Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How the WakeMed–Atrium deal could change healthcare in Raleigh

Also check out XOXOK Live Music on the Raleigh Patch calendar

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Friday August 21st Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, Raleigh? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How the WakeMed–Atrium deal could change healthcare in Raleigh
  • How Raleigh's proposed childcare rule changes could affect your family budget
  • How Raleigh's record tourism surge could reshape city services and jobs

Also on today's calendar: XOXOK Live Music and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Humid with a heavy t-storm, with a high of 86 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Humid with a heavy t-storm, temps: high: 84, low: 70.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny with a t-storm, with a high of 91 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. WakeMed-Atrium Deal Faces Renewed Scrutiny as Community Raises Concerns (caro.news) — Raleigh residents are weighing in on a proposed WakeMed–Atrium Health partnership that could bring $2 billion in investment, 3,300 jobs and major expansions at WakeMed's Raleigh, Cary, North and Garner campuses. After packed town halls at Saint Ambrose Episcopal Church and a Wake County Justice Center hearing, commissioners have delayed a vote, with the earliest decision now expected in early September.
   

2. Raleigh leaders work to make childcare more accessible, affordable (wral.com) — Raleigh officials are moving to let home childcare providers serve up to 15 children, hire non-resident staff, and open centers with a faster, cheaper permit process. City leaders and advocates say these changes could expand childcare options, improve affordability for families, and support new providers, though state regulators still must oversee safety and licensing.
   

3. Visit Raleigh reports record visitor numbers and spending in 2025 (abc11.com) — Raleigh's tourism boom brought 19 million visitors in 2025, pumping $3.4 billion into Wake County and generating $343 million in tax revenue that helps fund schools, public safety, and roads. Local leaders say new hotels, a revamped museum, and major sports wins are positioning Raleigh for even more visitor growth and jobs through 2026 and beyond.
   

4. Renovations continue inside Lenovo Center ahead of start of Hurricanes season (cbs17.com) — If you're heading to Hurricanes games or concerts, expect big changes at Raleigh's Lenovo Center as $100 million in phase-one renovations wrap up before the Sept. 15 event. Crews are installing new lower-bowl seats, adding upper-deck seating and expanding grab-and-go concessions, with a second phase bringing a new façade, beer hall, team store and a $1 billion surrounding entertainment district.
   

5. Man Killed Beloved Basketball Coach In North Carolina, Fled To Plymouth Twp.: Police (patch.com) — Raleigh police are investigating the stabbing death of teacher and girls basketball coach Sheremy Gwenette Dillard, found in her Whistling Straits Ways home after family reported concerns. Detectives traced her boyfriend, Rickey Andra Harper, to a Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania hotel using license-plate cameras, where he was arrested and now faces a first-degree murder charge and extradition.
   

📸 Around Raleigh

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Raleigh

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📣 Raleigh Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday August 21
  • Drop-in Connection Session with your Campus Director (Format & Loca
    The Exploris School Raleigh, NC 27603
    8:30 am
  • Theatre Parent Interest & Welcome Workshop
    Longleaf School of the Arts Raleigh, NC 27603
    5:30 pm
  • Front Porch Friday (FREE!) →
    Haven Farm Venue & Shoppe, 8521 Buffaloe Rd, Knightdale
    6:00 pm
  • Elevated Connections Business Mixer
    Garner Chamber of Commerce Level7 Rooftop Bar 101 Park at North Hills Street Raleigh, NC 27609
    6:00 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

  • Hyatt Hotels posted a job opening for Night Auditor in Raleigh. Apply here.
  • EMCOR Group, Inc. posted a job opening for SIC Combo Welder (RAL NOVO JW) 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: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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