Hockey Honor for Hurricanes Player + Abortion Legislation

I'm wishing you all a relaxed Sunday to unwind and refresh before the new week. Below I highlighted some of the news happening in Raleigh that will impact our city and state, as well as some fun things to do and a quick link to some brunch spots.

Today's Weather
Humid and mostly cloudy throughout the day. Temps: High of 88° & low of 72°

Here are the top 5 stories in Raleigh today

1. Although we are no longer considered to be in a drought, another fire broke out this weekend at NC State's Gardner Hall. It took 35 firefighters to put out the blaze that originated from the mechanical room. (CBS17)
2. The North Carolina Senate is pushing forward with a bill to ban Down Syndrome abortions. Republican groups say the move will protect disabled people and prevent eugenics while opponents to the bill say that it violates a woman's right to privacy. There has been a lawsuit filed to try to block this legislation. (abc15, Hickory Record)
3. North Carolina has declined to receive any new vaccination supplies for the first time since they became available. As NC pushes new incentives to get residents vaccinated, they are putting a focus on using the doses already available to avoid expiration. (The Dispatch)
4. Jaccob Slavin is one of three finalists for the 2020-2021 Lady Byng Memorial trophy for best sportsmanship and playing ability. The winner will be announced during the Stanley Cup Final. (NHL.com)
5. As the NC House of Representatives goes to vote on the cancelation of the $300 unemployment benefits, Democrats are opposed. Although the bill would give unemployment recipients a month before expiration of the additional $300, Democrats argue they should allow it to go until the existing expiration in September. They are also using this time to argue for a $15 minimum wage and childcare tax subsidies. (ChathamJournal)

Today in Raleigh

• Hell Yes Ma'am, it's PRIDE! In celebration of Pride month Raleigh Brewing Company will be partnering with Green Monkey to put on a fun day to benefit The Smokin' Cardinal Sisters. (1:00pm-6:00pm)
• PineCone's Lakeside Bluegrass Series featuring Jon Stickley Trio. Head over to Koka Booth Amphitheatre to enjoy some bluegrass tunes. Tickets start at $5. (5:00pm)
• Goodnights Presents: Winston Hodges and Andrew Rudick. Enjoy a night of laughs with these two comedians. (7:00pm)
• The Secret Garden Soiree at Fletcher Park. The event is an upscale garden party featuring live music, a full bar, and garden games. (1:00pm-7:00pm)

Raleigh Patch Notebook

• If you receive unemployment benefits from North Carolina, today resumes the work search requirements to remain eligible. (CBS17)
• Check out this list of Sunday Brunch spots on Visit Raleigh so you can get back to mimosas and relaxing chatter with friends.
• Russ Bowen of CBS17 sat down with 2 congress members to get viewpoints on key issues as a part of their Local Matters special. (CBS17)

The news is undoubtedly being dominated with all the legislative changes coming out of Raleigh, but there's so much rich existing culture to take advantage of. Hopefully you guys can start your day off with some brunch and maybe end with some laughs. 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