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
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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More Episodes

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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WRAL Daily Download
State workers could face another health premium hike, depending on Duke-Aetna contract fight

Duke Health and health insurance company Aetna are in the middle of contract negotiations. There's just about a month left to salvage a deal. Depending on the outcome, more than 750,000 state employees could see their insurance premiums rise for the second time in the past few months. 

WRAL state government reporter Will Doran talks aobut what is slowing down negotiations, what State Teasurer Brad Briner has to say, and what are the consequences of a deal coming together or falling through.

00:10:49
Sep 18, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
How hurricanes can harm your pet's health

It is hurricane season in North Carolina. While you may be thinking about how to protect your family from floodwaters or your home from storm damage, veterinarians say you should be thinking about protecting your pets too. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin has been reporting on how hurricanes can impact our environment, our families, and now, our furry friends.

 

00:10:50
Sep 17, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Calls to fire Durham Police Chief, Wake County teacher over comments about Charlie Kirk's death

Charlie Kirk's death has led many people aroudn the country to voice their thoughts on the shooting and the state of our politics on social media. It has been met with swift public reaction in some cases. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher and Kirstyn Clark explain comments made by Durham's Police Chief and a Wake County Schools teacher that have some calling for them to be fired.

00:13:46
Sep 16, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
New data centers in NC could strain the power grid and your wallet

A new data center in Tarboro promised to bring in 500 jobs, $6.4 billion in investment and millions in new tax revenue for the rural North Carolina community, but residents weren't convinced. Fears over water use, noise and the project's long-term sustainability pushed the town council to reject the plan. Tarboro isn't alone in potential data center locations and concerns.

WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin talks about how a growth of data centers could impact the environment, the power grid and your wallet. 

00:07:58
Sep 15, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Hemp vs. Marijuana: How a small difference between the two can have a big impact on law enforcement, civil rights in NC

A North Carolina attorney boldly dared to be searched and even arrested in front of the state’s Supreme Court Justices while holding a baggie in hand. In that baggie was a green plant: Was it hemp or marijuana? No one in the room, not even top law enforcement, could tell. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran shares why the inability to do so is causing issues in the North Carolina legal system. 

 

00:11:49
Sep 12, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Why a stabbing in Charlotte sparked a political firestorm nationwide

Last month, a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman who came to the U.S. to flee the war with Russia was fatally stabbed on a light rail train in Charlotte. 

Though it received little national attention for a few weeks, in the last few days, the stabbing has sparked a political firestorm across all levels of government, from Charlotte, to Raleigh, to Washington, D.C. and beyond. 

WRAL Political Reporter Paul Specht joins us now to talk about why politicians on either side of the aisle are paying attention to this specific case. 

 

00:14:52
Sep 11, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this year? We'll find out more this month

As the cooler months approach, respiratory illnesses are front of mind, which includes COVID-19. Unlike years past, as of now, not everyone can walk up to a pharmacy and get the shot. WRAL's Ashley Rowe talks about where things stand, why there's confusion and when you'll find out for sure if you're eligible this season.

00:09:40
Sep 10, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Why people in Tarboro are pushing back against a proposed data center

On Monday, Tarboro Town Council held a public hearing about a proposed data center. Hundreds of people have signed a Change.org petition against it. WRAL's Destinee Patterson explains the plans for the facility and the pushback.

00:09:29
Sep 9, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Durham woman partners with Duke to start grief program for brain cancer patients, families, doctors

Duke University's Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center will soon offer new mental and emotional support for its patients, their families and their caregivers, all thanks to the donation of a former patient's daughter. Durham native Rebecca Feinglos donated $250,000 to create the Susan & Mark Feinglos Grief initiative in honor of her parents. Her mother died after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma, the most deadly for of brain cancer when she was 13 years old. Her father died from a sudden illness in 2020. WRAL news reporter Grace Holland shares how Feinglos hopes the new program can help all those impacted by the cancer - from patients to family and even medical professionals. 

00:15:03
Sep 8, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
EMS employees worked more than 30,000 hours of overtime amid staffing crunch

Durham County EMS workers made nearly $2 million in overtime and worked more than 30,000 hours of overtime in just one year, according to reports obtained by WRAL Investigates through a public records request. It's an example of the need for additional employees: 22% of positions are vacant. WRAL Investigative Reporter Sarah Krueger speaks on the concerns and potential solutions.

00:09:55
Sep 5, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Making the grade: NC test scores show proficiency rates are still behind pre-pandemic levels

New data from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction shows student test scores are still not up to pre-pandemic levels, across nearly all subjects and grade levels. But, there’s some positive news: Test scores are on the rise, especially in math, and, in some cases, students are making big gains. WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst digs into the test scores and what they show about student performance in the classroom. 

00:15:50
Sep 4, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Why the South Wake Landfill is causing a stink for neighbors

The South Wake Landfill has been causing an odor problem for neighbors in Apex and Holly Springs since it opened in 2008. In the past three months, complaints are on the rise again. The county said most come from within a half-mile radius, but some have been filed from as far as 2 miles away. WRAL news reporter Heidi Kirk spoke with residents about living with the smell and officials with the Division of Solid Waste and Recycling to see why the smell is more prominent this summer and what they're doing to find a solution.

00:11:49
Sep 3, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Saint Augustine's University interim president resigns ahead of first day of classes

Fall semester starts at Saint Augustine's University on Tuesday but students will begin classes without a clear leader in place. SAU's interim president resigned two days before the first day citing personal reasons. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher explains the reaction from alumni.

00:07:22
Sep 2, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
How a former NASCAR executive plans to guide UNC into a new era of college sports

The University of North Carolina has turned to former NASCAR team executive Steve Newmark to help guide the Tar Heels into a new era of college athletics. Newmark says UNC is looking for every last bit of new revenue for an athletics budget approaching $200 million. WRAL sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy outlines the top priorities for Newmark, who takes over the role next year.

00:10:59
Sep 1, 2025 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
EPA data shows more "forever chemicals" are showing up in NC drinking water

New EPA data shows PFAS, short for per-and polyfluroalkyl, is showing up in 200 more drinking systems nationwide, including in Durham and Fayetteville. Those chemicals, known as "forever chemicals" because of how hard they are to break down, can cause health issues. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin digs into how utilities are responding and if their efforts are paying off. 

00:14:40
Aug 28, 2025 3:59 AM
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