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Community Corner

Police Shortage + Heat Index Rising + Wake County Mask Mandate

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy National Mutt Day,

Today I have news for you of mask requirements, a new GOP Committee, and a nonprofit helping Raleigh area residents in need. I also have my daily roundup of events and bonus info down below. Enjoy.

Today's weather 7/31: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 90 Low: 75.

Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

  1. Wake County leaders have announced that masks will be required in all county buildings, regardless of vaccination status. The requirement applies to all employees and visitors to all public buildings and facilities and will go into effect on Monday. The Wake County Public School System has a mask mandate still in place, however there has been no finite announcement on the new school year. Wake County Commissioner Matt Calabria stated on Friday that 70% of adults in Wake County are now vaccinated, however hospitalizations are still on the rise. (WRAL)
  2. The NCGOP Election Integrity Committee will hold its inaugural meeting today. The committee is composed of 16 members, and will focus on engaging with the County and State Board of Elections, recruiting poll observers and election integrity volunteers, making statutory and administrative rule recommendations, and refining the NC Republican Party's Election Integrity operational plan. (NC.GOP)
  3. Nationwide initiative, Walls of Love, made four stops across NC on Thursday and Friday, including Raleigh. The organization aims to bring bags full of necessities to areas of poverty, such as toilet paper, body care items, and winter gear. You can see more details about their initiatives at Wallsoflove.com. (CBS17)
  4. The National Weather Service in Raleigh is warning that the current heat wave could be dangerous. Temperatures across the state are expected to be in the mid-90's with high humidity making the heat index above 100. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for a large portion of the state warning that prolonged exposure could lead to heat-related health concerns. (Fox8)
  5. With calls for change in policing, local law enforcements are feeling the strain not in their budget, but in their staffing. A former officer speaks on the consequence of the staffing crisis among local law enforcement. The police department cites a 16% vacancy, however the officer who asked to remain unnamed emphasizes that the reality is about a 26% vacancy in officers who can realistically respond to calls. A union representative for Raleigh officers, Rick Armstrong, says the shortages are "an ongoing problem that's only going to get worse." (WRAL)

Today in Raleigh

Raleigh Patch Notebook

  • For National Mutt Day, I can't resist sharing where I got my beautiful mutt from. Saving Grace NC was a recommendation from my pediatrician, and I can't help but pay it forward.
  • After a local woman passed away, see how her neighbor is keeping her spirit alive. (Spectrum News 1)
  • Vegans rejoice, the first Black-owned vegan food truck, Epic Vegan has opened in Raleigh (CBS17)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (July 31)

Thank you all for reading along with me. Sometimes I feel like I'm repeating myself over and over again in my sign off, but I really cannot emphasize how much I appreciate you all. Anyone who takes the time to stay informed, even if it's a brief summary, deserves appreciation. I hope you have an amazing, relaxing Saturday.

— CJ Fullford

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

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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