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Community Corner

🌱 WCPSS Responds to More School Lockdowns + Flock Safety Cameras

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

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Take Your Child to the Library Day Raleigh!

Are you competing in the Krispy Kreme Challenge today? Make sure you clear out space in your stomach but don't go in with a completely empty belly or you might get fatigued. Even if you aren't attempting the absolutely ridiculous feat that will earn you a badge of honor, there's tons to do today. Read about everything that has happened, and is happening below, including:

  • Funding for Saint Augustine's Tuttle Public Health Center
  • The 6th Annual Big Frosty Beer Festival
  • Freedom Ride Rescue looking for doodle foster homes

But first, today's weather:

Cold. High: 41 Low: 28.

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Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

  1. More Wake County Schools experienced lockdowns on Friday. Zebulon Middle and East Millbrook Middle School went into code red lockdown after threats on social media. Parents also confirmed that Broughton High and Oberlin Middle schools were on code yellow lockdowns. A school spokesperson said that "this is the copycat effect when media widely reports threats." WCPSS Board Chair Lindsay Mahaffey and Superintendent Catty Moore sent out an email to families acknowledging the disruptions and calling on the community to help prevent the threats to school security. (abc11, CBS17, CBS17, WCPSS, WRAL)
  2. The Raleigh Police Department installed twenty-five Flock Safety cameras throughout Raleigh roads last June. In the first dix months, the cameras have helped the RPD make 41 arrests, after alerting the department to 116 wanted individuals. Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson says the cameras have been instrumental in helping locate offender vehicles after crimes have been committed. The cameras alert officers in their patrol cars when they pick up a license plate that is listed on a local "hot list" or state and federal databases. (WRAL)
  3. The Downtown Raleigh Alliance announced the start of their Storefront Upfit Grants to help fill vacancies in downtown Raleigh. On Wednesday they began accepting applications for the newly enhanced program that will allow businesses to receive up to $15,000 to help businesses establish themselves in downtown. DRA says that at some times customers have increased from pre-pandemic levels, but at many points during the week that's not the case. They are hoping to bring visitors to downtown throughout the week. (WRAL)
  4. Raleigh renters may begin to see some relief as experts predict a "rent cooldown." As more units become available, the market should be forced to adapt with better prices to retain renters. The median rent in Raleigh is down approximately $50-$60 from when it peaked last summer. Dustin Engelken of the Triangle Apartment Association says that renters who are looking to renew, will likely get a better rental rate on their next lease. (abc11) The median price of all real estate sales in Wake County also dropped $13,250 from the previous month. (WakeGov, WRAL Tech Wire)
  5. The Raleigh-based leader of the Pagan Motorcycle Club has been sentenced to life in prison for trafficking methamphetamine and firearms across the East Coast. Christopher Baker lives in Wake County and was one of 20 men and women who were charged of the drug trafficking network that spanned multiple states. Mike Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of N.C. said that his sentence reflects his violence and "utter disregard for the law," as he supplied more than 260 kilograms of meth into the Raleigh area and the East Coast. (CBS17, WRAL)
  6. Saint Augustine's University will be getting thousands in federal funding for the new Tuttle Public Health Center. University leaders and Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Congressman Wiley Nickel were present for the announcement. The Omnibus Funding Bill for the 2023 fiscal year will provide $490,000 to the project. The center will help public health students get real life experience tackling problems. (CBS17)

Today in Raleigh:

Sunday in Raleigh:

Bonus: Weekend Best Bets (WRAL)

From my notebook:

  • It's Take Your Child to the Library Day and if you are looking for an fun story time, Quail Ridge Books hosts story time Saturday, Sunday, and Monday mornings at 10:30am.
  • The Kids Exchange Consignment Sale is coming next week to the Jim Graham Building and Expo Building at the NC State Fairgrounds. (WRAL)
  • Freedom Ride Rescue posted on their social media looking for fosters to house dozens of doodles that were seized from a backyard breeder. (abc11)
  • If you see around 8,000 people running through Raleigh, trying not to hurl, don't worry, they are just completing the Krispy Kreme Challenge. (WRAL)
  • Tonight is a White Flag (WF) Shelter night. Temperatures are expected to be 35 degrees or below, and Raleigh will have shelters open to those in need. (City of Raleigh Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— CJ Fullford

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