WRAL Daily Download

As WakeMed plans a massive partnership with Atrium Health, major questions remain about the cost of care, charity care and the potential for a $2 billion investment in the Triangle. WakeMed CEO Donald Gintzig sits down with WRAL's Dan Haggerty to discuss the questions coming from patients.

The fall foliage forecast is out for 2026! WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell spoke with a local expert to go over what our leaves will do this year. The heat, along with inconsistent rain over the summer, has put our area in a less-than-favorable position for fall foliage. What does that mean for the timeline for leaves to change colors? Are there still places in North Carolina where we can see those bright colors pop? Campbell and WRAL's Louis Fernandez spoke through what we can expect.

Less than two months from midterm elections and the campaign trail is heating up for U.S. senate Democratic nominee Roy Cooper and U.S. senate Republican nominee Michael Whatley.  Cooper told supporters at a campaign stop in rural Wayne County Thursday that he stands by his record on public safety, defending his actions as North Carolina governor a day after nationally televised attacks from President Donald Trump. Whatley took to the national stage during the Republican national midterm convention in Dallas. Recent polls show Cooper with a lead over Whatley as the election approaches. WRAL's Will Doran and Louis Fernandez talked through where the race stands and what you need to know with November right around the corner.

The North Carolina Education Lottery has for years not met its goal of giving out at least 38% of proceeds to public education, which mostly includes K-12 schools, according to a state audit. A state statute indicates that at least 50% should go toward paying out winnings, the auditor said. North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek said in a new report, North Carolina lawmakers and policymakers should make a decision about the future of the North Carolina Education Lottery. WRAL’s Randall Kerr and Carolina Yaffa talk through the audit and how the North Carolina Education Lottery system works.  

What led up to UNC Football's General Manager Michael Lombardi's resignation? WRAL's Pat Welter and Chris Lea walk us through the month leading up to his resignation.