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Community Corner

🌱 Anti-Semitism Doesn't Stop Hanukkah Celebrations + Raleigh Esports

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Raleigh.

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Games Day Raleigh!

I feel like I cursed us when I shared my extreme hatred for cold temperatures. So what I really meant to say is, I really hate it when weather warms up and sits around 70 degrees. I also hate when I win the lottery, but that might be a longshot since I don't even play. While we wait for the temperatures to heat up and my imaginary numbers to get called, catch up on all things Raleigh, including:

  • Extreme winter weather expected
  • A chance to learn about Quantum Entanglement
  • A look at the city's pre-approved ADU plans

But first, today's weather:

Variable cloudiness. High: 43 Low: 29.

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Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

  1. A cold weather system is set to shift over the Carolinas overnight on Wednesday into Thursday, leading to possible dangerous cold in the second half of the week. Most of the expected precipitation should arrive as rain, however there could be a period of sleet and/or freezing rain. A rapid changeover to snow is also possible as strong winds are expected to rush over the region. (abc11). Wake County white flag shelters will be open through at least Thursday, December 22 in preparation for the harsh cold weather. (WRAL)
  2. In spite of recent anti-Semitic events, including an anti-Semitic banner being hung over a Moore County highway on Sunday morning, Hanukkah celebrations have continued on. An investigation into the banner's origins took place as Raleigh and Apex prepared for events celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. One of the organizers, Rabbi Zalman Dubinsky shared his experience on Sunday morning as people in a coffee shop went on an anti-Semitic rant when they saw him. Although the group was asked to leave, the negative beliefs have been emboldened as celebrities and athletes share their takes. Dubinsky maintained that "the message of the Hanukkah Menorah will be strong throughout the world and the upcoming year." (abc11)
  3. The esports scene is growing in Raleigh, with a major tournament hosted in Raleigh this weekend. The Call of Duty League hosted its first in-person World Championship finals. The first major tournament of the season took place at the Raleigh Convention Center in downtown. It brought an estimated 7,000 people to the area and introduced even more to the city via virtual streaming. The series began on Thursday and ended on Sunday afternoon with the grand finals. Players competed in multiple tournaments for prizes ranging up to $500,000. (abc11, WRAL)
  4. Cary-based video game maker Epic Games has been ordered to pay a record $520 million in fines for using "dark patterns" to get players to make unintentional purchases. The Department of Justice filed a proposed federal court order on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission saying that Epic Games violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The order is the FTC's largest refund amount in a gaming case, and their largest administrative order in history. According to complaints, Epic Games used privacy-invasive default settings and deceptive interfaces to trick Fortnight users, especially children and teens. (CBS17)
  5. Police are investigating reports of a string of vehicle break-ins at CarMax in Raleigh that took place on Saturday. The incident took place around 11:30 p.m. at the location on Wildwood Forest Drive in northeast Raleigh. The investigation has led to the detention of two juveniles by police; the two were released into the custody of their parents. The case is still under investigation. (CBS17)

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Today in Raleigh:

Wednesday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's Games Day and I feel like no matter what holidays you celebrate, nothing helps bring the family together (and maybe tear you apart) like a good game. If you want to get the family out then Boxcar is amazing for those who like video/arcade games, and Side Quest is perfect for those who want to sit down around a board game!
  • Check out the city of Raleigh's Accessory Dwelling Unit gallery that they hope will expedite construction of ADU's.
  • On Sunday, dozens of fans were present in Raleigh's Moore Square to watch the World Cup. (CBS17)

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Events:

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com

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