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 journalists, episodes post weekdays by 4:30am.

Episodes

May 1, 2025 13 mins

On Wednesday, Bill Belichick released a statement saying it was a 'false narrative' that his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, was steering an interview with CBS News Sunday Morning. The couple works closely professionally and their personal relationship has gotten attention since before Belichick became UNC's Head Football Coach. WRAL Investigative Sports Reporter Brian Murphy explains.

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StarBar has been the center of criticism for years. WRAL News has previously reported on issues and violence at the Raleigh bar. The most recent incident was a shooting earlier this month outside the nightclub. As the ALE investigation continues and more criminal charges expected, WRAL's Shaun Gallegher catches us up on how we got here.

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A trial court ruled that Republican state lawmakers violated North Carolina’s constitution when they passed a law transferring election board appointment power from Gov. Josh Stein to the state auditor. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains the ruling, why it matters — and what happens next.

 

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Car stunts, lighting things on fire, and spectators crowded around -- all of this happened in downtown Durham. WRAL Investigates' Sarah Krueger explains the setbacks police are facing in trying to put a stop to it.

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Massive wildfires continue to burn in the western part of the state, many fueled by Hurricane Helene debris. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin explains the challenges facing firefighters and why the fire threat could stick around for much longer.

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Wednesday at 7:30p.m. WRAL's latest documentary which takes viewers inside the immigration debate airs. The documentary follows people who have been directly impacted by current immigration laws and the changes to their enforcement since President Trump began his second term. WRAL documentary reporter Cristin Severance shares how it's all playing out in North Carolina.

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April 22, 2025 9 mins

Tributes are pouring in from around the world after Pope Francis died on Easter Monday. He was the first Latin American pontiff and many North Carolinians shared their own stories about him. WRAL also found out what happens next to name a new pope.

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North Carolina high school students are earning more workforce credentials than ever before, leaving school with skills needed for jobs in all kinds of industries. The credentials can help students gain an edge in the job market or help them work toward more ambitious professional or educational goals. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains why more students are signing up.

 

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WRAL Investigates has extensively covered the case of Avantae Deven -- the woman arrested last June after being accused of murdering two of her adopted children. WRAL's Chris Lovingood explains when her murder trial could begin.

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Opening statements began in the trial of Dorian Thomas, a Johnston County man, charged with killing his child's aunt, Emily Steinhoff. Steinhoff was shot while accompanying her sister on a custody exchange at Thomas' home in March of last year. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan walks through what played out in the courtroom.

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Opening statements began in the trial of Dorian Thomas, a Johnston County man, charged with killing his child's aunt, Emily Steinhoff. Steinhoff was shot while accompanying her sister on a custody exchange at Thomas' home in March of last year. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan walks through what played out in the courtroom.

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Opening statements began in the trial of Dorian Thomas, a Johnston County man, charged with killing his child's aunt, Emily Steinhoff. Steinhoff was shot while accompanying her sister on a custody exchange at Thomas' home in March of last year. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan walks through what played out in the courtroom.

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Apostles Church in Raleigh has welcomed about 25 people who came to the U.S. after the Taliban took over. In the last week, they got an email from the Department of Homeland Security informing them that their temporary protection in the country is expiring. WRAL's Heidi Kirk talked to one man about his story.

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Internet was restored for about a dozen DMV offices that lost connection--the latest issue to cause long wait times. Last week the NCDMV announced 42 more offices will now open as 50 other offices were already extending hours. WRAL Carly Haynes explains what the outage meant for people waiting.

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Republicans who control the North Carolina General Assembly say they’ve been encouraged by Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s willingness to work together on Helene relief and other topics. It’s a contrast from his predecessor, they say. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains.

 

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The Wayne County Sheriff's Office says human remains found late last year have now been identified as 29-year-old Caitlin Hodges who went missing in July.Hoges was living with her boyfriend in Goldsboro at the time of her disappearance. WRAL's Heidi Kirk talked to Hodges' sister and friend about the investigation.

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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.

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People living in Raleigh could see changes to the city's leaf pickup program.

Raleigh leaders met Tuesday to discuss potential changes to leaf pickups due to the city's increasing population, which has led to increased demand.

WRAL reporter Shaun Gallagher spoke with WRAL's Mark Bergin to discuss the changes city leaders are considering.

Web story: https://www.wral.com/news/local/raleigh-city-council-possible-l...

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Cell phones, e-bikes, tools – what they all have in common is that they run off of lithium ion batteries. 5 On Your Side producer Pritchard Strong talks with Ali Ingersoll about how they might pose a risk. 

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Thousands of North Carolina voters could soon have their 2024 ballots thrown out after a state Court of Appeals ruling Friday. The case could flip another seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court to Republicans months after the election. WRAL's Will Doran explains where the case goes from here.

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