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Community Corner

🌱 New Legislation Taking Effect + Wake In Dire Need of Foster Homes

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 National Christmas Lights Day Raleigh!

It is December! In my house it means it is finally time to put up the Christmas countdown calendar and get a small treat every night. I don't know about you but these traditions are what makes the season so wonderful for me. When I was younger we would get a poster board, a sharpie, some scotch tape, and a bag of mini candy. No matter how old I get, I will absolutely treat myself and my family to a small piece of candy leading up to Christmas. I think everyone deserves a little treat, and something small to bring joy. I hope you take the time to treat yourself this season, and find time for joy. While you mull that over, catch up on all the most important news, including:

  • The county continues talks on what to do with opioid settlement funds.
  • What to do if you spot a coyote.
  • Where to see the best lights in the Triangle.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cooler. High: 51 Low: 26.

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Here are the top six stories in Raleigh today:

  1. Legislation that was passed earlier this year will take effect today that will bring more severe penalties for certain crimes. One rule that takes effect will allow judges to extend domestic violence protective orders while waiting for courts to act with a hearing to renew. The new legislation creates new felony crimes for setting fire to prisons, occupied commercial structures, unoccupied commercial structures and any arson where a first responder suffers a "serious injury" from the blaze. The other law targets organized retail theft, by adding more serious felonies when the value of property stolen over a 90-day period exceeds $50,000. (CBS17)
  2. Wake County leaders met again on Tuesday to discuss the county's share of the state's opioid settlement. The county is expected to receive $36.1 million over an 18-year span. The county has already approved strategic initiatives for the first $4 million that will be distributed over the next two years. On Tuesday they discussed using the money to help youth living with substance abuse disorder. (WRAL)
  3. In Wake County, the number of available foster families has fallen by half in the last three years. Many children still have no home to go to, and no long term placements ahead of the holidays. Currently the county has 503 children in the system, but only 90 foster homes. The gap in available foster homes has led to some children being placed outside of the county, even in other states. The county is holding informational foster care meetings on the second Tuesday of every month, with the next meeting on December 13. (CBS17)
  4. Earlier this month, workers at Fallon's Flowers helped lead a community effort to track down Mr. Noble. After being missing for weeks, Mr. Noble has been found safe in Atlantic City. Mr. Noble spent a lot of time at the corner of St. Mary's and Peace Streets in Raleigh, and was known for his kindness and flowers. (WRAL)
  5. The trial has begun for Justin Merritt, a Virginia man charged with killing Andy Banks during a meetup to purchase Banks' car via Craigslist. Banks had listed his SUV in September 2020 and met with Merritt in a K&W Cafeteria parking lot near Village District, then known as Cameron Village. Police searched for days before finding the SUV near Merritt's home in rural Virginia, and found Banks' body days later. Merritt's attorney admitted in her opening statement that her client pulled the trigger and expressed that they intend to prove it was not a premeditated murder or robbery, a requirement for first-degree murder charges. (abc11, CBS17, CBS17, WRAL)
  6. Coyote sightings in North Carolina are on the rise, as younger coyotes start leaving their parents to establish their own territory and find a mate. Typically coyotes will leave humans alone, but cause threats to large pets that may be viewed as a threat or competition, and smaller pets who can be viewed as food. Coyotes tend to be most active around sunrise and sunset. If encountered you should stand your ground and be assertive while 'hazing' the coyote, making loud noises, flailing arms and throwing things at it. (abc11)

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Today in Raleigh:

Friday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's National Christmas Lights Day and nothing elicits fond holiday memories like driving around while listening to Christmas songs looking for the houses with the best light displays. Thankfully, nowadays the internet is readily available and we can head straight to the best displays with things like this list from Triangle on the Cheap or this list from WRAL.
  • NC State and UNC at Chapel Hill raised more than $148,000 to help strengthen food pantry resources on their campuses during The Pantry Bowl. (NC State University Facebook)
  • During Thanksgiving weekend speed enforcement, Raleigh police issued 80 citations in an effort to prevent traffic collisions. (CBS17)

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Events:

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— CJ Fullford

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