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Community Corner

🌱 Western Closure Expected Until Monday + Raleigh Chamber Launch 2023

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

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day Raleigh!

Are you team take it all down or team just leave it up and decorate for the next holiday? I typically fall into the first category, but have been hardcore procrastinating and might just tell my kids that it's a Valentines tree now and throw some of those mini valentines on it for them to enjoy. While I mull that idea over, and ultimately end up deciding that would probably be more effort than just taking it down, catch up on everything happening in Raleigh, including:

  • More than $100,000 raised to create nonprofit in Hailey Brooks' honor
  • The first First Friday of 2023
  • Return of Astronomy Days

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with sunshine. High: 54 Low: 33.

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Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

  1. A portion of Raleigh's Western Boulevard closed on Wednesday due to a water main break, and the city says that it is not expected to reopen until Monday. The segment of the road between Blue Ridge Road and Chaney Road will remain closed due to outdated road structure. The city was expected to complete repairs on the road around 8 p.m. but the city must rebuild the roadbed as the street is paved with concrete slabs. While the road is closed, drivers will be detoured onto I-440 in both directions. (abc11, CBS17, WRAL) I-440 Westbound also had to be closed at Exit 4B after a diesel truck overturned and the gas tank ruptured on Thursday. Traffic was diverted as crews worked to clean up the fuel spilled on the roadway. (WRAL)
  2. Community leaders, market experts, and business owners came together for the Raleigh Chamber's Launch 2023 conference on Wednesday. During the conference they discussed factors that could make or break the city's economy this year. The Raleigh market is one of the most competitive in the nation, and many expect it to continue with rapid growth. As 2023 takes off, economic uncertainty looms and economists are predicting a nationwide slowdown. (CBS17)
  3. Real estate professionals are predicting that Raleigh will move into the top 10 housing markets in 2023. Wake County has already planned investments in capital improvement projects that will continue to draw residents to the area. The housing market is expected to remain strong, but will likely also begin to support buyers more than the market in past years. (Spectrum News 1)
  4. The GoFundMe account created to honor 11-year-old Hailey Brooks, has raised more than $100,000. The page was created following Brooks' death at the Raleigh Christmas Parade. The campaign was started by Erika Parker to support the Brooks family, and allow them to establish a nonprofit in their honor. (WRAL)
  5. The finalists have been announced for WRAL's 2022 Voters' Choice Awards. The annual awards show will take place on January 12, and winners for more than 100 categories will be announced. Award categories are broken down into eight distinct business sectors including business, food & drink, community, and education. (WRAL)

Today in Raleigh:

Saturday in Raleigh:

  • Mutts & Marshmallows Fun Run at WakeMed Soccer Park (8:00am)
  • Oak City Brewing Co. 7th Anniversary Party & Bonfire in Knightdale (12:00pm-8:00pm)
  • Diamante's 19th Annual Three Kings' Day Parade in Downtown Cary (12:30pm-2:30pm)
  • Capital City Culture Club at ComedyWorx (8:00pm)
  • Glitter Hour Amateur Drag & Queer Stage Show at Ruby Deluxe (8:00pm-11:00pm)

From my notebook:

  • It's National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day and that means I really need to stop dragging my feet. Christmas tree drop-off locations will be open in Wake County until January 22. (Spectrum News 1)
  • Astronomy Days are returning to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences on January 28-29. (WRAL)
  • East Coast Electric Speed Shop has officially opened in downtown's Glenwood South district, and is a veteran-owned-and-operated shop that builds, repairs, and sells electric bikes. (Downtown Raleigh Instagram)
  • The Greater Triangle Commuter Rail feasibility study is now available for review and comment. (GoTriangle Facebook)

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Events:

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll see you around.

— CJ Fullford

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

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