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Mask Mandate Back For Raleigh + Budget Controversy + 14th Seat

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Hey all, I wanted to kick off this article a little differently than normal. I had a representative from Volunteers of America reach out to me, and somehow the communication was lost. There was a collection event for Operation Backpack yesterday at Streets of Southpoint in Durham that I unfortunately did not get to feature. Thankfully there is another collection event I'd love for you all to be able to plan ahead for on August 21! Check out the website to learn more about the effort to help students in need. (Operation Backpack)

With that being said, happy Free Comic Book Day!

Today I have news for you about several important policy changes you need to know, adjustments being made to slow the spread of COVID-19, and the controversial NC House budget proposal. I also rounded up some awesome family events, live music, and more below.

Today's weather, 8/14: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 93 Low: 76.

Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

  1. Yesterday at 5:00 pm, a mask mandate for Raleigh went back into effect. The mandate states that all persons regardless of vaccination status must wear masks indoors, and are strongly recommended to mask up in outdoor spaces when social distancing is not possible. Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin emphasizes that his is a move to protect the public from the growing threat of the Delta variant. (WRAL)
  2. The Raleigh City Council members will hear the first draft of the proposed exotic animal ordinance on Tuesday. The proposal comes from Council Member David Knight after the escape of a zebra cobra in June. The ordinance seeks to prohibit "the possession or harboring of wild and dangerous animals and prohibiting the feeding of wild and dangerous animals within the city." The penalty for feeding or harboring an exotic animal would accrue daily fines. (CBS17)
  3. North Carolina's 900,000 people population growth over the past decade has gained the state a 14th seat in the US House of Representatives. North Carolina was among 6 states that gained at least one seat as 7 states lost seats. Meredith College political science professor David McLennan predicts that the additional seat will have a major impact on the citizens in NC. The additional seat could also have serious political influence over partisan control, depending on how districts are drawn. (WNCT9)
  4. The North Carolina House has passed the Republican budget proposal with a 72 to 41 vote. Nine Democrats voted alongside all Republicans in support of the $25.7 billion budget plan. Although some Democrats crossed party lines to aid in passing the plan, others protested the package for its failure to include Medicaid expansion and full funding for the Leandro ruling. Some activists held a "funeral march" with coffins down Jones St. and accused the budget writers of "killing people with their decisions." Democratic leader Robert Reives said that lawmakers are coming from very different perspectives on different items in the spending plan but says that Democrats are ready to come to the table in order to work out a compromise deal. (WRAL)
  5. Federal data released this week by the US Department of Health and Human Services shows that ICU beds are nearing capacity in the triangle. WakeMed, Duke Health Raleigh, REX, Duke Regional and Duke University, and University of North Carolina hospitals report capacity directly to DHHS, and four of the six show 95% or more ICU beds occupied in the last week. REX and UNC hospitals were reporting 80% or more occupied beds. (WRAL) These figures at any time might be alarming, however coupling that with the report showing that COVID-19 metrics are now comparable to where they were last winter at the height of the pandemic, hospitals' concerns are growing. (WSOC-TV)

Today in Raleigh

Raleigh Patch Notebook

  • Free Comic Book Day is a holiday near and dear to my heart. My uncle used to draw for comic books and we went every year! Check out the stores in the triangle where you can get free comics here. Today is going to be my son's first time celebrating it!
  • WRAL has a list of all businesses and events requiring vaccination proof and/or masks. (WRAL)
  • Country star Luke Combs fulfilled the Amazon wish list of Kelly Kirk, a kindergarten teacher after she reached out to him on Facebook. (WRAL)
  • The Carolina Hurricanes are going to be hosting a yard sale at PNC Arena today, and offer up to half off on Hurricanes merchandise. (11:00 am-2:00 pm General Admission)

Alright everyone. I hope you feel geared up and ready to go today. With so much happening, I'm already planning my day and honestly, I don't know if I'll have any downtime. Today is wall to wall happenings in Raleigh and I intend to take advantage. One could say I'm masked and ready. [2020/2021 equivalent to locked and loaded?] Anyways, whether you choose to relax and unwind or take advantage of every moment, I hope your day is exactly what you want it to be.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? I'm all ears. You can email me at raleigh@patch.com.

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