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Community Corner

🌱 Opioid Statistics in Raleigh + Pedestrian Killed in Hit-And-Run

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Raleigh.

Christina Fullford's profile picture
Christina Fullford, Neighbor
(Patch Media)

Happy World Kindness Day Raleigh!

The great thing about today is you can choose to participate by doing the most bare minimum human things. Spreading kindness can be as small as choosing to not spread negativity. I think it's something we could all use a little more of. Today's news has a few great opportunities for you to spread kindness so read all about them, including:

  • How to participate in the Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Program
  • Support Local at the 90's edition Geek and Grub Market
  • An easy way to donate blood on your own time

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with clouds and sun. High: 56 Low: 32.

Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

  1. Austin Thompson, the 15-year-old suspect in Raleigh's mass shooting has officially been released from the hospital and moved to a juvenile detention center with medical facilities. The location has not been disclosed, but reports say that it is outside of the Triangle. Rob Steele, fiancé of on of the five victims, Mary Marshall, says that his anger was renewed last week when he learned that Thompson would be transferred, but Marshall would want justice, not anger. Steele says that he is focusing on the future, as the transfer marks the ability to move forward with legal proceedings. Steele has also met with leaders to advocate for stricter penalties for failing to safely secure firearms. (WCNC, WRAL)
  2. The Salvation Army's Christmas Cheer Program will be returning this year, with more than 6,600 children registered. The organization is hoping that Wake County residents will step up to help provide toys and present to the 6,634 angels that may not be receiving any from Santa Claus. To participate, you can pick up an angel from the mall's 'Angel Tree' that has the name of a child and their Christmas wants and needs. You can also adopt an angel online here. (abc11)
  3. The opioid crisis continues to linger in Raleigh, with officers responding to 520 calls so far this year. That number is consistent with the amount they received at this point last year, which was 35% more than 2020. Although actual overdoses are increasing, the number of fatal overdoses have decreased in the city by more than 20%. Jennifer Carroll, a medical anthropologist at NC State University says that policies like Good Samaritan Laws and the prevalence of fentanyl in the drug supply are leading to the increase in calls, and the decrease in fatalities. (WRAL)
  4. A pedestrian was struck and killed in a hit-and-run on Capital Boulevard on Friday night. Raleigh police responded to the scene around 8:10 p.m., and discovered the victim who has not been identified, had died from his injuries. The driver of the vehicle left the scene, and officers are working to determine the circumstances of the crash. Anyone with any information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers to report a tip. (abc11, CBS17, WRAL) A student cyclist is also recovering at WakeMed after being hit by a Wolfline bus on campus at NC State near Dan Allen Drive and Yarbrough Drive. (CBS17, WRAL)
  5. Three shootings are being investigated by Raleigh police that took place on Friday night/Saturday morning:
    1. The first incident took place at the Walnut Ridge Apartments just before 4:50 p.m. on Friday. One juvenile male was hurt during the incident and drove in a private car to a nearby hospital to be treated from non-life-threatening injuries. (abc11, CBS17)
    2. Around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, police were called to an apartment building on North Raleigh Boulevard. One male victim was suffering from non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to WakeMed Hospital for treatment. No suspects have been identified. (abc11, CBS17)
    3. Police are investigating a shooting that took place on Saturday morning at North Hills. At around 12:14 a.m. officers were called to Park at North Hills Street in relation to the shooting. One man was hurt after being grazed by a bullet, and was taken to the hospital. No suspects have been identified at this time and police are continuing to investigate. (CBS17, WRAL)

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Today in Raleigh:

Monday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's World Kindness Day and if you're looking for a little local inspiration, the Triangle Kindness Project has a collection of local kindness spreading.
  • I know a lot of people come to Patch to get to know the area, and I hope we can help provide that for you. Here's a great link I found from Spectrum News 1 that highlights a lot of the fantastic events and places that Raleigh is known for!
  • If you haven't in a while, consider donating blood. You don't have to wait for a blood drive, as the American Red Cross lets you sign up for blood donations here.

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— CJ Fullford

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

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