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WRAL Daily Download

Capitol Broadcasting

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.

Location:

United States

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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How the Jefferson Griffin case could affect NC voters in the future

5/13/2025
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.

Duration:00:15:20

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WRAL obtains emails that show UNC's Cunningham got death threats after NCAA bracket was set

5/12/2025
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.

Duration:00:10:26

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Parks remain closed for a second summer in Durham as lead testing continues

5/9/2025
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.

Duration:00:12:39

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Jefferson Griffin concedes to Allison Riggs in NC Supreme Court race months after 2024 Election

5/8/2025
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.

Duration:00:14:05

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How scammers could try to profit off cars flooded by Hurricane Helene

5/7/2025
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.

Duration:00:09:41

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Are NC DMV waits getting longer?

5/6/2025
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.

Duration:00:12:10

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Why hackers are targeting student data

5/5/2025
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.

Duration:00:12:02

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300 local middle schoolers were exposed to porn over Snapchat

5/2/2025
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.

Duration:00:10:13

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WRAL's Brian Murphy explains what's going on with Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Jordon Hudson

5/1/2025
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.

Duration:00:13:51

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Bartender at troubled StarBar faces misdemeanor charges for selling alcohol after hours

4/30/2025
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.

Duration:00:11:43

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NC court rules to give election powers back to Stein

4/28/2025
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.

Duration:00:11:52

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Police are cracking down on dangerous car meetups in Durham

4/25/2025
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.

Duration:00:12:10

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Wildfire risk grows in western North Carolina in months after Hurricane Helene

4/24/2025
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.

Duration:00:15:44

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Crossing Borders: Immigration and Division in North Carolina

4/23/2025
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.

Duration:00:12:22

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Triangle Catholics mourn Pope Francis

4/22/2025
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.

Duration:00:09:51

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Why more NC students earning professional credentials before graduation

4/21/2025
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.

Duration:00:13:22

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WRAL Investigates looks into the timeline to a local mother's murder trial

4/18/2025
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.

Duration:00:17:32

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Trial begins for man accused of murdering his child's aunt during a custody exchange

4/17/2025
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.

Duration:00:08:40

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Afghani asylum seekers living in Raleigh told to 'leave immediately' or be deported

4/16/2025
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.

Duration:00:11:49

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Internet outage at several NC DMV offices causes major delays

4/15/2025
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.

Duration:00:07:33