WRAL Daily Download

Austin Thompson, the Raleigh teen accused of shooting six people, killing five of them in October 2022, will plead guilty to all charges, his lawyers announced on Tuesday.

The intent to plead guilty was filed one day before Thompson was scheduled for a a hearing ahead of a trial planned for February. That hearing is still scheduled for Wednesday. It's likely Thompson would enter his plea at that time. 

In this episode of the WRAL Daily Download, news reporter Shaun Gallagher talks through what this means for the case and what comes next in court.

A group of Buddhist monks from a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Texas have been on a months-long journey to Washington, D.C. with one goal: peace. The group of about 20 monks began their "Walk for Peace" in late October, drawing the adoration and attention of people all over the country in person and on social media.

WRAL state government reporter Caroline Yaffa spoke with one man who spent miles with the monks about his experience. Plus, we have the latest information on what to expect when the group gets to the Triangle. 

North Carolina is month's past due on a state budget. WRAL's Dan Haggerty and state government reporter Will Doran take a look at what's causing the delay, what it means for you and when we could see a change.

A state program using ankle monitors, designed to protect victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes, has proven successful in North Carolina. But confusion about how it'd be funded means it could end soon, with no back-up plan in sight. WRAL's Paul Specht shares why those in the legal field say the program has been called a 'life saver.' 

A legislative committee is reviewing the state's procedures when it comes to treating people with mental health problems after two high-profile killings in North Carolina. WRAL State Government reporter Paul Spetch shares why both cases highlight the gaps in mental health care and public safety procedures, as both the justice system and mental health care system are under strain. 

State Department of Agriculture data shows seven registered animal shelters were disciplined in 2024. The number rose to 22 in 2025. WRAL's Sarah Krueger explains the issues impacting animal welfare.

Court proceedings are set to begin in the trial of 21-year-old Issiah Mehki Ross. He's been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark, two teens killed and found along a remote ATV path in 2022. 

WRAL news reporter Monica Casey was in court on Monday and has the latest developments and what's next. Plus, how this case created "Lyric and Devin's Law," which impacts how law enforcement agencies search for juvenile suspects.

Debates are brewing over the criminal justice system following two recent high-profile killings in Charlotte and Raleigh - crimes, police say, that were committed at random by people with mental health issues who had been in and out of local jails and prisons for years.

North Carolina is making strides toward helping people get health care, jobs and other assistance after they leave prison, Gov. Josh Stein said last week, part of a push to help prepare convicted criminals for life after prison.

WRAL digital producer Jaylin Jones and state government reporter Will Doran discuss Stein's speech, where things stand, and what can be done in 2026 and beyond. 

Several police departments in North Carolina are now using civilians, not officers, to respond to less serious car crashes. Departments say the goal is to lighten the load on their already strained staff. WRAL Investigative Reporter Sarah Krueger dug into the data to see if it's making a difference. 

If 2025 weather felt like a lot to you, you’re not alone. This year we saw quite a few extreme temperature swings, and for some communities, events that will be talked about for years to come. From the cold winter days that delivered some snow this year, to the extreme heat of the summer.

WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell joins WRAL's Jaylin Jones to look back on what the data can tell us about weather trends in North Carolina. 

Ryan Camacho is being held without bond, charged with Ravenscroft teacher Zoe Welsh's murder. WRAL Investigates found public records showing he avoided a multi-year prison sentence last year due to a plea agreement reducing four felonies to a single misdemeanor. WRAL's Randall Kerr explains what we're learning from Camacho's criminal history.

The legal defense for a teen accused of killing five people in the 2022 shooting in Raleigh’s Hedingham neighborhood has filed a series of pre-trial motions.

The trial date for Austin Thompson is set to begin on Monday, February 2nd.

The shooting took place on October 13, 2022, starting inside the Thompson family home and ending on the nearby Neuse River Greenway. Thompson was 15 at the time of the shooting. He faces 5 murder charges as well as 2 charges each of attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

WRAL news reporter Shuan Gallagher spoke with a local defense attorney to learn more about what these pre-trial motions mean.

The Johnston County town of Benson is mostly known for an annual festival called Mule Days. But in the coming years, it’s expected to become known as a critical destination for a key national security initiative. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains what’s coming to this town of 4,000 people.

As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area.

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.

As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area.

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.

As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area.

Tropical storm Chantal 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.

As 2025 comes to an end, we're reflecting on stories from this year that made an impact in our area.

Millie Dunn Veasey's family knew about her accomplishments as a civil rights activist but they didn't know the full extent of her military service until late last year. The Raleigh native served in the only all-Black, all female unit to operate overseas during World War II.--the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. WRAL's Destinee Patterson talked to her family about her life of service.

WRAL’s PolitiFact team investigated dozens of claims made by politicians and government officials in North Carolina in 2025. WRAL PolitiFact reporter Paul Specht breaks down some of the year's most popular fact-checks. 

This year, the WRAL Documentary team premiered five stories. They range in topics from western North Carolina recovering from Hurricane Helene to the first season of Bill Belichick's tenure at UNC. 

WRAL's Cristin Severance sat down to talk through these five stories, what they learned and what they hope people take away from these documentaries.

Grace Gymnastics Academy in Morrisville placed fifth in the world at a competition in Bulgaria next month. The studio has international roots--and plans on competing globally in the coming year. WRAL' s Grace Holland learned more about the growing sport of aesthetic gymnastics.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, NORAD, is a United States and Canada bi-national organization which, according to its website, "defends the homeland through aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning for North America."

On Christmas Eve, for the past 70 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command, track Santa Claus. We spoke with Major Kathleen Leaton about their work helping out the big man.

In the summer, we told you the story of Jill Fuller. She developed Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome after replacing a glass of wine at night with THC gummies for months. CHS is a condition characterized by persistent nausea and vomiting, intense abdominal pain and loss of appetite.

As the condition gains attention on social media, WRAL health reporter Grace Hayba revisits what it looks like, what causes it and updates us on how Jill is doing.

The North Carolina Tar Heels finished year one under head coach Bill Belichick with a disappointing 4-8 record. Offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer were fired in December. The team has a large group of freshmen coming in, but there's a lot of work to be done in the offseason. WRAL Sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy talks about where the program stands after a full season with Bill Belichick, what challenges the team faces and how much patience the university will have for the six-time Super Bowl winning head coach.

Several days ago, the town of Hillsborough noticed something wrong with their water. A creek that flows through the Town Cemetery was neon green. The picture of it garnered hundreds of comments and shares on social media. WRAL's Kirstyn Clark spoke with officials about what caused the problem. 

WRAL’s newest documentary, "Coaching Carolina: The Belichick Way," reveals how the University of North Carolina landed Bill Belichick, arguably the greatest football coach of all time, and what unfolded next. WRAL Documentary Investigator Cristin Severance speaks ahead of the documentary, detailing how it uncovers the real story behind one of the most unlikely and consequential hires in college athletics.