WRAL Daily Download

A sewage situation backing up into people’s homes. 5 on your side has been investigating this problem for years. Producer Pritchard Strong joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about the latest update to this issue.

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs are on the chopping block at UNC System schools — part of a trend in Republican-led states. Supporters of the programs see an effort to help students whose communities have long faced discrimination. Critics say they’ve become too political, and they say eliminating the programs could save the state millions of dollars. UNC System officials are expected to vote to cut the programs this week. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks it all down.

State lawmakers want to stop protesters from wearing masks. This week, a bill that passed the state senate would make it illegal to wear masks in public even when worn for health reasons. People who need them would need to weigh breaking the law against protecting themselves. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie explains what experts say about the legality of this potential ban.

On Wednesday, the North Carolina state senate passed a bill aimed at protecting people from a dark use of A.I. The bill outlaws A.I. generated child porn as our state's courts are facing these cases more and more. WRAL's Eric Miller breaks down the bill and one case out of Charlotte that's catching people's attention.

Colors danced above north carolina skies recently as the northern lights made a rare appearance in the area. Tony Rice -- a WRAL writer and NASA ambassador -- joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about this occurrence.

A rare Camaro, an Escalade – pricey, luxury vehicles stolen from dealership lots in a matter of minutes. WRAL Investigative Producer Randall Kerr joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about the increasing trend with these thefts.

Dave Boliek and Jack Clark face each other Tuesday in a runoff to become the Republican Party’s nominee for state auditor, a position that voters haven’t sought to change in 16 years. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains why partisanship and professional licensing are at the center of the race.

The disappearances of Blake and London Deven have captured the attention of social media sleuths as the search for them continues to twist and turn. Both adopted siblings disappeared several years ago but were not reported missing until this year. On Blake Deven's 18th birthday, WRAL Anchor Chris Lovingood explains where the case stands.

 A long stretch of I-95 runs through our state as it takes travelers from Miami to Maine through a dozen states. Law enforcement say it's not just travelers using the route, it's also drug traffickers. WRAL Investigates' Chelsea Donovan rode along with a special team of officers on a 50 mile stretch through Nash County to see what they find in traffic stops every day.

The battle for the Republican nomination for North Carolina lieutenant Governor will be decided in a May 14 runoff. GOP candidates Jim O’Neill and Hal Weatherman have different ideas for how to lead the office after Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s term ends — assuming one of them can beat Democrat Rachel Hunt in November. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains.