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Community Corner

🌱 Operation Toy Drop + Holiday Youth Gambling Prevention Campaign

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 Look for an Evergreen Day Raleigh!

These low's are getting a little too low for me. I may be one of the few people who hates snow and am praying we don't get a white Christmas, especially since I scored my kiddos a super affordable swing-set for Christmas. I'm not looking forward to putting it together as these temperatures continue to creep down into the twenties. Thankfully catching up on Raleigh's happenings takes place in my robe and slippers, underneath my warm blanket. Cozy up and enjoy learning all about:

  • NCDOT is struggling to staff DMV offices.
  • Local cornhole fun
  • The Jewish Federation of Raleigh Cary begins Hanukkah events today.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 47 Low: 28.

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Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

  1. A group of pilots in the Triangle volunteered their time and aircrafts to participate in Operation Toy Drop. The event works to spread holiday cheer and honor North Carolina veterans. Operation Toy Drop had paratroopers dropped in with wrapped presents that were distributed to children. The pilots also participated in the Wreaths Across America event in Goldsboro. (abc11)
  2. The North Carolina Education Lottery and the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program are asking for public help with their holiday prevention campaign. During the holiday season, lottery cards are a popular gift, but they warn the lottery is not a kid's game. Executive Director for the N.C. Education Lottery Mark Michalko says that it "wants to keep the tradition alive, but also prevent lottery tickets from ending up in the hands of minors." According to organizers of the annual prevention campaign, 'Gift Responsibly 2020,' youth gambling is emerging as a significant and growing public health issue. (CBS17)
  3. North Carolina DMV offices are facing significant staffing shortages, even as NCDOT is offering retention and sign-on bonuses. The new pay classification system for state employees included only a small salary bump for drivers license examiners at entry level, and the bonuses will only last as long as additional funding from the legislature continues. Last week NCDOT graduated more than 40 examiners, but DMV offices are still seeing a 28% turnover rate over the past year. (CBS17)
  4. According to AAA, airfare costs are 6% more than last year, and expected to reach a 14% increase over last year as nearly 7.2 million Americans are expected to fly for the holiday. According to travel booking app Hopper, international airfare is expected to increase to all regions of the world compared to this time last year. Hopper also says that factors such as demand, inflation, jet fuel costs and limited seating supply are driving higher prices in 2023. (abc11)

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Today in Raleigh:

Tuesday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's Look for an Evergreen Day and if you're looking for a tree last minute, here's a brush up on Christmas Tree Farms and Lots in the Triangle courtesy of Triangle on the Cheap. If you already have yours, go get some pictures in front of the Downtown Raleigh Christmas Tree.
  • The Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary has its own running list of Hanukkah events that begin today.
  • Jaden Miller, a student from Cardinal Gibbons High School will make his big screen debut after landing a key role in "Not Another church Movie." (WRAL)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! See you all tomorrow morning for 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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