Cristin Severance

Raleigh

Investigative Reporter and Documentary Producer at WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)

Twin mom. Wife. Producing investigative documentaries at @WRAL after stops in Portland, Dallas, San Diego, Cle. 14xEmmy4xMurrow winner

Articles

Exploring immigration's impact in North Carolina: WRAL's 'Crossing Borders' Documentary

3 weeks ago | wral.com | Ryan Schmidt |Ned Byrd |Cristin Severance

Across the county and in North Carolina, immigration is shaping up to be one of the most talked about issues of 2025. On Inauguration Day, President Donald Trump reiterated what he said on the campaign trail regarding his views on immigration. “First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border,” Trump said. Democrats quickly responded, highlighting the need for broader reforms.
NC lawmakers file bipartisan bill to reform state’s foster care system

1 month ago | wral.com | Cristin Severance

North Carolina lawmakers have introduced a bill that seeks to make reforms to the state’s foster care system — the latest effort to improve a system that sponsors say is broken. House Bill 612, which sponsors call the “Fostering Care in NC Act,” proposes wide-ranging reforms to improve the safety and well-being of children in foster care.
NC lawmakers propose new watchdog office to oversee foster care system

1 month ago | wral.com | Cristin Severance

State lawmakers are proposing legislation to fix North Carolina’s foster care system, just weeks after WRAL’s documentary, “Broken: Foster Care in North Carolina,” exposed significant failures. The legislation would establish a new watchdog office called the Child and Family Welfare Ombudsman. If passed, this office would review foster care cases and advocate for what is best for the children involved.
NC lawmakers push to raise age to buy tobacco products to 21

1 month ago | wral.com | Cristin Severance

North Carolina legislators want to raise the legal sales age for tobacco products to 21, a move to bring the state in line with federal law. In 2019, Congress increased the federal minimum legal sales age of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21. North Carolina is one of seven states that hasn’t passed a law to raise the age. >> North Carolina fails to control tobacco use, gets straight F's on 'State of Tobacco Control' reportRep. Donnie Loftis, R-Gaston, and Sen.
A child in her care killed. Her son charged. How babysitter says it could have been prevented

1 month ago | wral.com | Cristin Severance

The babysitter identified in a wrongful death lawsuit filed after an 8-year-old girl was shot and killed in her home in 2023 told WRAL News that the gun used in the shooting should have been better secured by its owner, her father.
North Carolina lawmakers push for child welfare reform after WRAL documentary

2 months ago | wral.com | Cristin Severance

One week after WRAL exposed critical failures within North Carolina's foster care system, state lawmakers have committed to trying to fix things. The investigative documentary "Broken: Foster Care in North Carolina" shined a light on tragic instances where children were placed in the system only to later suffer abuse and, in two cases, die after being adopted.
Advocates want more checks on adopted kids in North Carolina

Feb 7, 2025 | wral.com | Cristin Severance

The state of North Carolina does not check on all children after they are adopted. The case of Blake and London Deven, two children police say were murdered by their adoptive mother, has ignited calls for reform. WRAL has received dozens of emails from foster parents across the state after the premiere of WRAL’s newest documentary, "Broken: Foster Care in North Carolina." The documentary shows how the foster care system is failing children. One foster mother shared, “I had a teen who aged out.
Watch the shocking new WRAL Documentary 'Broken: Foster Care in North Carolina' tonight!

Feb 6, 2025 | wral.com | Mark Bergin |Gilbert Baez |Chris Lovingood |Cristin Severance

The documentary exposes serious failures within the foster care system – following the tragic deaths of Blake and London Deven, two adopted siblings in North Carolina. WRAL News got involved after it was reported that Blake and London hadn't been seen in years. The story gained national attention after their adoptive mother, Avantae Deven, was arrested and charged with their murders.
Life-saving opioid treatments lacking in most North Carolina residential facilities

Nov 27, 2024 | wral.com | Cristin Severance

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals a gap in addiction treatment services across the state. The research, led by medical anthropologist Jennifer Carroll, found that only 7 of 94 identified residential treatment providers in North Carolina offer Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT)—a proven method using FDA-approved medications like methadone or buprenorphine to treat opioid addiction.
North Carolina's hurricane rebuilding director out of a job

Nov 21, 2024 | wral.com | Mark Bergin |Cristin Severance

Head of ReBuildNC out after intense public scrutiny over Florence and Matthew relief effortsThe person who oversees North Carolina’s rebuilding efforts after hurricanes Matthew and Florence is no longer employed by the state. Laura Hogshead is no longer employed by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety in her role as the director of recovery and resiliency for ReBuild NC, the department’s chief communications officer Jody Donaldson announced Wednesday.

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