Biden's Visit + Masks in Schools + Critical Race Theory Debate

Happy National Strawberry Parfait Day,

Yesterday Raleigh was the destination for our President, Joe Biden, and it saw some progress on government staffing and NC regulations. There was also an amazing piece of news regarding Shaw University's summer students.

Today's Weather
Humid and mostly cloudy throughout the day. Temps: High of 82° & low of 71°

Here are the top 5 stories in Raleigh today

1. President Joe Biden arrived in Raleigh to speak about COVID-19 vaccinations. As of right now North Carolina is unlikely to hit the target of 70% vaccination until Thanksgiving and ranks 38 nationally in terms of its share of partially vaccinated adults. (abc11, CBS17)
2. Shaw University in Raleigh announced that it has cleared the balances of all students who owed tuition and fees for summer classes this year. The University announced the news on Twitter after feeling compelled to do so as students were forced to take summer classes because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (abc11)
3. After the Senate rejected Governor Roy Cooper's selection for Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality, he has officially named a new pick for the role. Elisabeth Biser is a longtime legislative lobbyist and policy adviser on environmental issues. (Fox8)
4. Two individuals have been arrested in the shooting at Roberts Park on Saturday. Davis Lance Onque and Kier Rahmel Melvin have been charged with assault with a deadly weapon with attempt to kill, as well as several other charges in relation to the gunfire that hit an EMS worker. (WNCT9)
5. The House of Representatives in North Carolina has voted to allow local school leaders, not state officials, decide mask requirements for the coming k-12 school year. The bill is an attempt to scale back COVID-19 restrictions in the state in spite of Gov. Cooper's current order that says most everyone should wear coverings indoors. (Fox8)

Today in Raleigh

• Live Music at Wild Wing Cafe, Vision Church RDU, Sullivan's Steakhouse, NC State Fair, Tin Roof Raleigh, and North Carolina Symphony is holding some family-friendly concerts.
• Moana Jr. a show by the Starbright Little Players. (7:00pm-8:15pm)
• Nerf Party at The Little Gym Raleigh-Cary. Two hours of gymnastics and skill drills followed by an hour long Nerf Party. Ages 6-12 (5:00pm-8:00pm)
• Acrylic Pouring Class for adults and kids 5+ at OWL Art Studio. (3:00pm-4:00pm)

Raleigh Patch Notebook

• If you want to celebrate National Strawberry Parfait Day, but don't want to put in too much work, Moge Tea has a "Super Strawberry Parfait" that can save you having to layer the summer treat yourself.
• Critical Race Theory is a major topic of conversation and debate in our legislature. If you want to understand it a bit more, check out this abc11 article.

I hope you all are excited to head into the weekend and are making some fun plans to help you unwind and relax. If I missed out on anything or there's any happening in Raleigh you want to celebrate, send me an email to raleigh@patch.com to let me know!
Stay curious,
CJ Fullford