Community Corner
Opioid Settlement + Unemployment Overpayment + Pandemic Puppies
The quickest way to get caught up on everything worth knowing in town today.
Happy Amelia Earhart Day,
Today brings news of a fatal car crash and the charges that followed, North Carolina's share of an opioid settlement, an Uber driver under arrest, and so much more. Check out that, the parties and events happening in Raleigh, as well as some fun bonus stuff down below.
Today's weather: Clear throughout the day. High: 87 Low: 71.
Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:
- A crash on I-40 around 7:30am left several people injured and one dead. The investigation has ruled out intoxication as a factor after driver, William Gillespie, lost control of his vehicle and ran into the median buffer. Gillespie is now facing misdemeanor charges of death by vehicle as a result of the death of a 63-year-old male passenger, as well as reckless driving, driving while license revoked, and child restraint violations. (abc11)
- North Carolina is looking at potentially receiving $750 million from the national settlement with opioid producers. The settlement will force drug companies to pay a historic amount of money to help bring treatment and recovery services to communities, as well as change their business practices. North Carolina has already signed the agreement, and now local governments must sign on in the next 4 months. The money must be used through opioid treatment, recovery, and misuse prevention initiatives. (NC Lawyers Weekly)
- The Uber Driver who was accused of assaulting a passenger on May 9 has officially been charged. Muhammad Arslan Afzal was transporting a passenger on Interstate-540 when he pulled over, and used GPS troubles as a rouse to get the passenger into the front seat. When the passenger obliged, Afzal sexually assaulted her in a 20-25 minute ordeal. Afzal is facing charges including first-degree kidnapping, sexual assault, attempted second-degree forcible sex offense, and indecent exposure. (WBTW News 13)
- Legislation regarding the North Carolina High School Athletic Association has made it through another Senate committee. The Senate Finance Committee recommended the measure, and a Senate education committee passed the measure on Wednesday. The proposition still needs to clear a Senate rules committee before being heard on the House floor, but this is one more step towards the bill becoming law. (WITN)
- 117,000 North Carolinians are facing collections for unemployment overpayments dating back to the beginning of the pandemic. The number of individuals frustrated with the system is growing as more people are identified as being overpaid, even though they have attempted to follow all the proper channels. Some people are facing five figure collection demands from the state after NC Division of Employment Security determined that they did not prove their eligibility. Although DES has added hundreds of people to take incoming calls, many have found them unable to help answer questions, furthering the confusion. (WRAL)
Today in Raleigh.
- Live Music: Tin Roof, Saints & Scholars, The Pour House, Sullivan's Steakhouse, O'Malley's Pub & Restaurant, High Park Bar & Grill, and Scooter's Bar & Grill
- Parties: Raleigh Beach Music Festival, We Outside Island Vibes, Noche Blanca All White Affair, Summertime Fine Day Party.
- Kid's Night Out: Extreme Coasters. Let the kids create roller coasters with marbles and in Minecraft. (6:00 pm-9:00 pm)
- The Hartwell Morning Market by Raleigh Night Market(9:30 am-12:30 pm)
- Adventure Fitness Meet-Up with Triangle Rock Club: free for first-timers (10:00 am-11:30 am)
- Scary Movie Night on the Lawn at Dorthea Dix Park featuring Scream (8:30 pm-10:00 pm)
Raleigh Patch Notebook
- Enjoy a special look at history this Amelia Earhart Day, learn about the history of the Raleigh Municipal Airport, and see how Earhart inspired others as well. (WRAL)
- Raleigh in need of pet foster parents as people return their "pandemic puppies" to local shelters. (abc11)
- Shop Local Raleigh celebrates Little Blue Macaron's new flavor drop. (Instagram)
From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!
Events:
- Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (July 31)
Ok friends, I'm off to try and convince my husband that we can definitely handle another pup. Enjoy your Saturday and go do something fun. If you've read this far, you definitely aren't allowed to tell anyone that you didn't know of anything going on because I have jam packed that today in Raleigh section, and that was me narrowing it down.
— CJ Fullford
Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Reach out anytime to raleigh@patch.com.