News
Drive I-540? That’ll be $25 million PLUS toll fees.
With the completion of I-540 westward, NC will likely get its first toll road, in large part due to the lobbying force of the NC Turnpike Authority – a division of the NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT). It seems that the “good roads state” continues be committed to building new roads, even in the face of skyrocketing construction (click here and check out #4) and fuel costs (over $4/gallon).
Obama Takes a Bump (Full Speech Video Added)
Barack Obama and Mike Easley exchanged a fist bump in Raleigh today… Full Raleigh economy speech video below the fold.
Obama in Raleigh on Monday
Barack Obama will be speaking at the Fair Grounds on Monday at 11 am about his economic platform. The event is invitation only, but indicates that NC is part of the presidential nominee’s overall strategy. Obama is said to be focusing on the 20% of NC’s population that is unaffiliated.
City Council Passes “Mansionization Ordinance”
Well…. In the city of Los Angeles, that is. The teardown debate has been carrying on there for several years, as homeowners have experienced a phenomenon not unlike the one in Raleigh where mature and established neighborhoods are being bulldozed for repetitive, oversized vinyl boxes.
Paper Ethics
The News & Observer filed a motion yesterday in the Orange County Superior Court in order to have Eve Carson’s autopsy report unsealed. The News & Observer would have you think that they’re fighting for your right to obtain public information. But there is no overriding public need that justifies the paper’s intrusion of Eve Carson’s and her family’s privacy in the gruesome details of this case.
Raleigh Recession or “Recession Proof”
Last week, Forbes Magazine released ten US cities that it deems “recession proof,” listing Raleigh at number five. Meanwhile, at yesterday’s Planning Commission meeting in Raleigh, commission member and Real Estate agent, Waheed Haq was quoted saying “We are practically in recession,” as the planning commission voted down raising impact fees 8-4. Full Article.
The Raleigh Times Atop Drudge Report
There was an election yesterday in case you didn’t know. Barack Obama showed up, surprisingly, around 5:30pm in downtown Raleigh at the Raleigh Times and later in the evening a photo of him in front of the watering hole showed up on one of the most frequented blogs in the country, Drudge Report.
2008 North Carolina Primary Results
Click through to track the 2008 North Carolina Presidential Primary Results by county.
Chelsea Clinton at Raleigh Mellow Mushroom Sunday
This is a last minute notice but Chelsea Clinton will be at Mellow Mushroom on the corner of Peace Street and Glenwood South tonight at 6:15pm to meet and chat with local voters. The busy outdoor space is sure to give her an opportunity to reach out to many Raleigh residents.
Politics 101 at 101 Lounge
In case you didn’t know, there’s an election primary next Tuesday. Also, in case you didn’t know, there’s a new Lounge downtown that has recently won a local design award for its classy interior. Politics and class? Sure they go together, at least next Tuesday they will.
Go Tell Mama! The Officially Unofficial Obama Art Show
Click image to view slideshow Most of us have eagerly watched the rennovation of the Ladys Shop at 20 East Hargett Street, anticipating the next addition to Hatem Lane. For now, the corner space is teeming with color. The windows are filled with posters of Barack Obama that are atypical from the usual propaganda seen on the campaign trail. These posters are hand-made screen prints that walk the line between Warhol and Banksy, celebrating Obama’s message of Hope with a hip-hop sensibility. Read more
Vote Early
If you’re not among the tens of thousands of individuals in Wake County who have already casted your vote for the May 6 Primary Election, then head on over to your early vote site! Why wait until election day when all sorts of excuses could arise for you to not make it to the poll (your alarm clock didn’t work, your car broke down, you had to work late, your friend needed a friend - and a drink - after work)?
Raleigh Marijuana March Saturday
Every Spring marijuana activists march on the North Carolina capital. This years event is expected to attract several hundred people. The event starts at noon and attendees are educated on the problems with marijuana prohibition. There are also several bands playing at the event. All followed by a parade at 3:15. NC has already decriminalized marijuana to some degree and with continued support could further loosen its laws. If you believe marijuana should be legalized for medicinal or recreational use this event is for you. Rally Website
WakeUP Volunteers Meeting Wednesday
The invaluable WakeUp is working to engage Raleigh citizens like you. Come by Cameron Village Library Wednesday Night to see what the group is all about and what you can do to help. More below the Fold
Curbside Voting in Downtown Raleigh
After casting my votes this morning, I noticed something quite extraordinary as I was leaving the Board of Elections in Downtown Raleigh.
Arcade Fire and Superchunk Free Show at Carrboro Obama Rally
Ok ok, we at NR ignore a ton of Triangle shows - we want to be all about Raleigh. But last week Meeker endorsed Obama, and while NR won’t endorse a presidential candidate- we will endorse this concert. Arcade Fire and Superchunk are playing the Carrboro Obama rally next weekend for FREE. They are also playing the day before in Greensboro. More below the Fold
Obama: The Hottest Ticket in Town?
Barbara Brotherson wanted to be first in line to snag tickets for Barack Obama’s Thursday appearance in Raleigh, so she packed a warm blanket and headed to his downtown campaign headquarters at 1:45 a.m. Wednesday—arriving more than seven hours before the doors were scheduled to be open. The 69-year-old said she hasn’t been this excited about a presidential race since she cast her ballot for JFK in 1960. So when she found out Obama was hosting a town hall meeting at the N.C. State Fairgrounds, she had to go. “I just love the way he’s gotten the country to come together – people from all walks of life,” said Brotherson, who was wrapped in a grey, wool blanket. “There’s some of everybody out here.” More on Obama Tickets Below the Fold
No Excuses: Wake County Early Voting Begins
Beginning tomorrow, Thursday 4.17.08, Wake Co. voters can cast their votes for the May 6, 2008 Primary election at designated locations shown below. You can vote early until Saturday May 6, so why wait in line at your polling place on election day? You can also use this opportunity to register and vote, an option unavailable on election day itself, if you missed the registration deadline. More information on Same-Day Registration See the map of Wake County early voting locations.
