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

Community Corner

🌱 Civilian Crash Investigators + Durham Officer Vacancies Growing

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Durham.

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

Happy National Empanada Day Durham!

First, today's weather:

Clouds and sun. High: 64 Low: 40.

Here are the top five stories in Durham today:

  1. At Thursday's city council work session, Durham city council members will discuss the possibility of sending civilian crash investigators to minor traffic collisions. The CCIs would work under the city's new community safety department, and would respond to crashes with no injuries and minor property damage. The legislature will need to pass a local bill to give the city permission before proceeding with the system. (CBS17)
  2. In spite of Durham City Council giving police officers a big pay boost this year, WRAL Investigates has found that vacancies among the department have continued to increase. A former Durham Police leader says that there are still encouraging signs, but as of Tuesday there were 102 officer vacancies, compared to 75 in November. (WRAL)
  3. An investigation is underway after a Durham home caught fire on Thursday morning. According to Durham's Fire Chief Bryan Baker, the front of the home was on fire when they arrived to the scene at around 4:00 am. One person was rescued by firefighters, but refused EMS care. (CBS17)
  4. North Carolina's largest Black history month celebration will be hosted in Durham Saturday. The 19th Annual NC MLK Black History Month Block Party will be hosted downtown and is free to attend. More information can be found here. (abc11)
  5. A North Carolina appeals court has stepped in and temporarily blocked the enforcement of last week's trial judges ruling regarding voting restoration of convicted felons. The 1973 state law in question lays out when voting rights are automatically restored, and Republican legislative leaders who are defendants, say there is not evidence that the law was motivated by discriminatory intent. The State Board of Elections will not act on felon voter registration until further notice. (abc11)

From our sponsor:

Today's newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. We all know that Ring is the leader in video doorbells for home security. But did you know that Ring now makes a home security system that is getting raves from consumer electronic experts?

To learn more about Ring Alarm Pro, the system CNET called "the future of home security," or to build your own custom system, visit Ring here.

Today in Durham:

Bonus: WRAL 10+ Things to do with Kids (WRAL)

From my notebook:

  • It's National Empanada Day and Sarah's Empanadas has such a wide variety of empanadas available, you will undoubtedly find something you love.
  • Organizers of Resting Angels and Fun Day are expecting 150+ families to join in an event for the children of murdered parents. (abc11)
  • Pioneers Durham is home to a weekday market place, and will soon host church services on Sundays in the fall. (abc11)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • Prismatica Kaleidoscope Experience: A Color-Filled Exhibition of Lights and Reflections at The Streets at SouthPoint (See schedule)
  • Add your event

Loving the Durham Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— CJ Fullford

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

More from Durham