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Raleigh Art + Mask Opposition Petition + State Employee Clarity

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Dogust 1st,

Today I have news about calls for change in the midst of crisis, how Cooper's declaration affects other government employees, and housing needs in Wake County and the City of Raleigh. Read up on all the top news, events, and more below.

Today's weather, 8/1: Rain in the morning and afternoon. High: 86 Low: 72.

Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

  1. One local is fighting for change in the midst of a blood shortage. Lee Storrow used to give blood regularly, but after coming out he became ineligible. In the last decade the FDA has adjusted its recommendations around gay men or trans women giving blood, however many individuals who want to give are still disqualified based on their sexuality. Storrow advocates that he is a great candidate for blood giving and based on findings in the U.K. and Canada, there is evidence that shows there is no greater risk to blood supply. (Spectrum)
  2. The announcement by Governor Roy Cooper on Thursday, set a vaccination requirement for 50,000 state employees, however many state government employees answer to other elected officials leaving a bit of a grey area. Governor Cooper urges other leaders to adopt similar mandates for their agencies, but cannot require it. There are 9 other government entities, and many have not decided while others will not require vaccinations or routine testing. WRAL lays out some of the offices policies if you want to know more in depth information. (WRAL)
  3. As the national eviction moratorium has come to an end, the state has seen a large increase in rental assistance applications. Wake County and the City of Raleigh have $83 million left to give as part of the House Wake Program meant to help people with rent and utilities. Wake County has seen a 60% increase in applications for rent and utility help. (CBS17) In the midst of the housing crisis, low-income residents of apartments off MLK Boulevard are facing homelessness being told they need to get out of their homes by today. (abc11)
  4. The Wake County Republican party has launched a petition to pressure Wake schools to drop mask mandates. Nineteen school districts in NC have made mask wearing optional for k-12 students despite new CDC guidance. As of right now the Wake County school board has not announced if it will be requiring masks, however Chairman Keith Sutton said he intends to follow the state's guidance on COVID-19 protocols. The petition also includes opposition to the COVID-19 vaccines, citing it is not yet approved by the FDA. (WRAL)
  5. A car crash on Leesville Road near Sycamore Creek Elementary, caused a vehicle to ignite in flames. The crash happened when a car and motorcycle collided on Saturday afternoon. The Subaru involved burst into flames and the motorcyclist had to undergo surgery for his injuries. The motorcyclist is expected to recover. (WRAL)

Today in Raleigh

Raleigh Patch Notebook

  • I really couldn't pick a more appropriate holiday to follow Mutt Day than Dogust 1st, a universal birthday for shelter dogs! Celebrate with some local pup bakery treats! Best Gourmet Dog Treats in Raleigh, NC
  • Check out the new mural at Boxyard RTP celebrates Asian immigration and innovation. (abc11)
  • Have you seen the Sonarc sculpture in front of Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts? It was first installed in December, but is just now getting noticed by many. (abc11)

Thanks everyone for following along! Go give your pups a snuggle, and if you don't have a pup to snuggle, why not go adopt one! It is their birthday after all. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with plenty more news and events for you to check out. Until then, have a great day!

— CJ Fullford

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

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