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

Community Corner

🌱 Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin Talks Plans for 2023 + ThreeSchool Expanding

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 Card Playing Day Raleigh!

It's incredible that New Years is just a few days away. The gap week between Christmas and New Years is such an opportunity to really take stock on the year that has passed, and consider goals for the future. It's really nice to look back at the year prior and figure out what I actually accomplished, and really take note of the things that I have yet to change. While you recap your year, here's a recap of yesterday in Raleigh, including:

  • An "unacceptable" number of flight cancellations by Southwest
  • Last Comedy Show at Transfer Co.
  • Limited time drive-thru COVID testing

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 53 Low: 26.

Are you a local business struggling to stand out in your community? Our newsletter sponsorships can help boost your visibility and attract new customers. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top four stories in Raleigh today:

  1. Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin is beginning her second term as mayor and is discussing her plans for 2023 and beyond. Baldwin says that her vision is to maintain quality of life while embracing growth in a positive way. Baldwin says that she is an advocate for "smart growth," by establishing more walkable communities that are denser. Another thing that is top of mind with Mayor Baldwin is finding solutions for the police department shortage, and transportation. (CBS17)
  2. Dozens of flights were cancelled at RDU as Southwest Airlines is dealing with a crisis that caused 60% of its flights to be cancelled nationwide. Southwest cancellations made up about half of the cancelled flights at RDU on Tuesday morning and the U.S. Department of Transportation says ity will be investigating the "unacceptable rate of cancellations and delays & reports of lack of prompt customer service." (abc11, WRAL)
  3. Wake County's ThreeSchool program will be expanding to help underserved 3-year-old children. The Wake ThreeSchool program started in August to help expand access to Pre-K programs to provide families with access to free early education programs. Income eligibility for the program is defined by being within 200% of the poverty line. The program is still in the pilot program stage, but it drew more than 850 applications this year, and will begin accepting applications in January for families wanting to attend ThreeSchool next year. (News Deal)
  4. Wake County ranked No. 1 in the state for motorcycle crashes according to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. The agency said there were 271 motorcycle crashes in Wake County in 2021, with Mecklenburg County at number two with 267. Motorcycle instructors at Wake Tech welcome anyone to sign up for classes, not just students, as part of the North Carolina Community College System's Motorcycle Safety Education Program. A big part of the instruction is focused on the proper gear for riders. (CBS17)

From our sponsor:

Today's Raleigh Patch newsletter is brought to you in part 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 newsletter possible.

Today in Raleigh:

Thursday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's Card Playing Day and if you like more elaborate card games check out Game Theory to pick up some fun new games that branch out from the traditional 52 card decks.
  • Wake County will be opening new drive-thru COVID testing sites that will be open from noon-4 p.m. on specific dates. (CBS17)
  • Wegmans Food Market is recalling products with micro greens, sweet pea leaves, and cat grass due to possible Salmonella contamination. (CBS17)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new 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