WRAL Investigates
In-depth investigative reports by WRAL
Latest stories
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100+ texts: Former GOP leader told election official how to vote during contentious public hearing
During the board’s discussions, the GOP leader at times texted the election official specific instructions such as “just say no” and “interrupt her” and “just vote no.”
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FBI now publicly identifies, tracks AI used in crimes. North Carolinians have lost millions
The addition of whether crimes are "AI related" signals a notable addition in the agency's internet crime methodology, which agency leaders say speaks to the rising threat of artificial intelligence against consumers.
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UNC football investigation dampens excitement ahead of home opener
WRAL's Sean Gallagher reports from Chapel Hill as questions arise about whether the UNC football team investigation will extend to external bodies, including the ACC and NCAA.
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A month later, UNC gives no timetable for Steve Belichick’s return amid investigation
UNC defensive coordinator Steve Belichick remains on medical leave more than a month after stepping away, with no public timetable for his return as an investigation into the football program continues.
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Fraud, extortion and sextortion on rise in North Carolina, according to DOJ
At the quarterly Governor's Crime Commission meeting, staff from the NC Department of Justice briefed state leaders on the rising threat of advancing technology to North Carolina consumers. Victims have reported more than $400 million in losses last year alone.
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‘Our high standard’: Belichick says UNC football has environment of compliance as probe continues
In his first remarks since the resignation of general manager Michael Lombardi, UNC football coach Bill Belichick acknowledged the importance of an ongoing investigation into his program but offered few details.
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School fire inspection reports reveal hundreds of violations, some taking years to fix
Although students in Wake County public schools are back in the classroom, many of their school buildings are still not up to state fire code, according to documents obtained by WRAL Investigates.
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WRAL Investigates history of burial mistakes in NC. Attorneys believe 'hundreds' could be impacted
Seven years after a Garner man was exhumed following a cemetery plot mix-up, WRAL has uncovered multiple claims that people have been mistakenly buried in incorrect plots at cemeteries owned by one company.
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Wake Forest family sues NC cemetery operator, alleging wrong person buried next to son
The lawsuit was moved to federal court several days before a WRAL Investigation into a separate cemetery facility owned by the same Florida-based company.
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After WRAL report, RPD confirms it has corrected 'active user' mix-up in Flock accounting system
Raleigh police changed how its Flock system counts “active users” after WRAL Investigates reported that internal audits listed former employees among more than 400 active accounts.
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NC labor officials looking into safety questions over Poe Hall demolition
North Carolina labor officials are asking Poe Hall, the demolition contractors, to respond to complaints alleging workers were not wearing proper protective gear at the contaminated NC State building.
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Over 400 Raleigh officers have access to surveillance cameras. How many are active staff?
Raleigh Police Department has more than 700 sworn law enforcement officers right now. The most recent audit, dated August 5, 2026, shows 416 of them are listed as "active" Flock users. WRAL Investigates compared police staffing and Flock data accessibility to other agencies.
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Federal officials travel to Raleigh to see life-saving crash tech. Will they mandate it?
While families point to a simple solution they believe will reduce deaths when a smaller vehicle gets trapped under a tractor-trailer, industry cost concerns and Congressional inaction have so far meant it won't be required.
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Private property parking near Apex Friendship High School raises questions about enforcement
Some families have taken advantage of nearby properties, including Annie Mae Scott’s front lawn. WRAL Investigates observed 10 cars parked there around 1:00pm.
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Audits raise questions about who has access to Raleigh Police Department's survelliance system
Two audits said former employees were listed as "active users" in Raleigh Police's Flock license plate reader system. WRAL Investigates asked Raleigh police why those former employees were still listed as active and whether they accessed the system.
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WRAL Investigates: WakeMed eyes $919 million expansion as Atrium deal faces uncertain future
WakeMed is proposing more than $919 million in new hospitals and expansions across Wake County as uncertainty continues over its proposed merger with Atrium Health.
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WRAL analysis: Inspections find HVAC concerns at 1 in 3 Wake schools
The Wake County Public School System’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning issues extend beyond extreme weather days. Some issues were observed on days that had mild weather, in addition to the days that had more extreme temperatures.
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WRAL Investigates: What changes Rocky Mount leaders hope to bring after luxury resort conference
As the city faces financial strain and rising utility bills, several Rocky Mount city staff and council members are attending a power utility conference at a four-star Virginia resort. WRAL Investigates how city officials are defending the trip.
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Town of Apex sues property owner over school parking near Apex Friendship High School
The new court filing is one of the latest developments in the ongoing dispute over accessible parking for students at Apex Friendship High School.
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'We should face questions': WRAL Investigates Rocky Mount leaders attending conference at resort
Several Rocky Mount city staff members and council members are attending a power utility conference at a four-star Virginia resort as the city faces financial strain and rising utility bills. WRAL Investigates how city officials are defending the trip.
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Recorded overdoses in NC down 27% midway through 2026. Local departments warn of fentanyl spike
This comes six months after WRAL reported that North Carolina, as a state, saw another consecutive year of declining opioid and fentanyl overdose numbers.
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CJF America founder says some people claiming they were defrauded were never employees
In an exclusive interview with WRAL, CJF America founder Courtney Jordan pushed back against allegations that the nonprofit failed to pay or defrauded former workers after a court hearing involving its former president and a former employee.
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North Carolina nears 600 snakebites for 2026 and counting. Why medical bills come close to $100,000
Nearly 600 venomous snakebites have been reported in North Carolina so far in 2026, but experts say the numbers are in line with recent years and stress that quickly seeking medical treatment can reduce the risk of serious complications.
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Woman accused of doing unlicensed dental work faces additional charge
WRAL Investigates first talked to patients in November, after The Smiling Face Company closed abruptly. Police arrested Ebony McBean months later. She now faces a total of five charges.
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Family says DSS should have acted sooner before Johnston County boy’s death
A Johnston County family is questioning whether Child Protective Services did enough to protect 4-year-old Jack Gibson, who died days after being removed from his mother’s home.
