Hey there, Durham! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: XOXOK Live Music and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Can Durham repair a historic wrong? New Durham Freeway plans spark hope in Hayti (abc11.com) — Durham leaders are weighing three major redesign options for the Durham Freeway, including a costly land-bridge "cap" that could reconnect historic Hayti to downtown. Longtime residents who saw homes and businesses destroyed by NC 147 hope the Reimagine Durham Freeway Vision Plan can repair some of that harm, though funding and state coordination remain big questions.
2. 'Something has to be done': Durham unveils recommendations to curb gun violence after three-day summit (cbs17.com) — Durham city and county leaders have rolled out five major strategies to cut shootings and homicides, aiming for a 10% yearly reduction and planning a large funding request next year. After months of listening sessions and a three-day "Summit on Saving Lives," recommendations include focused support for high‑risk residents, revamped street outreach, neighborhood partnerships, expanded behavioral health services, and a youth summit.
3. From Hayti roots to Hillside mentor: Durham remembers Sheremy Dillard (abc11.com) — Durham is mourning Sheremy Dillard, a lifelong resident whose family roots run deep in the historic Hayti community and along Fayetteville Street. Remembered as a former Hillside High basketball player, coach, and mentor, she influenced generations of young athletes and carried forward the legacy of the well-known Dillard family; funeral arrangements are still being finalized.
4. Wake and Durham county visitor numbers and spending hit records in 2025 (cbs17.com) — Durham County set a record with 13.4 million visitors in 2025, who spent $1.17 billion and helped support more than 7,700 local tourism jobs. Alongside strong growth in neighboring Wake County and statewide, that visitor spending generated tens of millions in tax revenue and helps reduce the tax burden on North Carolina households, including those in Durham.
5. NC school rooftops could generate enough solar power for 150,000 homes, report finds (wral.com) — A new report finds North Carolina school rooftops could host enough solar panels to power about 150,000 homes, including an estimated 24 megawatts on Durham County schools alone. Researchers say rooftop solar could cut emissions and help schools manage rising power costs, but current state rules and financing barriers still make many projects hard to launch.
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Ok Durham! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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