This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

🌱 Grant For Raleigh/Richmond Corridor + Controversial Discussions

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

Christina Fullford's profile picture
Christina Fullford, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Happy National Moonshine Day Raleigh!

First, today's weather:

Very hot. High: 95 Low: 72.

🏡 Attention, real estate pros in Raleigh! We're now offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for an agent interested in attracting local clients and standing apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

  1. The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding the State of North Carolina a $58 million grant to invest in the Raleigh to Richmond Corridor. The grant is part of the Federal Rail Administration's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program. The Raleigh to Richmond corridor project will improve mobility opportunities for the entire region, and provide economic opportunity, said Senator Thom Tillis. (CBS17)
  2. As of Wednesday, WakeMed is no longer in-network for UnitedHealthcare clients, as the existing agreement has expired, effective June 1. WakeMed said that it will continue negotiating with UnitedHealthcare, but UnitedHealthcare said that WakeMed "declined our offer to extend our current agreement and never countered the multiple rate proposals we've provided since December." Some services will remain in network, and to navigate WakeMed has this page dedicated to answering questions. (CBS17)
  3. As we come off of the pandemic fueled housing boom, Raleigh's suburbs are outpacing downtown homes for the first time in more than a decade. According to a new analysis from Zillow, typical suburban homes gained nearly $10,000 more in value than the average urban home. Analysts believe that the trend toward remote work is playing into the shift, as families can find more space without worries of needing to commute downtown for work. (WRAL)
  4. Wednesday was the first day of Pride Month, and lawmakers were expected to vote on the controversial "Parents' Bill of Rights." Organizers who opposed the bill gathered in downtown Raleigh ahead of the vote in the senate. (abc11, AP News, CBS17) The vote comes after a Wake County preschool teacher resigned after LGBTQ+ themed flashcards were found as a teaching tool in their classroom. (abc11) Lawmakers also voted on and introduced legislation including: hemp legalization (WRAL), medical marijuana (The Winchester Star) and the Menstrual Equity for All Act. (CBS17).
  5. Advocates from across the political spectrum have been rallying in Raleigh over the past weeks following two deadly mass shootings that took place in May. Now, Governor Roy Cooper and Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson are arguing publicly after Robinson's speech at the NRA annual meeting in Texas. In his speech, Robinson said, "I got them AR-15s in case the government gets too big for his britches because I'm going to fill the backside of them britches with some lead." A quote that Governor Cooper called out via Twitter for "advocating violent overthrow of our government." In a statement, Robinson responded that Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein should "have a better grasp of the constitution" and "continue to attack me and try to skew my words." (abc11, WRAL)

Today in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's National Moonshine Day and Pinetop Distillery is based in Raleigh and crafts their moonshine with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Bond Brothers Beer Company is hosting a NC Author Showcase today from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
  • The Wake County Animal Center is offering a "pick your price" rate to adopt a kitten or cat from their shelter this month. (WRAL)
  • Arc of the Triangle will be receiving $2,500 toward their work with children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. (CBS17)
  • On June 10 and 11, the 4th Southeastern Plant Symposium and Rare Plant Auction will be returning to Raleigh. (Your Daily Journal)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 4)
  • Wellness Together Walk-Along At The Streets at Southpoint (June 8)
  • Co-Parenting & Summer Vacation - Vesta's Charlotte, NC Hub (June 15)
  • One-of-A-Kind Meerkat Experience Coming To The Streets at Southpoint (June 28)
  • Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— CJ Fullford

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

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Raleigh