WRAL Daily Download

Most NC school systems and charter schools say they don’t have the money to replace the laptops once they break down. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains why.

Northern Wake County leaders want to use tolls to pay for the widening of a stretch of U.S. 1 between Raleigh and Wake Forest. But state lawmakers are trying to shut down that plan, saying they’re trying to protect commuters from added costs. Local officials say lawmakers’ effort to block tolls could delay the work by decades, increasing commute times for people who rely on the road. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran breaks down the debate.

A top North Carolina legislator yelled and threw a book Wednesday during a legislative hearing where lawmakers grilled Chapel Hill-Carrboro school officials about ignoring parts of the "Parents' Bill of Rights" law. That law limits discussion of gender identity among some of the state's youngest students. WRAL's Flynn Snyder was at the hearing and explains how school officials are responding. 

The Lumbee Tribe in the southeastern part of our state have been calling for federal recogition for as long as people have been fighting against it. A vote in Congress could finally make that recognition a reality. WRAL's Will Doran explains what will change if and when its approved.

At least nine North Carolina children were shot this year - with one very preventable cause: an unsecured gun. Four of those kids died. These stories are difficult to hear, but bring up important questions. WRAL Investigative reporter Sarah Krueger looks into who has been charged in these cases, what kind of charges they face and what is the state doing to prevent these deaths.

Proposed changes to North Carolina's math standards would shake up requirements for upperclassmen in the state’s public high schools and emphasize real-world problem-solving in all grade levels. Education leaders say they want to make math more interesting and relevant to students. WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst explains.

President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Michael Whatley in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race isn’t deterring other Republicans from the race.

Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chairman who Trump endorsed this summer, is expected to face Waxhaw lawyer Don Brown and teacher Elizabeth Temple of Smithfield in the GOP primary to replace outgoing Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who isn’t seeking reelection in next year’s midterms. 

WRAL state government reporter Paul Specht goes over who has entered the race. Plus a look at the state's 1st Congressional District.

The fallout from a fire that caused two million dollars in roof damage to the Raleigh Convention Center continues. While some events have been cancelled or postponed, neighboring towns' convention centers are offering to host if needed. WRAL's Heidi Kirk explains where the investigation into the cause stands.

UNC Health and Cigna have yet to come to an agreement on a contract renewal. While they continue negotiating, real people are finding ways to navigate potentially life-saving procedures without spending an exorbitant amount of money. WRAL's Shaun Gallagher spoke with one woman ahead of her scheduled hysterectomy on Tuesday. Plus, what we know about insurance company contracts with healthcare providers across the state.

The college football regular season is over, so let's look back on how things went for the ACC Triangle teams. WRAL sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy talks about Dave Doeren's return, season one under Bill Belichick and Duke's surprise trip to the ACC Championship. Plus, Murphy dives into the college football playoff outlook for Duke and the ACC.