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.

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WRAL Daily Download
Lawmakers approve new NC congressional map to boost GOP edge in U.S. House races

In a victory for Republicans in the state legislature and nationwide, a new congressional map that seeks to increase the GOP's advantage in 2026 gained final approval. The 11 of 14 districts for the U.S. House of Representatives favor Republicans in the map. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains the impacts of this vote.

00:15:17
Oct 23, 2025 3:59 AM
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More Episodes

WRAL Daily Download
Bill Belichick focuses on football as spotlight on UNC Tarheels remains bright

Several headlines came out of a Tuesday press conference with UNC Football Coach Bill Belichick. From a suspended coach reinstated to a paused Hulu docuseries and a trip to Saudi Arabia, there's been a lot of distractions. WRAL's Brian Murphy explains how the team is handling all of that and preparing for this weekend's game against Virginia.

00:09:55
Oct 22, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
5 On Your Side solves phone bill battle for woman and her husband with dementia

A Wake Forest woman tried over and over again to get Verizon to cancel her husband's phone service. He was diagnosed with dementia more than a decade ago and now lives in an assisted care facility. She contacted 5 On Your Side and within a week Verizon resolved the matter. Keely Arthur explains what happened and how you can be prepared if you ever need to handle bills and subscriptions for a loved one. 

00:08:40
Oct 21, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
NC Republicans make moves for more seats in the U.S. House

State lawmakers are coming back to Raleigh this week to vote on newly proposed congressional districts — an effort to help the GOP maintain its majority in Congress. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down the new map and lays out what’s expected in the week ahead.

00:08:33
Oct 20, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
How Raleigh plans to grow in the right ways

The City of Raleigh is rewriting the plan that will guide growth over the next 20 years. The comprehensive plan will provide a roadmap for where to build homes, roads and parks while accounting for the the issues that come with a changing climate and a rapidly growing population. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin breaks down the strategies leaders are planning to use.

00:11:03
Oct 17, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
A recipe for serious traffic jams around the North Carolina State Fair

The first night of the North Carolina State Fair coincides with Billie Eilish's first of two concerts in Raleigh on Thursday. Officials are urging people to arrive several hours in advance due to traffic concerns around the fairgrounds and Lenovo Center. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher explains why this part of the city is so prone to traffic issues.

00:12:00
Oct 16, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Three years after Hedingham mass shooting, community remembers those killed

Monday marked three years since a mass shooting in the Hedingham neighborhood in east Raleigh. On Monday, an end-of-watch ceremony was held for slain officer Gabriel Torres as the 3-year mark conjured memories of those killed. A trial for the accused shooter, Austin Thompson, is set for Feb. 2, 2026. WRAL anchor and reporter Eric Miller, who covered the shooting, reflects on that night and his conversations with those impacted.

00:11:31
Oct 15, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
More than $6.5 billion in medical debt relieved through NC program

More than $6.5 billion in medical debt has been relieved for more than 2.5 million North Carolinians over the past year, through a program set up by the state and paid for with federal funds. Governor Josh Stein called it "life changing news for so many families." WRAL state government reporter Will Doran explains how it came together, it's impact on individuals and hospitals and how the policy is designed to continue to reduce debt burden for years to come.

00:10:25
Oct 14, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Why the feds say NC is failing special education students

U.S. Department of Education officials say North Carolina is failing to meet federal special education standards. State officials blame it on teacher turnover and the need for other special education resources. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains.

00:12:12
Oct 13, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Community mourns three Fayetteville high school football players killed in car crash

Three E.E. Smith High School students died and another person was seriously hurt after a crash Wednesday night in Fayetteville. WRAL's Kirtsyn Clark talked to a friend of one of the players.

00:07:13
Oct 10, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Social media and AI algorithms may be linked to higher self harm risks among kids in NC

Warning: This episode discusses topics of suicide and addiction.

A state committee tasked with preventing child deaths in North Carolina is focused on social media, saying different apps and AI platforms may be contributing to expounding mental health issues among kids and teens. It comes as the state reports nearly 500 children have taken their own lives in the last decade. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran sat in on the latest Child Fatality Task Force meeting and shares the details. 

 

00:14:59
Oct 9, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
How the U.S. trade war with China is bad for NC soybean farmers

One of North Carolina's biggest cash crops is the hardest hit by the impacts of new tariffs and trade tensions. China is one of the largest buyers of U.S. soybeans and it is now boycotting it. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains what that means for soybean farmers in eastern North Carolina.

00:12:27
Oct 8, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
What to know ahead of Tuesday's local elections in NC 

Tuesday is Election Day for many parts of North Carolina, including Durham, Fayetteville and Rocky Mount. Voters will get a chance to cast their ballot in city council races, mayoral contests and other municipal elections. WRAL State government reporter Will Doran has the latest information you need to know before going to your polling place and which elections have a spotlight on them.

00:10:21
Oct 7, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
The Raleigh police officer fired, accused of taking a sexual favor during a DWI investigation

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.

00:07:36
Oct 6, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
What is the TikTok challenge that could make your kid sick?

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. 

00:11:32
Oct 3, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
A battle over healthcare at the state and federal level

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. 

00:12:19
Oct 2, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
What witnesses say happened during a mass shooting at a Southport bar

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.

00:13:25
Oct 1, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Climate change is hitting home in North Carolina--literally

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.

00:10:17
Sep 30, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Lawmakers return to Raleigh: The bills that did and did not make it to the Governor's desk

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. 

00:16:38
Sep 29, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Hillsborough's Gold Park reopens after major repairs from Tropical Storm Chantal damage

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.

00:06:54
Sep 26, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Helene: What We Lost, What We Found

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.

00:14:05
Sep 25, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Duke's Kara Lawson humbled to join the ranks of legendary Team USA Basketball coaches

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.

00:12:27
Sep 24, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Teens found after escaping Raleigh mental health facility

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.

00:11:51
Sep 23, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
New crime bill, health care spending, Helene aid: NC lawmakers return to Raleigh

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. 

00:12:03
Sep 22, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Why the UNC System is considering raising tuition costs for incoming students

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.

00:11:38
Sep 19, 2025 3:59 AM
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