WRAL Daily Download

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Even after lifting a boil water advisory, Hillsborough town leaders called for people who live there to conserve their water. Intense floods overwhelmed the sanitary sewer system over the weekend. WRAL's Flynn Snyder explains the process to fix the system as concerns over more storms continue.

Travis, Candace, Aubrey and Walker Buchanan died Monday in a plane crash in Lee County. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating what happened. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains what we know so far.

The storm brought record rain to parts of Moore, Chatham, Orange and Durham counties. It also brought flooding to parts of Person County along Hyco Lake. WRAL's Grace Holland explains the clean up ahead.

North Carolina has long depended on career-switching professionals to help fill its teaching ranks, giving them temporary licenses with the expectation that they’ll earn a full license within a few years. But many of these teachers are quitting, saying they don’t have the time or the wherewithal to earn a full license. The situation underscores the challenges the state’s public schools are having when it comes to retaining and recruiting new teachers. WRAL’ Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains. 

Our cars and phones are gathering data about how we drive every time we get behind the wheel. 5 On Your Side looked into how that information is gathered and how insurance companies and manufacters are using it. 5 On Your Side Producer Pritchard Strong explains the findings of the tests.

1 year ago, a Fayetteville mother was arrested because she was accused of murdering two of her adopted children. Since that time, WRAL has kept an eye on Avantae Deven's case ahead of trial. WRAL's Chris Lovingood recaps what we've learned.

A new study led by UNC researcher Elizabeth Dunford reveals that nearly 20% of popular U.S. food products contain synthetic dyes, with a significant concentration found in items marketed to children. WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba shares the details.

U.S. Senator Thom Tillis surprised fellow Republicans Sunday when he said he wouldn’t seek reelection next year. The decision has underscored the dangers Republicans face when opposing Republican President Donald Trump. And it raised questions about who might run for the GOP nomination for the North Carolina seat. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains why Republicans are suddenly more hopeful about their North Carolina prospects in the 2026 election.

In the last week, we've seen a stretch of record breaking summer heat. Experts says climate change is making those kinds of days five times more likely. WRAL's Liz McLaughlin explains the metric used to track this kind of temperature change.

North Carolina lawmakers adjourned for summer vacation without approving a budget, leaving a number of big spending priorities in limbo. But the legislature did agree on a few things, sending dozens of bills to Gov. Josh Stein. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down some of the bills that passed, some that stalled, and he explains how the dynamic between the Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled legislature could be shifting. He also explains the “shrimpgate” controversy that divided lawmakers.

Cancer is striking people younger than ever. We’re talking about aggressive forms of cancer happening to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. WRAL Documentary Reporter Cristin Severance shares the stories of three North Carolinians diagnosed at young ages and what could be the cause. It's a small glimpse into WRAL's new documentary Diagnosis: Young, The New Face of Cancer in NC.

The first case of the measles was found in Guilford and Forsyth counties earlier this week. It comes as cases continue across the country. WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba explains how to protect yourself.

The Wake County Sheriff's Office says 49-year-old Shannon Collins, a 13-year-old and a -15-year-old were found dead inside a home after a house fire. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of their death. WRAL's Willie Daniely explains what we know so far about the investigation.