Good Morning Wake County - Your Daily Dose of Good News

Tiny NICU patients at UNC Health Rex got the full Halloween treatment with adorable costumes, a Wake County toddler's potty training bribe turned into a forever friendship with an orange tabby named Cheese, Emily Swanson gets recognized as Teacher of the Week at Salem Middle, the Mistletoe Market returns to Wakefield High with 200 vendors, and Glenwood South is adding a ping-pong bar. Starting your day with stories like these isn't just nice - it reminds you that kindness, community, and joy show up in unexpected places.Stories in this episode:https://abc11.com/post/nc-unc-health-rex-nicu-nurses-share-baby-halloween-photos/18088001/https://hoodline.com/2025/10/wake-county-family-s-potty-training-bribe-blossoms-into-beloved-pet-adoption-tale/https://wral.com/video/teacher-of-the-week-emily-swanson/22220910/https://triangleonthecheap.com/mistletoe-market-wakefield-high-school/https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/30/see-inside-glenwood-souths-new-ping-pong-barWant daily good news in your inbox? Sign up free at TapYourNews.com (https://TapYourNews.com)Into true crime? Check out TrueCrimeUnheard.com (https://TrueCrimeUnheard.com)Got a good news story? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - I read every message.

A Raleigh institution is coming back—Sunflowers Cafe is reopening with fresh twists after years away, local coffee roastery 321 Coffee just landed major partnerships with Wegmans and Cisco while staying true to its mission of employing people with disabilities, and RDU is adding a daily direct flight to Frankfurt starting spring 2026. Three signs Wake County's doing well and doing good.Stories in this episode:https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/10/28/sunflowers-cafe-raleigh-row-apartments-kane.htmlhttps://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/10/28/321-coffee-wegmans-cisco-retail-sales-roastery.htmlhttps://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/10/28/lufthansa-rdu-frankfurt-germany-flight-daily-2026.htmlWant daily good news in your inbox? Sign up free at TapYourNews.com (https://TapYourNews.com)Into true crime? Check out TrueCrimeUnheard.com (https://TrueCrimeUnheard.com)Got a good news story? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com—I read every message.

Great way to start your Tuesday! Downtown Cary gets a serious new barbecue spot from pitmaster Jake Wood, the world's biggest soccer tournament just committed to calling Cary home through 2029, the West Regional Library is back after major renovations, and a Wakefield High senior is turning woodcarving into a real business while everyone else worries about AI.Starting your day with good news isn't just nice - it actually sets the tone for everything that follows. That's why we do this.Stories in this episode:https://raleighmag.com/2025/10/five-outside-nov-2025/https://abc11.com/post/soccer-tournament-nc-cary-home-tst-2029-state-kicks-millions-keep-north-carolina/18074439/https://abc11.com/post/wake-county-west-regional-library-reopening-renovations/18076628/https://wral.com/video/raleigh-high-school-senior-starts-woodcarving-business/22218599/Want daily good news in your inbox? Sign up free at TapYourNews.comInto true crime? Check out TrueCrimeUnheard.comGot a good news story? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - I read every message.

After nearly 10 months of renovations, West Regional Library welcomes back its 300,000+ annual visitors with upgraded spaces and new features. Plus, a local sophomore tennis player comes back from injury to complete a perfect 30-0 season and win the state championship. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:West Regional Library reopens: https://www.wunc.org/term/news/2025-10-24/wake-county-west-regional-library-set-to-reopenAbby Crawford wins state tennis title: https://www.thedigitalcourier.com/archives/state-champ-abby-crawford-wins-tennis-title/article_21cd6d17-6b47-5b14-8b77-d63624b9c00a.htmlJoin the email list at TapYourNews.com (https://TapYourNews.com) to get notified when new episodes drop.Got a good news story to share? Need a friend who gets it? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - Steve reads every message.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com (https://TrueCrimeUnheard.com)

Massive trolls built by 500 volunteers from recycled barn wood and bourbon barrels are almost complete at Dix Park, GoTriangle is upgrading Wake Forest bus service starting November 9th, and an 8-year-old dog named Sammie is waiting for his forever couch at the SPCA. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:Giant Troll Installation at Dix Park: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/wake-county/article312609275.htmlGoTriangle Route Improvements for Wake Forest: https://www.wakeweekly.com/news/gotriangle-route-changes-will-improve-options-for-wake-forest-riders-5f6282ebSammie - Adoptable Dog at SPCA Wake County: https://wral.com/video/pet-of-the-day-for-october-23-2025/22211294/Join the email list at TapYourNews.com (https://TapYourNews.com) to get notified when new episodes drop.Got a good news story to share? Need a friend who gets it? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - Steve reads every message.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com (https://TrueCrimeUnheard.com)

Downtown Raleigh drew 155,000 people to a music festival in one weekend, a healthcare company just opened with jobs averaging $205K, and new convention center renderings show what downtown's about to become. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival Record Attendance: https://abc11.com/post/2025-raleigh-wide-open-music-festival-gets-record-breaking-attendance/18059223/Weatherby Healthcare Opens North Hills Hub: https://www.wral.com/lifestyle/health/weatherby-healthcare-new-hub-wake-county-october-2025/Raleigh Convention Center Expansion Renderings: https://www.wral.com/news/local/raleigh-convention-center-expansion-pics-october-2025/Join the email list at TapYourNews.com (https://TapYourNews.com) to get notified when new episodes drop.Got a good news story to share? Need a friend who gets it? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - Steve reads every message.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com (https://TrueCrimeUnheard.com)

Wake County approves mountain bike trails at Umstead and construction of Kellam-Wyatt County Park, HGTV's Jason Byrd and Jenny Mahorney build their dream headquarters in Cary, and Toastique gourmet toast cafe opens Saturday in Midtown Raleigh. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:Wake County approves trails at Umstead & Kellam-Wyatt Park: https://hoodline.com/2025/10/wake-county-approves-new-trails-at-umstead-greenlights-kellam-wyatt-county-park-development-near-raleigh/Behind the Scenes Design builds Cary headquarters: https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/10/22/behind-the-scenes-design-cary-office-remodeling.htmlToastique opens in Midtown Raleigh: https://trianglefoodblog.com/Join the email list at TapYourNews.com (https://TapYourNews.com) to get notified when new episodes drop.Got a good news story to share? Need a friend who gets it? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - Steve reads every message.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com (https://TrueCrimeUnheard.com)

Mahana Fresh is opening its first North Carolina location in Cary with a grand opening celebration October 25th, and the State Capitol is hosting free Revolutionary War story time for families on November 8th. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:Mahana Fresh Grand Opening: https://www.parksidetowncommons.com/deal-entries/2025/10/25/mahana-fresh-grand-openingStory Time at State Capitol: https://triangleonthecheap.com/story-time-state-capitol/Join the email list at TapYourNews.com (https://TapYourNews.com) to get notified when new episodes drop.Got a good news story to share? Need a friend who gets it? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - Steve reads every message.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com (https://TrueCrimeUnheard.com)

Two Wake County sisters are among the first U.S. children testing a groundbreaking hearing implant, Lafayette Village transforms into a free Halloween wonderland starting October 26th, Creepy Crabtree returns to Lake Crabtree Park this Friday October 25th, and Bowstring Pizza brings free bluegrass to Tuesday nights. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:Wake County sisters hearing implant breakthrough: https://abc11.com/post/wake-county-sisters-among-first-us-children-try-new-hearing-implant/18039053/Halloween Village at Lafayette Village: https://triangleonthecheap.com/halloween-lafayette-village/Creepy Crabtree at Lake Crabtree Park: https://triangleonthecheap.com/creepy-crabtree-celebration/Beer & Banjos at Bowstring Pizza: https://triangleonthecheap.com/free-beer-banjos-music-series-raleigh-times-bar/Join the email list at TapYourNews.com (https://TapYourNews.com) to get notified when new episodes drop.Got a good news story to share? Need a friend who gets it? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - Steve reads every message.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com (https://TrueCrimeUnheard.com)

Downtown Raleigh's first Winterfaire brings European Christmas market vibes to Moore Square in December, Gregory Poole Equipment is bringing hundreds of jobs to Garner with a $340 million economic boost, and Wake County and Apex received $6 million in state grants to reduce flood risks. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:Moore Square Winterfaire: https://triangleonthecheap.com/moore-square-winterfaire/Gregory Poole Moving to Garner: https://abc11.com/post/gregory-poole-equipment-relocates-hq-garner-expected-bring-hundreds-jobs/18019888/Flood Risk Reduction Grants: https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/6-million-awarded-to-reduce-flood-risks-in-nc-wake-county-apex-among-recipients/Triangle Fast 50 Companies: https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/10/17/raleigh-durham-fast50-awards-fastgrowing-companies.htmlJoin the email list at TapYourNews.com (https://TapYourNews.com) to get notified when new episodes drop.Got a good news story to share? Need a friend who gets it? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - Steve reads every message.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com (https://TrueCrimeUnheard.com)

Families get free Halloween fun at Rawls Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina, Meals on Wheels needs help with their fall fundraiser, Raleigh becomes the first NC city to power buses with renewable biogas from wastewater, and a new women's boutique opens in Holly Springs. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:Family Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat: https://triangleonthecheap.com/rawls-baptist-church-fall-fest/Meals on Wheels of Wake County: https://www.cbs17.com/my-carolina/meals-on-wheels-of-wake-county/Raleigh buses powered by wastewater: https://abc11.com/post/goraleigh-public-transportation-raleigh-becomes-first-city-nc-power-buses-wastewater/18013677/Betty Jane Boutique opening: https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/10/15/betty-jane-boutique-holly-springs-peterson-station.htmlJoin the email list at TapYourNews.com (https://TapYourNews.com) to get notified when new episodes drop.Got a good news story to share? Need a friend who gets it? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - Steve reads every message.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com (https://TrueCrimeUnheard.com)

WakeMed is building a $54 million healthplex with emergency and outpatient services in fast-growing Rolesville, Weatherby Healthcare opened a new Raleigh hub bringing 150 high-paying jobs, Plexus Capital raised $1.3 billion to invest in local small businesses, and Cardinal Civil Contracting is taking the Raleigh construction company public with a Nasdaq IPO. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:WakeMed Rolesville healthplex: https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/10/14/wakemed-healthplex-rolesville-emergency-care.htmlWeatherby Healthcare new hub: https://www.wral.com/lifestyle/health/weatherby-healthcare-new-hub-wake-county-october-2025/Plexus Capital investment fund: https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/10/14/plexus-capital-new-investment-funds-small-business.htmlCardinal Civil IPO: https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/10/14/cardinal-civil-contracting-ipo-public-cdnl-nasdaq.htmlJoin the email list at TapYourNews.com (https://TapYourNews.com) to get notified when new episodes drop.Got a good news story to share? Need a friend who gets it? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - Steve reads every message.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com (https://TrueCrimeUnheard.com)

A Holly Springs woman finally takes her honeymoon after winning $1M on a lottery scratcher 31 years after getting married, Raleigh Rotary plants 250 oak trees to celebrate America's 250th birthday, an SE Raleigh student earns MVP honors at a statewide basketball showcase, the Cary Night Market returns with a pet costume contest, and a new breakfast spot opens with big rewards for early customers. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:Holly Springs lottery winner honeymoonRaleigh Rotary 250 trees for 250 yearsAaron Parker earns MVP honorsCary Night Market October 17 with pet costume contestToastique grand opening rewardsJoin the email list at TapYourNews.com to get notified when new episodes drop.Got a good news story to share? Need a friend who gets it? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - Steve reads every message.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com

Thousands turned out for the 37th Walk for Hope this weekend raising millions for mental health research, dogs and kids get Halloween fun this Saturday at Wag-O-Ween in Fuquay-Varina, and the NC Arts Council awards $11 million in grants to support arts organizations across all 100 counties including Wake. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:Walk for Hope raises millions for mental health research: https://abc11.com/post/walk-hope-thousands-gather-raleigh-37th-annual-support-mental-health-research/17991764/Wag-O-Ween at Mason Jar Lager Co. this Saturday: https://triangleonthecheap.com/mason-jar-lager-company-fuquay-varina/NC Arts Council awards $11M in grants statewide: https://www.dncr.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/10/06/north-carolina-arts-council-awards-11-million-grants-organizations-statewideJoin the email list at TapYourNews.com to get notified when new episodes drop.Got a good news story to share? Need a friend who gets it? Use the contact form at TapYourNews.com - Steve reads every message.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com

Tomorrow night's Trick or Eat brings food trucks and costumes to Downtown Garner, pets get spooky at Cary's fest on Oct 18, Good Hope Farm throws a free Harvest Fest, the Hurricanes crush the Devils 6-3 in their season opener, a Swiss company invests $195M in Holly Springs, and Raleigh's tallest residential tower breaks ground downtown. Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode.Links mentioned in this episode:Trick or Eat Food Truck Rodeo in Garner: https://triangleonthecheap.com/garner-trick-or-eat/Pawsitively Spooky Pet Fest in Cary: https://triangleonthecheap.com/pawsitively-spooky-pet-fest/Harvest Fest at Good Hope Farm: https://triangleonthecheap.com/good-hope-farm-cary/Hurricanes season opener win: https://www.wralsportsfan.com/jarvis-new-arrival-miller-help-hurricanes-beat-devils-6-3-in-season-opener/22192930/Swiss investment in Holly Springs: https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/swiss-med-tech-firm-investing-195-million-to-build-first-north-american-facility-in-holly-springs/Raleigh's tallest residential tower: https://www.wral.com/news/local/raleigh-groundbreaking-tallest-residential-tower/Join the email list at TapYourNews.com to get notified when new episodes drop.Check out Steve's true crime podcast at TrueCrimeUnheard.com