WRAL Daily Download

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.