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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Most Recent Episode

WRAL Daily Download
Broken: An update to the Avantae Deven case

Avantae Deven was arrested on June 24, 2024, connected with the deaths of her two adopted children. Their names were Blake and London. Their deaths, and what it said about North Carolina’s foster system, was at the center of the WRAL Documentary, “Broken.” WRAL’s Chris Lovingood has a new look inside conversations between Deven and the biological mother of her adopted children. Those conversations took place over email, just days before Deven was arrested. 

 

00:07:11
Jun 18, 2026 3:59 AM
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More Episodes

WRAL Daily Download
The Carolina Hurricanes won a Stanley Cup. What happens next?

The Carolina Hurricanes won a Stanley Cup for the second time as a franchise. How does this impact the team, Lenovo Center and Raleigh as a whole? 

WRAL's Dan Haggerty takes a deep dive on what's already happeneing and what could come next.

00:06:10
Jun 17, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Politi-Fact: Will an anti-abortion ban make it through the NC legislature?

An anti-abortion bill filed in the North Carolina House is getting lots of attention on social media. It seeks to allow people to protect a life...by using deadly force. Politi-Fact reporter Paul Specht looked into the bill to check claims being made by opponents.  **NOTE: At time of recording, we have not received comment from Jen Hamilton. 

00:19:44
Jun 15, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Triming cow hooves and traveling to Africa for a "magical" tree | Tar Heel Traveler

Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason shares more about his stories on a noisey, nasty job that's necessary for North Carolina agriculture, as well as a Cary biochemist's science experiment with a magical African tree, with WRAL News+ Anchor Elizabeth Holmes. 

00:12:58
Jun 12, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
What to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off Thursday, marking a significant sporting event across North America. WRAL's Louis Fernandez explains the storylines for diehard and casual soccer fans.

00:13:13
Jun 11, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
What is a "News Desert" and how it directly impacts communities in North Carolina

As newsrooms shrink, media companies consolidate, and communities lose access to trusted local information, a new WRAL documentary explores what is at stake for North Carolina. "Left Uncovered: Inside North Carolina's News Deserts" premieres Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. on WRAL-TV and streams live on WRAL.com, the WRAL News+ app, and WRAL's YouTube channel.

WRAL documentary investigator Cristin Severance and Louis Fernandez talk through the impacts to our local communities and how the news industry moves forward.

00:15:45
Jun 10, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Online child exploitation reports surge more than 1,000% as NC agencies struggle to keep up

In North Carolina, reports of online exploitation of children increased by 1,115% since 2019, according to data from the State Bureau of Investigation.

WRAL Investigates reached out to some of the largest law enforcement agencies in the WRAL viewing area. Agencies are trying to keep up with the caseload. However, many reported minimal staff or funding increases.

00:12:01
Jun 9, 2026 3:55 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
5 On Your Side: Federal govement loses NC child's birth certificate

A North Carolina family's vacation was almost derailed when their child's birth certificate went missing while it was being processed by the federal government. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur speaks with WRAL News+ Anchor Elizabeth Holmes about what happened when she stepped in. 

00:11:20
Jun 5, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Tar Heel Traveler: D-Day and the war hero from Dunn

WRAL Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason speaks with WRAL Anchor Gerald Owens about honoring D-Day and the story of a war hero from Dunn. 

00:09:34
Jun 4, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Tar Heel Traveler: D-Day and the war hero from Dunn

WRAL Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason speaks with WRAL Anchor Gerald Owens about honoring D-Day and the story of a war hero from Dunn. 

00:09:34
Jun 4, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Tar Heel Traveler: D-Day and the war hero from Dunn

WRAL Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason speaks with WRAL Anchor Gerald Owens about honoring D-Day and the story of a war hero from Dunn. 

00:09:34
Jun 4, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Greensboro woman loses $1,000 to Stanley Cup ticket scam

A Greensboro woman says she lost $1,000 while trying to buy Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Final tickets through a Facebook group that appeared legitimate. After sending money to the group's administrator for two tickets, the tickets never arrived. WRAL 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur and Louis Fernandez talk through what happened and what you need to know to protect yourself from similar problems.

00:14:15
Jun 3, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Hurricane season begins: Looking at categories and their impact on North Carolina

June 1 marked the beginning of the hurricane season this year. While the WRAL Severe Weather team's tropical outlook predicts less storms than an average season, if there's one thing we've learned, a hurricane doesn't need to be a category 5 to have a massive effect.

WRAL's Aimee Wilmoth and Mark Bergin talk through the history of storms in North Carolina, and how a single storm can leave a lasting impact.

00:08:12
Jun 2, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
On the Record: The latest on changes to VinFast and JetZero economic development projects

On this week's episode of On the Record, two of the biggest economic development projects in North Carolina state history are dealing with changes. WRAL's Jack Hagel and Elizabeth Holmes talk through what's happening and what's at stake with VinFast and JetZero. Plus, hear from North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley as North Carolina takes auto manufacturer VinFast to court.

00:13:15
Jun 1, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
When will construction on Raleigh's Beltline be completed, and at what cost?

After years of rough roads, lane closures, and hundreds, if not thousands, of orange barrels strewn about I-440, the expansion of Raleigh's Beltline is nearing an end. It comes after a three-year delay. WRAL Digital Producer Mark Bergin and WRAL Investigative Producer Randall Kerr talk about the project's status and what's ahead. 

00:13:15
May 29, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
What should you do if you fall behind on car payments?

Car payments are getting harder for families to afford as the cost of groceries, housing, insurance, and other bills continue to rise. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur speaks with Ashley Rowe about what families can do get back on track to void delinquency or repossession. 

00:09:36
May 28, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
What supplies are needed for your hurricane kit?

June 1 marks the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. Making preparations ahead of time is always a good idea. WRAL's Mark Bergin and meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth talked through good items to include in your hurricane prep kits.

00:08:34
May 27, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Constitutional amendements North Carolina voters need to know about

There are several consitutional amendements North Carolinians will vote on this November. Two of the most notable amendements involve a cap on the state's income tax and a proposal impacting property taxes. WRAL State Government reporter Will Doran breaks down what they include and the politics behind them. 

00:14:17
May 25, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Tar Heel Traveler: World's oldest longleaf pine and bicycle spokes

WRAL's Gerald Owens and Scott Mason talk through a few upcoming Tar Heel Traveler stories including the history behind the "world's oldest longleaf pine" and a couple starting a new journey with bicycle spokes.

00:09:41
May 22, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
5 On Your Side: Benson family to be reimbursed after delivery driver hits their dog and drives off

A Benson family says their dog was hit by an Amazon delivery driver, who drove off. Though the dog is expected to be okay, the family asked Amazon to help pay their mounting vet bills. They called 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur to get help. 

00:16:42
May 21, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
The impact of North Carolina public school closures

Granville and Cumberland counties lost the most schools as costs to school districts is leading to merge and close schools. It's a trend being seen for public schools across the country. WRAL's Destinee Patterson and Emily Walkenhorst discuss what it means for the next generation of students.

00:10:52
May 20, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
WRAL Severe Weather Team's 2026 Hurricane Outlook

Warm oceans, shifting wind shear, building tropical energy. The WRAL Severe Weather Team is analyzing EVERY atmospheric signal - to forecast what hurricane season 2026 could bring.

Meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth talks through some of the different variables and shares the WRAL Severe Weather Team's 2026 hurricane outlook.

 

00:10:28
May 19, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Where does our state budget stand?

After about a year without a state budget, North Carolina lawmakers are one step closer to delivering one before the July 1 deadline. They've agreed on some things, like possible raises for state employees and tax cuts. But what else needs to be worked out before it hits Governor Stein's desk? Will he even sign it once it does? WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran talks with WRAL's Elizabeth Holmes. 

00:19:25
May 18, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
Teacher wages on the rise in North Carolina, is it enough for the most experienced?

North Carolina is the only state in the country without a new budget, but GOP lawmakers say they've reached a deal on taxes and state employee raises, two of the main sticking points. Is it enough for the most experienced educators in the state?

WRAL news reporter Carly Haynes and education insider Emily Walkenhorst talk through the concerns and what the future of education looks like in the state.

00:07:42
May 15, 2026 3:59 AM
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WRAL Daily Download
A conversation with the Tar Heel Traveler

WRAL Anchor Gerald Owens speaks with Scott Mason, known as the Tar Heel Traveler, about hidden gems and unique stories he's encountered across North Carolina. 

00:10:04
May 14, 2026 3:59 AM
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