WRAL Daily Download

Search warrants first reported by WRAL show a large number of weapons and ammunition seized from the shed where police arrested the suspect in a Raleigh mass shooting. WRAL's Chelsea Donovan broke this story and explains what it reveals about the night Austin Thompson was captured.

About seven weeks ago, North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion program rolled out. Thousands of people have signed up since then. WRAL's NC Capitol Bureau Chief, Laura Leslie, joins Ali Ingersoll to talk about how its going. 

Local jails are using high-tech screening machines which is alerting officers to contraband. These are different than your usual metal detectors as they can identify not only weapons but also drugs. Ali Ingersoll talks with WRAL's Sarah Krueger about how the technology works and why so many other jails want to get it.  

A stone fireplace in the tree line catches many driver's eye along US-64 between Raleigh and Knightdale. WRAL Hidden History producer Heather Leah investigated it's origins. She and WRAL News Plus Anchor Grace Holland met a local historian who walked them through its nearly century long past. 

President Biden made his seventh visit to North Carolina since taking office on Thursday. He was here to tout his administration's investment in infrastructure and economic development. The visit comes as the 2024 presidential campaign takes shape — and as Republicans hold Biden responsible for inflation. WRAL News reporter Brian Murphy breaks down Biden’s comments and the GOP’s response — and what it means for 2024.

Last year raleigh police responded to 15 calls for human trafficking – the most since before the pandemic, according to police call data. The state consistently ranks among the highest for cases prosecuted. As January marks Human Trafficking Awareness month, WRAL's Julian Grace recently emceeded a conference on the subject. He joins Ali Ingersoll to share information and stories from the event. 

Apex Police released new details Tuesday about the moments that led up to a shooting that killed two women and a dog. WRAL Reporter Aaron Thomas spoke with the suspect's former employer.

The FDA has recalled some applesauce pouches after finding they were tainted with lead. Dozens of children tested positive for elevated lead in their blood and the culprit – the cinnamon in these snacks. WRAL's 5 On Your Side team member, Pritchard Strong joins Ali Ingersoll to discuss how the experts discovered that link and their ties to North Carolina. 

The next 11 months are going to be a political whirlwind in North Carolina. The primary elections are less than two months away, which will give us a clear view of the November elections in this swing state. In between, there will be a short legislative session, during which GOP lawmakers who control the General Assembly could look to advance their priorities. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran raises the curtain on the year ahead.

Guardrails on North Carolina highways are supposed to keep us safe but there's growing concerns they could be doing the opposite. WRAL Investigates' Sarah Krueger spoke to a man who's raising the issue and says lives are at stake.