In today's Durham News

Here's a look at today's headlines:

But first, make sure to read our story in today's N&O about Julie Hatch and Jonel Hoogterp, the Durham couple hit by  a driver in Michigan last weekend. Hatch, a Chapel Hill postal worker, died in the crash. Her partner, who tended bar at Sunset Grille on Fayetteville Road, was to be taken off life support yesterday, so that her organs could be donated. A very loving couple, friends told us. And a very sad story.   

Here are today's local headlines:

WE'RE ... AVERAGE!: Not much of a battle cry. But when it comes to crime. Durham fights a battle of perception. Yes, we have areas of high poverty and violence, and we must work on them. But the Bull City sits in the middle of the pack when compared to similar cities across the Southeast, not better but not worse. Read our story.

ROOM SERVICE: Looks like some N.C.Central University students will beliving in dorms again. Read staff writer Eric Ferreri's story on why the university is again turning off campus to house some of its upperclassmen this falll.    

TATTOO YOU?: I don't think I would ever get a tattoo. Got enough marks on my body already. But many people turn to the body ink to remember those who are gone. Josh Shaffer has a fascinating look at the phenomenon with photos of memorial tattoos from Durham's DogStar Tattoo parlor. Like it or not, you cannot deny that this is art.

In today's commentary, two Duke professors give their presrcription for effective health care reform, Chase Foster tells how a case of voter-owned elections saved you money and a wildlife rehabber says there's still help available for injured and orphaned wildlife now that Piedmont Wildlife Center has closed its clinic. By the way, a new wildlife clinic opens next week. We'll be reporting on that soon.

Going to see "The Hurt Locker" today. Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading.

Mark