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🌱 Patch AM: How a $2 billion hospital merger could reshape WakeMed in Raleigh

Coming up on the Raleigh Patch calendar: Summer Celebration

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Saturday August 22nd Patch AM
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Greetings Raleigh! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $2 billion hospital merger could reshape WakeMed in Raleigh
  • How new cellphone rules will change Wake County classrooms Monday
  • How NC State balanced its budget and eyes new Raleigh revenues

Also on today's calendar: Summer Celebration and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the longest word in the dictionary? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Humid with a heavy t-storm, with a high of 83 and low of 68 degrees.
  • Sunday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 89, low: 64. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: Sunny, nice and less humid, with a high of 86 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. WakeMed-Atrium deal 'deserves close scrutiny,' governor's office says ahead of possible merger vote (wral.com) — Raleigh-area residents could see big changes at WakeMed as a proposed merger with Atrium Health faces new questions from Gov. Josh Stein and Wake County commissioners. The $2 billion deal would fund expansions at WakeMed's Raleigh, North Raleigh, Cary and Garner facilities, but critics worry about higher prices, reduced oversight and potential impacts on charity care and local control.
   

2. 'There's a time and place for everything,' NC School districts enforce new cellphone rules (abc11.com) — Families in Raleigh and across North Carolina will see stricter cellphone rules as students return Monday, with state law now requiring districts to limit phone use during instructional time. Wake County schools, including Green Hope High, are using tools like classroom caddies while still allowing limited access during lunch or emergencies, so parents should review their school's specific procedures.
   

3. What NC State AD Boo Corrigan said about the Wolfpack's athletics budget (heraldsun.com) — NC State's athletic department has erased a $17.9 million deficit and finished the last fiscal year with a balanced budget, thanks largely to fundraising and new revenue ideas tied to Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. Athletics director Boo Corrigan says the program will keep pursuing naming rights, concerts, and other ventures while encouraging fans to support a pricier men's basketball season in the city.
   

4. North Carolina DMV wait times drop statewide; more big changes coming (abc11.com) — If you dread the DMV, there's some relief: average wait times at North Carolina offices, including those serving Raleigh-area drivers, have dropped to just over 20 minutes. Officials are also rolling out electronic vehicle registrations starting Oct. 1 and planning digital driver's licenses, meaning fewer stickers, less paper and more online options for local motorists.
   

5. Ms Rachel speaks out on Black hanging cases as Raleigh death is declared suicide (foxnews.com) — Raleigh readers should know police have ruled the hanging death of a 32-year-old Black man in downtown Raleigh a suicide, citing video evidence and statements from his family. Children's YouTuber Ms. Rachel is publicly questioning such rulings while urging support for Black communities, tying the Raleigh case to a broader national conversation about race, mental health, and past lynchings.
   

📸 Around Raleigh

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Raleigh

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Monday August 24
  • Regular Bus Routes
    Wake Early College of Health and Science 2901 Holston Lane, Raleigh, NC 27610
  • Coworking Mondays at PAK
    Garner Chamber of Commerce 1002 Vandora Springs Rd. Garner, NC 27529
    • Tuesday August 25
  • Discovering NC Ag - Tobacco at the Research Station(s)
    North Carolina State Farmers Public Market 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603
  • LAUNCH: Cornell, Emory, Pomona, Rice & WashU
    Raleigh Charter High School Ravenscroft School, 7409 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
    6:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • 🚨Update🚨
    Thank you God! After 22 days, Keno has been found and is home safe. We would like to thank everyone who shared, commented, called, and texted us as… (Nextdoor Bryson Village)
  • Hello everyone, I wanted to announce that today while it was storming my dog got scared and ran away from our house.
    We've looked around pearl road and rock quarry road. His name is Dan and he is very friendly, he also doesn't have a collar. If anyone sees him… (Nextdoor Abbington Ridge Townhomes)
  • WakeMed Health & Hospitals posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Raleigh. Apply here.
  • Jacobs posted a job opening for Senior Alternative Delivery Manager (Highway/Bridge) (Carolinas) 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: Smiles, because it has a mile between "s". (Thank you Sharon M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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