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Community Corner

🌱 Homelessness Prevention and Diversion + NYE Celebrations Returned

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 New Year's Day Raleigh!

I've never been a big fan of the whole "new year, new me," mantra that a lot of people subscribe to. I think that a new year is a great opportunity to make small incremental changes that can impact you in the long run. Over the last few years I have had pretty much the same resolution, "do better." By pushing myself I have learned how to be healthier, prioritize my family, and this year I will time to myself. I'd love to know what your plans are for the new year, if you need some time to think on it, catch up on everything Raleigh first, including:

  • Lawsuit questioning Wake DA Lorrin Freeman's candidacy dismissed
  • The First Day Hike at Umstead
  • Sign up to speak during the next city council meeting

But first, today's weather:

Fog in the a.m.; mostly sunny. High: 64 Low: 40.

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Here are the top five top stories in Raleigh today:

  1. The City of Raleigh is rolling out a new program to aid those experiencing homelessness. The city is using $500,000 in American Rescue Plan funds and $25,000 in contingency funds to create a Homelessness Prevention and Diversion Pilot Program. The program is expected to offer short-term and long-term housing solutions and will connect residents to community resources. City leaders are looking for a nonprofit organization to run the program, and funding will not be available until a program administrator is in place. (WRAL)
  2. Yesterday marked Downtown Raleigh's first full-fledge New Years Celebration since the pandemic. Fayetteville Street hosted a Ferris wheel, games, and the iconic acorn drops. The event also marks the first large gathering in downtown since the tragedy that took place at the Raleigh Christmas Parade. The Raleigh Police Department provided security for the event and were confident that the staffing would support a safe and enjoyable evening. Thousands of foot traffic was expected throughout the celebrations beginning at 2:00 p.m. and going through the night. (abc11, WRAL)
  3. The Raleigh Police Department has arrested one man after a child was kidnapped in a stolen SUV on Friday night. The incident was reported around 9:30 p.m. when a mother reported that her white Mitsubishi Outlander was stolen with her 4-month-old baby boy inside. Early on Saturday morning police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, arresting Tony Antronie Elliot. The child was unharmed and returned to his mother. (abc11, FOX8, WRAL)
  4. A federal judge has dismissed the lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman's candidacy in the 2022 election. Freeman won re-election nearly two months ago, but Republican attorney David Blackwelder filed a suit against the State Board of Elections back in August. The suit argued that the board should have removed Freeman from the election ballot, as there was a signature discrepancy in candidate filing. The federal judge determined that Blackwelder missed state deadlines for election disputes and therefore had no standing to sue. (The Carolina Journal)
  5. N.C. State's radio broadcaster Gary Hahn has been indefinitely suspended following comments made on air during the Duke's Mayo Bowl coverage on Friday afternoon. Hahn made controversial comments referencing "illegal aliens" while updating the score of the Sun Bowl that was being played in El Paso. Hahn has called Wolfpack football and basketball games for the last 31 years, and prior to his career with the Wolfpack he worked on the radio for several other universities. (abc11, The Score)

Today in Raleigh:

Monday in Raleigh:

  • It's a Scavenger Hunt! Raleigh virtual event (10:00am)
  • Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheater (6:00pm-10:00pm)
  • Monday Night Trivia at West Street Dog (6:30pm-8:30pm)

From my notebook:

  • It's New Year's Day and there is already so much planned for the new year in Raleigh! Check out the Top 54 Festivals & Events planned for 2023 in Raleigh!
  • Wake County is reminding residents that there are alternatives to emergency care for mild, non-serious illnesses. (Wake.Gov)
  • The next city council meeting is on January 3. To speak during the public comment period, sign up by 5 p.m. on January 2. (City of Raleigh Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow 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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