WRAL Daily Download

One of only four homes on the National Historic Register in Cary, the 150-year-old Ivey-Ellington Waddell House is being moved from one spot in the downtown area to make way for new development. WRAL’s Hidden History reporter, Heather Leah, shares with us the significance of this house and why it’s so important to preserve this part of the town’s past.

Traffic in the Triangle sometimes means slower speeds, and longer trips. Julian Grace talks with WRAL Traffic Anchor Brian Shrader about current traffic patterns, projects in the works, and if a light rail commuter system is a possible solution. This discussion will give listeners insight on how traffic patterns in the Triangle work, and what could change in the future.

Mike Krzyzewski talks about the Final Four, his last game in Cameron Indoor Stadium, and his new dog, Coach, with WRAL’s Debra Morgan in part two of her in-depth interview with the coaching legend.

Love him, or not, former Duke Men’s Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski has been a fixture in the Triangle for decades. With his retirement last year, our local basketball landscape experienced the end of an era -- but retirement has been a new beginning for Coach K. In part one of this special two-part special, Coach K talks with WRAL’s Debra Morgan about family, watching Duke basketball (from a distance), and using his leadership skills in new ways.

Before last week, State Auditor Beth Wood wasn’t often in the headlines. But then news of a hit-and-run charge against her came to light. Lots of questions remain about the crash. For people who don’t follow North Carolina government closely, the biggest one was: “Who is Beth Wood?” WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht, who profiled Wood at WRAL.com, explains.

In 2022, the North Carolina Highway Patrol chased more than 1000 drivers. This represents a 131 percent increase in chases since 2019. In 2022, seven people died, and 13 were seriously hurt in these pursuits. Why is this happening? What are the official Highway Patrol policies surrounding chases? WRAL’s Joe Fisher investigated the issue and shares what he learned.

North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood hit another car after a holiday party last month, then left the scene with the car running. She’s been charged with hit and run, and has a court date Thursday, but has refused to answer questions about that night, including whether she was drinking.

Page Calloway wasn’t really living in 2021, she just existed. Her failing kidney caused the wife, mother, grandmother, and full-time hair stylist for be on dialysis for nine hours a day. WRAL employee Erin Simanskis died in January 2022 after being struck by a hit and run driver during a snowstorm. Her family donated her organs. Her kidney went to Page. We bring Page and Erin’s widower, Ed, together to meet for the first time on our podcast to share their powerful connection.

Since 1986, the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network has supported people in their darkest hour…people who are the family members of murder victims. They offer emotional support, support in the courtroom, and financial support. Their state funding has been virtually eliminated. It’s a non-profit organization that offers services free to their clients. They are hoping the Governor’s Crime Commission will reconsider funding them.

Below is information provided by the NC Department of Public Safety regarding VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding:

VOCA BACKGROUNDER AND TRENDLINES

In 2018, the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission received $103 million to support victims of crime. In 2022, the GCC received only $44.7 million.

Of that money, 30% is federally mandated to be distributed to organizations supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

Another mandatory funding stream earmarks at least 10% for underserved populations including family members of victims of homicide, as well as victims of human trafficking and other crimes. In 2022, GCC surpassed this mandatory minimum and allocated almost 30% of funding to projects that support underserved populations.

The remaining funds are allocated using priorities set by the Commission during the summer months. Some of the funding priorities this year are community violence intervention, legal services and hospital-based services.

The reduction in federal VOCA funding has increased competition among worthy applicants serving victims of crime in North Carolina and throughout the country. VOCA Victim Assistance grants come from the U.S. Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of deposits of federal criminal fines, fees, and penalties. Deposits to the CVF have been decreasing since 2017 due in part to decreased federal prosecutions, and this has in turn helped drive down the amount of money distributed to the states.

Statement from Caroline Farmer, Executive Director of the Governor’s Crime Commission, on administration of VOCA funding.

The Governor’s Crime Commission understands the impact VOCA-funded organizations have on our communities. We support NCVAN and their work. The federal funding that NCVAN and other organizations previously relied upon has been cut dramatically. This is a pivotal moment for the VOCA federal fund, and we are taking the following steps to ensure that victims continue to receive support in their recovery:

We require VOCA applicants to write to their regional U.S. Attorneys’ Office, sharing the ways that their work supports victims of federal crime in our state. The U.S. Attorneys’ prosecutions help fund these groups.

We are working closely with groups such as NCVAN that are looking for new sources of funding following the loss of some or all of their VOCA funding. Our 2023 Request for Proposal for VOCA funding is currently open. We encourage organizations to review the criteria and submit their applications by the Jan. 31 deadline.

North Carolina’s students with disabilities are falling behind. Test score data show they’re not doing as well as their peers nationally. They’re suspended at far higher rates than other students. Advocates in the state want to see more resources, more training and better curriculum. WRAL education reporter Emily Walkenhorst explains the battle parents are fighting for services for disabled children.