Literacy Test Removal Push + Fueling a Better Future

Happy National Eat Your Vegetables Day,

Raleigh had so much happen yesterday! It was near impossible to narrow down the top 5 stories for today. There was an incredibly interesting article about lumber imports, and NC is working to move forward by putting old regulations and outdated power plants behind us.

Today's Weather
Partly cloudy throughout the day. Temps: High of 84° & low of 62°

Here are the top 5 stories in Raleigh today

1. State House lawmakers are trying to remove the literacy test requirement for voting from the NC Constitution. The literacy test originated in the Jim Crow Era to prevent black voters from having a say in government. (WRAL)
2. An arrest was made in the drive-by shooting and murder of Trashawn Watkins outside of Food Lion. Another 19 year old, Kevin Hart, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. (abc11) A Raleigh activist blames this and the recent spike in crime on "a lack of resources." (abc11)
3. The United States has relied on importing European lumber to meet building demand amidst the lumber shortage, but the North Carolina Building Code council says that it does not meet NC Building code requirements. There are many differences in the gravity, milling process, and overall structural properties between the different types of wood that can result in the imported wood being unsafe for many building projects. (Woodworking Network)
4. Many of Duke Energy's coal plants will be retired in order to transition to alternate fuels by the end of 2030. The "Modernize Energy Generation" measure would contribute to a 61% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 in comparison to 2005, and a large part of that would come from retiring low-efficiency coal plants. (Courier Tribune, Spectrum News 1)
5. Wake Tech reports high enrollment as people are seeking training for new jobs. With many people having lost their jobs due to Covid-19, some of them are turning their attention to making a meaningful career switch. Wake Tech is using stimulus money to fund scholarships and student support services to make education even more accessible. (CBS17)

Today in Raleigh

• 1st Annual Juneteenth Sip & Paint: 21+ event, led by a local black artist and local black owned businesses will be on-sight to shop before the painting starts. (7:00pm-11:00pm)
• The Burning Coal Theatre Company presents Evita: a musical following the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón. (7:30pm)
• Laugh Out Clouds: a stand-up comedy show by Between2Clouds hosted by Clouds Brewing. (7:00pm-8:30pm)
• Storytime at Oak View: I Wish for Freedom by Monique Lorden. Pre-registration is required. (11:00am)

Raleigh Patch Notebook

• In honor of National Eat Your Vegetables Day, you should head over to the NC State Farmers Market in order to get all sorts of tasty veggies!
• The Covid-19 adaption of expanded outdoor dining has been more popular than expected. A recent survey finds that 85% of 1000 people surveyed, hope it sticks around. (abc11)
• Labcorp is expanding at-home Covid-19 test availability to all NC residents. (CBS17)
• Two recent graduates from Garner High School are being praised for their heroic rescue of classmates from a burning car! (Firehouse)

Today in Raleigh there is so much to look forward to. There is so much happening and so much to do. I hope you all feel more connected to the city, and get the chance to do something new. 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