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North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is leading a multistate coalition of attorneys general targeting the Chinese-owned messaging and payment platform WeChat concerning its connection to money laundering and fentanyl trafficking.


What is WeChat and why is it being used by criminal organizations for fentanyl trafficking?

TV SPECTRUM AND THE WRAL APP ON YOUR TV OR STREAMING DEVICE. SOCIAL MEDIA APPS CAN BE USED FOR MORE THAN JUST STAYING IN TOUCH. THERE WAS A NEW WARNING FROM NORTH CAROLINA'S ATTORNEY GENERAL ABOUT AN APP CALLED WE CHAT AG. JEFF JACKSON SAYS THE APP IS ASSISTING IN TRAFFICKING. FENTANYL WRAL'S CHELSEA DONOVAN EXPLAINS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS POPULAR APP. >> PARENTS, IF YOU HAVE A FEW MINUTES TONIGHT, CHECK YOUR CHILD'S PHONE AND SEE IF THEY HAVE THE APP. WE CHAT. IT IS THE NUMBER 2 TEXTING APP AND THE ENTIRE WORLD. AND AS WE LEARNED TODAY, IT'S A HOT BED FOR CRIME. >> YOU ARE NOW A CORE PART OF THE BUSINESS MODEL THAT IS KILLING THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS. >> UP A STRONG VIDEO MESSAGE FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL JEFF JACKSON TO WE CHAT A CHINESE OWN MESSAGING IN PAYMENT PLATFORM. WE CHAT HAS BEEN USED BY CRIMINALS. ACCORDING TO JACKSON, FOR MONEY LAUNDERING AND FENTANYL TRAFFICKING IN THE U.S. YOU NEED TO SHOW US THE EXACT STEPS THAT YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE TO STOP THIS BECAUSE >> IF YOU ARE KNOWINGLY OR NEGLIGENTLY FACILITATING MONEY LAUNDERING. >> THAT'S A CRIME. JACKSON IS LEADING A MULTISTATE COALITION OF ATTORNEY GENERALS TARGETING WE CHAT. HE SAID HE'S GIVING THE PLATFORM THE NEXT 30 DAYS TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC ANSWERS ABOUT ITS PLANS. I HAVE NOT HEARD OF THAT APPLICATION AS A MOTHER OF A YOUNG DAUGHTER THAT WORRIES ME. >> KNOWING THIS IS HAPPENING ON SOCIAL MEDIA APPS, TERRIFIED RALEIGH MOM, LAURA NEWSOM. I ALREADY HAVE TO SAFEGUARD HER ON SOCIAL MEDIA. NOW THIS IS JUST ANOTHER FACET OF SAFEGUARDING THAT I'M GONNA HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT. THAT WORRIES ME. CRIMINAL NETWORKS CAN USE THIS TO COORDINATE OPERATIONS WITHOUT BEING EASILY DETECTED. WE CHECKED USES ENCRYPTED MESSAGING, WHICH MEANS IT'S HARD FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO FIND IN REAL-TIME. THIS DOES JUST GIVES CRIMINALS A SAFE, HAVE BEEN TO OPERATE ACROSS BORDERS WHILE WAITING U.S. BASED MONITORING TOOLS. WE CHAT AS WELL AS TIKTOK HAS ALREADY BEEN BANNED ON STATE GOVERNMENT ISSUED CELL PHONES THAT IT WAS AN ORDER THAT WAS SIGNED IN. >> BY GOVERNOR COOPER CHELSEA DONOVAN WRAL. NEWS CRIMINALS WILL FIND CONSUMERS ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. SO A RECENT 2024 FEDERAL INDICTMENT IN SOUTH CAROLINA CHARGED 3 DEFENDANTS WITH USING WE CHAT. >> IT SAID THEY COMMUNICATED IN ORDER TO LAUNDER PROCEEDS FROM

NC AG Jeff Jackson cracks down on WeChat app being used for money launders, fentanyl trafficking

âItâs So Essentialâ: WeChat Ban Makes U.S.-China Standoff Personal

Guilty: Man sentenced to life in prison for killing ex-girlfriend in Durham hotel room

Rodney Crawford in court

Level 1 risk of severe storms on Thursday before Friday's WRAL Weather Alert Day

Severe weather risk for Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Hurricanes get another home-ice shot at Panthers with Game 5 in Eastern final

Hurricanes_Panthers_Hockey_83022

Wake schools wrestling with AI policy as tech's presence grows in classrooms

AI in the classroom generic picture

20 DMV locations have added Saturday walk-in hours

What's the plan to fix DMV as problems get worse?

Climate-resilient crops promise relief for NC farmers

A file photo of a man driving a tractor on a North Carolina farm.

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According to Gaston Fire and Rescue, employees with a billboard company noticed a wreck in and around the woods on I-95 near Gaston. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found a car with "heavy damage" and a man inside.


Man found dead in car from days-old crash in Northampton County, troopers investigating

Crash investigation near Gaston in Northampton County

In a few weeks each year, when the moon is new or full and closest to Earth, the coast experiences "king tides," also called perigean spring tides, which are the most extreme tides of the year.


'King tides,' heavy rain subside after causing 'perfect storm' on NC coast

King tides for week of May 28, 2025

Two manufacturing companies announced investments in May that are expected to bring more than 500 jobs to Wayne County.

Wayne County expected to gain over 500 new jobs with manufacturing investments

Jobs coming to Wayne County.

Around 100,000 North Carolina state tax refund checks have been mailed to taxpayers after a delay, according to the state Department of Revenue.


100,000 NC tax refund checks mailed to taxpayers after delays, state says

Tax documents

WRAL's Opinion section was launched in 2016 by Capitol Broadcasting Company to raise awareness of important statewide issues, fostering meaningful discussions and encouraging civic engagement to drive positive change for North Carolinians. As part of this initiative, Dennis Draughon has served as the company's editorial cartoonist since 2017, bringing sharp visual commentary to the platform. With a 38-year career that began at the former Raleigh Times, Draughon has also contributed to The Scranton Times-Tribune, The Durham News, The Fayetteville Observer, and The (N.C.) Insider. His work has earned him several prestigious awards, including the 1993 Fischetti Award for Distinguished Achievement in editorial cartoons and the 1999 Golden Spike Award from the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists. More recently, he received Editor & Publisher Magazine's EPPY Award for best editorial/political cartoons, recognizing his impact in the digital news landscape. Through his work, Draughon continues to provide insightful and thought-provoking illustrations that enrich WRAL's Opinion section and engage readers across North Carolina.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Legislative blueprint for higher education in NC

Understaffing, aging infrastructure, and more inmate assaults are all issues plaguing the Durham County Detention Center. Sheriff Clarence Birkhead told WRAL the issues are not limited to Durham. 

Durham sheriff's budget requests focus on safety in detention center

Durham County Detention Center

The ACC reduced the number of conference games from 20 to 18 for the 2025-26 season.

For the first time in more than a century, UNC won't host NC State in men's basketball game

A file photo of North Carolina playing NC State in men's basketball at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill.

A man was charged with murder months after an 18-year-old was shot and killed outside a Fayetteville restaurant in February, according to police.


Man charged with killing 18-year-old outside Smokey Bones in Fayetteville

Jeremiah Buffington, 18

A suspect turned himself in after Laurinburg police say a man was hit multiple times in the head with a baseball bat at a Walmart store.


Man hit in head multiple times with baseball bat inside NC Walmart, police say

President Donald Trump's DOJ sued the North Carolina Board of Elections over its voter rolls, echoing some of the same claims that fellow Republican Jefferson Griffin made in his unsuccessful attempt to overturn the results of a 2024 state Supreme Court race.

Trump DOJ sues North Carolina over election claims similar to Jefferson Griffin lawsuit

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Tuesday's cool weather was very rare for late May. In the past, has that meant a cooler summer?

Ask the Meteorologist: Is Tuesday's cool day a sign of things to come this summer?

Tuesday's high temperature was 65Â° in Raleigh

With an alarming average of 37 child fatalities each year due to heatstroke in vehicles, Consumer Reports issues a vital warning for parents and caregivers.


5 On Your Side: Hot car deaths are a year-round threat, how to be aware

Baby in car seat

Four North Carolina middle schoolers will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee quarterfinals this week.

Four NC students in Scripps National Spelling Bee reach quarterfinals

Microphone

Holly Springs Salamanders catcher Alexia Jorge is making history as the first woman in the Coastal Plain League.



'Any girl can do anything': Holly Springs Salamanders celebrate league's first female baseball player 

Alexia Jorge

A brand new bluegrass festival is coming to Raleigh in 2025. The non-profit PineCone announced the Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival is slated for Oct. 3-4.


New bluegrass festival: Raleigh Wide Open Music Fest set for October

Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival 2025

North Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in America. Here are some of the best places to visit in North Carolina.

10 incredible places to visit in North Carolina this year

Bodie Island Lighthouse. Photo: Big Stock

Don't Miss It

In a few weeks each year, when the moon is new or full and closest to Earth, the coast experiences "king tides," also called perigean spring tides, which are the most extreme tides of the year.

King tide and coastal flooding shuts down roads in Southport

Tar Heel Traveler: Imperial Cleaners

Climate-resilient crops help NC farmers beat weather stress

Pet of the Day for May 28, 2025

Teacher of the Week: Florrie Dean

Tariffs cooling summer job market

Now Hiring sign

Video Central

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2025 Wake County Schools graduation schedules with dates, times and live streams

Local News

Raleigh firefighters push for retirement benefit as city council reviews proposed budget

Atlanta-bound flight lands in Charlotte after fumes reported in cockpit

Shots fired between cars in Durham leave bullet holes at gas station, no injuries reported 

Fayetteville city council honors Tony and Grammy award winning native with Key to the City

Tate brothers face rape and trafficking charges in the UK

Nation/World

Who is Mohammed Sinwar, the Hamas leader Israel says it killed?

Elon Musk criticizes Trump's 'big beautiful bill,' a fracture in a key relationship

French court sentences pedophile surgeon to 20 years in jail for abusing hundreds of patients

Final boarding call for free bags at Southwest as airline abandons a cherished perk

June is officially Pride month and we have your guide to the events happening in the Triangle! 

Your guide to Pride in the Triangle

Rainbow flag waving outdoors (Adobe Stock)

100+ events to check out in NC this June

June events list graphic

Weekend best bets: Keith Urban, Greek Festival and more

Keith Urban rocks Coastal Credit Union Music Park

Scenic drives, waterfalls and no admission fee: This NC state park is one of the nation's best

Enloe Creek in Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Photo: Big Stock

Here come the sunflowers: Raleigh plants thousands of seeds in Dix Park field

Sunflowers in Dorthea Dix Park

Out & About

Fact check: Would GOP bill strip Medicaid, health care from 13 million Americans?

Politifact

Fact check: Did Trump's transportation secretary vote against air traffic control upgrades?

Fact check: Would Trump's tax and spending bill add to the deficit?

Fact check: Jeffries says 20% of veteran households use food stamps

Fact check: Trump says his order will reduce prescription drug prices 'almost immediately'

Proposed cuts to NC state income taxes could lead to budget cuts, economists say

NC Capitol

NC tax cut debate could be major sticking point for state budget talks  

Turkish manufacturer to bring 216 jobs to Goldsboro

Paying more for less? NC lawmakers propose UNC System tuition increases, budget cuts

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending May 22

Dr. Eric Bracy named new superintendent of Cumberland County Schools starting July

Education

Wake schools leaders ironing out details of cellphone policy

Fuquay-Varina's Lincoln Heights Elementary staff recognized for support of military families

UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts: It's a 'crucial time' for federal funding

Supreme Court tie vote dooms taxpayer funded Catholic charter school in Oklahoma

$772 million: What's in the City of Durham's proposed budget?

WRAL In Depth

'I have never seen a party like this in my whole life': More than 70 calls to 911 for one farm party

With hurricane season approaching, officials urge North Carolinians to consider flood insurance

Durham sees drop in violent crime in first quarter of 2025, but police response times lag

WRAL Severe Weather team forecasts 'near-average' number of tropical systems in 2025

Hurricanes lean on star Slavin with defense depleted for Game 5 vs. Panthers

WRALSportsFan

SEC's spring meetings: The future of college sports is in the balance at Florida resort

Thunder can clinch NBA Finals spot with a win over the Timberwolves

Shane's Take: Canes returned to their brand of hockey in Game 4

Here's when UNC, Duke, NC State and ECU all play in the NCAA baseball regionals

Statewide Scoreboard: Spring sports state playoffs

HighSchoolOT

Interactive 2025 NCHSAA lacrosse state playoff brackets

NCHSAA releases schedule for this weekend's girls soccer state championships

Pine Lake Prep throttles previously undefeated Shelby, returns to 2A girls soccer final

(12) Ashley defeats (14) Millbrook to advance to third straight 4A championship

A newly hired WRAL employee almost fell victim to a scam after posting about her career move. The scam, an apparent text message from a station manager, shows the increasing sophistication of fraudsters who exploit social media platforms to target professionals at all levels.


5 On Your Side: LinkedIn scam targets your work contacts

5 On Your Side: Be wary of job scams targeting you via text

Ryan O'Donnell created Your Case Plan, an app designed to connect people involved in a foster care case.

Former foster father tries to fix broken foster care system in NC

Donald Hughes, the vice chair of the political action committee, resigned after he said he uncovered alleged discrepancies between bank statements and campaign finance reports.

Former vice chair 'deeply disturbed' with campaign finance reports of Durham committee

SBI investigating case related to Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People

Eastern North Carolina, particularly the U.S. Route 301 corridor, has experienced a significant increase in tornado activity over the past six years.

Examining why eastern North Carolina has seen increased tornado activity in recent years

On Aug. 8, 2024, an EF3 tornado ripped through Lucama, tearing off the roof of Springfield Middle School.

WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth and WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty discuss why tornadoes are becoming more frequent in eastern North Carolina.

WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth explains why eastern NC has seen increased tornado activity

WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth

WRAL Specialists

5 On Your Side: New WRAL employee warns of LinkedIn scam, how to stay alert

Disinfect to keep baby stuff clean and safe

If you must check a bag, include a tracker to make sure it arrives

5 On Your Side

Former foster dad creates app that could help North Carolina's broken foster care system

SBI investigating case involving Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People 

New 911 calls reveal chaos, danger during massive Orange County field party

NC SBI investigating case involving Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People 

Investigations

Grace Ueng's Plunge Club: Pilots and 12 keys to happiness

David Gardner: Every business degree should require sales classes

Greg Behr: 'ChatGPT-Itâ -- How OpenAI secured the verb for AI creation

Wilmington's annual investor 'Buzz In' showcases thriving startup ecosystem

WRAL TechWire

Activists voice concerns about incoming Mebane Buc-ee's, including air pollution

Volvo Cars cutting 3,000 jobs to reduce costs

Trump says he'll delay a threatened 50% tariff on the European Union until July

Apple has had few incentives in the past to start making iPhones in US

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

UNC Health Championship tees off this week

Family

How to prepare for summer in North Carolina: Staying safe in the sun

Summer's outdoor fun brings risk of injury

Police: Fight over Fortnite leads to shooting

National Hamburger Day deals 2025 on May 28

SmartShopper

Top Amazon Deals: Banana Boat Kids SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray 2 pk only $9.19 (58% off), Crossbody Fanny Pack only $7.69 (62% off), LEGO Sunflowers Set only $7.94

Two new Lowes Foods coming to Triangle

Where can I find the best prices on grocery staples this week?

MNTN, Inc. Class A Common Stock (NY:MNTN)

Headline News about MNTN, Inc. Class A Common Stock