Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How North Raleigh neighbors are fighting back against porch pirates

You won't want to miss Doors 6:00 PM on the Raleigh Patch calendar

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Hi Raleigh! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How North Raleigh neighbors are fighting back against porch pirates
  • How AI in farming will take over NC State this spring
  • Flying out of RDU soon? Here’s what’s changing for travelers

Also on today's calendar: Holidays at the Pope House and 8 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Windy; a stray morning shower, with a high of 66 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunny and cooler, temps: high: 53, low: 37.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 59 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. North Raleigh residents unite to combat porch pirates, inspired by WRAL's 5 On Your Side advice (wral.com) — Neighbors in North Raleigh are banding together and sharing security footage after a string of porch pirate thefts, hoping to help police identify a suspect caught on doorbell cameras. One victim recovered stolen Christmas gifts by following WRAL’s 5 On Your Side advice to contact the retailer directly. Residents are urged to review their footage and report any helpful information to law enforcement.
   

2. AI in Agriculture Conference 2026 (indianaagconnection.com) — A major AI in Agriculture conference is coming to NC State’s StateView Hotel in Raleigh from March 31 to April 2, 2026, bringing researchers, farmers, and tech leaders together. Attendees will dig into how AI can boost farm productivity, cut waste, and protect natural resources, while also networking across universities, agribusinesses, and policymakers to shape the future of food and farming.
   

3. Single-day passenger traffic record set at RDU (cbs17.com) — Raleigh-Durham International Airport just hit a single-day passenger record, with more than 33,000 travelers screened the Sunday after Thanksgiving and overall holiday traffic up 3%. As Christmas travel ramps up, RDU is preparing for major 2026 changes, including Terminal 2 construction, a parking lot shift to employee-only use, and new restaurant options like Raleigh Beer Garden’s airport outpost.
   

4. Scammers see opportunity as holiday shoppers rush to buy final gifts in stores, online (abc11.com) — Raleigh shoppers are being warned to watch for last-minute holiday scams, from fake retail websites to too-good-to-be-true puppy offers and tampered gift cards. Local Better Business Bureau experts say to double-check URLs, demand vet records for pets, and closely inspect and promptly use gift cards so you’re not left with worthless plastic if a business closes.
   

5. Governor Josh Stein reflects on 2025, high moments and frustrations (cbs17.com) — From his office in Raleigh, Governor Josh Stein is looking back on 2025’s biggest wins and headaches, from Hurricane Helene recovery funding to the stalled state budget and Medicaid shortfall. He criticizes Republican legislative leaders over redrawn maps and healthcare funding, but also highlights record job growth and his goals for rebuilding western North Carolina and improving services in 2026.
   

📸 Around Raleigh

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Raleigh

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★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 19
  • Doors 6:00 PM
    Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E South St, Raleigh
    7:30 pm

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Committee meeting notice for House Select Committee on Involuntary Commitment and Public Safety: January 14, 2026 at 9:30. in room 544 LOB -... (X: NCLeg)
  • Far-right activist Michele Morrow enters NC’s GOP primary for US Senate vs. Michael Whatley. Morrow is running against President Trump's pick. Morrow... (X: nckhui)
  • City of Raleigh North Carolina posted a job opening for CAPS - Afterschool Counselor in Raleigh. Apply here.
  • CBRE Group, Inc. posted a job opening for Facilities Consultant- GMP Cleaning 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: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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