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🌱 Patch AM: Where can you recycle your Christmas tree for free in Raleigh?

You won't want to miss Manifesting 2026 Vision-A Creative Activation Experience on the Raleigh Patch calendar

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Monday December 29th Patch AM
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Morning Raleigh! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Where can you recycle your Christmas tree for free in Raleigh?
  • Why nearly 400 downtown Raleigh customers woke up without power Sunday
  • Which Raleigh moments defined Governor Stein’s first year in office?

Also on today's calendar: Manifesting 2026 Vision-A Creative Activation Experience and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Raleighfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What two things can you never eat for breakfast? . 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Raleighfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Monday: Cloudy, showers around; windy, with a high of 65 and low of 28 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Sunny and cooler, temps: high: 44, low: 31.
  • Wednesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 48 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Do you live in Wake County? Here's a free way to dispose of your Christmas tree. (newsobserver.com) — Wake County residents, including those in Raleigh, can drop off undecorated live Christmas trees for free through Jan. 31, 2026, to be turned into mulch for park trails. Several solid waste centers and parks in Raleigh and nearby towns are accepting trees daily, helping reduce landfill waste and improve local trails at no cost to you.
   

2. Driver flees scene after crashing into power pole on Capital Blvd in Raleigh; nearly 400 lose power: Police (cbs17.com) — Nearly 400 Duke Energy customers near downtown Raleigh lost power after a vehicle crashed into a power pole on Capital Boulevard early Sunday, and police say the driver ran from the scene. Crews are working to repair the pole and restore electricity, with service projected back by early afternoon as officers continue searching for the motorist involved.
   

3. Dec 27 A Year in Photos: Governor Stein Reflects on His First Year in Office (neusenews.com) — Raleigh residents can look back on Governor Stein’s first year through several key moments in the capital, from his swearing-in and first bill signing to school visits, Dreamville Festival, and holiday celebrations at the Executive Mansion and State Capitol. The photo-focused recap also highlights statewide disaster recovery, job growth, and medical debt relief that indirectly affect many in the Raleigh area.
   

4. PolitiFact NC's top fact checks of 2025: Trump's immigration crackdown and Biden's Helene response (wral.com) — Raleigh residents are featured in several of PolitiFact NC’s biggest 2025 fact checks, including scrutiny of a federal immigration crackdown that sent Border Patrol agents to Raleigh and Charlotte. The roundup also unpacks viral claims about new North Carolina laws, hurricane relief, and broadband funding, clarifying what’s true, false, or misleading for people following state and local politics.
   

5. NCRB Proposes 68.3% Dwelling Insurance Rate Increase, Now Heading to May Hearing as State Pushes Back (hollyspringsupdate.com) — State regulators are pushing back against a proposed 68.3% average increase in dwelling insurance rates, with a key public hearing set for May 4, 2026, at the Department of Insurance headquarters in Raleigh. Landlords and property owners here could see higher costs that may influence local rents, and residents are invited to submit written comments before the hearing to share how the proposal would affect them.
   

📸 Around Raleigh

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • About 4 months ago we rescued a half mixed husky and pit bull from the house across the street.
    They abused him by leaving him outside all day in the hot summer and leaving him with no water or food. One day, he broke out free and kept returning… (Nextdoor Gormans-Burt)
  • Silly newspaper question just out of curiosity
    I just read an article that stated more and more print newspapers are stopping print newspapers and going all digital. Some people may definitely… (Nextdoor River Landings)
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Activities Assistant Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $20-$37/Hr in Raleigh. Apply here.
  • Principal Financial Group posted a job opening for Assistant Director-Advanced Solutions in Raleigh. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Raleigh here.

Ok Raleigh! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Lunch and dinner. (From Norine S.)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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