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Community Corner

🌱 Pushes For Future Parade Safety Regulations + Shaw Community Forum

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

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

Happy Drinksgiving Raleigh!

Today I have so much important information for you to know! There is so much going on in the area, and a few cautionary points below. Read up on everything before you go tackle your day and any preparations or early deal shopping it might entail. Some of the information below I want to highlight includes:

  • $35 million to combat housing insecurity
  • Find where to enjoy Belgium vs. Canada in the World Cup.
  • Here are safety tips for those choosing to celebrate or not celebrate "Drinksgiving."

But first, today's weather:

Sunshine mixing with clouds. High: 67 Low: 33.

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Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

  1. As Raleigh continues to cope following the deadly accident at the Raleigh Christmas parade, advocates are questioning safety policies and pushing for changes to prevent future accidents. The city of Raleigh has a special event policy, but it does not include any parameters regarding parade safety or vehicle inspections. A spokesperson for the city says that safety guidelines and inspections are left up to parade organizers. Representatives with the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, the organization that is over Shop Local Raleigh, issued a statement that included that they are not in a position to comment further than to say they are assisting the Raleigh Police Department's investigation. D & L Floats was the company that provided floats in the parade, including the one that was used by CC & Company Dance Complex. According to the owner, most municipalities do not require inspections. (abc11) Several Triangle cities are implementing changes to their Christmas parades following the death of the girl in Raleigh, who has now been identified as Hailey Brooks. (WRAL)
  2. The Wake County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved use of $35 million to address housing instability. The U.S. Treasury Department adjusted American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) guidelines to encourage the development of more affordable housing. The money can be used to finance more construction, repair or operate long-term affordable housing. The county was originally given $216.7 million in ARPA funds, and utilized $172.6 million supporting COVID-19 response, economic recovery, housing, and community projects. (CBS17)
  3. Charitable giving across North Carolina dropped severely during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the latest annual charitable giving report is showing a big rebound. North Carolinians gave $47.5 million to in-state charities between July 2021 and June 2022. The number is one of the highest figures ever and does not include money given to school, churches, multi-state, national or international charities. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall says that the donations are much needed, as right now in a week, organizations are serving the same number of families they would have served in a month prior to COVID-19. Marshall also says that you should research organizations ahead of donating, as efficiency charities put more of donations towards actual service, while others use up to 90% of donations on overhead and fundraising. (WRAL)
  4. On Monday, leaders at Shaw University announced that they had filed an official complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice after a stop and search in South Carolina. Shaw's president Dr. Paulette Dillard said that, "the real issue is why and how a minor traffic violation immediately turned into a drug search." The complaint also accuses the deputies of searching several bags without students' consent. The formal complaint comes after five members of congress asked the D.O.J. to conduct a pattern-of-practice investigation, prior to the release of footage by Spartanburg County and Cherokee County Sheriff's Offices. (CBS17, WRAL, WYFF4)
  5. A meeting about redeveloping Shaw University was held on Monday night. Dozens of people showed up to ask questions and discuss their opinions. The meeting ran over time as students, alumni and community members voiced their concerns. Raleigh city leaders have yet to look at the rezoning request that would open the campus up for future high-rise construction. Those working with the development plans say that the goal is to keep Shaw University a staple in Raleigh, and the plan is an opportunity to leverage the land they have to translate it into funding for students and facilities. (CBS17)

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Today in Raleigh:

Thursday in Raleigh: For previous recurring events, check with venues to see if they are still happening on the Holiday. I have only included events that explicitly say they are happening on Thanksgiving.

From my notebook:

  • The day before Thanksgiving is often celebrated and has been dubbed Drinksgiving, Drunksgiving or Blackout Wednesday. I personally don't partake, but if you do, remember to do so safely, and follow these precautions courtesy of abc11 and the NHTSA to make the day safe. If you don't celebrate, be sure to go get your last minute groceries early so you can be snug inside before nightfall.
  • Record breaking travel is expected through RDU for Thanksgiving. If you're flying with some fixin's, check out abc11's guide to what food you can fly with.
  • Plan ahead: This weekend will bring lots of opportunities to get into the holiday spirit as festive events return to the area. (WRAL)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early 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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