WRAL Daily Download

Bill Belichick talked to WRAL in his first interview with local media this week. He talked to WRAL's Brian Murphy about the burst of attention on the UNC football prgram, why he opted to get back into the game and his expectations for the season. 

Republican Jefferson Griffin lost his effort to overturn the results of a 2024 race for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court. But North Carolina voters will feel the effects of the case for years to come because Griffin’s lawsuit succeeded in changing the rules for future elections. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains what some voters might face going forward.

University of North Carolina Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham's email inbox was full of angry West Virginia University fans in the days after Selection Sunday. Cunningham, also the chairman of the selection committee for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, oversaw the decision to leave the Mountaineers out in favor of the Tar Heels. WRAL's Brian Murphy explains what we learned from these newly-released emails.

For the second summer in a row, kids in Durham will not be able to enjoy some of the city's biggest parks. It comes 2.5 years after Duke researchers discovered "alarmingly high" levels of lead in the soil there. WRAL Investigates' Sarah Krueger is asking officials when the parks will reopen, how much it'll cost, and where they'll find the money.

The North Carolina election that just wouldn't end--ended this week. Republican Jefferson Griffin conceded to incumbent Democrat Allison Riggs in the race for a seat on the state Supreme Court. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains how we got here.

Experts estimate that 23,000 cars, trucks and SUVs were flooded in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene. As those cars go to auction, they could fall into the hands of scammers looking to profit off those vehicles at your expense. WRAL 5 On Your Side Producer Pritchard Strong explains the warning signs to look out for.

WRAL has been tracking long wait times and appointment shortages at the state's DMV for years. With the deadline for Real ID coming up May 7th, that wait is even longer. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur explains other factors contributing to the problem and possible solutions.

Earlier this year — North Carolina parents learned that a hacker accessed data tied to most of the state’s public school students. The breach underscored why children’s data is so coveted by hackers, and why government officials have a hard time protecting it. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains.

A letter sent to parents by the Alston Ridge Middle School principal reveals that 300 students saw porn through a Snapchat group chat. WRAL's Heidi Kirk shares what happened and reaction from concerned parents.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.