🌱 Raleigh Vigil For Ukraine War Anniversary + Local Student Arrested

Hello, everybody! I'm Nicole Fallon-Peek, filling in for your usual curator, Christina, today. Please note that your newsletter may be a bit lighter than normal. Now, here's what you need to know about what's happening locally, including:

• A vigil was held outside the Capitol to mark the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
• A Raleigh juvenile is in custody after allegedly bringing a rifle to a basketball game.
• Sanderson High School put on a student performance to showcase Black history and culture.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Cooler with rain and drizzle. High: 50 Low: 43.
• Sunday: Variably cloudy and milder. High: 61 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories in Raleigh today:

1. The Ukrainian Association of North Carolina hosted a vigil to mark the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine and to raise awareness about Russia's invasion of the country. The group has helped about 1,400 Ukrainians find new homes but still has around 200 families looking for sponsors or host families. The association has also worked hard to bring families to safety, flying them out of the country as the war continues. (WRAL News)
2. A juvenile was taken into custody after bringing an AR-15 rifle to a Millbrook High School basketball game in Raleigh. The police, Wake County Sheriff's Office, and Wake County Public School's Security investigated the situation and found the boy with the rifle. Juvenile petitions and secure custody orders are being pursued, and additional law enforcement personnel will be on campus for safety. The investigation is still ongoing. (WGHP FOX8 Greensboro)
3. Sanderson High School in Raleigh celebrated Black History Month with a performance featuring various activities, including dance, a fashion show, and written word. Students from all grade levels incorporated history and information about higher education across the state and country. The program was well-received and attended by school leaders, city council members, and school board members. The performance covered topics such as the founding history of HBCUs and the influence of Black culture on fashion throughout the decades. (WTVD-TV)

This weekend in Raleigh:

Saturday, February 25

• Body Mind Spirit Celebration at NC State Fairgrounds (10:00 am)
• Food Truck Rodeo to Benefit Kimberly's Touch at Southeast Raleigh YMCA (12:00 pm)
• NC Vintage Bazaar at Raleigh Convention Center (12:00 pm)
• Gearing Up for St. Patrick's Day Fundraiser at Compass Rose (2:00 pm)
• Inspired Kings Edition at Raleigh Convention Center (Pre-Show 5:00 pm, Show at 7:00 pm)
• Karaoke at Scooter's Bar & Grill (7:00 pm)
• Funniest Person in the Triangle: Free Improv Show at Lune Spark Center Apex (7:30 pm)

Sunday, February 26

• Carolinas Music Collectors Show at Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Crabtree Valley (10:00 am)
• Jazz Brunch with Sam Fribush Organ Trio at Transfer Co. Ballroom & Event Venue (11:00 am)
• Lamar Whidbee - "Daddy's Home" Art Talk at CAM Raleigh (1:00 pm)
• Diva Royale Drag Queen Show at Gold Lounge (1:30 pm)

From my notebook:

• Moore Square Market is returning to Downtown Raleigh for the 2023 season beginning Sunday, May 14! Local farmers, artists, crafters, and other vendors based within 90 miles of Raleigh can apply for a spot at the market by Mar. 31. (Downtown Raleigh via Instagram)
• Raleigh Convention Center has just announced an upcoming renovation to double its 500,000-square-foot footprint for an additional capacity of 20,000. In addition to giving RCC the ability book larger groups and host more events simultaneously, the expansion has the potential to drive a lot more revenue for the City of Raleigh and its local economy. (Raleigh Convention Center via Instagram)
• If you or someone you love are among the 6,000 North Carolina servicemembers who fell victim to a national jewelry debt collection scheme from 2014 onward, you have until Apr. 15 to apply for a refund from Harris Jewelry. Following a 2022 settlement, Harris Jewelry must give back nearly $1.5 million to scam victims, who were reportedly told that purchases would increase their credit scores and forced to buy protection plans without written disclosures.

You're officially in the loop for today! Christina will be back on Monday with your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.