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
Why Person County road repairs from Chantal could take months to complete
8/7/2025
More than two dozen roads are still damaged or washed out in North Carolina two months after Chantal's floodwaters. Most of those are in Person County. WRAL's Eric Miller takes a look at how it's impacting people who live there.
Duration:00:08:39
Cases of a rare flesh-eating bacteria are slowly rising off the NC coast
8/6/2025
Vibrio Vulnificus is a flesh-eating bacterium that can cause serious illness and lead to sepsis, shock, and large blisters that destroy tissue. Infections are rare, but can be fatal, and the North Carolina coast is seeing an uptick in cases. WRAL Climate Change reporter Liz McLaughlin puts the danger into perspective, discusses who is most at risk, and looks at the reason for this troubling trend.
Duration:00:13:43
WRAL Investigates the cost of a gunshot
8/5/2025
More than 3,500 people become gun violence victims in our state every year. Survivors have their lives totally altered by their injuries in physical, emotional and financial ways. WRAL's Willie Daniely tells the story of one woman.
Duration:00:09:18
How a North Carolina woman’s case over menstrual pain could help others
8/4/2025
A federal judge in Raleigh ruled that endometriosis can qualify as a disability for legal protections. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains how the decision could help women who suffer from the condition receive accommodations at work or school.
Duration:00:12:43
RNC Chair Michael Whatley officially launches U.S. Senate campaign in North Carolina
8/1/2025
Thursday, Michael Whatley, Republican National Committee Chair and longtime ally of President Trump, launched his campaign to seek his party's nomination for the U.S. Senate Seat. We explore his background, his platform, and why going up against the Democratic challenger, former Governor Roy Cooper, will make this an expensive and exciting race.
Duration:00:15:00
A new bill could make getting and renewing an NC driver's license easier
7/31/2025
The North Carolina House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to pass House Bill 245, which would allow North Carolinians to renew their driver’s licenses online more frequently and ease a law requiring new drivers to document their driving practice hours and submit logs to the state. The bill now goes to the Senate. WRAL's Kirstyn Clark explains the impact to DMV lines and safety.
Duration:00:10:52
NC lawmakers override vetoes and reach deal on 'mini budget'
7/30/2025
On Tuesday, republicans in the General Assembly found enough democratic support to override some of Governor Josh Stein's vetoes. They also reached a deal on a 'mini budget' plan to fund some basic state functions. WRAL's Laura Leslie and Liz McLaughlin explain the impacts of these moves.
Duration:00:14:01
The illness linked to cannabis and THC landing more people in the hospital
7/29/2025
Doctors in the Triangle report seeing more patients reporting persistant nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration. Many are being diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. WRAL health reporter Grace Hayba talked to one woman who was sick for months before doctors could get to the bottom of it.
Duration:00:15:43
Here are North Carolina's ties to Netflix's 'The Waterfront'
7/28/2025
Set in the fictitious North Carolina coastal town of Havenport, the Netflix drama "The Waterfront" follows the powerful Buckley family as their fishing and restaurant empire crumbles. To stay financially afloat, the family resorts to drug smuggling.
Created by New Bern native Kevin Williamson, the eight-episode first season features prominent Wilmington and Southport landmarks.
WRAL's Mark Bergin and Justin Arner shared their thoughts on the first season of "The Waterfront," and whether they'd like to see a second season.
Duration:00:34:01
The race for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat begins
7/25/2025
On Thursday, WRAL News learned Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley is entering the race as the likely GOP front runner for the 2026 U.S. Senate race. Meanwhile, former governor Roy Cooper is likely to be the front runner fo the Democrats. WRAL's Paul Spect explains as the race takes shape.
Duration:00:18:38
5 On Your Side team gets Morrisville man refund after a Raleigh Vrbo troubles
7/24/2025
A Morrisville man thought he'd picked the perfect Vrbo rental in Raleigh while his family's home was under construction, until he got there. A discovery about what happened at the home, and help from the 5 On Your Side team, got him a $6,000 refund.
Duration:00:13:26
WRAL Investigates anesthesia safety concerns after Greensboro toddler dies during dental procedure
7/23/2025
A two-year-old boy's death has raised questions about anesthesia protocols at dental offices in our state. WRAL Investigates has reported on deaths from anesthesia-related dental procedures. Sarah Krueger explains the growing calls for reform.
Duration:00:10:57
New college football season begins with an uncertain future
7/22/2025
Tuesday marks the beginning of the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte. It's the Atlantic Coast Conference's annual football preview event. It's the unofficial start to a season full of uncertainty. WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy looks at the changes to revenue sharing, player endorsment deals and more. Plus the biggest stories to watch for this season across the Triangle.
Duration:00:16:28
Storm Myths, Cloud Seeding and North Carolina’s Geoengineering Debate
7/21/2025
After the deadly floods in Texas, your social media feed may have been filled with viral false posts blaming "weather-control planes" for the storms. Experts say the physics do not line up but state lawmakers are seeking to ban geoengineering. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin separates fact from fiction.
Duration:00:10:06
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