🌱 Durham Solid Waste Director Terminated + Bernie Sanders Rally

Hello there, Durham. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: An afternoon shower or two. High: 77 Low: 61.
• Friday: Periods of sun with a shower. High: 80 Low: 60.

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Here are the top three stories today in Durham:

1. Durham city leaders announced this week that the Solid Waste Management Director has been terminated after just three weeks. According to Durham City Manager Wanda Page, James Lyons "misrepresented his experience in the solid waste industry." The situation is made worse by PoliHire, a firm that was contracted to vet applicants, when it came to light that the agency did not screen Lyons as its contract stipulated. Lyons claimed to have worked for the City of High Point in a similar role for eight years; however, an investigation by NC Newsline found he had been in the position for only 15 months. City leaders are considering their next steps for filling the now-open position. (ABC 11)
2. A panel with the 4th U.S. Circuit of Appeals has ruled that a man who spent 21 years in prison for murders he did not commit may pursue lawsuits against two more Durham police officers. Darryl Howard was convicted on charges of murder and arson in 1995, although DNA evidence exonerated him. His sentence was vacated in 2016, and he was granted a pardon of innocence by Governor Roy Cooper in 2021. Howard was previously awarded $6 million by a jury, but the panel ruled that Howard cannot pursue his case against the City of Durham. (The Carolina Journal)
3. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders will be in Durham today for a rally at Hayti Heritage Center at 7:00 p.m. Sanders is hosting rallies in several Southern states to garner support for raising the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour. Sanders said in a statement, "There are too many Americans trying to survive and raise families on $9, $10, or $12 an hour. It cannot be done." Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam is slated to join Sanders at the rally. (CBS 17)

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Today and tomorrow in Durham:

Thursday, June 1

• Introduction To Belly Dancing At Walltown Park Recreation Center (6:15 PM)

Friday, June 2

• Leslie Jones At Carolina Theatre (7:00 PM)
• Pride Silent Disco At Hi-Wire Brewing (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Keep an eye out for pedestrian and bike improvements coming to the city! City leaders met with cyclists and residents during Bike Month, and now they're moving on to the next steps. (City of Durham, NC Government via Facebook)
• The NC Year of the Trail celebration is coming soon. On Jun. 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., hikers can enjoy the 22-mile American Tobacco Trail with special stations for bike maintenance lessons, pet safety, and more. See event details here. (Durham Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
• 1776 - The Musical is playing at Durham Performing Arts Center through Sunday. This Tony Award-winning musical explores the history of the American Revolution with memorable songs and snappy dialogue. Tickets are available here. (Durham Magazine via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Amy Mayo

About me: Amy Mayo is a writer, visual artist, and political scientist, living in the NC Research Triangle. She graduated from the University of North Carolina Asheville with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and has worked in a variety of fields outside of copywriting including policy advocacy, the healthcare industry and pharmaceuticals, and education. She hopes one day to live up to the stringent expectations of her cat, Morty.