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Community Corner

🌱 Vigil for Lives Lost to Homelessness + Winter Weather Precautions

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 National Christmas Movie Marathon Day Raleigh!

I'm just going to pretend I did not see the low for today... If I ignore it, it will go away, right? I'm sure some of you northern transplants are so excited, but we in the south are not here for it. Truly and sincerely though, please make sure you are taking all necessary precautions to be safe as the chill comes through. Below I have lots of helpful information for the cold, and everything else happening, including:

  • Raleigh city council committee makeup
  • A Christmas costume party
  • A new wind phone to call lost loved ones

But first, today's weather:

Windy and cooler. High: 52 Low: 14.

Winter Weather Tracking & Closures from WXII12

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Here are the top six stories in Raleigh today:

  1. On Wednesday evening, communities gathered in Raleigh and Durham to remember lives lost of people who were experiencing homelessness. In Raleigh, 76 names were read out during the vigil, and a balloon was released for each person. According to Breana Van Velzen, the executive director of Durham Congregations in Action, the turnout was one of the largest it has seen in a long time. The number of people reported being homeless has grown to 1,500 compared to 912 people last year. (abc11, CBS17)
  2. Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin announced the new make-up of the city council's four committees last week. The Growth & Natural Resources committee will be chaired by Jane Harrison. The Economic Development & Innovation committee will be led by incumbent Jonathan Melton for another term. The Transit & Transportation Committee will be led by incumbent Corey Branch for another term. The Safe, Vibrant & Healthy Communities Committee will once again be chaired by Mayor Baldwin. (INDY Week)
  3. Millions of Americans are struggling to make holiday travel adjustments as the massive winter storm has caused flight cancellations across the United States. At RDU, many people have tried to move their flights up to get to their destinations, and they expect nearly 600,000 travelers across the 18 days of the holiday season. Although the Triangle is expected to see harsh weather start tonight, other states are already covered in ice and snow. There were 50 cancellations at RDU on Wednesday, and today is expected to be the busiest travel day. (WRAL)
  4. As cold weather looms on the horizon, it is suggested that residents begin taking proactive measures to winterize homes and cars. Troy Goss, Service Manager with Air Experts Heating & Cooling says that you shouldn't completely turn off your A/C but adjusting the temperature and replacing filters can save money and improve air flow. Field Supervisor Mark Crowder also recommends you disconnect your hose from an outside hose attachment so that it does not freeze inside the wall and bust. For cars, Eddie Yacos who owns Motor City Garage says that batteries may get low, coolant leaks are common due to the cold causing gaskets to seep and leak, and check PSI levels of tires before heading on trips as cold temps impact tire pressure. (abc11)
  5. Police cars, fire trucks, and many more community members turned out to celebrate Jaielle Sherrill and her completion of radiation treatments. Her mother, Jada, asked the community for help with the parade and lines of cars came out to wave to Jaielle. Some in attendance brought gifts for the young girl. Jada said that her goal was to show she has love and support beyond their home and Raleigh showed up to show love for the young girl. (CBS17)
  6. A Raleigh entrepreneur has gained national attention after being named one of Oprah's Favorite Things this holiday season. Jainaba Jeng is originally from The Gambia, West Africa, but has lived in North Carolina for more than two decades. Jeng is on a mission to introduce African cuisine to the world and founded Raleigh-based Kitchens of Africa. The endorsement has sparked a boost in business for Jeng, as she works to fulfil non-stop orders. (CBS17)

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Today in Raleigh:

Saturday in Raleigh:

  • Christmas Eve Skate at United Skates of Raleigh (11:00am-4:00pm)
  • Christmas Eve Cookie Swap at The Glass Jug Downtown Durham (12:00pm-5:00pm)
  • The Nutcracker by the Carolina Ballet at Duke Energy Center (3:00pm)
  • Raleigh Ghosts and Dark History Guided Night Walking Tour (8:00pm)
  • 9th Annual Royal Blue & Black Comedy Bash (8:00pm-11:00pm)

Bonus: Weekend Best Bets (WRAL)

Special notice:

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile for two new series: Local Heroes and Star Student Athletes. The goal is to highlight heroes and star athletes in Raleigh!

  • If you want to nominate a local hero, click here
  • If you want to nominate a local athlete, click here.

From my notebook:

  • It's National Christmas Movie Marathon Day and Comparitech has compiled a list of the most popular Christmas movie by state. Check out North Carolina's and get inspired with a list of everywhere else's favorites too.
  • The Raleigh Police Department's newest member, Luna, the Percheron/Quarter horse mix began her first shift on Wednesday. (CBS17)
  • If you're missing a loved one this holiday season, Oakwood Cemetery has installed a wind phone so you can give lost loved ones a call. (Spectrum News 1)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— CJ Fullford

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

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