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Community Corner

CDC Guidance Influence + Cooling Centers + Cheesecake Creations

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy International Day of Friendship,

Today there was so much news surrounding the new CDC guidance. I hope you all don't mind, I condensed most of that info in order to bring you a diverse round up of news today. I take the pandemic very seriously, however I don't want to neglect other stories happening in our city. Check out all the news below, as well as tons of live music opportunities, and so much more.

Today's weather, 7/30: Humid and mostly cloudy throughout the day. High: 92 Low: 74.

Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

  1. With the change in CDC guidance, Governor Roy Cooper has released Twitter statement regarding the state's response along with his official briefing (WITN's summary). North Carolina leaders are hesitant to issue any mask mandates, and continue to urge people to get vaccinated. (CBS17) Without any state wide mandate, counties are handling the new guidance differently. (CBS17) More schools and private businesses have implemented their own mask requirements. (CBS17, abc11) In spite of the nursing shortage hospitals have been experiencing, Triangle hospitals express confidence in their ability to protect doctors and nurses while caring for an influx in COVID-19 patients. (abc11)
  2. A state lab in Raleigh is working to track the Delta variant. With the variant accounting for about 80% of all North Carolina cases, the lab is sequencing samples. The lab currently has a staff of around 20 people, and with the rise in cases it is looking to double the staff. The genomic sequencing information is shared with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as public health departments to help officials make decisions on fighting the virus. (WRAL)
  3. Wake County is opening up cooling centers in anticipation of some of the hottest days we have seen this summer. There are four official locations in the county that will be open from 11:00 am-5:15 pm to help people stay cool. With this summer heat, air conditioning repair is in high demand, and you may have to wait a while for service. (WRAL) Duke Energy has also put out tips to help save money while staying cool. (CBS17)
  4. Wake Invests in Women has launched a challenge in collaboration with Wake Tech Community College. The challenge aims to address wage and representation inequities in Wake County and the Research Triangle Park. So far 11 employers have signed up to do their part in changing the inequities between men and women in the workplace. Wake Invests in Women is focusing on STEM occupations in particular because that is where the gender gaps are the greatest. They hope that this challenge will be the pilot that will inspire many more employers to rise to the challenge next summer. (Wake Tech)
  5. Two local organizations are using a $100,000 grant to help underrepresented groups of people get vaccinated. The LGBT Center of Raleigh and the NC Aids Action Network are recipients of the grant, and leaders will receive training to help share relevant messages about the importance of vaccines. The organizations will also be hosting a vaccine event geared towards LGBT Community members to provide a safe space to ask relevant questions and get the vaccine as well as HIV and STI testing. (abc11)

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Today in Raleigh

Raleigh Patch Notebook

  • For International Friendship Day, check out this list of different ways to make new friends in Raleigh. Whether you're new in town, adapting your life, or just want to expand your friendship circle, it can be hard
  • It also happens to be National Cheesecake Day, and Royal Cheesecake & Varieties is dropping some creative new cheesecake flavors on Saturday. (Shoplocalraleigh Instagram)
  • Another bullet about cheesecake; are you really complaining? The Cheesecake Factory is releasing a Coconut Cream Pie Cheesecake and donating $1 per every slice of cheesecake sold to Feeding America.
  • WRAL compiled a list of some weekend events in the triangle. (WRAL)

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Events:

  • Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (July 31)

Alright friends, I know things are crazy with COVID-19 developments lately, but today lets remember to celebrate friendship (and cheesecake). One thing I love about North Carolina is the positivity of the people who live here, it's why I chose to raise my family here, and why I do the Raleigh Patch Daily to celebrate with you all. I hope you have an amazing, fun, and safe Friday.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Reach out anytime to raleigh@patch.com.

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