WRAL Daily Download

Imagine you are a woman just getting out of prison and trying to get a job. Or you’re living in a shelter and trying to get a job. There are so many barriers for women coming from vulnerable situations to employment. For women struggling with poverty, emerging from human trafficking or domestic abuse, finding a job can seem hopeless. This is where Designed for Joy steps in. The Raleigh nonprofit has trained and employed more than 120 women in the past 6 years and paid out more than $400,000 in living wages. And it’s not just about jobs, DFJ takes a holistic approach to helping women reach their true potential. In this episode, DFJ co-founder Cary Heise shares their mission and their milestones.

https://www.designedforjoy.com/

Republican state lawmakers are considering a bill that could change the way North Carolina's elections are administered. It's a nuanced bill, but here's the upshot: If it passes, it could help Republicans strengthen control of state politics for years to come. It's one of several GOP efforts this year to re-shape how politicians are elected in the state. WRAL state government reporter Will Doran explains how elections might change under the new and proposed laws. 

In a split second you must decide. Should I run, hide or fight? It can be a lifesaving decision or a dangerous risk. How you and your family react during an active shooter lockdown can make the difference between life and death. We watched this very situation unfold last week on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill. WRAL Investigates asked security experts if it’s safer to shelter in place or to get out. In this episode, WRAL’s Sarah Krueger shares what she learned.

A 27 year old Raleigh restaurant manager died after he was assaulted a block from his workplace last week. David Millette, who worked at the Midwood Smokehouse, was attacked on Glenwood South just before 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 26. He died in the hospital a few days later. 23 year old Tyrell Moore is charged in Millette's murder. The incident is shining a spotlight on what many people believe is an increase in violent crimes occurring in Raleigh's popular nightlife district. WRAL reporter Eric Miller has been speaking with people who live and work in the area. In this episode, he shares their reaction and talks about what Raleigh Police are doing to keep people safe. 

A North Carolina State University student was found dead outside a residence hall Monday afternoon by several students. NCSU Chancellor Randy Woodson sent a note to the campus community acknowledging their grief and urging them to seek mental health services if they are struggling. The school has its own crisis lifeline that students can call or text 988 to receive free and confidential support. They have also recently added more counselors. During the past school year seven students died by suicide. In this episode, WRAL reporter Eric Miller shares what he has learned about the death and the reaction from the campus community.

It’s here to stay. We can’t put the genie back in the bottle. I’m talking about artificial intelligence tools that are available to anyone who has access to the internet. AI can write papers, solve complex equations, and answer test or homework questions in seconds. So, how do we allow students to use these tools responsibly for better understanding, but keep them from using AI to complete their schoolwork? 5 On Your Side’s Keely Arthur investigated this very complex issue and shares what she learned in this episode.

A mammoth question is hanging over the 2024 presidential election: Will former President Donald Trump be eligible to appear on ballots. He's the Republican frontrunner in the race. A group of Trump opponents is trying to keep him off ballots across the country using a legal strategy with roots in North Carolina. WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran explains why conservatives say the strategy could undermine democracy. 

The Atlantic Coast Conference - known for rivalries between UNC, Duke, NC State and other East Coast teams - is going bi-coastal. ACC officials voted Friday to invite schools from California and Texas to the conference, dramatically expanding it's geographic footprint. The expansion approval came over objections from some of the league's best-known schools. WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy breaks it all down. 

Okay, so most of us are familiar with home-sharing apps like Airbnb and VRBO, but have you heard of a pool-sharing app? Yes, I said pool. It was only a matter of time before everything could be shared. “Swimply” rents private backyard pools. But one county’s health department in North Carolina is threatening to shut the site down saying the rentals don’t comply with the state’s rules regarding public pools. In this episode, 5 On Your Side producer Pritchard Strong fills us in on what all the fuss is about.

Have you ever lost anything important and wished you had a way to track it? Now, you do. Airtags can be placed in luggage, on your key ring, even in your wallet. They connect to your phone and show you where you can find your lost item. But what if your item is stolen? Should you go to the location and try to get it back? In this episode, WRAL 5 On Your Side Reporter Keely Arthur talked to local law enforcement and helps people navigate these sticky situations.