City Ordinances + Skyscrapers Come to Raleigh + Canes New Forward

Happy Be A Kid Again Day,

Today we've seen a lot of news around policy changes in Raleigh, and a rough sketch of some of the construction projects we can expect in the city.

Today's weather: Heavy rain until evening. High: 77 Low: 73.

Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

1. New legislation has been passed that will bring more affordable housing options to the "missing middle" in Raleigh. The new change, voted in on Tuesday night, will allow for more duplexes and townhomes in single-family neighborhoods. Not everyone is for the new move and are concerned that the new construction will not lead to affordability and isn't a huge jump from the 80% of the city that was already allowed construction of townhomes. (CBS17)
2. The Raleigh City Council made two notable steps on Tuesday night. The first was the introduction of an ordinance that would ban ownership of exotic animals, including venomous snakes. The move comes as a response to the recent escape that thankfully avoided tragic endings. The second notable moment was the passing of the "CROWN act" that protects natural hairstyles from discrimination. (WRAL)
3. Raleigh NC can anticipate a new silhouette for the downtown skyline coming soon. There are several new projects in development consisting of 20 to 40-story mixed-use towers that will bring housing, offices, and commercial space to downtown. Raleigh city code does not track building height or set maximums for projects above seven stories. It looks like PNC Plaza might not be the tip of the city for much longer, towering at 32 stories. (INDY Week)
4. Three weeks after a Raleigh man was shot near a hotel in Raleigh, a suspect has been arrested. 25-year-old, Justice T. Evuka has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon inflicting serious injury and robbery with a dangerous weapon after the June 17 shooting. (CBS17)
5. A North Carolina Superior Court Judge in Raleigh arrested a journalist for contempt of court after using a recorder to take notes at a murder trial. The editor was sentenced to pay a fine and spend five days in jail. Although he was released the following day, he still faces the possibility of more time. The news team had been told previously that they were not permitted, but many people criticize the move for being too harsh for the violation. (Penn Live)

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Today in Raleigh

• Live Music: North Hills, Saints & Scholars, The Piper's Tavern, and Acoustic Nights in the District.
• Movies in the Garden: "Sing." Pay what you can, food truck opens at 7:30pm (8:30 pm)
• Tai Chi in the Park: Improve your mental and physical health while lowering stress and anxiety. Free with registration. (6:00 pm-7:00 pm)
• Open Mic Night at The Corner Tavern, Cary. (5:00 pm-8:00 pm)

Raleigh Patch Notebook

• In honor of Be A Kid Again Day, I told my husband we should go jump around at Defy Raleigh. We both agreed that our knees probably can't hang and Boxcar Bar + Arcade is probably a better fit.
• The North Carolina Hurricanes have come to an agreement with Jack Drury for a three-year, entry-level contract. (NHL.com)
• If you're looking for quality summer produce, check out the Raleigh Farmers Market, featured in NC State's news. (Technician)
• Check out some of the pets in Raleigh seeking adoption. (Patch)
• City of Raleigh - Government: Check out the 5th episode of "A Walk in My District" (Facebook)

Ok friends, that's it for today. My hope for you is that you can lose yourself today and enjoy a little bit of the freedom of youth. Be curious again and explore. Find a new restaurant and forget the calorie counts. Find a park and enjoy the swings. Take some time to just breathe in all that our incredible city has to offer.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Reach out anytime to raleigh@patch.com.