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
The Raleigh police officer fired, accused of taking a sexual favor during a DWI investigation
10/6/2025
Raleigh police officer Tremale Cogdell is set to appear in court Monday afternoon. He was arrested on felony sexual misconduct charges Friday. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher explains what investigators know so far.
Duration:00:09:06
What is the TikTok challenge that could make your kid sick?
10/3/2025
There's a social media challenge circulating on TikTok encouraging kids to take a large amount of over the counter medicine, like Benadryl, for fun. It's not the first time you may have heard of a challenge like this, but law enforcement is taking this one seriously. Especially the Granville County Sheriff's Office. WRAL Reporter Kirstyn Clark explains why.
Duration:00:13:02
A battle over healthcare at the state and federal level
10/2/2025
On October 1, the federal government officially shut down. A big reason behind the shutdown is disputes of healthcare subsidies. Healthcare spending is also the focus of a budget fight here in North Carolina. WRAL State Government reporter tells us why it's a key focus and how both political fights may impact North Carolinians.
Duration:00:13:49
What witnesses say happened during a mass shooting at a Southport bar
10/1/2025
The community of Southport is grieving three killed in a shooting along the waterfront while the suspected shooter is awaiting his next court date. WRAL's Heidi Kirk talked to witnesses and investigators about what happened inside American Fish Company.
Duration:00:14:55
Climate change is hitting home in North Carolina--literally
9/30/2025
A new national study projects that more than two-thirds of North Carolina's counties could lose home value over the next few decades due to climate change. North Carolina has alread experienced firsthand the rising costs tied to weather events. WRAL Climate Reporter Liz McLaughlin explains how homeowners can prepare their homes.
Duration:00:11:47
Lawmakers return to Raleigh: The bills that did and did not make it to the Governor's desk
9/29/2025
Lawmakers returned to Raleigh last week, passing a flurry of bills aimed at individual projects and new policies. But, they left without a deal on a state budget or a plan to fund Medicaid expansion. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran shares the highlights.
Duration:00:18:08
Hillsborough's Gold Park reopens after major repairs from Tropical Storm Chantal damage
9/26/2025
Nearly three months after Tropical Storm Chantal caused millions of dollars in estimated damage to Hillsborough, one of the public spaces most impacted in the town, Gold Park, has reopened. Town officials said watermarks in the park's restrooms reached 6 feet high. WRAL news reporter Flynn Snyder spoke with Hillsborough residents about the park's return, while checking in on some more of the major damage to the town and the work still being done to recover.
Duration:00:08:24
Helene: What We Lost, What We Found
9/25/2025
The newest WRAL Documentary airs Thursday, September 25 on WRAL-TV and online platforms and looks back at the damage caused in western North Carolina by Hurricane Helene one year later. Helene was the most damaging storm in state history causing $60 billion in damage and killing 108 people. WRAL's Cristin Severance shares the stories of hope and survival as recovery continues.
Duration:00:15:35
Duke's Kara Lawson humbled to join the ranks of legendary Team USA Basketball coaches
9/24/2025
On Monday, Duke women's basketball head coach Kara Lawson was named the next head coach of the U.S. Women's basketball team for the next four years. Lawson will coach the Team USA in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, and at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. WRAL sports reporter Pat Welter talks about the emotional journey for Lawson and why the U.S. women's national team means so much to her.
Duration:00:13:57
Teens found after escaping Raleigh mental health facility
9/23/2025
Holly Hill Hospital's CEO says seven teens who escaped Sunday night in Raleigh attacked a staff member to get out. The incident raised questions about past issues at the facility. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains the history of escapes and inspections at Holly Hill.
Duration:00:12:51
New crime bill, health care spending, Helene aid: NC lawmakers return to Raleigh
9/22/2025
State lawmakers return to Raleigh this week for another check-in after failing to pass a budget on time earlier this summer. Lawmakers are expected to introduce a bill with a number of proposed law enforcement and judicial reforms. And they could consider funding for health care, economic development and more. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran breaks it all down.
Duration:00:13:33
Why the UNC System is considering raising tuition costs for incoming students
9/19/2025
The UNC System Board of Governors discussed a tuition increase up to 3% at its universities. It would be the first increase in the cost of tuition in the system in the last 9 years. WRAL's Monica Casey breaks down how much families could pay.
Duration:00:13:08
State workers could face another health premium hike, depending on Duke-Aetna contract fight
9/18/2025
Duke Health and health insurance company Aetna are in the middle of contract negotiations. There's just about a month left to salvage a deal. Depending on the outcome, more than 750,000 state employees could see their insurance premiums rise for the second time in the past few months.
WRAL state government reporter Will Doran talks aobut what is slowing down negotiations, what State Teasurer Brad Briner has to say, and what are the consequences of a deal coming together or falling through.
Duration:00:12:19
How hurricanes can harm your pet's health
9/17/2025
It is hurricane season in North Carolina. While you may be thinking about how to protect your family from floodwaters or your home from storm damage, veterinarians say you should be thinking about protecting your pets too. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin has been reporting on how hurricanes can impact our environment, our families, and now, our furry friends.
Duration:00:11:50
Calls to fire Durham Police Chief, Wake County teacher over comments about Charlie Kirk's death
9/16/2025
Charlie Kirk's death has led many people aroudn the country to voice their thoughts on the shooting and the state of our politics on social media. It has been met with swift public reaction in some cases. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher and Kirstyn Clark explain comments made by Durham's Police Chief and a Wake County Schools teacher that have some calling for them to be fired.
Duration:00:15:16
New data centers in NC could strain the power grid and your wallet
9/15/2025
A new data center in Tarboro promised to bring in 500 jobs, $6.4 billion in investment and millions in new tax revenue for the rural North Carolina community, but residents weren't convinced. Fears over water use, noise and the project's long-term sustainability pushed the town council to reject the plan. Tarboro isn't alone in potential data center locations and concerns.
WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin talks about how a growth of data centers could impact the environment, the power grid and your wallet.
Duration:00:09:28
Hemp vs. Marijuana: How a small difference between the two can have a big impact on law enforcement, civil rights in NC
9/12/2025
A North Carolina attorney boldly dared to be searched and even arrested in front of the state’s Supreme Court Justices while holding a baggie in hand. In that baggie was a green plant: Was it hemp or marijuana? No one in the room, not even top law enforcement, could tell. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran shares why the inability to do so is causing issues in the North Carolina legal system.
Duration:00:13:19
Why a stabbing in Charlotte sparked a political firestorm nationwide
9/11/2025
Last month, a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman who came to the U.S. to flee the war with Russia was fatally stabbed on a light rail train in Charlotte.
Though it received little national attention for a few weeks, in the last few days, the stabbing has sparked a political firestorm across all levels of government, from Charlotte, to Raleigh, to Washington, D.C. and beyond.
WRAL Political Reporter Paul Specht joins us now to talk about why politicians on either side of the aisle are paying attention to this specific case.
Duration:00:16:22
Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this year? We'll find out more this month
9/10/2025
As the cooler months approach, respiratory illnesses are front of mind, which includes COVID-19. Unlike years past, as of now, not everyone can walk up to a pharmacy and get the shot. WRAL's Ashley Rowe talks about where things stand, why there's confusion and when you'll find out for sure if you're eligible this season.
Duration:00:11:10
Why people in Tarboro are pushing back against a proposed data center
9/9/2025
On Monday, Tarboro Town Council held a public hearing about a proposed data center. Hundreds of people have signed a Change.org petition against it. WRAL's Destinee Patterson explains the plans for the facility and the pushback.
Duration:00:10:59