Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Durham Police say their staffing turnaround is finally taking hold

Coming up on the Durham Patch calendar: Anything Goes but XMAS KARAOKE

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Greetings Durham! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Durham Police say their staffing turnaround is finally taking hold
  • Why were most Border Patrol agents operating in Durham last month?
  • How Durham Rescue Mission pulls off 50 years of holiday giving

Also on today's calendar: Holidaze and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 69 and low of 43 degrees.
  • Friday: Cloudy and cooler, temps: high: 50, low: 46.
  • Saturday: Warmer with clouds and sun, with a high of 71 and low of 44 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Durham Police growth: More police officers hired, more recruits on the way (wral.com) — Durham Police say staffing is finally trending up, with sworn positions at about 74% and larger academy classes and lateral hires on the way. Chief Patrice Andrews and Mayor Leo Williams credit better pay, benefits, and diversity efforts, including the 30x30 initiative, as the city and county roll out a broader violent crime reduction plan.
   

2. Wendell woman detained by Border Patrol released and will return to North Carolina, family says (wral.com) — A Wendell woman detained by Border Patrol in November is being released from a Georgia detention center and flying back to North Carolina to rejoin her family. Her case is tied to Customs and Border Protection operations in Wake and Durham counties, where most agents were deployed in Durham, and she now faces the longer-term challenge of staying in the U.S. legally.
   

3. The Rundown 12.24.2025 (cbs17.com) — Durham’s longtime Durham Rescue Mission is nearing 50 years of serving holiday community dinners and handing out toys to local kids, including carving more than 100 turkeys. This Christmas Eve newsletter also spotlights a Selma teen’s cancer recovery and a Wendell woman’s return from immigration detention, but Durham’s tradition of support takes center stage for local readers.
   

4. 'A formula that works': NC's commerce chief looks ahead to 2026 after record year for jobs (wral.com) — State Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley says North Carolina’s record year for job announcements should bring more opportunities to Raleigh, Durham and other communities, even as some projects face federal funding uncertainty. He highlights how CHIPS Act delays have affected Durham-based Wolfspeed, stresses the need for stronger workforce training, and predicts continued growth in advanced manufacturing and life sciences across the state.
   

5. Durham native and queer actor Wenne Alton Davis dies in New York City after audition (qnotescarolinas.com) — Durham residents are mourning queer actor Wenne Alton Davis, a Durham native who died after being struck by a vehicle in Midtown Manhattan. Davis built a two-decade screen career while working as a customs officer, and several surviving family members still live in the Durham area, deepening the local impact of their sudden loss.
   

📸 Around Durham

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Durham

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • For anyone who needs to take advantage of this.....
    the TROSA Christmas Tree Lot at Northgate is closed and they have put out these trees free for the taking. I know times are tight for a lot of us,… (Nextdoor Trinity Park)
  • Looking for a Forever Home for Lionel 🐾
    Neighbors, I’m reaching out with hope in my heart to help find a forever home for Lionel, a 6-year-old pit bull mix from APS of Durham. I’m… (Nextdoor Pettigrew)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Durham. Apply here.
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Maintenance Assistant - Custodial 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 guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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