Good morning. It’s Friday, October 2nd. This is your briefing from Moneen Daley for The News & Observer. Today will be cooler going into the weekend with a high of 68 degrees. It will also be mostly sunny with a few clouds. In our top story: Phase 3 of North Carolina’s eased pandemic restrictions begins today at 5 pm with reduced capacity at bars, movie theaters, entertainment spaces, and amusement parks.