WRAL Daily Download

What is the secret to not just aging gracefully, but to thriving as we get older? Currently, there are 56 million people over 65 in our country according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This amounts to almost 17% of the population. WRAL senior Durham reporter Sarah Krueger spoke to seniors about what they believe are the secrets to aging well.

Born during the pandemic, this show hosted by four local arts councils in the Triangle recognizes the immense talent that we have in our area. WRAL showcases this talent in the third annual show and raises money for the organizations that make arts programming possible throughout the region. Producer Don Ursich joins me along with Jennifer McEwen, President and CEO of the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, to explain the mission and tell us what we can expect from this year’s show.

If you’re a parent looking for children’s over-the-counter pain and fever medication at your local pharmacy in the Triangle you may be surprised to find the shelves sparse. Multiple illnesses over the winter increased the need for these drugs, and the supply still hasn’t bounced back. WRAL’s 5 on Your Side producer Pritchard Strong breaks it down for us.

Republican legislators are meeting privately to discuss tightening North Carolina’s abortion law, which currently bans the procedure after 20 weeks. They want to reduce that time, but the question is by how much. Whatever they propose, GOP leaders in the General Assembly will need help from Democrats to bypass an expected veto from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain breaks down the negotiations and the political wrangling that could follow.

Today, fathers are often equal partners when it comes to parenting. The joys of juggling twins and a toddler is a new experience for WRAL anchor Ken Smith and his wife Amanda. In this episode, Ken gets personal and explains what it’s like to balance work and parenthood. He makes it look easy. But don’t be fooled by his big smile and his infectious laughter -- he’s tired.

The top leaders in North Carolina’s legislature reached an agreement that is expected to expand Medicaid coverage. The momentous deal, announced Thursday, is the culmination of more than a decade of political wrangling and a Republican change of heart. WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain breaks down the plan, along with the machinations and the politics that got us here.

All but 13 states have laws that allow marijuana to be prescribed by doctors for medical use. North Carolina is considering such a law. This week in their initial vote senators passed the legislation by a vote of 36 to 10. Once it passes a second vote, it heads to the State House for their approval. Those opposed to it don’t believe it really works and are concerned this will open the door to overall legalization of marijuana. WRAL political reporter Will Doran joins us to explain the current proposal and its potential path to becoming law.

Gone are the days when people simply book hotels when they travel. Instead, travelers are taking advantage of the 8 million rentals available in nearly 200 countries around the world through multiple platforms. WRAL’s 5 on Your Side reporter Keely Arthur tells us about one woman’s bad experiences with VRBO and how Keely’s team helped her get her money back and her bad review deleted. Also, tips on how you can avoid the same pitfalls.

If a fire breaks out at your house, experts estimate you have 3 minutes to escape. That’s far less time than 30 years ago. The reason: Synthetic materials that make up household items these days burn hotter, and faster, than older, heavier ones. One house fire in Alamance County broke out because someone put the wrong material jacket in a dryer.

High-profile incidents involving guns in public schools are prompting school systems to investigate the best ways to beef up security. North Carolina education leaders are exploring metal detectors and new-fangled weapons detection systems, but several experts caution that those systems may not be worth the millions of dollars they cost. WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst explains how things such as tip hotlines, antibullying programs and door locks could provide some of the best defense.