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🌱 Patch AM: How a Raleigh-made prosthetic leg lets users actually feel each step

Be sure to catch Brandi Denise on the Raleigh Patch calendar

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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Greetings Raleigh! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Raleigh-made prosthetic leg lets users actually feel each step
  • Could this damaged Ford work van be tied to a deadly hit-and-run?
  • Why did Trump choose Phil Berger over his longtime ally Sam Page?

Also on today's calendar: Neuse River Big Band's Swingin' Holiday and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 46 and low of 30 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 56, low: 37.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and breezy, with a high of 44 and low of 18 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. ‘I can feel it': Researchers develop new motorized prosthetic leg at NC State University (cbs17.com) — NC State researchers in Raleigh are testing a new motorized prosthetic leg designed to make walking feel more natural and powerful for amputees. By combining a powered knee joint with artificial intelligence and even user neuro-signals, the team hopes to create a more responsive, human-like gait, though they say it will likely be at least five years before the technology reaches patients.
   

2. Man dies after being hit on Durham Road in Wake County, NCSHP searching for van suspected of killing him (cbs17.com) — Raleigh-area residents should know that a man was killed Thursday night in a hit-and-run on Durham Road near Peed Road in northern Wake County, and troopers are still searching for the driver. Investigators believe a late-1990s or early-2000s Ford work van with front passenger-side damage is responsible and are urging anyone who spots a similar vehicle to contact 911 or the State Highway Patrol.
   

3. Trump endorses Phil Berger in North Carolina Senate primary race (myfox8.com) — Raleigh readers are watching a high-profile Republican primary heat up as former President Donald Trump publicly backs state Senate leader Phil Berger for reelection. Berger, who represents District 26, faces a challenge from Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, a longtime Trump supporter whom Trump now says he’d rather see working in Washington than running against Berger.
   

4. Flu cases surge in North Carolina ahead of holiday season, 3 related deaths reported this week (abc11.com) — Raleigh-based state health officials report three new flu-related deaths in North Carolina, bringing this season’s total to nine as cases climb earlier than usual. Doctors at Duke warn a new Influenza A (H3) sub-strain is driving the surge and urge residents, especially those visiting high‑risk family over the holidays, to mask, keep some distance, and stay home if sick.
   

5. Highlights from 2025 Field Trials: North Carolina State University (greenhousegrower.com) — NC State’s 2025 horticultural field trials in Raleigh put new ornamentals through a classic hot, humid Southeast summer, spotlighting varieties that thrived in tough conditions. Gardeners in and around Raleigh can note standout performers like Sweet Caroline sweet potato vines, Campfire Marshmallow bidens, and Surefire White begonias as reliable options for local heat and humidity.
   

📸 Around Raleigh

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Raleigh

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★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 12
  • Brandi Denise
    Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh
    7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • “Mom Fell Again”
    When Mom (and/or Dad) can no longer live in their home. Complimentary service helping with safer, happier options. Certified. (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • #TBT: In 1972, Lt.. Denton demonstrated a Stevenson Breathalyzer—the first device officially known as a “breathalyzer.” We first put this... (X: raleighpolice)
  • The Senate calendar for Monday, December 15, 2025 has been published to the North Carolina General Assembly website. #ncga #ncpol... (X: NCLeg)
  • Harbor Freight Tools posted a job opening for Retail Stocking Associate in Raleigh. Apply here.
  • At Home Decor Superstore posted a job opening for Team Member 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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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