Pope House Tours + Endangered Species Found + Holiday Travel

Happy Thursday,
If you're planning on traveling this weekend, I've got some good news ahead. I also am excited to hi-light some things for Raleigh to be proud of, and a program to help neighbors in need.

Today's Weather
Clear throughout the day. Temps: High of 91° & low of 70°

Here are the top 5 stories in Raleigh today

1. Wake County has a program to help those in need stay cool this summer. Wake County residents can donate money to provide fans or air conditioners to lower income families with persons over 60 or under 12 living in their home. (CBS17)
2. NCDOT has announced that many of its heavy construction projects will be halted this weekend in anticipation of increased travel for the holiday weekend. The only construction set to continue will not result in any lane closures in order to prevent traffic delays. (abc11)
3. Wake County is home to several endangered and at risk species. If you're lucky enough while out and about you may see a bald eagle flying overhead or a variety of other species that are protected. (CBS17)
4. A restaurant chain in North Carolina is facing a lawsuit for allegations of sexual harassment. A waitress has come forward with some disturbing claims from a Raleigh location of the popular Firebirds Wood Fired Grill chain. (The News & Observer)
5. The Pope House on South Wilmington St. in Raleigh is one of the last remaining African-American museums in North Carolina. It stands in remembrance of the first practicing black doctor in North Carolina, Dr. Manassas Thomas Pope. It is still open for walking tours to people who want a glimpse of history. (Spectrum News 1)

Today in Raleigh

• Thursday night Trivia: If you're looking for some Trivia, you can head over to Clouds Brewing or The Flying Burrito from 7:30-9:00pm.
• The Best of North Hills, A Comeback Tour: Outdoor concerts will be returning to North Hills. Tickets are $10 for anyone older than 13 and will take place at Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park. (6pm-9pm)
• The Tin Roof is hosting Jackson Michelson at 7pm and The Matt Bennet Band at 9pm as part of their Nashville Nights Series.

Raleigh Patch Notebook

• North Carolina is implementing new incentives for residents to get vaccinated. Nearly half the state has been fully vaccinated, but the threshold for heard immunity is expected to be around 80% (WCNC)
• If you're looking for a good place to go and have a drink, check out this list of Raleigh drink specials.
• Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre is showing A Quiet Place 2 and World War Z. (6pm)

As always, I want to remind you to always think of our community when you make travel plans and plan safe. Raleigh is a great place to get lost, but don't get so carried away that you forget about the people and wildlife around you. If I missed out on anything or there's any happening in Raleigh you want to celebrate, send me an email to raleigh@patch.com to let me know!

Stay curious,
CJ Fullford