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Good afternoon, Raleigh. What do you call a dog who meditates?

Aware wolf. 🐺

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

• 5 fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend

• Where to watch July 4 fireworks in Raleigh

• Hobby Lobby is bringing a second location to Raleigh

• Apple is pausing construction on its RTP campus

Let’s get to it. 🏃

Stories this week

Apple is pausing construction on RTP campus 📱

Apple has paused plans for its 3,000-job campus in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, seeking a four-year timeline extension. Despite this delay, the company reaffirms its commitment to the state, citing recent hiring and ongoing investments.

The $1 billion project, announced three years ago, promised high-paying jobs and significant construction investment. While local officials remain optimistic, this pause marks a setback for a major economic development initiative in North Carolina. Apple continues to expand its presence in the state, building on its two-decade history there.

Guthrie’s opening its first Raleigh restaurant 🍗

Guthrie's, an Alabama-based chicken restaurant chain, plans to open its first Raleigh location at 2907 Wake Forest Road this winter. This marks the beginning of Guthrie's expansion into the Carolinas.

The site, formerly Raleigh Auto Spa, was purchased by Columbia Development, which plans to redevelop the area. Known for its simple chicken-focused menu, Guthrie's currently has 65 locations across nine states. The Raleigh restaurant will be company-owned, not franchised, as Guthrie's enters this new market.

Second Hobby Lobby store coming to Raleigh 🧶

Hobby Lobby is set to open its second Raleigh location in the Six Forks Station shopping center, leasing a 55,688-square-foot space formerly occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond. The new store will join other major retailers in the center, though an opening date has not been announced.

This expansion adds to Hobby Lobby's existing presence in the area, which includes one store in Raleigh and two in Cary. The new location will be the company's eleventh in North Carolina, part of its network of about 1,000 stores nationwide since its founding in 1972.

Raleigh is a top 10 city for college grads 🎓

A recent Zumper study ranked Raleigh as the 7th best city for college graduates in the U.S., citing its low 4.3% unemployment rate and reasonable $1,158 median monthly rent. The city's strong university presence and reputation as a tech hub make it attractive to young professionals, with Wake County boasting a median household income of $96,734.

While Raleigh scored well in most categories, it ranked lower in restaurant density and single population. The study also placed Charlotte at 17th, highlighting North Carolina's overall appeal to recent graduates. Other top-ranked cities included Minneapolis, Denver, and Seattle.

Here are the top 10 best cities for new grads according to the study:

1. Minneapolis 2.

2. Denver

3. Seattle

4. Columbus, Ohio

5. 5. San Francisco

6. Phoenix

7. Raleigh

8. Washington, D.C.

9. Atlanta

10. Oklahoma City

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

Trivia Night: Blockbuster Movies | Friday, 7 PM | New City Church - 6904 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh

Trivia Night is back on Friday, June 28, at 7 PM. Join us for snacks and trivia at New City Church. The theme for this trivia night is Blockbuster Trivia: popular movies across time. As always, it's going to be a great night!

COST: Free

Durham Bulls VS Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs | Friday - Sunday | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The Durham Bulls play at home this weekend against the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

• Friday: Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night

• Saturday: Fireworks

• Sunday: Sunday Funday - kids run the bases

Click here for tickets.

COST: $13 and up

Bailey Zimmerman in concert | Friday, 7:30 PM | Red Hat Amphitheater

Check out country start Bailey Zimmerman live in concert right here in Raleigh.

Click here for tickets.

COST: $51 and up

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo | Saturday, 12 - 9 PM | 747 Dawkins Drive, Raleigh

Get ready for a tasty summer experience. On June 29th on Fayetteville St. in Downtown Raleigh is hosting an epic gathering of local food trucks! From savory flavors to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving and cuisine curiosity.

Whether you’re a fan of gourmet burgers, delicious tacos, or decadent desserts, our food truck rodeo promises to have something for everyone.

COST: Free to attend, cost for vendors

Where to watch 4th of July Fireworks in Raleigh 🇺🇸

Fourth of July Fireworks at Dix Park | Park downtown and take a free shuttle to the park for family activities, a food truck rodeo with 40 local vendors, live music, and, you guessed it, fireworks.

Star Spangled Block Party at Brier Creek Commons | This fireworks show is choreographed to music for an extra patriotic display. Plus, there will be giveaways, face painting, and shopping to enjoy

Fourth of July Celebration at Wye Hill | Book your spot in advance to watch fireworks from Boylan Bridge along with a build-your-own slider + hot dog bar, snacks, shareables, and desserts from Wye Hill’s kitchen, and an assortment of beer, wine, and cocktails.

Independence Day Celebration at Koka Booth Amphitheatre | The North Carolina Symphony will perform live as fireworks dazzle above the amphitheater — plus, general admission is free for this event.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

93 🌡️ 75 | ⛈️ | 30%

Saturday

95 🌡️ 78 | ⛈️ | 50%

Sunday

94 🌡️ 74 | ⛈️ | 60%

LOCAL SPORTS

Baseball ⚾️

Durham Bulls 🐂

• Friday: Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs @ Durham Bulls | 6:35 PM

• Saturday: Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs @ Durham Bulls | 6:35 PM

• Sunday: Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs @ Durham Bulls | 5:05 PM

THANKS!

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Let’s do this again next Thursday!