WRAL Daily Download

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.

The Town of Cary appointed an interim town manager after weeks of questions about spending under the former town manager. Sean Stegall will receive a $194,832 severance package after resigning. WRAL's Carly Haynes explains how we got here.

Community activists from western North Carolina voiced their frustrations at the U.S. Capitol on Monday.

They’re upset about the slow pace of Hurricane Helene recovery relief, which they blame on the federal government.

Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein’s advisory committee on Western North Carolina recover, a bipartisan group of state and local officials in charge of Helene recovery goals, are pretty upset as well.

WRAL state government reporter Will Doran discusses what these groups say is slowing things down and what they want to see change. Plus, what federal government representatives are saying about the complaints.

Law enforcement searched for Dominic Connelly for 47 days after they said he killed his grandmother, set fire to her home in Havelock, and then stole her car. The timeline had some community members wondering if the wait was worth the resources. We share why the Craven County Sheriff said it was, and will be in future cases. 

Earlier this week, the North Carolina General Assembly announced a comittee to look into ways to lower property taxes. It's unusual, since property tax revenue stays in the cities and counties that collect those taxes. WRAL's Will Doran explains what this says about housing affordabilty in our state.