WRAL Data Trackers Coverage

Human trafficking survivors 'not thriving' and struggling to make ends meet, study shows
We're getting a rare look into just how prevalent human trafficking is in Raleigh. WRAL Data Trackers looking at the city's incident data report.

Fentanyl seized in Carolinas increased 15000% in two years, federal data shows
Last year in both North and South Carolina, federal officers seized 18.75 pounds of the synthetic opioid. That's more than they located the previous two years combined.

Finding child care in the wake of pandemic proves difficult for families
Childcare is an investment - that's the phrase that kept coming up during Thursday's meeting as state and local leaders gathered, discussing how everything from health outcomes to how educational attainment hinges on what happens in the first few years of life.

Survey: A third of families say rising food costs leads to kids not eating enough
Black families made up almost half of the respondents who reported their children weren't eating enough because they couldn't afford it.

What's safe now? WRAL Data Trackers surveyed doctors about travel, dining out, indoor crowds
WRAL Data Trackers asked doctors at Duke and UNC whether they feel safe participating in holiday activities like air travel, movies and ice skating.

On the nose: Duke researcher uncovers link between long COVID and loss of smell
Duke University scientists have discovered the reason for the loss of smell during long COVID.

Central NC hospitals seeing an increase in of COVID patients
Most hospitals in central North Carolina are seeing more patients than normal coming in with COVID, the flu as well as other respiratory issues.

Fewer law enforcement officers killed nationwide in 2022 compared to previous year
The deputy killed in Cumberland County is the 215th law enforcement member killed across the country this year, according to the group Officer Down Memorial.

Since Sandy Hook, 200 school shootings, thousands of victims
Twenty students and six educators died in the massacre at the Newtown, Connecticut, school which shocked the nation. Since that time, WRAL Data Trackers found there have been 209 school shootings nationwide. Fourteen of those have happened in North Carolina.

Physical attacks to grid surge despite drop in overall disturbances, data shows
Over five years, physical attacks causing electric disturbance events have increased 191%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

FBI investigates another attack on a substation - this time in South Carolina
The FBI is investigating more shots fired near a substation yesterday outside Columbia, South Carolina. WRAL's investigative data journalist Ali Ingersoll looked at federal data to track the trend in these types of attacks.

Triangle, Fayetteville ERs filling up with sick people as flu, COVID, RSV cases mount
The bump in flu cases can be felt at local hospitals, where patients are starting to see an increase in wait times. Doctors in emergency rooms is the Triangle and in Fayetteville are dealing with patients suffering from more than just respiratory illnesses.

Pedestrians hit in Raleigh reach new record
From Jan. 1 to Nov. 25, 2022, cars have hit more pedestrians in Raleigh than any of the last four years in the same period, according to department reports. This year, 255 people have been hit by cars in that time frame.

255 people hit this year: Police data shows which Raleigh roads are most dangerous for pedestrians
From Jan. 1 to Nov. 25, 2022, cars have hit more pedestrians in Raleigh than any of the last four years in the same period, according to department reports. This year, 255 people have been hit by cars in that time frame.

Wake County leaders discuss how to spend $36.1 million in NC's opioid settlement
Wake County is poised to receive $36.1 million in an 18-year span.

Wake County leaders discuss how to spend $36.1 million of opioid settlement to help youth
Wake County is poised to receive $36.1 million in an 18-year span.

WRAL Data Trackers: Tracking mass shootings this year
Since January, 17 North Carolinians have died in mass shootings and 88 have been injured which is more than any other year on record.

Dozens of North Carolinians have been injured in mass shootings this year, data shows
Since January, 17 North Carolinians have died in mass shootings and 88 have been injured which is more than any other year on record.

The chance of your car being stolen in Raleigh has been on the rise. What's behind the increase?
The chance of your car being stolen in Raleigh has significantly increased over the last five years, an analysis of incident reports filed with the city's police department shows. Where are cars being reported stolen?