🌱Shaw University Rezoning, Grant + WCPSS Investigating Explicit Book

Happy National Wedding Planning Day Raleigh!

You've made it half way through the work week and you are doing great! Keep up the good work and stay caught up on everything Raleigh, including:

• Survivors take to Raleigh for Medicaid
• The first night market for 2023
• Garner considers social district

But first, today's weather:

Warm with periods of sun. High: 76 Low: 61.

Business owners and marketers in Raleigh: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

1. On Tuesday, the city of Raleigh's planning commission voted to approve the rezoning of a portion of Shaw University's campus. The rezoning approval will allow towers up to 30 stories tall between South Wilmington and South Person streets. The university has yet to develop a master plan for what it is calling the "Shaw U District." Paulette Dillard, Shaw University's president says that redeveloping parts of university property will allow it to make more money off the development and modernize the campus. Some students and alumni still oppose the plan, but the planning commission's recommendation will now move to the Raleigh City Council to consider. (abc11, WRAL) Shaw University is also celebrating after the announcement of a multi-million dollar federal investment to boost internet speeds on campus, including more than $5 million for Shaw University. (abc11)
2. The Wake County School System is investigating after a student at Athens Drive High School was reportedly asked to read a sexually explicit passage in her class. The head of the local chapter of Moms For Liberty reported the incident regarding a passage about masturbation in 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.' Another student who was in the classroom when the student declined to read the passage, said that another student offered to read the passage and the teacher said, “Kudos to you for reading it.” Renee Sekel, with Save Our Schools NC, says that there is an option for parents to opt-out if they don't want their children reading a certain book. (CBS17)
3. Yesterday was Cancer Action Day and survivors in Raleigh took the opportunity to rally on behalf of Medicaid expansion. Advocates called on the State Senate to pass Medicaid expansion, after the House passed a bill last week. If approved, the expansion could help insure 600,000 more North Carolinians. (abc11, CBS17)
4. Leith Volkswagon of Raleigh has cut ties with its cleaning crews, after a racial slur was printed on the oil change reminder stickers that are placed on windshields. The dealership is apologizing to customers for the slur, and an investigation determined that the third-party cleaning crew was responsible for tampering with the label making machines after hours. The company worked to contact all impacted customers and has issued a public apology for the oversight. (WRAL)
5. The Dreamville Festival has released the lineup for this year's festival. This year the event will continue with the expanded two-day schedule and will once again be held at Dorothea Dix Park. Dreamville organizers released a statement about the event, "with a continued emphasis on community, diversity, and inclusivity, Dreamville Festival will once again offer fans from across the globe a weekend celebration curated by J. Cole himself and featuring a variety of local vendors, food trucks, artisans, and community organizations from the greater Triangle area." (abc11)

Today in Raleigh:

• Story Time and Craft at Little Doodles (9:30am)
• First 2023 Night Market at City Market (5:00pm-9:00pm)
• Stargazing at the Willard Rooftop Lounge (6:30pm-9:00pm)
• Trivia: Southern Peak Apex (6:30pm-8:30pm), 80's @ Chubby's Tacos (7:00pm), Clouds Brewing (7:30pm-10:30pm)
• Karaoke: Tin Roof (8:00pm-2:00am), Good Times Garner (8:30pm-11:30pm), Sammy's Tap & Grill (9:00pm-11:45pm)
• Latin Dance Night at Bull City Ciderworks Cary (9:00pm-11:30pm)

Thursday 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)

From my notebook:

• It's National Wedding Planning Day and if you're trying to decide if a wedding planner is right for you, heart of NC Weddings has a breakdown that might help you.
• The Town of Garner is hosting a Social District Community Meeting tomorrow to discuss the possibility of a social district and other downtown projects. (5:00pm-6:00pm)
• Beware of Spring Break targeted scams as the season approaches. (abc11)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. 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