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Community Corner

🌱 NC Laws Taking Effect on Jan 1 + Businesses Bank on NYE Spending

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 Years Eve Raleigh!

Be sure you plan your evening to ensure a safe and wonderful New Year! You have chosen an incredible city to spend your holidays with lots of opportunities for celebration. We also have a great network of rideshare companies and safe transportation options. Remember, its always ok to to look out for others and speak up if you see someone about to engage in a dangerous situation. Before you start getting your ducks in a row, catch up on all the news and more, including:

  • A local 11-year-old's non-profit helps those in need.
  • Noon Years Eve Events
  • Increase in scam reports to be aware of

But first, today's weather:

Periods of rain. High: 62 Low: 50.

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Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

  1. New laws are set to take effect in North Carolina tomorrow. One new law will limit the governor's powers through changes made to the Emergency Management Act. Another law will lower the individual income tax rate to 4.75% as part of the effort to reduce the rate to 3.99% by 2026. North Carolina's fuel tax will also be adjusted, rising from 38.5 cents per gallon to 40.5 cents per gallon. Other changes will impact the state's prison and probation systems and penalties for shoplifting. (abc11, CBS17)
  2. Raleigh businesses are hoping for a strong turnout as crowds flock downtown to ring in the new year. Owner of The Big Easy, Steve Hunt, says that large events are key to his business, and hopes that it might be able to sell out tickets for after the dinner rush. According to Wallet Hub, 70% of Americans spend at least $50 on New Year's Eve food and drinks and 37% plan to eat out or go to parties. Jimmy Kim, owner of Cucciolo Terrazza in North Hills, says that the recent success of special evenings helps create long-term customers. (abc11)
  3. This week, President Joe Biden is expected to sign the $1.7 trillion spending bill that includes nearly $27 million in funding for Wake County projects. The spending bill includes $505,000 for the Garner Senior Center and will largely go towards updating the kitchen and dining area that is used by the Meals on Wheels team. WakeMed will receive $6 million to go towards a new behavioral hospital in response to the growing need for mental health and substance abuse treatment. $2 million of the money will go towards a new public health building at St. Augustine's University. Another portion of the funds will go towards various public health projects. (WRAL)
  4. The need for food in the Triangle has been exacerbated by winter months. Jessica Slider-Whichard with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina says that, "It's kind of like a perfect storm of increased need, and then not quite having as much food as we did previously." The food bank notes that demand is up around 30% since pre-pandemic need. As COVID-19 benefits are changing, the organization has less resources at their disposal. The Food Banks is currently matching donations until the years end. (CBS17)
  5. Logan Thomas, a Wake County 11-year-old, formed his own non-profit organization to help meet the needs of homeless and the less fortunate in Wake County. Three years ago, Logan saw a homeless man during a ride to school, and asked his dad what he could do to help. After reading and researching, "Logan's P.A.L.S." was born. P.A.L.S stands for preparing, assisting, leading, and succeeding. Logan spends his days collecting donations, diapers for babies, personal hygiene products, warm clothes for the homeless, and laying wreaths at the graves of veterans. Logan says that Matthew 25:31-40 inspires him to stay the course. "When I was hungry, you fed me. When I needed something to drink you gave me something to drink. When I was in prison, you visited me." (WRAL)

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Today in Raleigh:

Sunday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's New Years Eve and there are too many things going on to keep it in the events section, so here's a few more: Early NYE Celebrations, Triangle NYE Celebrations, & Ringing in 2023 in Raleigh!
  • The City of Raleigh is accepting proposals from qualified developers for the new construction and/or rehabilitation of affordable multifamily rental housing.
  • Sheriff Willie Rowe said on Friday that a growing number of reports have been filed regarding scams insisting you pay money to get out of jury duty. (CBS17)
  • Locations in Wake County are offering no-cost at-home COVID-19 tests, as well as some no-cost testing locations as the holidays bring a risk for increased spread.

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Events:

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be in your inbox 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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