WRAL Daily Download

If you’re a fan of cemeteries and the history they hold, there’s one in Tarboro you must visit. Enclosed in a gothic-style churchyard, graves covered in ivy sit beneath a lush canopy of century-old trees. It can only be described as North Carolina’s very own “Secret Garden.” And that’s not all, just down the street sits the the Colonial-era Town Common dates which back to 1760. In this episode, WRAL Hidden History reporter Heather Leah takes us back in time and unlocks the secrets of Tarboro.

https://www.wral.com/amp/19293352/

At one time it drew people from all over the state, people hoping that the mineral spring nestled quietly on a farm in North Carolina would have healing properties that could make them well. The town that we know of today as Fuquay-Varina grew up around the mystical healing waters. The spring now sits in the middle of a public park where you can take in its beauty and its history. WRAL Hidden History reporter Heather Leah fills us in on what’s behind the legend of this ethereal body of water.

You’ve probably driven by one and not even noticed it…a ghost town. North Carolina is full of them. Why go to the beach this summer when you can visit one of these spooky places? WRAL’s Hidden History reporter Heather Leah shares what’s behind these abandoned communities—and tells us which ones are accessible.

https://www.wral.com/story/ghost-towns-from-above-bird-s-eye-view-of-abandoned-communities-across-nc/20530696/

It’s right in the middle of the bustling city. On any given Saturday or Sunday families with children flock to Raleigh’s Pullen Park to enjoy the small train, the paddle boats, the playground or the carousel. But did you know that the park has a rich and interesting history? WRAL’s Hidden History reporter Heather Leah shares some of its secrets in this episode including where you can find remnants of Raleigh’s very first zoo.

https://www.wral.com/story/when-pullen-had-alligators-and-bears-remnants-of-the-old-zoo-at-pullen-park/19632299/

State lawmakers are considering a proposal that would pump $1.425 billion into unproven companies. Supporters say the money is needed to spur economic growth in the state. Opponents say it has too many risks, and the money would be better spent elsewhere. WRAL state government reporter Travis Fain breaks down the debate over the controversial NCInnovation program. 

If you’re a fan of dinosaurs, there’s one roaming the woods in Durham that you must see this summer. You might see him peering through the branches along the heavily wooded greenway trail. He’s been there for more than fifty years and is an impressive 70 feet in length. He is part of the original “Dinosaur Trail” which opened in Durham in 1967. In this episode, WRAL’s Hidden History reporter Heather Leah fills us in on the history of this magnificent creature and tells us how we can visit him.

https://www.wral.com/story/hidden-dinosaur-life-sized-brontosaurus-from-1960s-still-roams-durham-woods/20753464/

For as long as anyone can remember, Goldsboro High School has struggled to have students achieve at their grade level or above. Currently, the high school is part of the state’s Restart program which gives low-performing schools more flexibility and resources to help struggling students. The alumni of GHS are taking this fight to help students thrive one step further by giving them incentives in the form of scholarships to continue their education past high school. They believe it’s their duty and their legacy to support the next generation. In this episode, we speak with Gary Packer, the national president of the Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni and Friends.

If we break a traffic law, there’s a good chance we’ll get a ticket. If we violate a policy at work, there’s a good chance we will be reprimanded. But there’s one entity that’s above being held responsible for wrongdoing in North Carolina-the government. Towns, cities, and counties in our state consistently cite “governmental immunity” when they run afoul of the law. This means they are not liable. In today’s episode, WRAL’s 5 On Your Side reporter Keely Arthur explains what governmental immunity is and how it affects all of us.

A battle is simmering over leadership of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. It involves allegations of discrimination and intimidation and political meddling in what is supposed to be an independent agency. The power struggle has raised questions about who should be in charge of the SBI. WRAL state government reporter Travis Fain breaks it down. 

Originally aired on March 22, 2023, this episode of the WRAL Daily Download explains some things that are often hard to put into layman’s terms. It’s been the topic of heated debate across the country and here in North Carolina. How does the map that defines where people vote impact the outcome of elections locally and nationally? WRAL’s state government reporter Will Doran joins us in this episode to break down what redistricting is, how it works and what it means to voters.

https://www.wral.com/story/nc-supreme-court-rehears-arguments-in-controversial-redistricting-case/20761783/