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DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Durham EMT was concerned about a potential job loss after a clerical error at the DMV meant driving was no longer a legal option.

Kaz Moore has worked as a first responder, driving ambulances and working in emergency medical services for five years.

With the Real ID deadline looming, the Durham native went online months ago to make an appointment to update their ID. The nearest appointment was months later in Lumberton; Moore booked it anyway.

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Getting up at 4:30 a.m. and driving two hours away, Moore was told the paperwork was incomplete, with a DMV employee telling Moore they were missing a medical clearance note from a doctor.

Moore had epilepsy as a teenager and had brain surgery to fix the problem, and hasn't had any seizures since. With that medical history, though, Moore is required to have a doctor sign off to be able to drive. Moore was told that despite turning in a note of clearance from the doctor in years past, it never got attached.

Moore quickly called the doctor and had them send the note in.

Moore tried to call and confirm the office had received it, but the call wouldn't go through. Finally, Moore decided to drive back down to Lumberton for a second time, where an employee reportedly said the phones and fax machines were down, which was likely why the note was not received in the first place.

"I definitely cried in the DMV parking lot in Lumberton," Moore told ABC11, adding that lines were so long at that DMV location that people brought camping chairs to make the wait times more bearable.

Two more DMV visits and many phone calls later, the problem still had not been fixed.

Then, on Monday morning, Moore was getting ready to go into work and noticed missed calls from the captain.

"He said to check my email, and you know, I was already in uniform and everything, and it said that I wasn't allowed to drive county vehicles or my personal vehicle for county business," Moore said.

The email stated that Moore's license had been suspended for "Failure to Submit Medical Report," making Moore ineligible to drive at all.

Moore was forced to use up a day of vacation and stay home from work Monday. Moore's wife drove them to the DMV, where they tried to sort the problem out. Moore's supervisors at work even tried to help fix it, but with no luck.

So, Moore's wife reached out to the ABC11 I-Team. We reached out to our contacts at the DMV and explained the problem. Within an hour, we got an email confirmation that the error had been fixed. Moore's license suspension was cleared, and Moore could return to work.

Moore was grateful that the error had been fixed but described the process as "stressful" and expressed concern for others who might not have as many resources to get a problem like this solved.

The DMV has a list of tips if you plan to head there any time soon; you can find that list here.

An upscale Mexican chain has closed its last North Carolina location.

Uncle Julio’s Mexican, which previously had two restaurants in the state — and both in the Triangle — has closed at The Streets at Southpoint mall in Durham.

A sign posted to the restaurant’s front door shares news of the closure, when the location is called, a recording repeats the message: “We’ve made the difficult decision to permanently close this location. We appreciate your patronage over the years and being part of your community.”

The mall still has several dining options including Maggiano’s Little Italy, Co and The Cheesecake Factory.

Of the 10 most recent Yelp reviews of the Durham Uncle Julio’s, which were all posted since Friday, March 21, seven were one-stars.

The Durham shopping center was where Uncle Julio’s made its debut in North Carolina, in 2018. A year later, the chain opened a second location at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh. The now-closed Raleigh restaurant moved into the former McCormick & Schmick’s, and the location had an 8,600-square-foot dining room and a 1,000-square-foot patio.

Texas-based Uncle Julio’s was acquired by the multi-brand franchise organization Sun Holdings in a foreclosure auction in December 2024.

According to the restaurant’s website, there are still Uncle Julio’s locations in 11 states, including Virginia and Tennessee.

It is the latest Mexican restaurant chain to close locations in the Triangle. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March, shuttered two North Carolina locations, including one in Cary.

Uncle Julio’s serves a variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex classics, including tableside guacamole, fajitas, enchiladas and tacos.

Its beverage program includes a selection of margaritas along with other traditional cocktails such as an espresso martini and paloma.

But arguably the star of the show at Uncle Julio’s is the chocolate piñata, a globe of dark chocolate filled with churros and fresh fruit.

Several new retailers have been announced for the Durham mall:

Have a question about your community you’d like answered? Or maybe a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.

Durham, NC (May 1, 2025) – A tragic house fire early Thursday morning in Durham led to the hospitalization of two people and the death of a dog, according to officials with the Durham Fire Department. The blaze erupted in the 500 block of Craven St around 3:45 a.m., prompting a swift emergency response.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire and smoke pouring from the rear of the residence. Neighbors on scene urgently informed responders that three people were believed to be inside. One occupant managed to escape the burning home on their own. Another individual was rescued directly from their bed, while a third had to be pulled from a window.

Of the three residents, two were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their current conditions have not been disclosed. The individual who escaped independently did not suffer any injuries. Unfortunately, responders confirmed that a dog perished in the fire.

Durham fire officials stated that the Red Cross is assisting at least one displaced resident. Crews remained on the scene Thursday morning as fire marshals continued investigating the cause of the blaze.

Our thoughts are with those affected by this devastating residential fire.

Residential Fires and Emergency Preparedness in Durham

Incidents like this morning’s fire on Craven St serve as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and emergency readiness in residential neighborhoods. Homes with multiple occupants and pets can become especially hazardous in fast-moving fires, where every second counts.

Durham Fire Department crews responded quickly, and their actions undoubtedly prevented an even greater tragedy. Yet even with rapid intervention, the risks to both human life and pets remain severe when fires erupt during overnight hours, when occupants are likely asleep and unaware.

Smoke detectors, accessible exits, and practiced evacuation plans can all increase the chances of safe escape. In homes with elderly individuals or those with limited mobility, additional planning is essential to ensure everyone can be reached and evacuated quickly during emergencies.

Beyond physical injuries, house fires can leave lasting emotional and financial burdens. The Red Cross and other relief organizations often provide vital resources such as temporary shelter, food, clothing, and emotional support. Residents are encouraged to maintain updated emergency contact information and know where to turn for assistance following a disaster.

As investigators work to determine the cause of the Craven St fire, the Durham community is reminded of the need for vigilance, preparation, and compassion in the wake of household emergencies.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by a serious incident, reach out to Local Accident Reports for support and resources.

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- After two days of events across the Triangle, the State of the People Power Tour wrapped up its North Carolina stop Wednesday evening with a rally in front of the General Assembly in Raleigh.

Organizers of the nationwide tour aim to inspire civic engagement among Black voters and build grassroots momentum for change. The stop in North Carolina included a town hall in Durham, daytime workshops, and culminated with the Wednesday night rally on Jones Street.

"It cannot be just a moment, it has to be a movement," local organizer Diana Powell told the crowd.

Marcus Bass, a local partner for the tour and Deputy Director of the NC Black Alliance, said the event was meant to bring people together during a critical time in the political climate.

"It's been a very long week in the General Assembly," Bass said. "There's a lot of debate - not just around the budget - but around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and spending for minority communities."

ALSO SEE: NC court says moving election board appointments under state auditor can proceed for now

This year's legislative session has included multiple bills that are receiving pushback, including several targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. One of those bills, HB-171, advanced earlier in the day, just hours before the rally began.

"This is about everybody understanding that together, despite what we may think is happening to us individually, we can make a difference," Bass added.

Local organizers and national activists led chants, gave speeches, and held discussions throughout the event. State lawmakers also joined the rally to speak directly with attendees about ongoing legislation.

Angela Rye, a national organizer of the tour, said the entire effort is volunteer-funded and rooted in the belief that collective action can withstand any challenge.

"We want people to walk away feeling encouraged, hopeful, and capable of making change," Rye said.

Brad Simmons, a local organizer who attended the rally, said the tour's real impact will come from what happens next.

"If we continue to communicate and organize after this, that's where the real change will happen," Simmons said.

Durham Workshop

The "State of the People Power Tour" continued Wednesday with a full slate of workshops and a vendor resource fair at St. Mark AME Zion on Roxboro Street in Durham.

"We're ready to be in the community and be engaged," organizer Dr. Wes Bellamy said.

The tour includes Battleground North Carolina in its national lineup, making stops in the City of Raleigh and the City of Durham.

"The people here are as engaged as anywhere else, and we felt that it is of the utmost importance for us to be here," Bellamy said.

From reducing gun violence to mental health, community leaders led a series of discussions in Durham that aim to bring voters together as they learn to navigate today's political climate.

For Niki Alston, who lives in Henderson, one of the issues that's on her mind is budget cuts.

"We have people in a room that have lost their jobs because budgets have been cut," Alston said. "The nervousness comes because it is a lot at stake. It's affecting people in many ways. The optimism comes in because if you do know what's at risk, then let's work towards solutions."

ALSO SEE: Food Lion hosts volunteer events in 6 North Carolina locations, tackling food insecurity

Organizers say it's more important now than ever before to increase political engagement and empowerment nationwide.

For Durham native Aalayah Sanders, she said she's focusing on young people in the Bull City.

"There's a lot of gun violence taking place in our community, but also funding for things like housing, the food deserts, and different things that we see across Durham," Sanders said. "But most importantly, I think youth intervention and finding resources for our youth here in Durham."

Sanders led a discussion as part of the tour for millennials on how to be more civically involved and get out in the community.

"Sometimes we may think our voice doesn't matter or who's going to listen to us because we're just the young people in the group," Sanders said. "However, I think this message is going to all the leaders in this room to hopefully talk to their needs, talk to their children about using their voice and exercising it for change."

The State of the People Power Tour is now headed to Birmingham, Alabama, and plans to visit seven more cities in the coming weeks.

To learn more about the tour, click here.

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Cornell Watson for NPR

Dedicated to Black music reclamation and exploration, Biscuits & Banjos is a new music festival curated by Grammy-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens. The festival took place this past weekend in Durham, N.C., and featured artists like Taj Mahal, Infinity Song, Rissi Palmer and a Carolina Chocolate Drops reunion. It also incorporated Durham's Black history with a walking tour of Black Wall Street, panel discussions, square and line dancing, and a juke joint-themed party with drag performances.

Durham-based photojournalist Cornell Watson photographed the festival and shared his experience.

Cornell Watson for NPR

Cornell Watson for NPR

Cornell Watson for NPR

Cornell Watson for NPR

What motivated you to photograph this event?

Watson: Between Beyoncé's album Cowboy Carter and 803Fresh's song "Boots on the Ground," it's not hard to notice that Black people are rediscovering joy in the folk, country, blues and Americana music scenes. I loved the idea that Biscuits & Banjos unapologetically centered Black people, and I wanted to document how we were experiencing this invitation to reclaim and take up space here. As a Black person, this festival felt like a warm hug, and I think the photos support that feeling.

What's the story behind your favorite photo from the festival?

It's hard to pick one because the "Sweet Molasses Juke Joint" party photos are giving so much energy, but since I can only pick one, I'm going with the photo of the original members of the Carolina Chocolate Drops performing together for the first time in over 10 years. I wanted to make something to capture their energy, so I dragged my camera shutter to make light trails from the light that was reflecting on them and their instruments.

Cornell Watson for NPR

Cornell Watson for NPR

Was there anything that surprised you while photographing?

Yes, I had no idea how fun square dancing was. It's like "Simon Says" for adults. There was so much happiness in the room during the "Friday Night Frolic: Square and Line Dance with Rhiannon & Friends." I'm going to recall all the smiles and laughter I saw next time McDonald's messes up my order and gives me honey mustard instead of pure honey.

Cornell Watson for NPR

Cornell Watson for NPR

Cornell Watson for NPR

Cornell Watson for NPR

Any other interesting anecdotes or experiences you would like to share?

I love how the festival offered free programming, making it accessible to the entire community. Amythyst Kiah, Tressie McMillan Cottom, Michael Twitty and so many other great musicians and intellectuals all for free-ninety-nine. I spent so much time running between all the festival programming that I forgot to go eat some biscuits. My soul was full but my belly, not so much. Maybe next year.