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🌱 Art Helps Bring Traffic Downtown + Mike Pence Plans Raleigh Visit

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy National Salesperson Day Raleigh!

Is it really Saturday already? I swear most of the year goes slow and steady, then we hit November and BOOM, it's January! I got the opportunity to go to Pullen Park's Holiday Express event the other night, and I got the chance to slow down and just enjoy a little holiday time with my family. I hope you're taking the opportunity to steal little moments for yourself and the ones you love. Thankfully, catching up on all the news only takes one small moment out of your day, and you will get to know all about:

  • How pharmacists are responding to nationwide drug shortages
  • A chance to exchange some holiday cookies
  • A Raleigh group bringing diversity to ballet

But first, today's weather:

Sun and areas of low clouds. High: 49 Low: 42.

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Here are the top six stories in Raleigh today:

  1. Public art is lighting up downtown, and drawing more people to areas of the city that are still suffering from financial impacts of the pandemic. According to the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, foot traffic more than doubled on Fayetteville Street during the First Friday of December compared to the November average. The night also launched the Illuminate Art Walk. Downtown Raleigh Alliance President Bill King says that it shows the power of compelling art installations that are interactive and fun. (CBS17)
  2. North Carolina State University Police say that they are taking steps to enhance campus safety after the recent reports of sexual assault. According to ABC11's review of crime log data, the assaults brought the semester's total to ten sexual assaults. NC State Police say they increased patrols and are collaborating with Raleigh Police on the investigation and criminal prevention efforts. Advocates with the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault say training and focusing on changing social norms is key and survivors speaking up is an important step forward. (abc11)
  3. Former vice president, and possible presidential candidate for 2024, Mike Pence, will be visiting Raleigh next week. Pence will deliver the keynote speech at The Admiral James W. Foreign Policy Lecture Series. The title of Pence's speech is "America's Place in the World." The news release says he will offer insight into major foreign policy issues and controversies facing America. (CBS17)
  4. A new report released by N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Standards Division shows a "significant increase in stores with price scanner errors." Multiple stores in Wake County were cited for pricing errors and overcharging. It was the second-most fined county in the state for the third quarter. Wake County had two Walmart locations cited, a Dollar General, a Target, a Staples and an Advance Auto. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler says it is always good practice for consumers to check their receipts. (CBS17)
  5. Local pharmacists are working to find other ways to fill prescriptions as a nationwide drug shortage has left medicines like Amoxicillin, and Tamiflu in short supply. Pharmacists have had to compound medications or substitute alternate drugs in order to get patients the relief they need. Dr. Michael Steiner, pediatrician in chief at UNC Children's Hospital says that he believes it is a short term problem, and not cause for widespread panic. (WRAL)
  6. Coyote sightings have been on the rise, but in spite of that, experts say the North Carolina population is stable. Many of the reports that are made regarding coyote sightings are people being afraid. To avoid interactions, pets should all be kept on leashes and not be left outside. Falyn Owens with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says that most coyotes are not interested in interacting with humans, and are not dangerous to people. They do naturally prey on small animals, so anything that is around the size of a small rodent or rabbit could be seen as food. (Spectrum News 1)

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Today in Raleigh:

Sunday in Raleigh:

  • Pancakes with the Santa Brothers (9:00am-11:30am)
  • The 59th Raleigh Raga Revival at Artspace (11:15am-2:30pm)
  • Makers Market at Hooked on You co. Cary (12:00pm-4:00pm)
  • Monthly Pinball Showdown at The Neighborhood Cary (1:00pm-4:00pm)
  • Theatre in the Park: A Christmas Carol at Duke Energy Center (2:00pm)
  • Cookies, Cocoa, & Crafts for a Cause at Anchor Perinatal Wellness (3:00pm-5:00pm)
  • Winter Pop-Up Market at Heyday Brewing (5:00pm-10:00pm)
  • Sunday Swing Dance Holiday Party at Raleigh Elks Lodge Ballroom (6:00pm-10:30pm)

Bonus: Weekend Best Bets (WRAL)

From my notebook:

  • It's National Salesperson Day and while I normally try to find a specific direct tie to Raleigh, today I just want to take the opportunity to say, as you are out and about shopping for gifts or groceries, thank a salesperson. I have worked all of my adult life in customer support or sales roles, and whoever you encounter could probably use a little uplift today!
  • A ballet program in Raleigh is bringing more diversity to the ballet industry, a genre that has historically lacked diversity. (WRAL)
  • Lots of changes are happening among the Raleigh restaurant scene, and WRAL has a round up of all the Foodie News.
  • "Beginning Monday, the CRX and DRX routes will be temporarily suspended due to ongoing transit operator vacancies." (GoTriangle Facebook)

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Events:

You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with 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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