Community Corner
🌱 Redistricting Proposals + Next-Gen Vaccine + Street Concerns
Here's a five-minute guide to everything happening today in town.
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Happy National Color Day Durham.
Before we get started, I want to make sure I remind anyone considering college next year, today is the last day to apply to many NC colleges and universities for free with the College Foundation of NC's Countdown to College.
First, today's weather:
Mainly cloudy, showers around. High: 73 Low: 51.
Here are the top stories in Durham today:
- After two weeks of mapmaking, NC senators have presented proposals on how they could redraw congressional or state Senate district lines. The Senate Redistricting Committee posted several maps online that were produced at computer terminals. Before any votes are taken on plans, the House and Senate committees will hold hearings to hear citizen comments. Redistricting plans are not subject to the Governor's veto. (Spectrum News 1)
- Duke researchers have received a grant to help develop a "next-gen" vaccine that will protect against multiple types of coronaviruses and viral variants. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded the $17.5 million grant to be given over the next three years to the Duke Human Vaccine Institute. (NewsWise)
- Durham residents are expressing concerns over safety on North Duke Street. Between August 1, 2020 and July 31, sixteen crashes occurred on the street between West Club Boulevard and West Morgan Street. The speed limit is set at 35mph but some say the road is used as "sort of a one-way mini-freeway." (WRAL)
- With 911 operators in short supply in Durham, residents are wondering why that is. Durham pays 911 operators a higher starting rate than five other Triangle counties, approximately $18.34 hourly with double overtime currently. Councilman Mark-Anthony Middleton is concerned about the emotional and mental toll operators face. City officials say there are many reasons why people are leaving their jobs and say they have made progress in hiring although they still maintain only 62% staffed positions. (CBS17)
- State budget talks have gone on for months, and state entities are becoming more frustrated with the delays. With "unprecedented resources" through federal stimulus money, North Carolina's multibillion-dollar surplus, and the rapidly changing economy, state employees are desperate for some information. Ardis Watkins, the executive director of the State Employees Association of NC says, "The longer this drags out, the more the expectation is." (WNCT9)
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Today in Durham:
- Fridays at the Farm ft. Late Night Lowlights (5:00pm-8:00pm)
- The Second Annual Blues and Brews hosted by LIFE Skills Foundation (6:00pm-8:30pm)
- Pass the Aux at Boricua Soul (7:00pm-10:00pm)
- Holiday Cookie Decorating with Durham Parks and Rec (10:00am-10:45am)
- Justin Willman: Magic For Humans In Person (7:00pm)
Durham Patch Notebook
- Celebrate National Color Day with Best of the Bull's Self Guided Tour of 20+ Downtown Durham murals and public art!
- Topgolf Entertainment Group has kicked off development efforts to bring a new venue to Raleigh-Durham. (WMBF News)
- NCCU is looking to diversify by attracting more minority male teachers. (abc11)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! See you tomorrow morning for another update. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.
— CJ Fullford
Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Durham Daily? I'm all ears. You can email me at durham-nc@patch.com.