Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist and songwriter, has passed away at 84. Known for his work with Booker T. and the M.G.s at Stax Records, Cropper co-wrote classics like Green Onions and (Sittin on) the Dock of the Bay. His distinctive guitar style, inspired by Chuck Berry and Chet Atkins, helped define the Memphis soul sound. Croppers legacy includes inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, as well as a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former FDA Commissioners Criticize Proposed Changes to Vaccine Safety ProtocolsA group of twelve former FDA leaders, including past commissioners from both parties, have expressed strong opposition to new internal FDA proposals regarding vaccine safety. These former officials argue that the proposed changes, which have not been publicly released but have been confirmed by sources, would harm public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. The controversy centers around an internal FDA memo allegedly authored by the vaccine chief, Dr. Vinay Prasad, which claimed, without evidence, that COVID-19 vaccines were responsible for ten childrens deaths. The memo also outlined planned changes in how the agency handles certain vaccines and suggested that staff who disagreed with these new policies should resign. These proposed changes, including revisions to annual flu shot updates and a new focus on the benefits and harms of administering multiple vaccines simultaneously, have sparked significant concern among the former FDA leaders, who view them as a serious departure from established public health practices. The situation remains ongoing as the FDA has yet to publicly address the criticisms from its former leaders.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Secretary Hegseth cleared in Signal messaging investigation, family of Colombian man killed in US strike files human rights challenge, immigration crackdown in New Orleans, Mike Lindell files paperwork for Minnesota governor run.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Annie Farmer, a victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, is advocating for the release of sealed records from their federal sex trafficking cases, believing full transparency is essential for true justice. The Justice Department has requested the unsealing of grand jury transcripts and other materials from Epsteins 2019 case, as well as a wide range of records from Maxwells 2021 case. Maxwells lawyer argues that unsealing records could prejudice a potential retrial, while victims lawyers express concern about victim privacy and safety. The judges have indicated they will rule promptly after the deadline, with the government needing to reply by December tenth.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former DOT Employee Sentenced for Selling Counterfeit Airbags: A Warning to Online BuyersA former North Carolina Department of Transportation employee, Mateen Mohammad Alinaghian, has been sentenced to federal prison for selling counterfeit airbags through Facebook Marketplace. He imported approximately 2,500 airbags from the UK, posing serious safety risks to unsuspecting buyers. Victims and car manufacturers are owed over $83,000 in restitution, and Alinaghian must forfeit more than $154,000. Experts warn that these fake parts, though appearing genuine, can fail to deploy correctly in a crash, potentially causing fatalities. Major car manufacturers confirmed Alinaghians airbags were counterfeit and made with low-quality materials. This case serves as a stark reminder for consumers to be extremely cautious when purchasing automotive parts online, especially safety-critical components like airbags.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Air traffic controllers heard unusual sounds from a small plane before it crashed in Florida, killing Alexander Wurm and his daughter Serena. The plane, carrying aid to Jamaica, went down in a residential area, narrowly missing homes. The pilot had checked but not weighed the items, including a generator, before the plane began a sharp descent and crashed. The plane had recently undergone an overhaul and made several successful trips to Jamaica before the fatal flight.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New research indicates that a single HPV vaccine dose may be as effective as two in preventing cervical cancer, potentially simplifying global vaccination efforts.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the upcoming trial of Austin Thompson, accused of the Hedingham neighborhood shootings, the defense is seeking individual juror interviews and questionnaires. Thompson faces multiple murder and attempted murder charges, with the prosecution alleging he killed his brother and four others, injuring a police officer. The defense plans to argue that a prescription medicine contributed to Thompsons actions. The trial is set for February.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2025, Americans demonstrated remarkable generosity on GivingTuesday, donating an estimated $4 billion, a significant increase from the previous year. This surge in giving was accompanied by a substantial rise in volunteerism, with approximately 11.1 million people dedicating their time. GivingTuesday, which began as a hashtag in 2012, has grown into a major charitable event, with data showing a growing spirit of giving across the nation. The increase in donations and volunteers may be attributed to peoples desire for connection and belonging, with individuals seeking more ways to contribute beyond financial means. This strong showing on GivingTuesday bodes well for the rest of the year-end giving season, offering a hopeful outlook despite economic and political uncertainties.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Salt Lake City safety volunteer, Matthew Alder, charged with manslaughter in fatal shooting during No Kings protest. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a well-known fashion designer, was killed, and another man, Arturo Roberto Gamboa, who was holding a rifle, will not face charges due to Utahs open-carry laws. The case continues to evolve, impacting the community and legal proceedings.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former police officer Julian Alcala, from suburban Saint Louis, pleaded guilty to twenty counts of unreasonable search and seizure, involving twenty women. He admitted to pulling over women, seizing their phones, and searching for nude photos and videos. Alcala, 30, remains free on bond, awaiting sentencing on March 11th.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fire at Raleigh Convention Center disrupts local hospitality industry; hotels offer refunds for impacted guestsDNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doctor Salvador Plasencia, who illegally supplied ketamine to Matthew Perry, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for distributing the drug. Despite not being accused of providing the fatal dose, Plasencia exploited Perrys addiction, leading to his death. Plasencias lawyers argued against a prison sentence, citing his lost career and family threats, but the judge imposed the sentence along with two years of probation.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Great Lakes Cheese Company recalls over 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese due to potential metal contamination, impacting 31 states and Puerto Rico. Consumers advised to check homes, return or dispose of affected products, and clean surfaces. FDA recommends contacting healthcare provider if symptoms occur.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A NYU student faced a terrifying attack, but swift action led to the arrest of a repeat offender, James Rizzo, with a lengthy criminal history. Rizzo, a level two sex offender, is now charged with multiple crimes, including persistent sexual abuse and assault. The victim expresses relief, and NYU offers support.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Georgia Prepares for First Execution of the Year: Stacey Humphreys, convicted of murdering two real estate agents in 2003, is scheduled to be put to death on December 19th. Evidence includes a matching gun, blood, and a high-speed chase.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, in his final month of term, has been traveling extensively, visiting Albania, Israel, Uzbekistan, and New Orleans. Despite a federal indictment and lost re-election campaign, hes been accused of mayoral senioritis and misusing public funds for personal interests. Critics argue hes avoiding duties and prioritizing future job opportunities over city needs.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court, with a liberal majority, has agreed to hear a significant case brought by the ACLU, challenging the legality of local jails holding immigrant detainees at federal request. This expedited process could lead to a final ruling by mid-2026, potentially impacting immigration enforcement within the state.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In December 2022, two Duke Energy substations in North Carolina were targeted by gunfire, causing a power outage affecting nearly 45,000 people. The attack, deemed deliberate, resulted in the death of an 87-year-old woman and led to new legislation. Despite a thorough investigation, no arrests have been made. A reward of up to $100,000 is offered for information on a vehicle of interest, a silver or light blue Honda Odyssey. The investigation remains active, with authorities committed to finding those responsible.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

North Carolinas NCDOT prepares for first winter weather, treating major roads, bridges, and overpasses in central counties. Early prepping focuses on areas prone to freezing, with key interstates and highways also in treatment plans. Officials warn of difficult driving conditions, urging drivers to work from home or delay commute if possible.DNN | The Daily News Now!The world’s first global local news network.Every city. Every story. AI powered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.