WRAL Investigates
In-depth investigative reports by WRAL
Latest stories
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Parents: Teen boy used AI to create sexually explicit images of their daughters
A teen faces multiple sexual exploitation charges connected to the use of AI to manipulate images of teen girls.
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After unauthorized pool parties, one community beefs up security while lawmakers push for HOA reform
Residents from two different neighborhoods came to WRAL Investigates with complaints about unauthorized parties in their community spaces. After we started asking questions, we learned at least one community is seeing changes.
WRAL investigates WRAL specialists homeowners association -
After 3 DWIs, driver in deadly accident operated tow truck for 14 months without a license
WRAL Investigates has learned the man who investigators say caused a deadly accident has a history of driving while impaired and was operating his tow truck company for 14 months without a valid license.
WRAL investigates tow truck DWI crash -
Driver in deadly accident operated his tow truck for 14 months without a license
WRAL Investigates has learned the man who investigators say caused a deadly accident has a history of driving while impaired, and was operating his tow truck company for 14 months without a valid license.
WRAL investigates tow truck DWI crash -
Audit: Zebulon lacked proper financial oversight, overspent from general fund
The town of Zebulon lacked internal controls to effectively manage its finances, according to an audit released on Monday by the State Auditor's Office.
WRAL investigates Wake County finance budget Zebulon -
WRAL Investigates: Social media ‘takeovers’ overrun private neighborhood pools
Residents shared pictures and videos with WRAL Investigates showing crowds of people in the pool area and around the community. They tell WRAL Investigates they believe the HOAs have taken minimal action.
trespassing WRAL investigates WRAL specialists Raleigh police Garner police -
Why small departments hire 'problem' officers comes down to 3 factors
Sources at all levels of law enforcement say smaller departments face a harder hiring scenario than their larger counterparts. More than a dozen sources weighed in and agree that whether a small department gets saddled a problem officer comes down to three things.
sex crime law enforcement WRAL investigates WRAL specialists police brutality -
Auditor: Money, resources leave old landfills unchecked, many near schools, water sources
WRAL Investigates has asked questions about public parks in Durham and Zebulon that are closed after lead was found in the soil. All of the parks were built on top of old landfills which had little-to-no regulations on what type of materials they could accept.
parks WRAL investigates lead landfill -
Where is FEMA?: Residents struggle to get back on their feet one year after Chantal
FEMA has committed more than $11 million to the state for Chantal recovery efforts. Less than half of it has been disbursed so far.
weather WRAL investigates tropical storm flooding WRAL specialists -
Company building automated garage in Raleigh in 'advanced' talks for driverless projects elsewhere
For the first time, the technology company bringing an automated parking deck to North Carolina's Capital City is expanding its involvement with driverless car companies, saying they're targeting garages specifically for autonomous vehicles in three cities.
cars WRAL investigates downtown Raleigh WRAL specialists technology -
Inspections show years of chronic problems at Eastern NC jail taken over by inmates
Inmates gained control of the Bertie-Martin Regional jail, including holding two staff members hostage for hours. Investigators are now trying to figure out what led up to the jail takeover and how it could have been prevented. Inspection reports show the jail has had chronic problems for years.
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The changing landscape of impaired driving and how law enforcement is trying to catch up
Fewer people are reaching for a glass of wine or a cocktail. Yet, the roads aren’t necessarily getting safer – in fact, keeping them safe is getting more complicated.
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Deadline for financially troubled Saint Augustine's to explain federal grant spending
As Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh tries to emerge from bankruptcy after years of financial troubles, the school must turn over documents and provide explanations on how it spent millions of dollars in federal grant money. Misusing grant money could come with significant punishment.
WRAL investigates bankruptcy St. Augustine's education -
Fuquay-Varina man scammed out of $700,000 awaits any return of his money
A Fuquay-Varina man who lost his savings in what's called a pig-butchering scam is warning others what to look out for so they don't become victims in what experts say is a very convincing scheme.
cryptocurrency FBI WRAL investigates WRAL specialists consumer -
A new buzz: Kava pops up around NC and why experts say there needs to be more research
People say kava makes them feel a “buzz.” What is kava exactly? Why are kava bars popping up around the state? And, why aren't there more regulations on it?
WRAL investigates drinking WRAL specialists alcohol health -
Late and overpaid: New audits show continued problems with NC unemployment system
Two new follow-up audits show North Carolina's unemployment system continues to be plagued by payment errors and failure to pay first-time recipients in a timely manner, according to federal standards.
WRAL investigates employment WRAL specialists unemployment NCCapitol -
Fayetteville murder suspect contacted adopted child's birth mom days before arrest
Avantae Deven was arrested on June 24, 2024, in connection with the deaths of her adopted children, Blake and London. Days before that arrest, Blake's birth mother, Felicia Chandler, says Deven reached out to her. Something Deven allegedly said gave Chandler a bad feeling.
crime WRAL investigates Avantae Deven case WRAL specialists murder -
What are ticket bots? How is AI making it easier for them to snatch up tickets from real fans?
North Carolina fans reported long online queues and inflated prices for Hurricanes games as the team faces off for the Stanley Cup. One of the big questions is whether bots are at all to blame.
bots Carolina Hurricanes WRAL investigates ticketmaster NHL Playoffs -
Left Uncovered: A preview into North Carolina's new deserts
The latest WRAL documentary, 'Left Uncovered', explores the decline of local news across the United States and its implications for communities. Reporter Cristin Severance investigates the effects of local news desertification.
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Online child exploitation reports surge more than 1,000% as NC agencies struggle to keep up
WRAL Investigates reached out to some of the largest agencies in the WRAL viewing area. Agencies are trying to keep up with the caseload. However, many reported minimal staff or funding that does not match the demand.
crime WRAL investigates children WRAL specialists online safety -
Former Vance County Jail employee sees 'red flags' in surveillance video
The search for two Vance County inmates has stretched into a third day. One of the leads for investigators: surveillance video showing Michael Miles and Lishawn Knott running through part of the jail.
Vance County WRAL investigates jail escape -
Two North Carolina inmates escaped from a problem-ridden jail. What’s Vance County doing about it?
WRAL Investigates has covered issues for years at the Vance County Jail that now seem to be coming to a head with the escape of two inmates: Michael Miles and Lishawn Knott.
Vance County WRAL investigates WRAL specialists escape Vance County Sheriff's Office -
NC overdose deaths trend down, UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab becomes national resource for testing
For years, overdose deaths in North Carolina have been falling, part of a broader national trend that researchers say is being driven in part by better information, stronger community partnerships and early intervention efforts.
drugs WRAL investigates overdose WRAL specialists opioids -
Confusion after utility reports high uranium in Knightdale's water ... again
Four months after getting a notice about high levels of uranium in the drinking water, neighbors in Knightdale are on edge after receiving a letter reporting high uranium levels again.
drinking water WRAL investigates WRAL specialists Knightdale
