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
Genres:
News & Politics Podcasts
Networks:
Capitol Broadcasting
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
A recipe for serious traffic jams around the North Carolina State Fair
10/16/2025
The first night of the North Carolina State Fair coincides with Billie Eilish's first of two concerts in Raleigh on Thursday. Officials are urging people to arrive several hours in advance due to traffic concerns around the fairgrounds and Lenovo Center. WRAL's Shaun Gallegher explains why this part of the city is so prone to traffic issues.
Duración:00:13:30
Three years after Hedingham mass shooting, community remembers those killed
10/15/2025
Monday marked three years since a mass shooting in the Hedingham neighborhood in east Raleigh. On Monday, an end-of-watch ceremony was held for slain officer Gabriel Torres as the 3-year mark conjured memories of those killed. A trial for the accused shooter, Austin Thompson, is set for Feb. 2, 2026. WRAL anchor and reporter Eric Miller, who covered the shooting, reflects on that night and his conversations with those impacted.
Duración:00:13:01
More than $6.5 billion in medical debt relieved through NC program
10/14/2025
More than $6.5 billion in medical debt has been relieved for more than 2.5 million North Carolinians over the past year, through a program set up by the state and paid for with federal funds. Governor Josh Stein called it "life changing news for so many families." WRAL state government reporter Will Doran explains how it came together, it's impact on individuals and hospitals and how the policy is designed to continue to reduce debt burden for years to come.
Duración:00:11:55
Why the feds say NC is failing special education students
10/13/2025
U.S. Department of Education officials say North Carolina is failing to meet federal special education standards. State officials blame it on teacher turnover and the need for other special education resources. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains.
Duración:00:13:42
Community mourns three Fayetteville high school football players killed in car crash
10/10/2025
Three E.E. Smith High School students died and another person was seriously hurt after a crash Wednesday night in Fayetteville. WRAL's Kirtsyn Clark talked to a friend of one of the players.
Duración:00:08:43
Social media and AI algorithms may be linked to higher self harm risks among kids in NC
10/9/2025
Warning: This episode discusses topics of suicide and addiction.
A state committee tasked with preventing child deaths in North Carolina is focused on social media, saying different apps and AI platforms may be contributing to expounding mental health issues among kids and teens. It comes as the state reports nearly 500 children have taken their own lives in the last decade. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran sat in on the latest Child Fatality Task Force meeting and shares the details.
Duración:00:16:29
How the U.S. trade war with China is bad for NC soybean farmers
10/8/2025
One of North Carolina's biggest cash crops is the hardest hit by the impacts of new tariffs and trade tensions. China is one of the largest buyers of U.S. soybeans and it is now boycotting it. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains what that means for soybean farmers in eastern North Carolina.
Duración:00:13:57
What to know ahead of Tuesday's local elections in NC
10/7/2025
Tuesday is Election Day for many parts of North Carolina, including Durham, Fayetteville and Rocky Mount. Voters will get a chance to cast their ballot in city council races, mayoral contests and other municipal elections. WRAL State government reporter Will Doran has the latest information you need to know before going to your polling place and which elections have a spotlight on them.
Duración:00:11:51
The Raleigh police officer fired, accused of taking a sexual favor during a DWI investigation
10/6/2025
Raleigh police officer Tremale Cogdell is set to appear in court Monday afternoon. He was arrested on felony sexual misconduct charges Friday. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher explains what investigators know so far.
Duración:00:09:06
What is the TikTok challenge that could make your kid sick?
10/3/2025
There's a social media challenge circulating on TikTok encouraging kids to take a large amount of over the counter medicine, like Benadryl, for fun. It's not the first time you may have heard of a challenge like this, but law enforcement is taking this one seriously. Especially the Granville County Sheriff's Office. WRAL Reporter Kirstyn Clark explains why.
Duración:00:13:02
A battle over healthcare at the state and federal level
10/2/2025
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.
Duración:00:13:49
What witnesses say happened during a mass shooting at a Southport bar
10/1/2025
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.
Duración:00:14:55
Climate change is hitting home in North Carolina--literally
9/30/2025
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.
Duración:00:11:47
Lawmakers return to Raleigh: The bills that did and did not make it to the Governor's desk
9/29/2025
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.
Duración:00:18:08
Hillsborough's Gold Park reopens after major repairs from Tropical Storm Chantal damage
9/26/2025
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.
Duración:00:08:24
Helene: What We Lost, What We Found
9/25/2025
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.
Duración:00:15:35
Duke's Kara Lawson humbled to join the ranks of legendary Team USA Basketball coaches
9/24/2025
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.
Duración:00:13:57
Teens found after escaping Raleigh mental health facility
9/23/2025
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.
Duración:00:12:51
New crime bill, health care spending, Helene aid: NC lawmakers return to Raleigh
9/22/2025
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.
Duración:00:13:33
Why the UNC System is considering raising tuition costs for incoming students
9/19/2025
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.
Duración:00:13:08