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🌱 Patch AM: How far did Durham’s $95 million housing bond really go?

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Good morning to you Durham! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How far did Durham’s $95 million housing bond really go?
  • Why Durham families still struggle despite falling inflation numbers
  • How a Durham chaplain says you can survive grief’s hardest days

Also on today's calendar: Shock Elite Academy: FREE Open Gym and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Durhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Durhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Windy; a morning shower, with a high of 67 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunny and cooler, temps: high: 54, low: 37.
  • Sunday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 59 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City of Durham meets majority of goals with $95 million affordable housing bond (wral.com) — Durham’s $95 million affordable housing bond has largely delivered, surpassing goals for affordable rental units, moving more than 2,000 unhoused residents into permanent housing, and stabilizing thousands of low-income households. City leaders say Forever Home Durham still lags on homeownership and MWBE contracting targets, and they’re already weighing program fixes and the possibility of asking voters for another bond in coming years.
   

2. Despite November's inflation drop, economic uncertainty remains (abc11.com) — Durham shoppers are still feeling squeezed at the checkout even as national inflation cools, with staples like coffee and beef climbing and local families tightening budgets. A UNC economist warns the job market and prices remain uncertain, while Durham’s Communities in Partnership steps up monthly food giveaways to meet growing demand for assistance in the Bull City.
   

3. 5 Healing Truths About Grief, from an Expert Doctor (thehealthy.com) — A Duke University Hospital chaplain in Durham shares compassionate, practical advice for navigating grief’s exhausting early days and long-term waves. Drawing on personal loss and expert insight, the piece explains common physical and emotional reactions, why you shouldn’t rush grief, and how small acts of self-care, community support, and remembrance can gradually help you carry a loved one’s memory forward.
   

4. DPAC ranked among nation's best theatres for 2025, report says (cbs17.com) — Durham’s Performing Arts Center just earned a top-three national ranking from Billboard based on 2025 ticket revenue, trailing only major venues in Las Vegas and Atlanta. DPAC drew over 550,000 guests this year and is planning a packed 2026 lineup, including “Hell’s Kitchen,” “The Great Gatsby,” “The Notebook,” and a four-week return of “Hamilton.”
   

5. Small NC restaurants seeing double digit boost in sales since Michelin guide recognition (abc11.com) — Durham diners are flocking to Seraphine, which has seen sales jump 49% after earning recognition in Michelin’s first American South guide. That surge mirrors a broader boost for several Triangle restaurants and is helping drive tourism, new jobs, and international interest in North Carolina’s food scene.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello I Need Help!
    My 8 year old daughter would like to cut her hair and donate it to a cancer organization, where in the Durham or chapel hill area can she get it cut… (Nextdoor New Hope Creek)
  • Update: Toby was found!
    A neighbor picked him up and returned him to us. Hey everyone, my dog Toby is missing as of a bit over an hour ago. He has an airtag that we’ve been… (Nextdoor Glenn Road)
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Maintenance Person Starting at $11.00 per Hour (Janitor) Custodian) in Durham. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Durham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Durham here.

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: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
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