Firefighters Honored + Money Coming to Downtown + $20 Concerts

Happy National Refreshment Day,

Today we hear of local hero's receiving recognition, an incredible deal on entertainment, and an exciting influx of funds into downtown. Read all about it below along with events and extras specially curated for Raleigh locals by a Raleigh local.

Today's weather, 7/29: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 94 Low: 79.

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Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

1. Two Raleigh firefighters are being honored for going above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Dena Ali and Lieutenant Marcus Horne each received a Commissioner's Award for their exceptional service. The award came in response to their efforts to raise $4,000 for Betty Campbell, who lost her possessions, and safe shelter in a New Year's Eve fire. The $4000 went to install a chair lift into Campbell's sister's home to allow her to navigate the two story home and have a safe place to live. (abc11)
2. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a memo that states all employees, volunteers, students, trainees, contracted, and temporary workers must be fully vaccinated by September 30. The memo expressed that 75% of the staff was already fully vaccinated and those affected can apply for a medical or religious exemption. (WAVY)
3. With the return of in-person entertainment, Live Nation is selling $20 tickets to Raleigh shows. Live Nation will be selling the tickets from July 28 at noon to August 1. The $20 includes taxes and fees and involves 17 eligible shows at Coastal Credit Union Music Park and more at Red Hat Amphitheatre. (The Herald Sun)
4. The Salvation Army is providing free fans to help people struggling to stay cool as temperatures are climbing into the mid 90's. Dozens of people lined up at the Judy Zelnak Center of Hope in Raleigh to receive one of the fans available. Thanks to donations the Salvation Army was able to raise nearly $2,000 to give out more than 100 fans. Heat exhaustion can be incredibly dangerous and lead to death, so the program is greatly received by the community. (CBS17)
5. The Raleigh City Council unanimously approved a resolution that will bring $73.2 million in funding from the US Department of Treasury. The funds will be used yo fund various renovations in Raleigh to combat economic losses of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first round of payments will likely be used this fall. As of right now $400,000 has been allocated for light and sound improvements to downtown in order to promote more outdoor space usage. $200,000 has been allocated to fund a grant pool that will allow local businesses to apply for financial aid. Some of the remaining funds will be used to create an ice rink downtown, to fund a downtown economic development study, and to create temporary senior fiscal analyst positions. (INDY)

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Today in Raleigh

• GalaxyCon: Starts today and you can still get tickets. (2:00pm-12:00am)
• Marvel Cinema Trivia at Flying Saucer Raleigh: Bonus points if you go in costume. (7:00pm)
• Trivia Night at PourWorks to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (7:00pm-10:00pm)
• Tai Chi in the Park: Free but reservation required beforehand (6:00pm-7:00pm)
• Girls Night Out at Creative Embroidery: Door prizes, discounts, and giveaways. (5:00pm-8:00pm)

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Raleigh Patch Notebook

• In honor of National Refreshment Day I wanted to share something a little different. Zero Proof Raleigh aims to provide fun, alcohol-free social events for people. (Facebook, Instagram)
• Red Cross Blood Drive will be at Triangle Town Center today from 12:00pm-5:00pm.
• Check out some of the local pets hoping to be adopted in the Triangle. (Patch)
• Although no official changes have been made at the time of my writing this, Governor Roy Cooper is reviewing the new CDC mask guidance. (abc11)

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From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (July 31)

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Thank you for following along with me friends! It's so exciting to bring you all the happenings for Raleigh. I hope you find something for you in every newsletter, and have an incredible day. Go make Raleigh amazing for all of us, and enjoy your community. We'll talk again tomorrow.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Reach out anytime to raleigh@patch.com.