🌱 1990 Cold Case Arrest Made + Playthrough Gaming Convention Day 2

Happy International Read To Me Day Raleigh!

Don't let your weekend fly by without doing something that you love. Relax, enjoy your moments, and take time for you! Before you figure out where your zen lies, catch up on everything Raleigh, including:

• NCSU Outrace the Stigma Event
• Monster Jam
• White Flag Declaration

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and chilly. High: 50 Low: 30.

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Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

1. Detectives with the Raleigh Police Department made an arrest in a cold case from 1990 on Friday. Police said that evidence was obtained recently thanks to the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative and the Combined DNA Index System identified Deandre Marcel Smith as a suspect. The victim, who was 73 at the time of the incident, passed away in 1992, and police will not be releasing her identity to the public. Smith has a criminal record that includes charges of assault on a female in 2011 and 2016. (CBS17, WRAL)
2. Thousands came out to the Raleigh Convention Center on Saturday to participate in the Playthrough Gaming Convention. The gaming extravaganza focuses on independent developers of video and board games. Developers also got the opportunity to get feedback from players. The convention will continue through today and organizers say that there is something for everyone, including non-gamers. (CBS17)
3. The Omega Phi Alpha sorority has organized the Outrace the Stigma mental health awareness event for the past six years. Students at N.C. State have said that a heavy course load and other responsibilities have contributed to overwhelming stress. The university released an 89-page report looking at mental health on campus, and appointed eight mental health counselors. The event will take place on April 2 with all profits to be donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. (WRAL)
4. The Newmiller family lost their daughter to pediatric cancer 11 years ago, but they have channeled her memory to raise money research. This year the family and Chick-fil-A Capital Crossing and Falls Village hosted an event to raise money in memory of Ella Newmiller. Participants came out in spite of cold to help raise money, in hopes that children and families who are facing similar diagnosis' will get hope in Ella's memory. (CBS17) The event continued even after a fuel spill forced the race to change locations. (CBS17)
5. Glenwood South saw large crowds for St. Patrick's Day. Wes Alexander, the general manager of Hibernian Irish Pub said that they were expecting a bigger crowd this year as people are returning to a more normal after the COVID pandemic. The area was bustling with the typical traffic combined with those out for the holiday. Patrols in the area were increased to ensure a safe and fun time. (abc11)

Today in Raleigh:

• 2023 Tobacco Road Marathon & Half Marathon Cary (7:00am-2:00pm)
• Karate with Spider-Man at Fortnight Brewing Co (12:00pm-1:00pm)
• 23rd Annual Lebanese Festival at the Triangle Lebanese American Center (12:00pm-6:00pm)
• Beats & Brunch at Killjoy (12:00pm-4:00pm)
• Monster Jam at PNC Arena (1:00pm)
• Sunday Drag Brunch at Ruby Deluxe (1:00pm-4:00pm)
• St. Patrick's Day Team Treasure Hunt at Crank Arm (2:00pm)
• Open Mic Night at Compass Rose Brewery (3:00pm-6:00pm)

Monday in Raleigh:

• Game On! at Moore Square (10:00am-6:00pm)
• Mom's Meet Up at Little Doodles (3:30pm-5:00pm)
• Yoga in the Park at Dorothea Dix Park (6:00pm-7:00pm)
• Trivia at West Street Dog (6:30pm-8:30pm) & Nancy's Pizzeria (7:00pm-9:00pm)
• Music Bingo Family Night at Good Times Garner (7:30pm-9:30pm)
• Karaoke at Raleigh Beer Garden (8:00pm-11:00pm)

From my notebook:

• It's International Read To Me Day and I truly cannot share the amazing events offered by Wake County libraries! They do tons of story time events where you can enjoy stories with the family.
• Wake County has issued a white flag declaration for the next few days due to cold temperatures. (CBS17)
• Wake County Public Schools has been hosting job fairs to help staff schools. The first will be on Saturday the 25th, and the second on April 15th. (CBS17)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday! I'll see you around.

— CJ Fullford

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