Travel Delays + Blood Shortage + Moderate Drought

It's going to feel so good to punch out and head into that three day weekend. I've got a lot of information you should know going into this holiday weekend that could affect your existing plans, or maybe add to them. Read on to find out everything you need to know in today's edition of the Raleigh Daily.

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

Here are the top 5 stories in Raleigh today

1. If you are travelling through RDU Airport, make sure you give yourself some extra time. Many travelers have missed their flights due to the disorganization of the airport. RDU has stated they will be opening additional parking lots to try to keep up with travel demand, but travelers have still cited tech problems and long waits to check their baggage. (CBS17)
2. Areas in North Carolina including Raleigh are on the brink of a blood shortage due to historically low donor turnout. The demand for blood has been incredibly high in the wake of the pandemic, and The Blood Connection's data shows that hospitals are using twice as much blood as they are receiving through donations. (GlobeNewswire)
3. Nearly half the state of North Carolina is experiencing a moderate drought. The drought has reached Raleigh, and we are experiencing an unusually dry season. The NC Forest Service reminds everyone that there is still a burn ban in place for 26 counties, and everyone should be wary. (WITN)
4. The massive tax bill I mentioned earlier this week has passed the NC Senate. The bill will give tax breaks to businesses and individuals as well as creating a $1 billion grant program. (The Dispatch)
5. If you're wondering why you will be seeing flags at half-mast on Sunday, it will be a result of an order by Gov. Roy Cooper. Sunday, May 30th flags will be lowered in honor of the lives lost in San Jose, California after an employee open fired at a rail yard killing 8 people and himself. (WECT)

Today in Raleigh

• Music Bingo at PourWorks: Test your music knowledge and compete against friends and other guests. (7:30pm-10:30pm)
• Bad PR at Saint's and Scholars: Enjoy some rock music and pub fare at Saint's and Scholars (7pm-11pm)
• Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker at Koka Booth Amphithatre's Movies By Moonlight (8:30pm)
• Live Music & Painting with LRB at Raleigh Brewing in Cary. (6pm-9pm)

Raleigh Patch Notebook

• The Jonas Brothers have announced that they will be playing at the Walnut Creek Music Park on October 13 as part of their "Remember This" tour. (WRAL)
• Going to be traveling this weekend? Find a list of helpful tips to get the most out of your gas tank here.
• Its's National Hamburger Day, check out some awesome deals you can take advantage of here.
• The Karate Kid is playing at Triangle Drive-In tonight. (8:30pm)

I hope you go and enjoy a hamburger or two, and maybe some live music or a movie while you're at it. There's a ton going on this weekend, especially with the holiday, keep up with it all with the Raleigh Patch Daily. 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