🌱 Court Delays Cause 'Tremendous' Impacts + NCSU Vet Program Halted

Happy National Read Across America Day Raleigh!

Growing up I was not much of a reader, but as an adult I'm working on instilling a love of reading in my kids every night with fun stories to ignite their mind. In doing so I've taken some time to read more myself, and it's never too late to develop a love of literature! You can start off your Read Across America Day by reading up on everything happening in Raleigh, and then find a book to enjoy! Here's a few sneak peeks:

• Raleigh growth will expand the city limits.
• The Taproom Olympics
• Raleigh is looking for teens interested in summer employment.

But first, today's weather:

Showers early in the morning. High: 74 Low: 55.

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Here are the top five stories today in Raleigh:

1. Central North Carolina is experiencing a delay in processing some types of charges as the area is piloting a new computer program known as Odyssey. Local attorneys say that the issues are "tremendously" impacting clients, as administrative tasks are taking long times to complete. Attorney Charlie Gray says that many of his client's DWI hearings have had to be continued, delaying their ability to seek driving privileges. (CBS17)
2. Food banks in the area have been bracing themselves for the end of the federal government's emergency allotments for people in the Food and Nutrition Services program. According to data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, benefits per person per day will decrease from $8.12 per person to $5.45 per person. In January, the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle saw a 12% increase in need over the prior month, and as the reduced food benefits went into place at the beginning of March, they anticipate an even larger need. (CBS17, Spectrum News 1)
3. North Carolina State University Veterinary Hospital was one of only two places in the United States that offered bone marrow transplants for dogs with aggressive cancers. A few weeks ago, the program was paused, with thirteen animals on the waitlist. A petition to save the program was launched and has received nearly 3,000 signatures. The program began in 2008 and has treated around 100 patients. According to NC State it is not accepting new patients for the program, and will assess existing clients treatment plans on a case-by-case basis. (WRAL)
4. As the City of Raleigh and the surrounding areas are being developed, requests for annexation by the city of Raleigh is increasing. From 2021-2022, the city received 74 annexation requests. According to city spokeswoman Katie Dombrowski, "there has been a constant but gradual increase in annexation petitions submitted." Developers are responsible for many of the annexation requests, agreeing to pay property tax in order to utilize the city's networks for water, trash pickup, road maintenance and more. Although the annexation can provide more tax dollars to the city, first responders and fire departments are being spread thin covering the added acreage. (INDY Week)
5. Shaw University announced a $538,200 grant to help preserve campus buildings amidst the redevelopment process. The National Park Service awarded the HBCU the grant to repair one of their main halls. Estey Hall turns 150 this year, and the grant will help Shaw University complete Phase 1 repairs to preserve some of their existing history as they reinvent their campus. Shaw also said that the grant will help fund renovations around campus for HVAC systems, bathroom upgrades, elevator installations and more. (CBS17)

Today in Raleigh:

• A Night at Transfer Co. with Bourbon & Burial Beer Co. (6:00pm-8:00pm)
• The Taproom Olympics Knightdale (6:00pm)
• Music Bingo: Mookie's New York Deli Cary (6:30pm-8:30pm)
• Trivia: Science @ The Daily Planet Cafe (7:00pm-8:00pm), Real McCoy's WF (7:00pm-9:00pm), House of Hops (7:30pm-9:30pm), HighCraft Cary (7:30pm)
• World Tavern Poker Night at Arcade of Thrones (7:00pm & 9:00pm)
• New Belgium Skee-Ball Tournament Series at Boxcar (9:00pm-11:00pm)

Friday in Raleigh:

• The Wake Forest Film Festival at Wake Forest Renaissance Center (12:00am-11:00pm)
• First Friday: DRINK (5:00pm-7:00pm), Casas Studios (5:00pm-9:00pm), Downtown (5:00pm-11:00pm), Artspace (6:00pm), Curate (6:00pm-9:00pm)
• Bonding Over Board Games Family Night at Little Doodles (5:30pm-7:30pm)
• Improv Comedy Show at Theatre Raleigh Studios (7:00pm)
• Greek Night at Taverna Agora (8:00pm)
• 80's Party at the Tap Yard (8:00pm)
• Bachateame at Terminal 8 (9:30pm-2:00am)

From my notebook:

• It's National Read Across America Day and if you're trying to get the kids pumped about reading, Wake County Libraries has events to engage even the youngest readers! Students at Wilburn Elementary in Raleigh got to hear Governor Cooper read "Hop on Pop" to celebrate the week.
• The City of Raleigh is looking for teens to participate in the Summer Youth Employment Program. (CBS17)
• Compass Rose Brewery is celebrating the grand opening of their kitchen tomorrow, beginning at 2:00pm.
• The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is going to be at Triangle Town Center Mall on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (WRAL)

That's it for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— CJ Fullford

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