The Complicated Release of Crystal Mangum
Crystal Mangum, who accused Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006, was released from prison on Feb. 27 after serving 13 years for second-degree murder
Teaching Journalism, Trusting Students, and the Power of an Uncensored Column
The strength of community journalism is its ongoing relationship with the community we serve. After spending months in listening to residents and candidates for mayor and city council, there comes a time for the newsroom to speak. I'm encouraging students to explore editorial writing with Durham Voice
Column: It’s time to clean up Durham politics
"Durhamites deserve politicians that are held accountable for their actions, despite their personal motivations. They deserve a city where their government is looking out for them, regardless of their diverse backgrounds."
Lessons from Durham’s Election: Listening, Leading, and Learning Together
Incumbents Mayor Leonardo Williams and Durham City Council member Chelsea Cook retain their positions while Shanetta Burris defeats Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton and Matt Kopac defeats DeDreana Freeman
Nerra, Your New Favorite Restaurant
Fran Castillo is a local freelance food writer and wine educator. She covered the Durham dining scene for years on her blog Sip.Stir.Go but is now turning her focus to wine, cocktails, and recipes for making every day delicious. Follow her on Instagram @sipstirgo.
Durham’s Messy Election and the Silence of Its Voters
Durham is once again in political motion. With the October 7 primary now behind us and November’s general election on the horizon, local voters find themselves weighing competing visions for the city’s future — from housing affordability and public safety to development and community equity. Incumbents and fresh challengers alike are staking claims, and the choices made now will shape Durham’s trajectory for years to come. In this column, we’ll dig into who’s running, what’s at stake, and what it all might mean for everyday residents.
Still Got It: Owning Your Humor at Any Age
Question: I’m 60, happily married, and live in Durham with four cats, one dog, and one husband. I work with college students all the time and I think I still have a pretty good sense of humor. But occasionally I get that polite smile that says, “Oh no, she’s trying too hard.” So tell me this: What’s the best way to make younger people think I’m still cool…without actually trying to be cool? Sincerely, Curious in South Durham
Will You Take This City to be Your Spouse?
In 2011, I stood with over 2,000 fellow Durham residents as we symbolically married our city. I officiated the ceremony at the corner of Geer and Foster Streets—an intersection that once represented Durham’s struggles but had become a symbol of its revitalization. We took vows to support local artists, protect our environment, celebrate diversity, and uplift each other. Fourteen years later, Durham has changed. The skyline is filled with new developments, incomes have risen, and the population has grown rapidly. Some fear we’re losing the very soul we once pledged to love. This column is my reflection on that day, our shared commitment, and a call to renew our vows to the city we still cherish—even if it means we need a little marriage counseling.
Dear Durham: Your Voice, Your Questions
In this column, I reflect on my journey from aspiring teenage writer to advice columnist for The Voice. Inspired by early reads and real-life friendships, I aim to create a space where community members feel heard, supported, and empowered—writing with empathy, honesty, and a desire to connect through shared experience.
