Good morning, Wake Forest.

Yesterday, retired Wake County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Roy Woodlief—battling ALS—was honored with a surprise drive-by parade of more than 100 first responders outside his home.

He retired in March after 20 years of service, received the state flag as tribute, and will join an ALS Walk this weekend to raise funds for research.

Wake Forest will host its fourth annual Forest Fest this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. along Owen Avenue and Brooks Street—featuring live music by Loos Change, a giveaway of 2,700 oak, river birch and redbud seedlings, vendors, children’s activities and more; a paper shredding and electronics recycling event is also held from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Northern Wake Senior Center parking lot.

John Swanson Jacobs, born around 1815 in Edenton, escaped slavery and became a writer and abolitionist who challenged cruelty with his words.

He worked with anti-slavery groups and published memoirs that detailed his fight for true liberty—his work remains a reminder of America’s ongoing quest for freedom.

Wake County School Board members discussed a new student cellphone policy Tuesday night that would require phones to be silenced and kept away during class rather than fully turned off.

Board members supported giving teachers broad discretion on phone use during the school day—aiming to balance classroom control and access to technology.

Educators and union members rallied Wednesday night at the Southeast Raleigh YMCA, urging the Wake County school board to fully fund next year's budget and avoid cuts that would remove key staff and services.

They warned that changes like replacing permanent substitutes with daily subs and not filling nursing roles add to financial stress—while the board prepares to vote on the proposal May 6.

Fishermen along the Neuse River have seen a steady decline in stocks like croaker, spot, flounder and blue crab since the 1980s, and studies show that bycatch from shrimp trawlers has worsened the issue despite laws from the 1997 Fisheries Reform Act.

A lawsuit brought by local residents is now proceeding to trial as state officials consider shifting control from the Marine Fisheries Commission—established under that act—to the Wildlife Resources Commission to restore the fisheries.

Infant Charlotte Akers of Holly Springs has Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency and needs a blood stem cell transplant to survive.

The National Marrow Donor Program invites donors aged 18–40 to join its registry with a simple mouth swab—this match could save Charlotte or another patient in need.

The Monologue Bombs Live Performance

7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — The Wake Forest Listening Room — Ticket prices vary — Experience dynamic solo performances by acclaimed singer-songwriter Scott David Phillips blending lo-fi indie, folk rock, and emotional lyricism.

Author Event with Marie Bostwick

12-2 p.m. — Page 158 Books — Free entry — Celebrate the release of Marie Bostwick's novel and join a literary discussion about sisterhood and self-discovery.

An Evening with Alma Russ

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Wake Forest Listening Room — Check for ticket prices — Experience stirring melodies with Alma Russ' unique blend of country, folk, and Appalachian music.

Jim Lauderdale Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Wake Forest Listening Room — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening with the Americana music legend Jim Lauderdale showcasing his latest album.