest problem isn't AC. It's the bathrooms.
Wake County public schools have been experiencing issues with their HVAC in a third of schools. WRAL Investigates dove into other records and found that many…
- WRAL Daily Download
Law enforcement, community discuss youth violence at WRAL town hall
WRAL News brought together law enforcement and community leaders on Wednesday for an open discussion about youth violence, what’s driving it and what we…
- WRAL Daily Download
FULL INTERVIEW: Rocky Mount Energy Resources Director Bradley Walters
Several Rocky Mount city staff members and council members are attending a power utility conference at a four-star Virginia resort as the city faces financial…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL Sports anchors break down Triangle college football forecast
The college football season is just around the corner. WRAL Sports anchors Pat Welter and Chris Lea explain how NC State, UNC and Duke's seasons are looking.
- WRAL Daily Download
On the Record | The races that will determine the future of North Carolina state politics
Election results across the country are showing positive signs for Democrats. Since President Donald Trump started his second term, special elections to fill…
- WRAL Daily Download
A one-on-one with Durham's new police chief
Durham has a new top cop. Stephanie Mardis will be the city's new police chief, starting in early September. She's focused on reducing violence, improving…
- WRAL Daily Download
Family says DSS should have acted sooner before Johnston County boy’s death
A 4-year-old Johnston County boy is dead, and his family believes Child Protective Services should have done more to protect him. WRAL reviewed records to…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL reporter recounts meeting man who survived hanging for crime he didn't commit
Lynn Council died Sunday at 93 years old. Council survived an attempted hanging by two Wake County deputies who were trying to corece a confession from him…
- WRAL Daily Download
Where are teachers going to make more money?
Wake County teachers earn less on average than their peers in comparable southeastern metropolitan areas, a WRAL News data analysis shows. That’s despite…
- WRAL Daily Download
On the Record | US Rep. Chuck Edwards ends reelection campaign after House Ethics Committee report
North Carolina Republicans plan to replace U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards on the ballot as soon as next week following the incumbent’s decision Wednesday to end…
- WRAL Daily Download
The Tar Heel Traveler visits the Sherrod Homestead and the Old Moose
Scott Mason introduces us to a family rescuing their ancestral home in Wilson County. He also visits the Ol' Moose store in Edgecombe County.
- WRAL Daily Download
Why THC gummies and beverages are still legal--for now--in North Carolina
NC lawmakers agree that legal hemp products have been too widely available. But they can't agree on how to limit them, leaving gummies, beverages and other…