This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Free Fare Transit + Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases + Bluegrass Fame

Here's the latest on what's happening in Raleigh, delivered right to your inbox.

Christina Fullford's profile picture
Christina Fullford, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Happy National Hot Dog Day,

Today advocates push for permanent change to the Raleigh transit system, police believe they have identified the suspect of the Atlantic Avenue hit-and-run, and there's some celebrating among NC Bluegrass artists. Check it all out below.

Today's weather: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 90 Low: 74.

Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

  1. Raleigh residents are pushing implement fare-free transit permanently. After the city council announced it would extend the free transit into 2022, advocates see it as an opportunity to write it into the budget going forward. In 2019, nearly 2 million passengers utilized the public transit system, bringing in approximately $3.4 million in revenue. Compared to larger cities that rely more heavily on transit, $3.4 million is a small addition to the budget. Since eliminating the fares, the boarding process has been streamlined making travel more efficient. (Governing)
  2. Police have made an arrest in the hit-and-run that resulted in the death of Rony Kevin Velasquez on Sunday morning. Juan Alejandro Sandoval is believed to be the driver of the pickup truck that hit Velasquez and fled the scene. Charges include felony death by vehicle, felony hit-and-run, and driving while impaired. The case still remains under investigation at this time. (WRAL)
  3. A woman was taken to the hospital after a domestic dispute with her boyfriend on Tuesday morning. The dispute happened around 5:45 am at the Circle K on Capital Boulevard. The victim was stabbed by the man involved, and was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Police say the couple has a history of domestic incidents, but have not released details on any arrest as of yet. (CBS17)
  4. The World of Bluegrass festival returning to Raleigh in September has an exciting final ceremony. A North Carolina artist, Alison Krauss will be inducted into the 2021 Bluegrass Hall of Fame. The International Bluegrass Music Association also announced that a Western North Carolina group, Balsam Range, is nominated for Entertainer of the Year. (WRAL)
  5. NCDHHS, in partnership with Piedmont Triad Regional Council, is now offering free in-home COVID-19 vaccinations for people who are unable to leave their homes. (CBS17) This new push comes as North Carolina has seen 4,659 cases of vaccinated people becoming infected with COVID-19. Experts believe these breakthrough cases to be a result of the Delta variant as well as many people resuming pre-pandemic activities and behaviors. Breakthrough cases make up less than 1% of the state's total and disease specialists emphasize that vaccination can prevent more serious illness or death, however 61 deaths have happened in vaccinated individuals. (WRAL) One mother shares her experience as a breakthrough case. (WRAL)

Today's Raleigh Daily is brought to you by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com.

Today in Raleigh

  • Stand Up: a comedy experience with Shane Torres at the Transfer Co Ballroom (7:00 pm-9:30 pm)
  • Hammered Trivia at Gizmo BrewWorks. Voted best Trivia in the Triangle by Indy (7:00 pm-9:00 pm)
  • Yoga in the Park at Dorthea Dix Park. Registration required beforehand. (6:00 pm-7:00 pm)
  • NCDSA Ladies Night Out and Buddy Walk Kickoff. Registration required beforehand. (6:00 pm-9:00 pm)
  • Singer Songwriter Open Mic Night at Bond Brothers Cary (7:00 pm-11:00 pm)

Raleigh Patch Notebook

  • For National Hot Dog Day do you love a classic dog like at Cloos' Coney Island, or something more innovative like at Alpha Dawgs? Personally I'm going for the wild dogs all the way.
  • Triangle Town Center is hosting Safe Kids Car Seat Check in the parking lot from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm (Triangle Town Center)
  • Raleigh City Farm's Farmstand is open from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm today. (Raleigh City Farm)

Alright friends, now that I am seriously craving hot dogs, it's time for me to wrap up today's Patch Daily. I am not even joking when I say I'm about to go get myself a big fat chili cheese dogs with my kids. I'll talk to you all tomorrow with tons more news and events for our incredible city.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? You can reach me at raleigh@patch.com.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Raleigh