Good morning, Wake Forest.

A highway marker was unveiled near Powell Park on NC 33 by the Tar River bridge in Princeville to honor Hurricane Floyd—whose flooding in 1999 led to major evacuation changes.

Officials said the marker recognizes the storm's lasting impact on the region.

Wake Tech held a groundbreaking at Perry Health Science Campus for a new Simulation Hospital that will let students practice tasks like checking in patients and simulating emergency care.

Construction is underway and the building will be completed by 2027 — marking the campus's first major expansion in over a decade — as Wake County’s growing population boosts the need for quality health care.

Wake County public schools reported a 38% rise in restraints and seclusion last school year, with 1,802 incidents affecting 544 students.

The district now must notify parents within 24 hours and is adding specialized staff—steps to manage these cases better.

On Tuesday, September 16, the Wake County Board of Education met to learn about using AI in schools and discuss a possible policy as staff said there is no set timeline yet — board members heard from an AWS team and expert Mikaya Thurmond about both AI’s benefits and its risks to academic honesty. Dr. Robert Taylor said the meeting helped school leaders prepare for AI’s future role and advised parents to talk with their children about using it properly.

Advocacy groups in Wake Forest hosted National Voter Registration Day events to help residents register and prepare for upcoming municipal elections.

The groups increased online outreach—targeting younger voters and updating local registration for people new to the area.

Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission will host cemetery preservation workshops from 10 a.m.—noon on Oct 4 at Olive Branch Baptist Church Cemetery and on Oct 25 at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Registration is limited and required online, and participants must dress for outdoor conditions.

Former North Carolina congressman Wiley Nickel will soon announce his run for Wake County district attorney.

He suspended his Senate campaign in July after voting maps changed + he joins candidates Sherita Walton and Melanie Shekita in a race set for November 2026.

Joe Pug Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Carolina Theater Company — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience poignant songwriting and harmonica melodies from Joe Pug, a rising star in the music scene.

Free Wake Forest Elite Rockstar Connect Networking Event

6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Brothers Restaurant and Bar — Free entry — Connect with local professionals and expand your network in a vibrant atmosphere.

Kristy Lee Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Wake Forest Listening Room — Ticket prices vary — Experience Kristy Lee’s haunting Southern gothic sound and poignant lyrics live.

Highland Reverie Concert

7:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. — The Wake Forest Listening Room — Tickets required — Experience enchanting folk harmonies and Appalachian storytelling from the duo Luke and Madison Morris.

Martha Bassett Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Wake Forest Listening Room — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the enchanting caramel-toned alto of Martha Bassett as she performs a blend of Americana, jazz, folk, and country gospel.

BeagleFest

1-4 p.m. — Lonerider at Wake Forest — Admission benefits Triangle Beagle Rescue — Celebrate all things beagle with food trucks, games, contests, and community fun.