Flood Precautions + Vaccine Lottery Scammers + Businesses Rally

Happy World Chocolate Day,

Today I bring news of Lake Johnson's flood precautions, vaccine lottery hoaxes, and Raleigh business owners who have had some tough circumstances. All that, events, and more below.

First, today's weather: Humid and mostly cloudy throughout the day. High: 93 Low: 74.

Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

1. Lake Johnson is piloting a streamlined program to help control the waters ahead of large storms. Lake Johnson is considered a high-hazard dam, with people living downstream at high risk if the dam fails and causes flooding. The new system gives the city real-time tracking capabilities for water levels, and remote control of valves. (Spectrum News 1) This is a welcomed development as residents of NC are urged to be tracking Tropical Storm Elsa and it's potential impacts. (Governor.NC.Gov)
2. The North Carolina vaccine lottery's second drawing will be happening today. (abc11) One very important thing to know about the vaccine lottery is, if you win you will be contacted by a representative of NC Department of Health and Human Services, as well as emailed. A new wave of scammers is attempting to take advantage of vaccinated residents, and you do not have to give any detailed personal information or pay money if you are drawn as the winner. (abc11)
3. The owner of Third Place Coffeeshop had an unfortunate surprise when he went into his business on Sunday. A suspected street racer lost control on Glenwood Avenue, jumped the curb, hit a power pole, and damaged the front of multiple businesses. The driver's parents came to pick up the young driver after the incident. There is no word about potential charges as a result of this occurrence. (abc11)
4. A Raleigh restaurateur was the victim of a violent crime in downtown Raleigh on June 19. Justin Skinner, manager at City Club Raleigh, is still suffering from the aftermath of the robbery that broke his nose and jaw. Thankfully, friends and colleagues in the industry are rallying around him. A GoFundMe page was set up to help raise money to help with bills, and Vish Panjwani hosted a night to fundraise for him at his restaurant, Mellow Mushroom. (abc11)
5. Raleigh Police are asking anyone who may have information in relation to incidents of violence to contact Raleigh CrimeStoppers. Tuesday morning there was a shooting on New Bern Avenue that resulted in one man taken to the hospital for treatment (CBS17) as well as a stabbing on Taybran Lane that left one woman with serious injuries. (CBS17) A suspect is in custody for the Taybran Lane incident but details regarding motive have not been released.

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Today in Raleigh

• Trivia at Gizmo BrewWorks (7:00 pm-9:00 pm) or at Ruckus in Cary (7:00 pm-9:00 pm)
• North Carolina's Funniest 2021 - Preliminary Round at Goodnight's Comedy Club (7:30 pm)
• Oh What a Night! A Celebration of Broadway's current hits and classic favorites back by popular demand. (8:00 pm)
• Yoga in the Park: Enjoy yoga at Dix Park free for all fitness levels, just make sure to register before you get there. (6:00 pm-7:00 pm)

Raleigh Patch Notebook

• I'm sure you probably already guessed that I'd say something about Videri Chocolate Factory for World Chocolate Day, but have you heard about Azurelise Chocolate, The Chocolate Boutique, or Escazu Chocolates?
• The City of Raleigh and Downtown Raleigh Alliance are asking residents how they can improve and get people downtown. Let them know what you think via Facebook
• Two Roosters, Best Ice Cream in the Triangle 2021 has opened a new location at Lake Boone Trail. (WRAL)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Taxes In Retirement Webinar (July 21)

I hope you all are equipped and ready to start your day. Make sure you verify before you send anyone money over the phone, especially if they claim you won the $1 million or that they're a prince in Zamunda. I'm about to go book a check-up at Rex so I have an excuse to swing by the new Two Roosters location and then hit up one of the amazing chocolatiers in Raleigh. Before you ask, yes, I have a sweet tooth problem. I hope you all have an incredible Wednesday, and if you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Email all inquiries to me at raleigh@patch.com.