By Andrew Rice
In local news, F.A.R.M cafe, a pay what you can community cafe located on King Street is getting some new leadership. According to the Watauga Democrat, Renee Boughman is stepping down as executive director and executive chef after serving since 2012. The role will now be filled by two people, with Elena Dalton as executive director and Pete Herbert taking on the role of executive chef. Herbert joined the staff as kitchen manager in May, while Dalton has been serving in various positions since January 2018. While Boughman is stepping down from her previous positions, she will be taking on a new role as director of community engagement; conducting speaking engagements and spreading the message of F.A.R.M. cafe. The change in leadership will occur today, Tuesday November 1.
In state news, The Agriculture Department announced Thursday that North Carolina’s AccessOne networks will receive $17.5 million dollars to provide broadband service to rural communities. According to ABC 11, 100 businesses, 76 farms, and 22 educational facilities will be provided with broadband service in the state’s Halifax and Warren counties. The move is being praised by officials as both counties are rural and have predominantly Black populations.
In national news, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments for and against race based admissions at UNC Chapel-Hill. According to the Carolina Journal, the court also heard arguments for and against race-based admissions at Harvard as well. Justice Jackson, Kagan and Sotomayor stated that the use of race in the admissions process was minor and if it was not considered, minority races might not be included in student body considerations to begin with. Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch argued that it is unnecessary to keep racial data points in consideration because the goal of classification is unclear. The court’s decision is expected in June.