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Community Corner

🌱 Families Of Victims Call For Transparency + LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces

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

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch)

Happy National Good Samaritan Day Durham!

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sun, but chilly. High: 47 Low: 29.

Here are the top five stories today in Durham:

  1. Brandi Johnson whose brother, Joshua Johnson was killed from Durham gun violence in November 2021, is calling on the city to do more. Although Mayor Elaine O'Neal stated previously that she will not be speaking about gun violence, Johnson has reached out to the mayor's office about her concerns but has not gotten any response. The beliefs is that the mayor should at least talk to families that have been impacted by gun violence, even behind the scenes. (CBS17)
  2. As the nation hears more than 200 bills across state legislatures that are aimed at creating barriers in the LGBTQ+ community, Paige Holt is emphasizing the need for safe spaces in schools. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people and four times higher for LGBTQ+ identifying youth. According to research youth who reported high levels of social support or at least one gender affirming space were significantly less likely to attempt suicide. (abc13)
  3. Earlier this week, the North Carolina General Assembly wrapped up a legislative session that began in January 2021. State legislators agree that changes need to be made regarding how the General Assembly functions, but they are not in agreement on what must happen. The legislature is part time and rank and file members receive just under $14,000 per year plus a daily payment for meals and lodging when in Raleigh. (CBS17)
  4. A Durham man that many may recognize, Shane Ryan, is raising awareness via Twitter, that your license may be suspended without your knowledge. Ryan was surprised to discover that his license was suspended, he missed a hearing to appeal, and was hit with late fees. In North Carolina, a speeding conviction for driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit, results in an automatic 30-day suspension of your license, but it can take months for the state to be notified of the conviction. (WCNC)

Today in Durham:

From my notebook:

  • It's National Good Samaritan Day and North Carolina passed a Good Samaritan law in 2013 to protect 911 callers in the event of a drug overdose or alcohol poisoning.
  • The most recent annual rankings report by CompTIA's Tech Town Index maintains Durham in the 13th ranked spot. (WRAL TechWire)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— CJ Fullford

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