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🌱 Patch AM: What happens to your 911 call if Raleigh’s center suddenly fails?

Happening soon: Alpha School Coffee Drop-In on the Raleigh Patch calendar

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Thursday January 8th Patch AM
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Hi there, Raleigh! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What happens to your 911 call if Raleigh’s center suddenly fails?
  • Why Raleigh’s DEI policies just faced a grilling at the legislature
  • Why Raleigh’s DEI programs just faced tough questions from state lawmakers

Also on today's calendar: Alpha School Coffee Drop-In and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: After dinner, my parents asked if I could clear the table. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Sponsored: BJ's Wholesale Club opening soon in Selma. Join the club today for just $20 (reg. $60) and start saving big Click here for details.

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

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Turning cloudy, with a high of 64 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Friday: Some sun, then clouds, temps: high: 73, low: 60.
  • Saturday: A stray afternoon shower, with a high of 72 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Buncombe and Wake counties form 911 backup plan to enhance disaster response capabilities (wlos.com) — If Raleigh’s 911 center ever goes down in a disaster, Buncombe County can now instantly take your emergency calls—and Wake County can do the same for them. The new cross-county backup agreement gives Raleigh and Wake a geographically distant safety net, aiming to keep police, fire, and EMS reachable even during storms like Helene.
   

2. Raleigh leaders deny DEI allegations launched by conservative activists (wral.com) — Raleigh’s city manager and mayor told state lawmakers the city has already adjusted its policies to comply with new federal limits on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and is not using quotas or preferential treatment. Their testimony followed an undercover video by conservative activists that prompted a legislative hearing, raising questions about Raleigh’s DEI history and its access to future federal funding.
   

3. Raleigh, Asheville DEI efforts under microscope of NC House oversight panel • NC Newsline (ncnewsline.com) — Raleigh’s mayor and city manager were called before a state House oversight panel to defend how the city has scaled back its diversity, equity and inclusion work after new federal limits. They told lawmakers Raleigh no longer uses racial quotas and is focusing instead on broad economic development and small-business support, even as Republican legislators scrutinize DEI efforts in both Raleigh and Asheville.
   

4. New US public school rankings just came out. Here's where NC landed (newsobserver.com) — Raleigh families can see how their schools stack up nationally, with Raleigh Charter High School earning a strong No. 206 ranking among U.S. public high schools. A new 2026 study places North Carolina 22nd overall for public education, while highlighting factors like dropout rates, student-teacher ratios, and school safety that increasingly shape parents’ choices statewide.
   

5. Jupiter reaches closest point to Earth this week: Here's when and where to look in central NC (cbs17.com) — If you look up from Raleigh and across central North Carolina Friday night, Jupiter will be at its closest and brightest, rising at sunset and setting at sunrise. The planet will outshine every star, and while you can see it unaided, binoculars or a telescope will make the view even better.
   

📸 Around Raleigh

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Raleigh

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This Thursday in Garner at Community of Hope 601 St.
    Marys St 6-7 pm drive through food pantry. They are very generous there. Drive through is once a month. (Nextdoor Riverbrooke)
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Pluto, a cat who went missing in Raleigh, NC, has been safely reunited with their family after 2 hours, 14 minutes. Message from Owner: "My cat… (Nextdoor Thompson-Hunter)
  • Raleigh Police Department is attempting to locate a person of intertest in the area of New Bern Avenue and Corporation Parkway. Read the full news... (X: raleighpolice)
  • Today, Jeffrey Smythe was sworn in as secretary of the NC Department of Public Safety at the State Capitol in downtown Raleigh. Prior to his... (X: NCPublicSafety)
  • Concord Hospitality posted a job opening for Night Auditor FT ONLY $17.00hr - Marriott Crabtree, Raleigh, NC in Raleigh. Apply here.
  • Planet Fitness, Inc. posted a job opening for Custodian 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 needed a running start, but I made it!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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