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
How a data breach may have impacted all NC schools--again
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is still figuring out how many districts were impacts by a breach of the Canvas learning management system…
- WRAL Daily Download
How to bring your Duke Energy bill down and other cost-saving tips
If you're a Duke Energy customer, or have to pay an electric bill to any company, you'll want to hear these tips on how to bring down your energy costs from 5…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL Meteorologist explains how drought affects mosquitos
Even after recent rain, much of North Carolina remains in drought conditions. WRAL Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner explain how dry weather could affect…
- WRAL Daily Download
What to know about WakeMed’s deal with Atrium as NC officials raise alarms
State lawmakers, the Raleigh mayor, a group that represents state employees and the state’s elected attorney general, auditor and treasurer are among…
- WRAL Daily Download
Property taxes and affordability front and center in NC legislature
State lawmakers are homing in on housing expenses as North Carolinians sour on the economy, with rising concerns over the cost of living and broader economic…
- WRAL Daily Download
NC average teacher salary at 43rd, near bottom nationwide, in new report
A new report from the National Education Association ranks the state 43rd in average teacher pay and 38th in starting teacher pay. These rankings are about the…
- WRAL Daily Download
Severe drought and a serious lack of storms in N.C. Is this normal?
Most of the state is experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, causing a statewide burn ban and water restrictions in different localities. The lack…
- WRAL Daily Download
Why St. Augustine's University is filing bankruptcy--and why it may not be the end of the college
St. Augustine's University filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy according to court documents filed this week. It comes after years of financial struggles for the…
- WRAL Daily Download
5 On Your Side fights for military family refund after deployment call
Can you really trust travel insurance when it matters most? A Fort Bragg family tried to use their policy after a sudden deployment forced them to cancel a…
- WRAL Daily Download
NC lawmakers are back, pitching book ban, Medicaid plans
The North Carolina State legislature is back in session with a lot on the docket, from a potential book ban to Medicaid changes that could affect millions of…
- WRAL Daily Download
Why North Carolina is heading toward the worst drought in 20 years
Most of North Carolina is experiencing dangerous drought conditions, causing a statewide burn ban and increasing water use restrictions in different…
- WRAL Daily Download
"I've seen people die" - Advocates ask for tighter regulations on 'forever chemicals' dumped in NC waterways, citing health concerns
Residents, scientists and health professionals are frustrated over how the state is planning to address PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' found in North…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL Meteorologist explains why a midwest tornado outbreak was a surprise
The National Weather Service's storm prediction center did not anticipate a tornado threat for the Kansas City area last week. At least three injuries were…
- WRAL Daily Download
What you need to know about the Raleigh water restrictions
The City of Raleigh implemented Stage 1 water-use restrictions Monday amid a severe drought across most of the state. Parts of the Triangle are in extreme…
- WRAL Daily Download
Campaign cash flows to NC as U.S. Senate race heats up
The 2026 midterm elections are still months away, but the money is already pouring into North Carolina at a breakneck pace. Leading candidates in the race for…
- WRAL Daily Download
15 years since the deadliest tornado outbreak in North Carolina
On April 16, 2011, 30 tornadoes ravaged the state of North Carolina, killing 24 people and injuring more than 300 people. WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL Meteorologist explains the Triangle's drought
There's been no measurable rainfall since April 5 and rain chances this weekend aren't expected to help much. It's why Raleigh leaders are considering possible…
- WRAL Daily Download
Political possibility or ‘hallucination’? NC Democrats aim to flip Republican congressional seats
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee says it’s growing confident about the party’s ability to protect its North Carolina incumbents…
- WRAL Daily Download
Facing budget crunch, schools look to slash millions in costs
Rising costs and dwindling enrollment are causing North Carolina schools to tighten their belts. Wake County Public schools proposed a budget with more than 5…
- WRAL Daily Download
Driverless taxis in Raleigh?
Could Raleigh be the next home to a fleet of driverless taxis? 5 On Your Side's Alex Littlehales and WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones talk about what the…
- WRAL Daily Download
‘Bet on the most wild things’ | What are prediction markets?
Sports wagering was just the beginning of a betting boom across the country. Now prediction markets offer the opportunity to bet on just about anything. While…
- WRAL Daily Download
UNC introduces new men's basketball head coach Michael Malone
For the first time in more than 70 years, North Carolina turned to an outsider to lead its storied men’s basketball program. Michael Malone, a longtime…
- WRAL Daily Download
Why lawmakers are closely watching NC's Helene recovery leaders
North Carolina has been allocated $1.4 billion for Hurricane Helene relief from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. More than half of that is…
- WRAL Daily Download
Why big money is pouring into North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race
An influential Republican group says it plans to spend at least $71 million to help Michael Whatley’s U.S. Senate campaign in North Carolina — an…
- WRAL Daily Download
An on-the-ground perspective as Artemis II prepares to launch for the Moon
Four astronauts--including a woman from North Carolina--are set to take off for the Moon on Wednesday aboard Artemis II. Nasa Ambassador Tony Rice is at the…
- WRAL Daily Download
5 On Your Side: Lead found in many protein powders; experts urge whole foods for protein
As high-protein diets surge in popularity, a Consumer Reports investigation found high levels of lead in some protein powders and shakes, raising questions…
- WRAL Daily Download
What Phil Berger's loss tells us about election integrity — plus what’s next
North Carolina elections officials faced intense scrutiny over recounts in the Republican primary between state Sen. Phil Berger and Rockingham County Sheriff…
- WRAL Daily Download
Why crypto currency scams are getting harder to spot
Crypto scams are surging because they're getting more sophisticated. Bank or retirement accounts are getting drained and the money is hard to trace and get…
- WRAL Daily Download
N.C.'s most powerful Republican loses a primary by 23 votes. What's next?
State Senate Leader Phil Berger loses to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page in a GOP primary for the Triad-area. Berger has been a constant in the State Senate…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL Meteorologist explains history of earthquakes in North Carolina
A magnitude 2.7 earthquake hit Western North Carolina Monday evening near the Macon-Jackson County line. Damage causing earthquakes are very rare in North…
- WRAL Daily Download
Pollen count is on the rise! What's making the season last longer?
Pollen counts are on the rise, you might have seen plenty of it sticking on surfaces outside in North Carolina. It's only going to get worse, and it's likely…
- WRAL Daily Download
Are ICE operations in N.C. targeting violent, convicted illegal immigrants?
How are ICE operations playing out here in North Carolina? WRAL Investigates dives into the limited data on who is being detained and how the numbers differ…
- WRAL Daily Download
The ways state lawmakers are thinking about lowering property taxes
On Wednesday, Republicans in the North Carolina House of Representatives rolled out a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to lower people's property tax…
- WRAL Daily Download
Sports betting in NC: Biggest takeaways from new WRAL documentary 'The Gamble'
The WRAL documentary "The Gamble: Sports Betting in North Carolina" premieres at 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday. In 2024, mobile betting launched in North Carolina…
- WRAL Daily Download
How North Carolina conducts ballot recounts
Several North Carolina primary elections are expected to go to recounts, including one in a closely watched legislative race. Senate leader Phil Berger trails…
- WRAL Daily Download
Top takeaways from NC’s primary elections
Some key themes are emerging from North Carolina's primary elections. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks it all down — from the strength of…
- WRAL Daily Download
North Carolina updates flood maps to prepare for more rain, urban growth
Do you know if you live in a flood zone? Multiple studies show that more than half of flood damage actually occurs outside of FEMA's regulatory floodzones…
- WRAL Daily Download
The training program in Chapel Hill giving nurses more experience with Botox
Botox and other cosmetic injectibles are a booming business with no national standard for training. A cosmetic injectibles training company is partnering with…
- WRAL Daily Download
Is allergy season getting worse? How climate change is impacting pollen
The official start to spring is still more than a week away, but doctors say North Carolinians are already feeling the effects of allergy symptoms. Allergy…
- WRAL Daily Download
5 headlines to watch ahead of men's ACC basketball tournament
The men's ACC basketball tournament begins Tuesday in Charlotte, NC. WRAL digital producer Jaylin Jones goes over his top five headlines ahead of the start of…
- WRAL Daily Download
Wake County schools responding to reports of new Jeffrey Epstein-inspired video game
A video game centered around convicted child sex offender financier Jeffrey Epstein may have been accessed and played by students in Wake County, school…
- WRAL Daily Download
Two votes separate GOP primary race that could shake up NC legislature
One of North Carolina’s most powerful state legislators was in a dead heat with his GOP primary opponent late Tuesday after all of the district’s…
- WRAL Daily Download
Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley to face off for US Senate seat
A popular former governor and a key ally of President Donald Trump cruised to their parties’ U.S. Senate nominations Tuesday, setting up an expected…
- WRAL Daily Download
A changing spring housing market in the Triangle
Whether you're looking to buy or sell--spring is typically the best time of the year for real estate. The red-hot Triangle market could look a little different…
- WRAL Daily Download
All eyes on NC’s open U.S. Senate seat as voters head to the polls
North Carolina voters go to the polls Tuesday to pick party nominees for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat. The seat is being closely watched…
- WRAL Daily Download
How N.C. schools are rewriting the rules of A.I.
Is there a right way to use artificial intelligence in or out of the classroom? WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst and WRAL's Destinee Patterson look…
- WRAL Daily Download
What we know about the Morrisville Apartment fire that displaced 70 people
Six people are injured and 70 people are out of their homes after a fire at the Camden Westwood Apartments in Morrisville. As residents move into recovery…
- WRAL Daily Download
5 On Your Side: What you need to look for when buying a new-build home
New construction homes are booming across the Triangle. A report from Realtor.com ranked the Raleigh area as one of the top 10 metros in the country for new…
- WRAL Daily Download
Two houses in Holly Springs and their impact on Black History
During Black History Month, WRAL anchor/reporter Kirstyn Clark and digital producer Jaylin Jones talk about a local piece of important history - the Pack-House…
- WRAL Daily Download
Why overdoses are down in some parts of North Carolina, but not others
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports fentanyl and opioid overdoses dropped dramatically between 2024 and 2025. However, some…
- WRAL Daily Download
WRAL's Ken Smith reflects on Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy
Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday at the age of 84. The civil rights icon was also a groundbreaking politician who made two runs for the presidency in the 1980s…
- WRAL Daily Download
How a routine phone call led to the closure of a Wake County high school
About 150 students at Crossroads Flex High School are without a school building after fire marshal intervention. It all started with a phone call in 2023 - a…
- WRAL Daily Download
The battle over elections in North Carolina
Which political party should have the final say on where, when and how people vote in North Carolina? That’s a question being argued in state court. WRAL…
- WRAL Daily Download
How climate change is reshaping winter sports--from the Olympics to the NC mountains
Warmer winters are shrinking reliable snow worldwide. It's leading to adaptions at ski resorts in western North Carolina and at the Milan-Cortina Winter…
- WRAL Daily Download
5 On Your Side: Why a bank held a woman's $10K ATM deposit
A woman went to deposit a $10K check at an ATM and didn't receive a receipt back. After bringing it forward to her bank, they told her the deposit would be…
- WRAL Daily Download
NCDMV cuts early morning hours after federal funding runs out
We’ve been following along with changes to the DMV. WRAL has reported extensively on long wait times, new offices and a top-down effort to make the North…
- WRAL Daily Download
Will Austin Thompson testify in the Hedingham shooting sentencing hearing?
On Tuesday, Austin Thompson's defense team will begin presenting evidence in his sentencing hearing. Thompson pleaded guilty to killing five people in the…
- WRAL Daily Download
Stein seeks to bridge gap between mental health and criminal justice systems
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed a new executive order last week aimed at improving coordination between the state’s behavioral health and criminal…
- WRAL Daily Download
How a North Carolina HBCU is keeping its historic radio station alive
Nearly a third of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S. have radio stations. As we celebrate Black history this month, WRAL's Kirstyn…
- WRAL Daily Download
What more data centers in Wake County could do to your wallet
A massive data center proposal in southern Wake County is raising questions. Developers want to build a campus of four data center buildings, each the size of…