The brothers charged in Deputy Ned Byrd’s murder plead guilty, bringing long-awaited closure. Plus: a shooting at UNC Health’s Panther Creek facility in Cary, a Raleigh events roundup with 25 things to do this week, an Apex fundraiser honoring Brooklyn Mae Carroll, and Wendell’s Oktoberfest Block Party.

Stay safe, stay curious — and don’t miss today’s dad joke at the end.

Good morning, Wake County — here’s what’s happening today: the brothers accused in Deputy Ned Byrd’s 2022 murder return to court, Raleigh police investigate a car crash that sparked a fire, and the Sheriff’s Office highlights train safety. We’ll also meet a Raleigh man whose model trains are pure nostalgia, look ahead to a free American Dance Festival performance in Cary, and a movie night at Halifax Park in Raleigh. Plus, your full weather forecast, a Steveism, and today’s dad joke to start your day with a smile.

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Wake County wakes up to some serious headlines — two men have been arrested in separate Raleigh rape investigations, and state leaders in Raleigh are weighing transit safety changes after a fatal stabbing in Charlotte. Meanwhile, travelers at RDU will need extra time thanks to a parking entrance closure, Wake Forest drivers face a month of detours, and dozens of volunteers honored 9/11 by cleaning graves at Raleigh National Cemetery. Plus, Governor Stein pushes Congress to keep health care tax credits, and we close with your daily dad joke.

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