🌱 First Ever LGBTQ+ Jazz Group + Raleigh Behind In Retirement Savings

Morning, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this warm morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Raleigh these days.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny much of the time. High: 92 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

1. The Triangle's first ever LGBTQ jazz group, the Triangle Pride Jazz Band, is set to perform Jul. 15 in downtown in an event titled "Jazz on Film," which will be held at the Burning Coal Theater. The music will be accompanied by scenes from films and TV shows beloved by the band's members, with the advice given to the audience to "bring your dancing shoes and have a good old time, or just grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy." (CBS17.com)
2. According to a recent study conducted by The Harris Poll for finance group Northwestern Mutual, Raleigh-area residents are far more optimistic than the national average for what amount of money they'll need for a comfortable retirement, with locals estimating they'll need around $700,000, and the national average being $1.27 million. While Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisor Reggie Joe believes the amount on average that people in Raleigh have put away for retirement already - $70,400 - is a good start, he says "there continues to be a big disparity between what people think they'll need to retire and what they've saved to date." (CBS17.com)
3. Bon Appétit has named Raleigh's Benchwarmers Bagels as one of the best bagel shops in the country. In the Transfer Co. Food Hall downtown, Benchwarmers made its debut in 2018 with hand-rolled, sourdough bagels boiled in honey-seasoned water and baked, classically, in a wood-burning oven. Benchwarmers is a returning champion for Bon Appétit, which already named the bagel shop one of the 50 best new restaurants in America in 2019. (Subscription: Raleigh News & Observer)

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Today in Raleigh:

Thursday, June 29

• Yarn At NC State University Centennial Campus (6:00 PM)
• Larry June At The Ritz (7:00 PM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At The House of Hops (7:30 PM)
• Connochie's Angels At Neptune's Parlour (9:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Even as Pride Month draws to a close, Downtown Raleigh continues to be committed to supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Learn more at the link! (Downtown Raleigh via Instagram)
• Improvements to Dix Park are continuing apace, with info on what's happening at the link. (City of Raleigh - Government via Facebook)
• GoTriangle has received a $1.6 million Federal Transit Administration grant as part of the Low or No Emission Vehicle program, with funding slated for an increase in bus charging capacity! (GoTriangle via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.