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Community Corner

🌱GoRaleigh Fare Future + Last Meeting, City Council Talks North Hills

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

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
(Patch Media)

Happy National Educational Support Professionals Day Raleigh!

Holiday events are kicking off this weekend, but I'm already feelin' it! Cozy up, crank up happy tunes, and catch up on all the stuff you don't want to miss in this edition of the Raleigh Patch Daily. It has so much to take in, including:

  • Election intimidation in Wake County
  • The Trot the Turkey Trail Event
  • Where to eat out and give back!

But first, today's weather:

Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 56 Low: 35.

Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

  1. GoRaleigh busses have been fare-free since 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The free fares are set to expire in June of 2023, however the city council has the ability to extend that timeframe. Last week, the Raleigh Transit Authority voted 6-2, asking the council to reinstate fares. Among the two asking to keep fares free, was Vice Chair Nathan Spencer. Transit Authority members who voted for the return of the fares, did so primarily to gain the approximately $3 million in revenue that they received in 2019. Spencer argues that the $3 million is out of a $35 million budget, and those who utilize the transit need a system that is reliable and affordable. (CBS17)
  2. Yesterday was the last City Council meeting before the four newly elected councilors are sworn in and take their seats. The meeting took place at 1 p.m. and on the agenda was the future of North Hills as Kane Realty has asked to rezone land within the shopping center to build taller towers. The decision has been put off for nearly two months due to concerns about traffic. Many who oppose the changes are questioning why the decision is being discussed now, before the new councilors who were backed by groups that oppose high density construction are sworn in. (WRAL)
  3. Elections are all but over, but a chief judge at one of Wake County's precincts is raising awareness after experiencing harassment. According to Elections Director Gary Sims, the chief judge was followed by a strange vehicle while returning ballots at to the main board of elections office. The car went so far as to pull over near the office, but Wake County Sheriff's Deputies were on site with action plans in the event of interference. No one was arrested in connection to the event. Across the state their were 21 reported incidents of possible intimidation or interference of voters and election workers. (Spectrum News 1, WRAL)
  4. Two women were killed in a head-on crash that took place on I-440 on Tuesday. The incident took place around 1:30 a.m. A Honda Civic was going west in the eastbound lanes when it collided with a tow truck. A third vehicle also hit the car after the initial crash. The two women killed were identified as driver, India Simone McBride and passenger, Dearia Takayla Davis. The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the second car that collided after the initial wreck was not injured. (abc11, FOX8, CBS17, WRAL)
  5. A pedestrian was also killed following a crash south of downtown on Tuesday. Around 8L39 a.m. Sarah Meilik was hit while crossing Wilmington Street at the intersection of Chapanoke Road. Police said that Meilik was in the crosswalk when she was struck, but the "Don't Walk" sign was active. Police do not suspect impairment or speed to be factors in the crash and the driver has not been charged at this time. (CBS17, WRAL) Police have also identified the pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run on Friday night as Derrick Lanier Branch. Police are still investigating the incident, but have not tracked down the vehicle and are asking any witnesses to come forward with information. (CBS17)

Today's Raleigh Daily is brought to you by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today's Raleigh Daily possible.

Today in Raleigh:

Thursday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • In honor of National Educational Support Professionals Day, I'm sharing this list of 10 ways to support public schools. As someone with a child in school, I find that sometimes the best support I can offer is helping alleviate burdens schools are experiencing. Even if you don't have children there are so many ways you can help the next generation of Raleigh residents!
  • If you're looking to get out an eat while supporting a school or organization, there are several Spirit Night's happening today, including:
    • City Barbeque North Raleigh to benefit Mountains-to-Sea-Trail (Starts at Noon)
    • Panera on Glenwood to benefit Jeffreys Grove Elementary PTA (4:00pm-8:00pm)
    • Chipotle in Holly Springs to benefit West Lake Elementary PTA (4:00pm-8:00pm)
  • If you are interested in participating in the 2023 Garner Showcase of Talent, register to audition today, before 5 p.m.
  • Plan ahead as holiday events are kicking off this weekend in Raleigh, including the Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting, the Christmas Parade, and more. (WRAL)

You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— CJ Fullford

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

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