WRAL Daily Download

Pollen counts are on the rise, you might have seen plenty of it sticking on surfaces outside in North Carolina. It's only going to get worse, and it's likely to stick around longer this season too.

WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell and digital producer Jaylin Jones talk through why it's hitting so hard.

How are ICE operations playing out here in North Carolina? WRAL Investigates dives into the limited data on who is being detained and how the numbers differ between the current administration and the previous one. 

On Wednesday, Republicans in the North Carolina House of Representatives rolled out a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to lower people's property tax bills. Meanwhile, a committee heard a proposal to close a loophole for tax exemptions for affordable housing projects. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher explains how likely either of these proposals are to become law.

The WRAL documentary "The Gamble: Sports Betting in North Carolina" premieres at 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday.

In 2024, mobile betting launched in North Carolina. WRAL's Mark Bergin and Brian Murphy discussed what people can bet on in North Carolina and what the state does not allow.

Plus, Bergin and Murphy shared their biggest takeaways after watching the documentary and what's next for mobile betting in North Carolina.

Several North Carolina primary elections are expected to go to recounts, including one in a closely watched legislative race. 

Senate leader Phil Berger trails his GOP primary challenger, Rockingham Sheriff Sam Page, by 23 votes out of more than 26,000 votes. That means Berger is eligible to request a recount. 

WRAL's Paul Specht and Will Doran breakdown the process and how it impacts this huge race in North Carolina politics.

Some key themes are emerging from North Carolina's primary elections. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks it all down — from the strength of Republican President Donald Trump’s endorsement to the strength of Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s veto.

Do you know if you live in a flood zone? Multiple studies show that more than half of flood damage actually occurs outside of FEMA's regulatory floodzones. WRAL's Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin and WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones discuss what this means for North Carolinians and why funding issues make it hard for those creating new flood maps. 

Botox and other cosmetic injectibles are a booming business with no national standard for training. A cosmetic injectibles training company is partnering with the UNC School of Nursing to offer hands-on instruction. WRAL's Grace Hayba explains what patients should know before seeking these types of treatments.

The official start to spring is still more than a week away, but doctors say North Carolinians are already feeling the effects of allergy symptoms. Allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer, making symptoms worse for many.

Climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin talks to digital producer Jaylin Jones, explaining the reasons behind the intensifying pollen and shares practical tips to manage allergies.

The men's ACC basketball tournament begins Tuesday in Charlotte, NC. WRAL digital producer Jaylin Jones goes over his top five headlines ahead of the start of the matchups, including where NC State, UNC and Duke lineup with the NCAA Tournament on the horizon. 

A video game centered around convicted child sex offender financier Jeffrey Epstein may have been accessed and played by students in Wake County, school officials confirmed to WRAL Tuesday. 

The game in question, "Five Nights at Epstein's" is a survival-based game appearing to parallel another internet horror game "Five Nights at Freddy's."

WRAL's Alex Littlehales and Jaylin Jones talk about what we know about the game, the response from WCPSS and what parents should know. 

One of North Carolina’s most powerful state legislators was in a dead heat with his GOP primary opponent late Tuesday after all of the district’s precincts reported their vote totals.

Senate leader Phil Berger, who was first elected in 2001, trailed Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by two votes Tuesday night in the Republican primary to represent the senate’s 26th district.

WRAL's Shaun Gallagher and Paul Specht have everything you need to know about this tight race.

A popular former governor and a key ally of President Donald Trump cruised to their parties’ U.S. Senate nominations Tuesday, setting up an expected matchup that could play a key role in determining control of the chamber in November.

Former two-term North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who is a Democrat, and former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley will meet in the general election in a race for a current GOP-held seat in North Carolina.

WRAL's Brian Murphy and Louis Fernandez discuss how it happened and what the next few months look like ahead of the 2026 midterm election.

Whether you're looking to buy or sell--spring is typically the best time of the year for real estate. The red-hot Triangle market could look a little different this year. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur explains what to expect.

North Carolina voters go to the polls Tuesday to pick party nominees for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat. The seat is being closely watched nationally as Republicans try to maintain control of the chamber. WRAL state government reporters Will Doran and Paul Specht break down the race.

Is there a right way to use artificial intelligence in or out of the classroom? WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst and WRAL's Destinee Patterson look into how teachers, students, and tech leaders are talking about A.I. use in the classroom. 

Does buying more actually save more? But is the time and cost worth it in the end? 5 On Your Side's Alex Littlehales tries to find out where your money is best spent. 

Six people are injured and 70 people are out of their homes after a fire at the Camden Westwood Apartments in Morrisville. As residents move into recovery mode, investigators are working to figure out the cause. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains where the investigation stands.

New construction homes are booming across the Triangle.

A report from Realtor.com ranked the Raleigh area as one of the top 10 metros in the country for new home construction.

WRAL 5 On Your Side reporter Keely Arthur speaks with WRAL digital producer Jaylin Jones and shares that new doesn't always mean perfect. What buyers need to check before they sign on the dotted line.

During Black History Month, WRAL anchor/reporter Kirstyn Clark and digital producer Jaylin Jones talk about a local piece of important history - the Pack-House and Grigsby House in Holly Springs.

Clark dives into her reporting on the Grigsby family, their impact and the desire to preserve an important part of Black History in Holly Springs.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports fentanyl and opioid overdoses dropped dramatically between 2024 and 2025. However, some parts of the state are still struggling with rates higher than the state average. WRAL's Alex Littlehales explains why. 

Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday at the age of 84. The civil rights icon was also a groundbreaking politician who made two runs for the presidency in the 1980s. WRAL's Ken Smith looks back at Jackson's accomplishments.

About 150 students at Crossroads Flex High School are without a school building after fire marshal intervention.

It all started with a phone call in 2023 - a Wake high school administrator made a routine call, asking when the last time Crossroads Flex High School had a fire inspection.

The problem? The Wake County fire marshal’s office had no idea a school was even there.

WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst tells us how this came to pass and what's next for the school and its students.

Which political party should have the final say on where, when and how people vote in North Carolina? That’s a question being argued in state court. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains the arguments, and what’s at stake. 

Warmer winters are shrinking reliable snow worldwide. It's leading to adaptions at ski resorts in western North Carolina and at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin explains.