🌱 Locals Ask For Gun Violence To Stop + New BBQ Joint Opening

Hi there, Durham. I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 89 Low: 72.
• Sunday: A couple of heavy t-storms. High: 84 Low: 71.

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Here are the top three stories in Durham today:

1. Community outcry is growing louder after the killing of a 5-year-old in an overdose incident earlier this month. Khloe Fennell was one of two minors shot on Wednesday, Jul. 5, in the vicinity of North Guthrie Avenue and Taylor Street, and Fennell passed shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital for her injuries. At community events and meetings, locals are asking again for people in Durham to do everything they can to bring an end to what they are calling an epidemic of gun violence. (Subscription: News & Observer)
2. Carrie Brogren announced that the grand opening of Mike D's BBQ Smokehouse and Retail, owned by Michael "Mike D" De Los Santos, will take place on Jul. 15 at their location on 455 S. Driver St. in East Durham. Known for his rubs, sauces, and catering services, Mike D is now expanding to offer a sit-down dining experience for customers to enjoy his cooking. Congratulations to Mike D and his team for their ongoing achievements and success. (WRAL)
3. Auto body business Relentless Collision continues to expand with a new location in Durham on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Owner and CEO Todd McGowan said the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway location will focus on electric vehicles and has been designated as an approved Tesla maintenance provider. More locations are currently planned for North Raleigh and Apex. (Autobody News)

Today and tomorrow in Durham:

Saturday, July 8

• African Cardio Blast At W.D. Hill Recreation Center (11:15 AM)
• Rock The Park Concert And Movie Series At Rock Quarry Park (6:00 PM)

Sunday, July 9

• The Spot Block Party At Durham Central Park (1:00 PM)
• Past Lives At Carolina Theatre Of Durham (4:40 PM)

From my notebook:

• Durham County has been selected as a recipient of multiple National Association of Counties Achievement Awards, recognizing their innovative and effective county government programs that enhance services for residents. The outstanding departments behind the recognized programs will be honored by the Durham Board of County Commissioners during their upcoming regular session on Monday, Jul. 10. (DurhamCountyGovernment via Instagram)
• During the month of July, owners of the community-owned grocery store can claim a complimentary LocoPop by visiting the Co-op, verifying their ownership, selecting a preferred flavor, and savoring the treat! Information on becoming an owner is available on their website and sign-up opportunities are at the store. (Durham Co-op Market via Facebook)
• Prescriptions for Repair is involved in efforts to heal the effects of violence in the local community, including listening sessions with survivors and their families. You can read more about the efforts here. (City of Durham, NC Government via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with 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.