[SoDu Sunrise Showcase] Considering the Importance of Juneteenth

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WEATHER FORECAST

Per the National Weather Service: Sunny with a high near 95. Tonight, mostly clear with a low around 77.

[Commentary] Juneteenth: America's Most Important Holiday by Idrissa A. Smith

Writes Smith: "On April 9, 1865, Confederate General (and traitor) Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War and reaffirming the end of slavery in the United States. Yet slavery still existed. Just as on July 4, 1776, neither the Emancipation Proclamation nor the surrender of all Confederate troops meant freedom for everyone in the United States."

Durham Council Passes Budget, Approves Two Developments

On Monday night, the Durham City Council adopted its $772 million budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, a plan that prioritizes public safety, employee compensation, and major infrastructure investments. The new budget includes a property tax rate of 43.71 cents per $100 of assessed value – an increase of 5.48 cents over the revenue-neutral rate – to support expanded services and capital projects.

South Durham Restaurant Inspection Scores for June 2025 (Premium for Subscribers)

Did You Know?

• Restaurants scoring 95 or above generally had minor violations like equipment needing repair or improper storage.
• Scores of below 95 often included more serious concerns such as pest sightings, improper food handling, or lack of food safety certification.

🧼 Reminder: A restaurant’s score is just one measure. Frequent inspections and quick corrections are also signs of good management.

👉 Want the full list of 100+ detailed inspections? Subscribe to Southpoint Access!

FOR SUBSCRIBERS

• [In Memoriam] Durham Obituaries - June 17, 2025
• [Welcome to the World] Durham Births - May 10-16, 2025
• South Durham Food Truck Inspection Scores for May 2025
• [SoDu Shopping Basket] June 12, 2025

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

• Durham Cultural Advisory Board. 3 p.m. via Zoom. (Durham Government)
• Movie: Jurassic Park II: The Lost World. Tweens through adults. 3 to 5 p.m. Registration required. This movie is rated PG-13. Showing in the children’s programming room at South Regional Library at 4505 S. Alston Ave. (Durham County Library)
• Candle Making. Adults. 6 to 7:15 p.m. Registration required. Develop the perfect scent and style of candle to take home and enjoy. Edison Johnson Recreation Center at 500 W. Murray Ave. Fees: $5 for Durham residents; $10 for non-residents. (Durham Parks and Recreation)

Check out this week's activities in Southpoint Access.

LET'S PLAY

• [Crossword] SoDu Neighborhoods

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