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Community Corner

🌱 Mail Theft Investigation + Groundbreaking Journalism Class

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 Media)

Happy National Chocolate Fondue Day Durham!

First, today's weather:

Turning sunny; cooler. High: 41 Low: 21.

Here are the top five stories today in Durham:

  1. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is aware of reported mail thefts in a Durham neighborhood this week. On Monday morning, neighbors in the Emory Woods Estates community woke up to open mailboxes, with many of them empty. Neighbors cannot confirm that mail was in fact taken, but mailboxes that did have mail appeared to have been rifled through. The USPS Inspection Service's spokesperson said that they are unable to discuss specifics of ongoing investigations. (CBS17)
  2. The North Carolina State Board of Education has approved an amendment to policy that will remove the requirement for teachers to pay toward their own substitutes when they take personal leave. The amendment requires teachers to give reason if they want to be able to take their leave without paying, however no reason will disqualify them. (WRAL)
  3. A journalism class at Riverside High School is the first of its kind in the nation. The class is part of the Ida B. Wells Society investigative journalism junket that was spearheaded by Nikole Hannah-Jones in an effort to recruit, retain, and develop journalists of color. Students are pushed to take on investigative journalism pieces and uncovering facts while meeting deadlines. (abc11)
  4. Durham's regional transportation planning organization is seeking public input on changes to the existing Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The plan outlines how transportation needs will be addressed for the next 30+ years, and is considering an amendment that will remove the former Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit alignment, change several local roadways, and add bus access improvements. (DCHC)
  5. North Carolina's positive test rate has dropped to a 6-week low in North Carolina. The positive test rate is currently at a 21%. Hospitalizations have also dropped to 4,490, declining since its peak at 5,204 on January 26th. (WITN)

Today in Durham:

From my notebook:

  • So the only true fondue spot I could think of in Durham is a national chain, however when thinking of National Chocolate Fondue Day, I immediately started craving Cocoa Forte's chocolate dipped cheesecake! It's local to the Triangle and it will bring the deliciousness to you.
  • The Urban Forestry crew planted trees in downtown Durham earlier this week. (City of Durham Instagram)
  • For Black History Month, Durham County libraries are highlighting a 1909 picture of John Merrick, a passionate advocate for racial equality." (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update.

— CJ Fullford

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