🌱 School Safety First + Charter Bus Accident Leaves One Dead

Morning, Raleigh! It's me, Karena Garrity, your new host of the Patch newsletter. I am very excited to be part of the community and to keep you all informed about upcoming events and happenings. Keep reading to find out the most important things going on in town. Today's issue includes updates on:

• Jason Widen has a new company.
• School safety.
• Charter bus accident.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 81 Low: 58.

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Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

1. Blue Co. is Jason Widen's new company. Widen is one of the original founders of Raleigh Founded. Blue Co. is a coworking and warehouse space designed for service-based businesses. According to WRAL TechWire, "Widen has secured a lead investor in Sharefile founder Jesse Lipson and has also secured investment from the fast-growing Triangle Tweener Fund, a rolling fund affiliated with the Triangle Tweener List. Lipson was also one of the original Raleigh Founded co-founders [also] and he recently made headlines for raising over $13 million for his latest startup, Levitate." (WRAL TechWire)
2. With safety at the forefront of concern, there is discussion that more school resource officers and a dedicated school-focused investigator may be added in Wake County. According to CBS17.com, "Wake County Sheriffs Office reports more school threats in the first five months of this year than all of 2022. “The schools reflect the community at large and you see nationwide there’s been an uptick in criminal incidents and so we haven’t been spared here in Wake County,” [Sheriff Willie] Rowe said. “School safety is a big concern for all of us, parents, students, staff.”'(CBS17.com)
3. A charter bus accident on Tuesday left one dead. According to WRAL News, "Jon Andrews, whom friends identified, was discovered at the scene. Andrews was crushed by an unoccupied bus while attempting to tow it. According to reports, the victim was working underneath the bus when the vehicle fell and trapped him. He was pronounced dead at the scene." (WRAL News)

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Today in Raleigh:

• Finance Committee — Wake County Smart Start (8:30 AM)
• Council Meeting (Quarterly) — Cary Town Hall (1:00 PM)
• Big Wave Guardians (NR) — Town of Cary Cultural Arts (2:00 PM)
• Finance Committee Meeting — Casa Esperanza Montessori Charter School (3:00 PM)
• Spring Carnival & Powderpuff Game/Stadium (4:00 PM)
• General PTO Meeting — Sanderson High (6:00 PM)
• LRHS Intermediate Band & Concert Band Concert (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Downtown Raleigh: "Live After 5 returns next Wednesday with @120minutesband & @autumnnicholas. 120 Minutes is a 1990s alternative, pop, & rock tribute band based out of the Triangle performing the finest assortment mixtape-worthy hits." (Downtown Raleigh via Instagram)
• Downtown Raleigh: "Biking is one of the most popular ways to get around Downtown Raleigh so DRA is partnering with local organizations to bring you these exciting Bike Month events. Discover Downtown Sustainability Biking Tour | May 24." (Downtown Raleigh via Instagram)
• Raleigh Brewing: "Unleash the Playoff Spirit! Raleigh Brewing presents an unforgettable Watch Party as we rally together to support our Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs clash against the New Jersey Devils." (Raleigh Brewing via Instagram)
• Raleigh Convention Center: "We are proud to support the @foodbankcenc by making regular donations to prevent food waste and end hunger. Our most recent donation of 5,889 pounds of nutritious food items will create 4,908 meals for the community!" (Raleigh Convention Center via Instagram)
• City of Raleigh - Government: "Meet Scott Therrien, an engineering specialist with the City of Raleigh! He makes sure contractors working on road, sidewalk, and greenway projects meet City, State, and Federal standards." (City of Raleigh - Government via Facebook)
• Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum: "Hey kids, Join the Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum for International Children's Day on June 3!" (Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (May 18)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com