WRAL Daily Download

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.