It’s Monday, April 29.
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Last week, inhabitants of a tent encampment on state-owned property along U.S. 70 near the border of Garner and Raleigh were ordered to leave by 10 a.m. Tuesday morning or face arrest for trespassing.
While the site was cleared by the deadline, it’s not clear where the dozens of residents who lived on the grassy encampment close to bus lines and shopping were able to go.
Last week was the National Week of Action to Oppose the Criminalization of Homelessness. Before the deadline Tuesday morning, advocates held a press conference to bring attention to the residents’ plight and what they called “an act of unmitigated cruelty.”
At the same time, the U.S. Supreme Court was hearing oral arguments about the constitutionality of a city ordinance in Oregon that bars people from using blankets, pillows, or cardboard boxes for shelter within city limits. If the court upholds the ordinance, it could shape municipal policies homelessness across the country. Advocates say the ordinance criminalizes homelessness.
A city spokesperson said the City of Raleigh is working with NC DOT to find a solution for the state-owned property that housed the encampment. She said the people who lived in the encampment repeatedly declined outreach services from the Raleigh Police Department’s outreach unit.
But those who live in the encampment say they’ve been made to feel like criminals.
“Now they’re pushing us out where it’s not safe,” said resident Horse Valdez. “Where do you want us to go? We can’t even disappear into the woods no more. They come and seek you out.”
—Jane
Durham
A diverse, close knit community is key to the new North Durham Farmers Market.
Durham residents are providing input into the redesign of Roxboro and Mangum streets.
Wake
Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon is serious about bringing Major League Baseball to Raleigh.
Orange
A UNC Board of Governors committee last week voted to repeal diversity goals and jobs at campuses across the UNC System.
Protestors are persistent in keeping tents up in a pro-Palestinian and encampment on Polk Place in violation of UNC policy. Hundreds of community members joined a march across campus this weekend.
UNC asked demonstrators to stop wearing masks, citing a 1953 anti-KKK law.
North Carolina
Art Pope, one of the most influential Republicans in the state, has called for an audit of state-backed investment group NCInnovation.
Today’s weather
Sunny with a high of 85 degrees.
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