WRAL Daily Download

Erick Hernandez-Mendez is accused of murdering his wife, Christina Matos, back in April of 2021. This week, prosecutors presented new evidence they believe ties him to her death. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan has been inside the courtroom. She breaks down the testimony so far as Hernandez-Mendez is set to take the stand.

The house always wins--or at least that's the saying about gambling. WRAL Investigates Producer Randall Kerr talked to experts about how oddsmakers end up on top and your chances of beating them.

There are dozens of gangs in Raleigh, according to an investigator who spoke with WRAL's Sarah Krueger. She talks with Ali Ingersoll to share what else she learned about gangs through this conversation. 

People across the country and state are heading to the polls today to cast ballots in primary elections. Several candidates recently stopped in North Carolina ahead of the primary. WRAL's NC Capitol reporter, Will Doran, joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about why they're focused on our state.

Beyond the presidential races, North Carolina Republicans and Democrats also have primaries for governor, Supreme Court, attorney general, superintendent of public education, secretary of agriculture and plenty of U.S. House races. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks it all down.

Today, future bettors are opening mobile sports betting accounts for the first time in North Carolina. Wagering in the state begins on March 11. WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy talks about two big steps toward launch day that happened this week.

There are reminders of slavery across North Carolina, from the mountains to the coast. Only in facing and truly examining this past can we embrace a diverse and inclusive community and try to prevent future atrocities. WRAL history reporter Heather Leah went to the places that remind us in a very tangible way that slavery thrived here and spoke to the experts about how it impacted our state’s culture. In this episode, she shares her reporting and her insights with us. https://www.wral.com/underground-railroad-tree-guilford-woods-escaping-slavery-history/20137259/ https://www.wral.com/false-bottom-wagon-look-inside-this-200-year-old-hiding-space-for-escaping-slavery/20152099/ https://www.wral.com/secret-passageways-and-freedom-roads-remnants-of-the-underground-railroad-in-nc/19205696/

Tulips are popping up and trees are beginning to bud and bloom. It's a sure sign that spring is here in North Carolina. WRAL Meteorologist Kat Campbell joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about the shift in season and how to prepare for a time when we see the most severe weather. 

A year after the Canadian wildfires began, scientists are still talking about the devastating blazes that tore thorugh forests up north and they're concerned about where these fires could pop up in the future, including here in our state. WRAL's Climate Change reporter, Liz McLaughlin joins Ali Ingersoll to discuss the factors contributing to the heightened risk.

Republicans hoping to flip one of the nation’s longest-held Democratic congressional seats are trading a barrage of attacks about their past transgressions and electability — a primary battle that could affect the GOP’s chances in North Carolina’s lone toss-up congressional district. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains.