🌱Bulls Pitcher Zombro Back + O'Neal's Plan For Affordable Housing

Happy International Dance Day Durham!

I have to take a moment to let you all know that, after today, you will not be receiving the Durham Patch Daily for a while, but don't worry, it's only temporary. We will be focusing on some other Patch communities for the time being. Thank you for your support and patience.

If you would like to stay up to date on some relevant Triangle news, you can subscribe to the Raleigh Patch Daily here, and feel free to continue to share the Durham Patch Daily subscribe link with friends so that when we are back up and running, no one will miss out on all of what's happening.

First, today's weather:

Some sun, then turning cloudy. High: 70 Low: 54.

Here are the top five stories in Durham today:

1. Durham Bulls pitcher Tyler Zombro is back on the mound for the first time since fracturing his skull during a game in June. A pitch hit Zombro in the back of the head at over 100 mph, breaking his skull and causing massive swelling around his brain. On Sunday, Zombro pitched his first real game and received a standing ovation. Zombro says that he has fully recovered since the incident, although it was a long journey back. (abc11).
2. Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal shared a plan last week to help make the city more affordable. As home prices are continuing to rise, and inventory remains low, she proposes that the city purchase homes and sell them at affordable prices to Durham residents. She says that she wants to give the council time to think about the plan but hopes to move forward with a plan next month. (WRAL)
3. Construction on a mixed-use development project on East Main Street in Durham is expected to impact traffic in the area beginning mid-June. The first phase of construction is set to begin on May 16, to be completed in spring 2024. The county says that the northern part of the 500 E. Main St. parking lot will also be closed and fenced off during construction. When completed the site will hold 246 apartments, and an 850+ car parking deck with ground level retail. (CBS17)
4. A car crashed into an apartment building in Durham on Thursday morning. The incident took place before noon at the Duke Manor Apartments on Lasalle Street. The cause of the crash is unclear, but the building entrance was damaged as well as the front of the car. (abc11)
5. Snake season is around the corner, as they typically emerge during warmer months, May to September. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is reminding residents to give snakes distance. North Carolina is home to 38 native snake species, with six venomous, and ten listed as endangered or threatened. Wildlife officials are asking residents to report sightings of the pine snake and the rattlesnake as populations of the two are dwindling. (abc11, CBS17)

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Today in Durham:

• Log Off, Jam On at Boxyard RTP (5:00 pm-8:00 pm)
• Open Mic Comedy at Barrel Culture (7:00 pm-9:00 pm) & Durty Bull (8:00 pm-10:00 pm)
• Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at Carolina Theatre (8:00 pm)
• House Party ft. DJ Smitty at Justin's (8:00 pm-1:00 am)

From my notebook:

• It's International Dance Day and if you like to dance, want to dance, or maybe are terrible at it and just want to be a little better, Durham has a variety of dance classes for adults available.
• Early voting has begun, and if you missed voter registration, you can do a same-day registration at your voting site. (CBS17)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Prismatica Kaleidoscope Experience: A Color-Filled Exhibition of Lights and Reflections at The Streets at SouthPoint (See schedule)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Durham Daily? Contact me at durham-nc@patch.com