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Community Corner

🌱 Victim Advocates + Bull City's Economic Forecast + Gas $4.18

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 World Plumbing Day Durham!

Huge shout out to Kathy who kept you up to date while I was out. Today is going to be a little extra thick to make sure you didn't miss anything while I was gone.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and milder. High: 61 Low: 52.

Prepare for the likelihood of severe storms and freezing temps this weekend. (CBS17)

Here are the top stories today in Durham:

  1. The Durham Police Department employs victim advocates to help provide support for victims of homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies. As gun violence and other violent crimes continues to plague the city, the need for more advocates is growing as well. The advocates assist victims with emotional support, court accompaniment, and other local resources. (CBS17)
  2. Adam Clark, the director of World Relief Durham, says that they are prepared for Ukrainian families needing to relocate to the Triangle. World Relief Durham has already led relocations for hundreds of Afghan families to central N.C. over the past six months. Thus far, surrounding countries have been leading the effort to help Ukrainians flee, but Clark says that he has faith in the Triangle. (CBS17)
  3. Durham has 14 large scale economic projects underway, and the economic forecast for the city is bright. The 14 projects are expected to bring 6,900 new jobs to the area. On Wednesday more than 100 people gathered to celebrate the shift in local economy, as the first gathering of its kind in two years. Many small businesses celebrated seeing record-breaking sales this past weekend. (WRAL)
  4. One individual has been arrested in a robbery at gunpoint over the weekend. Three others are on the run in the incident where four demanded a fisherman's wallet and cellphone at gunpoint. No one was injured in the robbery, and police searched the home where the involved vehicle was registered. At the residence police found drugs and a gun, and Oscar Patricio Cortes was arrested on multiple charges. (CBS17)
  5. The surging gas prices continue as the average rate in North Carolina and Durham is at $4.18 per gallon. Here are just some of the affects of the soaring prices:
    1. Back in June 2021, Triangle transit lines announced they would be continuing suspended fares through June 30, 2022 and many are taking advantage of it as gas prices increase. (WRAL)
    2. Delivery and rideshare drivers are struggling with the sharp increase in prices, and some eateries are contemplating increasing their delivery fee, while others see drivers eating the costs. (abc11)
    3. North Carolina breweries are also buying time before they are forced to increase costs for their brews in light of fuel costs and strain on supply chains. (abc11)
    4. Many people have already started shifting travel plans from driving to flying, but you can expect an increase in airfare as the prices of crude oil begin to affect jet fuel. (CBS17)

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Today in Durham:

  • Music Bingo at J. Lights Market & Café (6:00pm-8:00pm)
  • Friday Free Tour at Mystic Farm and Distillery (7:00pm-10:00pm)
  • Truth or Dare Open Mic at The House Restaurant (7:30pm)
  • House Party Featuring DJ Smitty at Justin's (8:00pm-1:00am)
  • Rumba Express Dance Party Benefit for Ukraine at ROOTS (9:00pm-1:00am)

Bonus: WRAL weekend best bets (WRAL) and 7 thing to do with kids (WRAL)

From my notebook:

  • It's World Plumbing Day and if you want to make sure you have a qualified professional, the NC Licensing Board can help you verify licenses.
  • NC State experts are launching a program to help eradicate the Bradford pear trees in North Carolina. (WRAL)
  • Pediatric cardiac surgeon Joseph Turek took on a potentially groundbreaking set of procedures on a North Carolina boy, and after seven months ad Duke, the child is at home with his parents. (WRAL)

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

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— CJ Fullford

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