Apex police said it has a “major update” for its blood drive. The department said The Blood Connection will increase donor rewards in July.

According to the post, donors will receive $60 in e-giftcard credit. The post also said $10 will be donated in donors’ honor to help support Special Olympics NC.

The post urged residents to sign up for the drive while donation spots remain.

Water Guide

Smithsonian traces origins of jíbaro güiro music

The Smithsonian says jíbaro music grew in Puerto Rico’s mountainous countryside, using a hollow-gourd guiro scraped to produce a shushing or rasping sound. Curated guiros tied to the tradition were collected in 1899 and 1956 in Caguas and Rio Piedras.

Natural History Museum Closes Madison Drive Entrance

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History said its Madison Drive entrance will not be open to visitors today, June 24. Its Constitution Avenue entrance will remain open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Apex Police Announces Annual Community Police Academy

Apex Police said applications are open for its annual Community Police Academy. The deadline to return the application is Friday August 7 at 5 p.m.

Apex to Close Town Offices for July 4 Holiday

The Town of Apex says all town offices and facilities will close on Friday, July 3, for the July 4 holiday. Trash and recycling will follow the normal schedule.

Apex advises what to bring to Fireworks Frenzy

The Town of Apex shared a checklist for attendees at Fireworks Frenzy, including items to bring and items not allowed. The town also urged people to check parking and viewing options and to help keep the festival area clean.

Wake County Public Schools Congratulates Panther Creek Graduates

Wake County Public Schools congratulated the graduates at Panther Creek High School. The post celebrated the Class of 2026 and wished them success next.

Wake County Schools urges families to check score reports

Wake County Public Schools shared a family message asking parents to review students’ Individual Score Reports. The message refers to spring EOG/EOC tests.

Wake County to host En Plein Air exhibit at parks

Wake County Parks said its En Plein Air Art Celebration traveling exhibit will visit four county parks through the rest of 2026. The exhibit will feature more than 40 original works of art, starting at Beech Bluff County Park on July 1.

Enloe Team Wins Fifth Straight NC Envirothon Title

Enloe High School’s Subchronic Exposure team won its fifth consecutive NC Envirothon state championship. The team will represent North Carolina at the International NCF-Envirothon in Starkville, Mississippi, July 19-25.