🌱 Restorative Justice In Durham + Free Lead Screenings

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Durham Patch newsletter. Here's what you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Thunderstorm. High: 86 Low: 64.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 84 Low: 63.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in and around Durham:

1. Restorative justice, a practice of resolving crimes through community agreement and accountability, is being tried for what may be the first time in North Carolina's criminal courts. In 2016 Donald Fields Jr. stabbed his father to death over an argument in their family home, and some seven years later, extended family members are choosing to reconcile with Donald Jr. under the auspices of new District Attorney Satana Deberry, who is leading the charge to reform what she has called a culture of over-prosecution in Durham's courts. (The Guardian)
2. In the wake of the revelation that many parks in the Durham city and county park system contain "disturbing" levels of lead in their soil, the Durham County Health Department is offering free lead screenings. Children aged six months to six years will be able to receive a free screening at childcare facilities, elementary schools, and other community sites. Scheduling can be made by calling (919) 560-4842 or emailing ldsanders@dconc.gov. (Subscription: News & Observer)
3. A late-night crash occurred on Sunday on South Mineral Springs Road in Durham. Details about the incident remain scarce, with investigations underway to determine the cause and potential injuries. The vehicles involved suffered significant damage, highlighting the severity of the collision, but no further information has been released at this time. (WRAL)

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Today and tomorrow in Durham:

Tuesday, June 27

• Curls n' Crunches At Walltown Park Recreation Center (11:15 AM)
• Luh Tyler At Durham Motorco Music Hall (7:00 PM)

Wednesday, June 28

• Wednesday: Music Bingo At Ponysaurus Brewing (7:00 PM)
• Asteroid City At The Carolina Theatre Of Durham (7:10 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Durham is celebrating the first birthday of the HEART team for non-violent crisis resolution! (City of Durham NC Government via Instagram)
• Due to inclement weather, The Streetery - Baile en la Calle has been postponed until Sep. 30. (Downtown Durham, Inc. via Instagram)
• Durham Police Department's fourth district is honoring Officer Inthisane as May 2023's Employee of the Month! (Durham Police Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll see you around!

— 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.