It was another busy week across Raleigh and the Triangle. From restaurant openings and major business moves to pet adoption opportunities, transportation updates, new jobs, and exciting community events, here’s a roundup of the biggest local stories making headlines.

Whether you’re looking for something to do, keeping up with local development, or staying informed about what’s happening in Wake County, we’ve got you covered.

Wake County Animal Center Needs Your Help

The Wake County Animal Center is currently over capacity, with more than 230 animals waiting for loving homes.

To encourage more adoptions, adoption fees have been reduced through Sunday, July 19, and the shelter is also seeking foster families.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a pet to your family, now is a great time.

Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week Returns

Food lovers won’t want to miss Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week, kicking off Thursday, July 16.

Participating locally owned restaurants will offer:

Prix-fixe menus
Special discounts
Limited-time chef creations
Great opportunities to explore new restaurants

It’s one of the city’s favorite culinary events each summer.

Free Live Music Continues at Moore Square

Live After 5 returns Thursday with indie-country performer River Shook.

Visitors can enjoy:

Free concerts
Food trucks
Local vendors
Family-friendly activities

The concert series continues for the next three Thursdays.

The Hugo Spritz Is Raleigh’s Drink of the Summer

Move over Aperol.

The Hugo Spritz—made with prosecco, elderflower liqueur, fresh mint, and sparkling water—is becoming this summer’s signature cocktail.

Local food writers recommend trying one at Cuya in Glenwood South.

Major Business & Economic News

Several major business announcements were made this week across the Triangle.

United Therapeutics acquires Thymmune Therapeutics

Research Triangle Park-based United Therapeutics purchased Massachusetts biotech startup Thymmune Therapeutics for $140 million, adding promising cell therapy technology for congenital athymia.

Lockheed Martin acquires Ultra Maritime

Lockheed Martin completed its $3.5 billion acquisition of Ultra Maritime Solutions, potentially impacting operations at the company’s Wake Forest facility.

Martin Marietta announces $13.5 billion deal

Raleigh-based Martin Marietta is combining with Lhoist North America in one of the largest business transactions announced this year.

MaintainX expands Downtown Raleigh

California software unicorn MaintainX has leased an entire floor inside 150 Fayetteville, continuing downtown Raleigh’s growth as a technology hub.

Corporate Changes

Several Triangle companies also announced significant changes.

SAS Institute is eliminating 300 positions as part of a restructuring effort.
LINC, affiliated with NC State’s Nonwovens Institute, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Storr Office Environments announced new ownership and leadership.
Research Triangle Foundation CEO Scott Levitan announced his retirement after leading RTP since 2017.

Growth Across Raleigh

Development news continued across the city.

Highlights include:

RTP 3.0 introduces new mixed-use development options.
Raleigh continues investing 2022 Parks Bond funding into trails, splash pads, public art, and greenway expansions.
Wake County seeks public input on the future Haleys Branch Trail system near Lake Crabtree.

Raleigh Government Updates

City leaders continue seeking public input.

Residents can now complete surveys helping shape Raleigh’s next Strategic Plan through 2029, covering topics including:

Housing
Transportation
Parks
Public safety
City services

Meanwhile, City Council is expected to continue discussions about a possible youth curfew following Fourth of July weekend violence connected to large teen gatherings.

Transportation News

Transportation updates included:

GoRaleigh Route 1 surpassed 1 million passenger trips, becoming North Carolina’s highest-ridership bus route.
Cary’s free Downtown Loop bus has been suspended because of driver shortages.
Cary ranked among America’s safest cities for drivers.

New Restaurants & Businesses

Several exciting openings are arriving across Raleigh.

Kokoro Ramen & Izakaya

Downtown Raleigh welcomed Kokoro Ramen & Izakaya, currently operating with a soft opening menu.

Pikasso Swig

The creative cocktail and craft bar Pikasso Swig plans to open this September on Fayetteville Street.

Wren Rooftop Restaurant

The upcoming Oberlin Hotel announced its rooftop restaurant, Wren, featuring Southern-inspired cuisine and skyline views when the hotel opens in early 2027.

Local Business Spotlight

321 Coffee Hiring

Mission-driven Raleigh favorite 321 Coffee is hiring multiple positions as it continues expanding employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

House of DAVA Opens

Fashion designer and Navy veteran David Vashon has opened Raleigh’s first luxury fashion house, The House of DAVA.

Books & Culture

Book lovers have several reasons to celebrate.

Bright Side Books & Wine continues building a community around romance readers in Raleigh.
Durham’s Peach Basket Books is expanding its mobile bookstore throughout the Triangle.
Alleyway Bookstore in Apex announced it will close after a proposed 64% rent increase.

Outdoor & Family Fun

Nature lovers have plenty to anticipate.

Dix Park’s famous sunflower field is expected to bloom soon.
Classic cars return to Dix Park during the community Car Showcase.
The Eno River continues recovering from Tropical Storm Chantal.
Wake County continues planning new hiking and mountain biking trails.

Sports Headlines

Sports fans also have plenty to watch.

The inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup comes to Cary on July 18.
New ticket-buying protections for Carolina Hurricanes fans begin this October.
One viral Canes fan says he’d happily repeat his championship tattoo bet—for the Panthers.

Around North Carolina

Additional statewide headlines include:

North Carolina ranked No. 2 on CNBC’s Best States for Business list.
Ham the Astrochimp will receive a permanent state historical marker.
The NC Museum of History launched a free online Revolutionary War video series.
Health officials are reporting increased cases of cyclossporiasis and recommend thoroughly washing fresh produce.
ABC’s R.J. Decker is hiring paid extras for filming in North Carolina.
State lawmakers unveiled a budget proposal featuring raises for teachers, law enforcement officers, and many state employees.
North Carolina may become the first state to authorize federally regulated prediction markets.
The North Carolina Zoo’s Asia expansion moved another step closer to opening.

What We’re Watching This Week

Keep an eye on:

Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week
Live After 5 concerts
Dix Park sunflower bloom updates
Village District Summer Sidewalk Sale (July 17–19)
Wake County Animal Center adoption event
RTP 3.0 development announcements
Raleigh Strategic Plan public surveys

The Triangle continues to evolve with new restaurants, major investments, community events, and exciting developments happening every week.

Stay connected with DoRaleigh.com for the latest local news, events, restaurant openings, government updates, and everything happening across Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Wake County, and the Triangle.

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