“Look in the mirror, see what I see, believe what I believe, and say what I say: Durham is dope.”
Justin Laidlaw
Justin Laidlaw is a reporter for the INDY, covering Durham. A Bull City native, he joined the staff in 2023 and previously wrote By The Horns, a blog about city council.
Posted inNews
Durham’s City Council is Enforcing Its Rules of Decorum in Ways It Wasn’t Before
Overflow crowds have been showing up to City Hall meetings in recent months, leaving attendees literally out in the cold. Some residents say officials haven’t done a good job communicating changes to city meeting protocols, causing frustration and confusion.
Posted inCulture
Deep Roots: Talking With Jennifer MacArthur, Director of “Family Tree”
“Family Tree” strikes a compelling balance between a call to action to protect our climate future, and a reflection on the importance of human connection.
Posted inNews
Higher Pay for City Workers, Office of Survivor Care Top Durham Residents’ Wishlists at Budget Hearing
The public will have more opportunities to weigh in on the city’s spending before the city council adopts a final budget in June.
Posted inNews
Open House for Roxboro/Mangum Streets Redesign Sees Large Turnout from Durham Residents
Better sidewalks, bike lanes, and more safety infrastructure were common suggestions. Overwhelmingly, the root of all residents’ concerns is safety.
Posted inNews
Durham Council Votes No on ShotSpotter Contract Extension
The vote comes after the city council received a presentation from the Wilson Center analyzing data from the 12-month pilot that showed a reduction in response times to gunshot incidents.
Posted inNews
Durham Residents Can Share Ideas, Concerns With City Staff for Roxboro and Mangum Streets Resurfacing Project
Speeding traffic and violent collisions make walking in the area a tough sell for many would-be pedestrians. Business owners and residents hope the resurfacing project will help make the streets safer.
Posted inElections
Durham County Election Results: Chitlik Wins in NC Senate District 22, Joy Harrell Wins At-Large School Board Race
Incumbents Nida Allam and Wendy Jacobs were reelected to the Durham County Board of Commissioners. Mike Lee, Michelle Burton, and Stephen Valentine will join them on the board.
Posted inFood & Drink
Behind the Bar With Bruce Kenyon
Kenyon, a veteran bartender in the Durham nightlife scene, slings up style and shots for customers at Rubies on Five Points.
Posted inElections
Stakes Are High for Durham County’s Board of Commissioners Elections
All five seats are up for election as the county grapples with a DPS salary dispute, dwindling education bond funds, and an ongoing affordable housing crisis.
