🌱Accidental Gunfire at Crabtree Mall + Hospitality, Restaurant Grant

Happy National Strawberry Day Raleigh!

Today's article is a quick read that will get you all caught up and ready to kick off your Monday! Catch up on everything, including:

• A quick recap of the new news regarding the NC General Assembly
• Open play kickball
• New research at NCSU

But first, today's weather:

A shower. High: 70 Low: 58.

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Here are the top three stories today in Raleigh:

1. Crabtree Valley Mall was a chaotic scene on Saturday night when one man accidentally shot himself. According to Raleigh Police, shoppers were startled by the loud noise and scattered for safety. Amidst the chaos, one man who was carrying a concealed weapon accidentally shot himself. Multiple stores were locked down, and some mall patrons took shelter within the stores. The man suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital. (abc11, CBS17, WRAL)
2. The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) Foundation is hoping to get more workers into restaurants and hospitality businesses. The NCRLA Foundation is administering a $1.1 million hospitality workforce program and online portal with funds from the US Economic Development Administration and the American Rescue Plan Act. The program will provide free training courses, certifications and educational resources. (WRAL)
3. Major State General Assembly News:
   1. On Tuesday, North Carolina Republican legislative leaders asked to participate in litigation defending the state's restrictions on abortion pills. Lawyers for Senate Leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore filed the papers in federal court asking to enter as defendants, expressing that someone must be in place to defend the state's laws even though Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein has expressed he will not. (AP News) Health care providers from across North Carolina signed a letter to North Carolina lawmakers urging them to oppose any additional abortion restrictions. (AP News)
   2. A bill filed in the North Carolina House is looking to increase penalties for certain sex crimes committed against students by educators. The bill also includes penalties for failing to report misconduct to the state board of education. House Bill 142, also known as the "Protect Our Students Act," would increase the class of felony for any sexual activity or indecent liberties with a student. (North State Journal)

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Today in Raleigh:

• Game On! at Moore Square (10:00am-6:00pm)
• Open Kickball Play at Knights of Columbus Fields (6:00pm)
• Comic Book Club at Norse Brewing Company WF (6:00pm-7:30pm)
• Trivia at West Street Dog (6:30pm-8:30pm) & Nancy's Pizzeria (7:00pm-9:00pm)
• PineCone Bluegrass Jam at Transfer Co. (7:00pm-9:00pm)
• Cornhole at Good Times Arcade & Tavern Garner (7:00pm-10:00pm)

Tuesday in Raleigh:

• Run Club at Seven Saturdays (6:00pm-7:00pm)
• Open Mic Night at Di Fara Pizza Cary (7:00pm-9:00pm)
• Trivia: Flying Saucer (7:00pm & 9:30pm), The Hop Yard (7:00pm-9:00pm), House of Hops (7:00pm-9:00pm), Seven Saturdays (7:00pm-9:00pm), Raleigh Brewing Cary (7:00pm-9:00pm), Sammy's Tap & Grill (8:00pm-10:00pm)
• Music Bingo: Tin Roof (7:00pm-9:00pm), Big Easy Cary (7:00pm-9:00pm), Blackbird Brewery WF (7:00pm-9:00pm), Gizmo Brew Works (7:00pm-9:00pm), Compass Rose Brewery (7:00pm-10:00pm)
• Comedy Night at Bull City Ciderworks Cary (8:00pm)
• It's Been One Week Monologue Competition at Fortnight Brewing Cary (8:00pm)

From my notebook:

• It's National Strawberry Day and NC Tripping has compiled a list of places to enjoy strawberry picking across the state. Check when their official berry picking season begins before you head out, but the list is a great starting point!
• "NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital researchers have developed an inhalable powder that could protect lungs and airways from viral invasion." (NC State University Facebook)
• The Student Government is warning everyone to read your full lease carefully before signing, as North Carolina is a more "landlord-friendly" state. (The Technician)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— CJ Fullford

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