WRAL Daily Download

Even after recent rain, much of North Carolina remains in drought conditions. WRAL Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner explain how dry weather could affect mosquito populations.

State lawmakers, the Raleigh mayor, a group that represents state employees and the state’s elected attorney general, auditor and treasurer are among those weighing in on a takeover deal between two state hospital systems. Atrium Health is in position to take control of WakeMed. WRAL state government editor Jack Hagel looks at what the deal would mean, why some officials are sounding the alarm and what the future looks like as the deal is put on pause.

State lawmakers are homing in on housing expenses as North Carolinians sour on the economy, with rising concerns over the cost of living and broader economic conditions. North Carolina lawmakers are proposing a variety of new initiatives to address the rising cost of living, everything from freezing reappraisals to easing development to boost supply. WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht talks us through some of the ideas lawmakers are putting forward as we get closer to midterm elections in November.

A new report from the National Education Association ranks the state 43rd in average teacher pay and 38th in starting teacher pay. These rankings are about the same as last year. This is all based on data from the 2024-25 school year. Teachers haven't received raises for the current school year, because the North Carolina legislature has yet to pass a new budget. Without a raise, North Carolina teacher pay is projected to fall to 46th this year, based on estimates. WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst talks through the state of teacher pay in North Carolina.

Most of the state is experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, causing a statewide burn ban and water restrictions in different localities. The lack of rain means we've also seen a lack of severe weather in our area. WRAL Meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth speaks with Digital Producer Jaylin Jones about how this year's weather compares to years prior.

St. Augustine's University filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy according to court documents filed this week. It comes after years of financial struggles for the HBCU. WRAL's Destinee Patterson explains how we got here.

Can you really trust travel insurance when it matters most? A Fort Bragg family tried to use their policy after a sudden deployment forced them to cancel a trip, only to face a roadblock. WRAL 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur stepped in to help recover more than $1,000. She talks through the process and tells you what you should know about travel insurance.

The North Carolina State legislature is back in session with a lot on the docket, from a potential book ban to Medicaid changes that could affect millions of North Carolinians. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks it all down from the state legislative building.

Most of North Carolina is experiencing dangerous drought conditions, causing a statewide burn ban and increasing water use restrictions in different localities. WRAL Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner and WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones talk about how we got here and how long it may take to get out of it.

Residents, scientists and health professionals are frustrated over how the state is planning to address PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' found in North Carolina's waterways. WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin shares why some say the proposed plan, which includes monitoring PFAS discharge, does not hold those behind the contamination responsible.,

The National Weather Service's storm prediction center did not anticipate a tornado threat for the Kansas City area last week. At least three injuries were reported in at least five tornadoes there. WRAL Meteorologist Grant Skinner weighs in for what it means for our area during severe weather season.

The City of Raleigh implemented Stage 1 water-use restrictions Monday amid a severe drought across most of the state. Parts of the Triangle are in extreme drought conditions. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher breaks down what the restrictions mean.

The 2026 midterm elections are still months away, but the money is already pouring into North Carolina at a breakneck pace. Leading candidates in the race for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat have already raised more than $50 million — with millions more expected from national political groups. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down where the money is coming from, how it’s being spent, and what it means for the future of major political parties.

Americans waste up to $1,000 annually on unused and unwanted subscriptions. The law is on your side when it comes to getting rid of them. WRAL's Keely Arthur explains how it can help you do just that.

On April 16, 2011, 30 tornadoes ravaged the state of North Carolina, killing 24 people and injuring more than 300 people. WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones and Meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth talk about what caused such significant severe weather.

There's been no measurable rainfall since April 5 and rain chances this weekend aren't expected to help much. It's why Raleigh leaders are considering possible water use restrictions for the first time in nearly 20 years. WRAL's Chris Michaels explains the weather pattern behind the lack of rain.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee says it’s growing confident about the party’s ability to protect its North Carolina incumbents — and potentially flip at least one Republican-held seat. Republican groups and political analysts have their doubts. WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht and digital producer Jaylin Jones talk through the reasons for the growing confidence and how this will translate in November.

Rising costs and dwindling enrollment are causing North Carolina schools to tighten their belts. Wake County Public schools proposed a budget with more than 5 million dollars in cuts, on top of more than 100 layoffs designed to save the state’s biggest school district millions more. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains why districts are in a budget crunch and breaks down a new ruling in a major lawsuit over school funding.

Could Raleigh be the next home to a fleet of driverless taxis? 5 On Your Side's Alex Littlehales and WRAL Digital Producer Jaylin Jones talk about what the program would look like and how city leaders are responding.

Sports wagering was just the beginning of a betting boom across the country. Now prediction markets offer the opportunity to bet on just about anything. While sportsbooks deal with games and matchups, perhaps an important someone with insider information, is making hundreds of thousands of dollars betting on whether the Strait of Hormuz will be closed by this time next week. Or who will be the last one standing in the latest season of “Survivor” or taking home the Oscar for best picture. WRAL digital producer Jaylin Jones and sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy talk through what prediction markets are and its impacts in a modern speculative landscape.