WRAL Daily Download

North Carolina is known for being first in flight. Wilbur and Orville Wright claimed that title. Fast forward 122 years later. America's first flying car is touching down in the Tar Heel state. WRAL's Flynn Snyder shares what this could mean for transportation in North Carolina and what challenges those wanting to fly may face. 

The House is set to vote on a Senate approved plan to reopen the government. It would restore important funding for federal food aid and federal workers' pay but it does not extend expiring health subsidies. WRAL's Ashley Roe explains what impacts that would have on healthcare costs in our state.

Researchers at the City University of New York's Advanced Science Research Center have published new findings that could create a new way to detect climate threats before they show up. They call it a "Climate BioStress Sentinel System" that would track how climate change is stressing living things, using those signals in a preventative fashion. WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin explains how this works and how it could be implemented in a state like North Carolina.

One of the most accomplished Republican legislators in North Carolina history faces a primary challenger with enough name-recognition to potentially capture his seat and upend the state’s power dynamics — a battle involving casinos, shrimpers, raw milk and allegations of playing politics with public safety. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains.

This year's government shutdown is the longest in history. Over the past few weeks, we've started to see direct impacts across the country. The newest trouble comes in the sky. The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered a reduction of air traffic at 40 of the busiest airports across the United States. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur joins us to talk through what troubles we could see at RDU and beyond, plus what you should know if you're flying soon.

Four different towns in Wake County will have new mayors next year. It comes after Democrats made big gains in the county’s suburbs on election night. Paul Specht and Will Doran with WRAL's NC Capitol Team break down what happened and what this may mean for Democrats and Republicans heading into 2026 – when all eyes will be on North Carolina for the U.S. Senate race. 

North Carolina FC is seeking membership in a new, higher USL division and will suspend operations after this season to pursue that. The move would require a larger stadiumm WRAL's Louis Fernandez explains how that could also help the NC Courage.

When you’re driving in Wake County, are there any intersections that make you worry? Maybe you make sure to pay EXTRA attention, maybe you just avoid them all together? WRAL Investigates has looked into what Wake County intersections have the most car crashes and what’s being done to make things better. Sarah Krueger combs through the NCDOT data and shares the results with us.

As the government shutdown continues, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, has faced much uncertainty. The U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to the country's biggest food aid program starting on Saturday, November 1, but two federal judges have ruled that a contingency fund must be used. Even that emergency fund only extends SNAP so long. More than 1.4 million North Carolinians receive help from SNAP. We're sharing stories of people dealing with the uncertainty, ways you can receive help and ways you can give help.

When it comes to crime in Durham, both City and County leaders say things are heading in the right direction. Overall violent crime is down compared to last year. But now, Durham’s taking a new approach to tackling gun violence. WRAL’s Monica Casey weighs in.