From restaurants to school bus drivers, North Carolina is experiencing a major worker shortage. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur looks at what caused it and how businesses are dealing with the problem.

On WRAL-TV at 6: NC's worker shortage is still being felt in many industries. What caused it and the factors making it harder to find employees.

<b>LILLINGTON</b> — A member of the Harnett County District Attorney's Office recently celebrated a birthday that he and his co-workers will remember for a long time.

Local defense attorney Jesse Jones says it was his idea to hire a stripper to deliver a singing telegram to an assistant district attorney for his 39th birthday.

"I do things a little differently, and I just thought it would be fun," Jones said.  "And I was thinking, 'Hey, maybe this will relieve a little stress.'"

The woman delivering the telegram removed her top.  When District Attorney Tom Lock heard of the prank, he suspended two people from the office for a brief period without pay.

The unnamed assistant district attorney on the receiving end of the stunt says that it was a bad practical joke.

Prankster Jones says he feels badly that he got his friends in trouble.  Jones says he is now in trouble with his wife -- for spending $150 on the stunt.

Len Besthoff

Joe Frieda

Brian Shrader

Birthday Party at District Attorney's Office Gets Out of Hand

Gavin Lloyd Miller, 18, and Dillon Thomas Piper, 19, were each charged with second-degree murder in connection Hamilton Woods Jr.'s death on Jan. 29 in the Kerigon Lane area of Youngsville.

Franklin County murder case gets special prosecutor, two held on $5 million bond

Hamilton Woods murder suspect

Shots were fired in broad daylight Monday outside a Walmart in Wilson.



Shots fired outside Walmart in Wilson

A small earthquake rumbled through western New York early Monday, alarming people in a region unaccustomed to such shaking but apparently causing no significant damage.

Strongest earthquake in decades startles western New York

On cam: Earthquake rattles Buffalo, NY, suburb

A dozen headstones at a Wilson cemetery were destroyed by a hit and run driver over the weekend.



Headstones in Wilson cemetery destroyed by hit and run driver

Dozen headstones in Wilson cemetery destroyed 

Where are the best places to watch the big game in the Triangle? 9 Sports bars in and around Raleigh that are ALMOST as good at being at the game.

Best sports bars to watch big games

best sports bars

Get the latest WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast whenever you need it, including the DUALDoppler5000 and the 7-Day Forecast.

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 drawings are held at 3 p.m. daily. They can be seen as live or on-demand video.

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 Drawing

According to the Wilson Police Department, the shots were fired Monday afternoon in the parking lot of the Walmart on Forest Hills Road.


Sky 5 flies over a Wilson Walmart where shots were fired

A heartbreaking more than 2,300 people died when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria on Monday, and authorities fear the death toll will rise further.

2,300 people lose their lives in 7.8 magnitude earthquake

APTOPIX_Syria_Earthquake_99503

It's a wash it or wear it again debate! In today's Health Minute, a dermatologist weighs in which garments are good to wear more than once without washing and what should be washed after each use in order to keep your skin healthy.


Dermatologist: Good idea to wear clothes without washing? 

Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipes That Will Save Money

Videos

Purdue's unquestioned grip on No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll is gone after a weekend loss. That didn't stop the Boilermakers from remaining at the top anyway.

Purdue stays No. 1 in AP Top 25; NC State in at No. 22

Terquavion Smith

A 53-foot long trailer on Monday arrived at Carter-Finley Stadium to begin the process of turning the football field into an outdoor ice hockey rink.



Ice at Carter-Finley Stadium: Will warm temps cause issues for outdoor Canes game?

Ice-making machines arrive at Carter Finley ahead of Canes' outdoor game

South Carolina beat a top opponent to remain No. 1 in The Associated Press women's college basketball poll released Monday and now has a showdown with another one looming this weekend.

Indiana reaches No. 2 in women's AP Top 25; SC still No. 1

Duke_Wake_Forest_Basketball_22820

A week and a half ago, West Forsyth High School junior offensive tackle Desmond Jackson became the first in-state prospect in the class of 2024 to commit to play at the University of North Carolina. HighSchoolOT sat down with Jackson to discuss his recruitment process and what stood out about the Tar Heels.