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Community Corner

🌱 De-Escalation Listening Session + A Safer Rideshare Experience

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 Candle Day Raleigh!

Man, just thinking of candles has me wanting to bust out some of my favorite scents. It's Saturday, and hopefully that means you don't have too much that you need to do, so bust out a calming scent, relax, and catch up on everything you might have missed. There's so much to read about below, including:

  • Decarcerate Now NC gathers outside of the Executive Mansion.
  • Here's a toy and gift sale to check out if you're doing the holidays on a budget.
  • The North Carolina Museum of History's 120th Birthday Party

But first, today's weather:

Breezy with occasional rain. High: 64 Low: 38.

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Here are the top six stories today in Raleigh:

  1. The Raleigh Police Department unveiled its new de-escalation policy on Thursday evening, and today it is hosting another de-escalation listening session at John Chavis Memorial Park. The event takes place at 11:00 am, and will give the community the opportunity to give feedback on the policy that was drafted following several community feedback sessions. Social justice activists have already commented that the new policy is too vague and doesn't go far enough to give actual details of what de-escalation is. (CBS17, WRAL)
  2. On Thursday, Governor Roy Cooper and his crime commission met and discussed the Hedingham mass shooting. The discussion emphasized that the impacts of violence go beyond the victims. They said that communities need to have a plan in place for a mass violence incident. Participants pointed at the need for outside resources and said that Raleigh should have declared an emergency after the shooting to get immediate access to emergency resources. (WRAL)
  3. The jury did not take long in deliberation after a week of testimony in the trial of Justin Merritt. The jury found Merritt guilty on a first-degree murder charge in relation to the death of Andy Banks during a Craigslist meetup. Although Merritt declined to testify in his own defense, he addressed the court after the verdict was read. He apologized to Banks' family saying, "Please hear me when I say, this was never my intention. I am sorry. I am so sorry." He also apologized to his own family for the embarrassment he caused. (abc11, WRAL)
  4. People have gathered outside of the Executive Mansion in Raleigh to ask state leaders to reduce North Carolina's prison population. Decarcerate Now NC is urging Governor Cooper to use his clemency power and take other steps to release some of the state's prisoners immediately. This is the third year that the group has held the month-long demonstration. In a letter to the governor's office, the group calls for the immediate release of ill, elderly, those who were incarcerated as children, or are in prison for technical violations of parole. (CBS17)
  5. Raleigh's newest rideshare service launched on December 1, and it solves many of the biggest issues drivers and riders have experienced. The company promises cheaper fares, no surge pricing and daily background checks on drivers. The company also does in-person interviews with drivers and performs extensive background checks. Drivers are also being enticed with a business model that does not take a large percentage of their earnings. Instead it gives drivers 100% of their earnings in exchange for a $100 monthly subscription to drive. Wridz has already launched in other places like Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Ohio, and Texas. (CBS17, RaleighMag)
  6. Police made two notable arrests in the area.
  • The Raleigh Police arrested three on Thursday in connection the the stabbing of Keith Graham on Wednesday that resulted in his death. (abc11, WRAL)
  • A Raleigh man who identifies as a pastor has been arrested in Wake County and is facing four counts of sexual offense with a child under the age of 15, and one count of indecent liberties with a child. (WRAL)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Raleigh:

Sunday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's Candle Day and while you can probably go anywhere and find a candle that you will enjoy, Raleigh has local candlemakers with scents worth checking out. Shop Local Raleigh does such a great job making small businesses easily searchable and has a list of options here!
  • The North Carolina Museum of History is celebrating its 120th birthday today from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. with free admission to the newest ticketed exhibition, live music, birthday treats and a birthday promotion. (abc11)
  • Applications are open for the Low Income Emergency Assistance Program (LIEAP) through the NCDHHS website.
  • If you're putting up a Christmas tree this year, follow these tips from the Raleigh Fire Department to minimize fire risk. (City of Raleigh Facebook)
  • On Wednesday, December 7 the North Carolina Museum of History will host a special one-day public exhibition of a first printing of the U.S. Constitution and North Caorlina's original copy of the Bill of Rights. The documents will be on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission. (NC Museum of History)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (December 6)
  • Top 10 Divorce Mistakes and How to Avoid Them - Vesta's Charlotte, NC Hub (December 7)
  • Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll see you soon!

— CJ Fullford

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

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