Raleigh Police Need Officers + 2021 Election Delays

Happy National Red Rose Day,

As you all probably know by now, the Raleigh Police Department is in the midst of a transition and not only in the news searching for the next chief of police, but also for more officers. There's also some info below on potential election impacts as a result of the 2020 Census.

Today's Weather
Light rain and humid throughout the day. Temps: High of 75° & low of 66°

Here are the top 5 stories in Raleigh today

1. The Raleigh and Durham police departments are in need of more officers. Today there will be a job fair that allows applicants to take their reading and physical fitness test. (CBS17)
2. There were three shootings in a four hour period between Thursday night and Friday morning. These incidents are still under investigation and police have not released details regarding the condition of the victims. (WRAL, CBS17)
3. The $2 billion tax cut plan that State Republicans have been trying to pass has been approved in the Senate. The vote was 36-14 and will now move to the House. It is likely that both chambers will work through the tax cuts in budget negotiations this summer. (Spectrum News 1)
4. On Thursday night, the three candidates for Raleigh Chief of Police participated in a forum to give people the opportunity to ask questions to them directly. Rick Armstrong, vice president of the organization that represents the Raleigh police officers, said that they are still evaluating all of them. (CBS17, abc11)
5. Because of the delay in Census data, Raleigh elected officials are attempting to push back the 2021 elections until 2022. Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin says that with the current timeline it would not give enough time to redraw district lines. Opponents say that it is an attempt by the current council to stay in power. (WRAL)

Today in Raleigh

• Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ at The Hop Yard NC. (4:00 pm-8:30 pm)
• A few opportunities for live music: Tin Roof Raleigh, Milk Bar, and it's Record Store Day plus free shows at The Pour House.
• TSM Ent3rprise Presents: Make Me Laugh, a comedy special featuring Janeen Slaughter, Johnny J, Ashley Preston, and Myles Patton. (7:00pm-9:00pm)

Raleigh Patch Notebook

• In honor of National Rose Day, you should take time to visit The Raleigh Rose Garden! Flowers are typically in bloom until Labor day, but what better time to see them than on Red Rose Day.
• Bears have been spotted in Raleigh neighborhoods. (Fox 8)
• American Airlines is adding a nonstop flight from RDU to Tampa FL beginning November 2. (abc11)

This weekend has a lot in store. If it's one of your only days to rest, make sure you do something fun to get your mind off work and stress. If I missed out on anything or there's any happening in Raleigh you want to celebrate, send me an email to raleigh@patch.com to let me know!
Stay curious,
CJ Fullford