🌱 Police Chief Discusses Crime Reduction + Future Of Rail Routes

Hi all! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in Winston-Salem.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 86 Low: 68.
• Thursday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 80 Low: 65.

Here are the top three stories today in Winston-Salem:

1. A federal judge in Winston-Salem rejected Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings' request to dismiss all allegations of ERISA violations in a lawsuit filed by a 401(k) plan participant. The plaintiff accused the company of charging excessive record-keeping fees and offering higher retail-share fees for investments instead of cheaper institutional-share fees. The judge found sufficient evidence to support the plaintiff's claims, including breach of duty of prudence and retaining high-cost share classes of mutual funds when lower-cost options were available, while dismissing one allegation related to replacing a mutual fund with a collective investment trust. (Pensions & Investments)
2. In Winston-Salem, violent crime rates have been increasing, particularly in gun violence, with the situation considered by some veteran officers to be the worst it has ever been. The city's Police Chief, William Penn, expressed frustration with the lack of accountability for those committing violent acts and urged the community to be proactive in reporting such incidents. He emphasized that addressing the issue would require a collective effort from the entire community, not just law enforcement. (Fox8)
3. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is exploring the possibility of creating new passenger rail routes in North Carolina, including connecting Winston-Salem to Raleigh and Charlotte. Winston-Salem is the largest city in the state without direct passenger rail service, and the city's mayor and DOT are working to correct this by applying for federal grant funding to develop the rail routes. If approved, the project could take more than five years to complete and would integrate Winston-Salem into the existing passenger rail systems in the state. (WXII 12)

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Today and tomorrow in Winston-Salem:

Wednesday, August 2

• Preschool Discovery At Kaleideum (11:30 AM)
• Drum, Strum, & Hum: Music Summer Camp For Adults At Brown & Douglas Neighborhood Center (3:00 PM)

Thursday, August 3

• Music Bingo At Joymongers Barrel Hall (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Forsyth Humane Society is hosting Clear The Shelters from Aug. 1- 31, offering all adoptions for just $25. This special event includes vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping, providing a loving forever home to shelter animals. Learn more here about the animals available for adoption. (Forsyth Humane Society via Facebook)
• The Lewisville Branch Library is hosting "Belly Dancing for Beginners" on Friday, Aug. 4, at 11:00 a.m. It is suitable for all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels, and participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. For more information, contact the library at 336-703-2940. (Forsyth County Public Library, Winston-Salem, NC via Facebook)
• Senior Services is offering "Parenting a Second Time Around (PASTA)," an eight-week study group for adults aged 55+ in Forsyth County who are parenting their grandchildren or other minor relatives. The study group will take place on Thursdays, Aug. 3 to Sep. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Senior Services, 2895 Shorefair Drive. To secure a spot, contact Frandee Nichols at 336-721-6952 or fnichols@seniorservicesinc.org. (Senior Services Inc. of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.