WRAL Daily Download
Capitol Broadcasting
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 journalists, episodes post weekdays by 4:30am.
Location:
United States
Genres:
News & Politics Podcasts
Networks:
Capitol Broadcasting
Description:
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 journalists, episodes post weekdays by 4:30am.
Language:
English
Episodes
NC Democrats seek to pry a state Senate seat from Republicans
7/18/2025
North Carolina Democrats need to flip just one seat in the state Senate next year to give Gov. Josh Stein more veto power. Republicans hold a veto-proof majority in the chamber. Whether the GOP keeps that power could come down to a few key 2026 races. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran explains why Democrats are focused on their candidate in Rocky Mount — and how Republicans plan to stop him.
Duration:00:13:33
Why North Carolina is seeing a bug boom after heavy rain and heat
7/17/2025
As parts of our area recover from flooding due to recent rainfall, some are dealing with another consequence--more bugs. Experts say insect populations are exploding due to summer heat and rain. WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin joins us to explain how to protect yourself, your home and your pets.
Duration:00:07:52
Man charged in Faith Hedgepeth murder now faces new drug charges
7/16/2025
Miguel Salguero-Olivares is waiting for trial in the Durham County Detention Center. On Tuesday, a court hearing focused on charges that he had meth inside the jail. It comes as his defense team continues to build its case for his trial for the murder of Faith Hedgepeth. WRAL's Monica Casey breaks down these new developments.
Duration:00:12:47
North Carolina sues over Trump education funding cuts
7/15/2025
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced announced a lawsuit Monday over more than $165 million in frozen education funds. Other states have also filed suits over federal education grants cancelled nationwide. WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst explains what it means for our state's school systems.
Duration:00:12:44
How a new children's hospital could transform a growing Wake County town
7/14/2025
A partnership between UNC Health and Duke Health plans to build the state's first standalone hospital in Apex. The deal is expected to transform a wide swath of the growing western Wake County town, paving the way for a multibillion-dollar project that would create thousands of jobs and spur ancillary development of hotels, restaurants, shops and offices at the long-planned Veridea development. WRAL State Government Editor Jack Hagel explains how the project came together, and when construction might start.
Duration:00:14:01
5 On Your Side testing finds pricing errors at local grocery stores
7/11/2025
Imagine picking up an item on sale, only to be charged full price at checkout. 5 On Your Side found that this is taking place at several local grocery stores. 5 On Your Side Producer Pritchard Strong shares where this is happening and what you can do about it.
Duration:00:06:59
Hillsborough urges conservation as water system remains fragile
7/10/2025
Even after lifting a boil water advisory, Hillsborough town leaders called for people who live there to conserve their water. Intense floods overwhelmed the sanitary sewer system over the weekend. WRAL's Flynn Snyder explains the process to fix the system as concerns over more storms continue.
Duration:00:09:14
Sanford community remembers family of four killed in plane crash
7/9/2025
Travis, Candace, Aubrey and Walker Buchanan died Monday in a plane crash in Lee County. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating what happened. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains what we know so far.
Duration:00:13:45
Tropical Depression Chantal leaves widespread property damage at Hyco Lake
7/8/2025
The storm brought record rain to parts of Moore, Chatham, Orange and Durham counties. It also brought flooding to parts of Person County along Hyco Lake. WRAL's Grace Holland explains the clean up ahead.
Duration:00:12:18
Why NC’s career-switching teachers are quitting the classroom
7/7/2025
North Carolina has long depended on career-switching professionals to help fill its teaching ranks, giving them temporary licenses with the expectation that they’ll earn a full license within a few years. But many of these teachers are quitting, saying they don’t have the time or the wherewithal to earn a full license. The situation underscores the challenges the state’s public schools are having when it comes to retaining and recruiting new teachers. WRAL’ Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains.
Duration:00:16:34
Your car is tracking your driving--is that information safe?
7/7/2025
Our cars and phones are gathering data about how we drive every time we get behind the wheel. 5 On Your Side looked into how that information is gathered and how insurance companies and manufacters are using it. 5 On Your Side Producer Pritchard Strong explains the findings of the tests.
Duration:00:11:03
1 year later: WRAL revisits the case of a Fayetteville mother accused of murdering her adoptive children
7/4/2025
1 year ago, a Fayetteville mother was arrested because she was accused of murdering two of her adopted children. Since that time, WRAL has kept an eye on Avantae Deven's case ahead of trial. WRAL's Chris Lovingood recaps what we've learned.
Duration:00:10:39
A new study finds kids' foods are more likely to contain synthetic dyes
7/3/2025
A new study led by UNC researcher Elizabeth Dunford reveals that nearly 20% of popular U.S. food products contain synthetic dyes, with a significant concentration found in items marketed to children. WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba shares the details.
Duration:00:08:20
With Tillis out, GOP has more clarity — and hope — in North Carolina
7/2/2025
U.S. Senator Thom Tillis surprised fellow Republicans Sunday when he said he wouldn’t seek reelection next year. The decision has underscored the dangers Republicans face when opposing Republican President Donald Trump. And it raised questions about who might run for the GOP nomination for the North Carolina seat. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains why Republicans are suddenly more hopeful about their North Carolina prospects in the 2026 election.
Duration:00:16:04
How climate change made Raleigh's record-breaking heat more likely
7/1/2025
In the last week, we've seen a stretch of record breaking summer heat. Experts says climate change is making those kinds of days five times more likely. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin explains the metric used to track this kind of temperature change.
Duration:00:12:06
Budget talks stall, shrimping ban fails and Helene bill prevails as NC lawmakers adjourn
6/30/2025
North Carolina lawmakers adjourned for summer vacation without approving a budget, leaving a number of big spending priorities in limbo. But the legislature did agree on a few things, sending dozens of bills to Gov. Josh Stein. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down some of the bills that passed, some that stalled, and he explains how the dynamic between the Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled legislature could be shifting. He also explains the “shrimpgate” controversy that divided lawmakers.
Duration:00:18:07
A new WRAL documentary explores cancer in young North Carolinians
6/27/2025
Cancer is striking people younger than ever. We’re talking about aggressive forms of cancer happening to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. WRAL Documentary Reporter Cristin Severance shares the stories of three North Carolinians diagnosed at young ages and what could be the cause. It's a small glimpse into WRAL's new documentary Diagnosis: Young, The New Face of Cancer in NC.
Duration:00:11:30
What you need to know about the first measles case in North Carolina
6/26/2025
The first case of the measles was found in Guilford and Forsyth counties earlier this week. It comes as cases continue across the country. WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba explains how to protect yourself.
Duration:00:15:06
SBI joins investigation into a Wake County house fire that killed a man and two teenagers
6/25/2025
The Wake County Sheriff's Office says 49-year-old Shannon Collins, a 13-year-old and a -15-year-old were found dead inside a home after a house fire. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of their death. WRAL's Willie Daniely explains what we know so far about the investigation.
Duration:00:06:22
A top NC Democrat needs new desks. She also needs Republicans' approval
6/24/2025
North Carolina lawmakers are sparring over the details of a $32 billion-dollar state spending plan. One thing they seem to agree on is a $95,000 budget request for new office furniture for Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt. But the request could get caught up in negotiations between Republican leaders in the legislature. WRAL’s Jack Hagel and Paul Specht explain why she needs new furniture and where things stand in state budget negotiations.
Duration:00:13:43