Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a former Southern High student is accusing Durham’s mayor now

Coming up on the Durham Patch calendar: Winter Solstice Faire

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Saturday December 20th Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, Durham? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a former Southern High student is accusing Durham’s mayor now
  • Will NCCU’s home-court edge in Durham upset the betting pick?
  • How big pharma’s 2025 boom could reshape jobs in Durham County

Also on today's calendar: Shock Elite Academy: FREE Open Gym and 6 more events.

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

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 54 and low of 35 degrees.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 59, low: 28.
  • Monday: Cooler with plenty of sun, with a high of 49 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Durham mayor denies former student's allegations of misconduct (heraldsun.com) — Durham’s mayor is publicly denying an allegation from a former Southern High School student who says Williams showed him an inappropriate video when he was a teacher. The claim, posted on Facebook and now circulating in Durham groups, has not been confirmed, and The News & Observer is withholding details while it investigates. Williams, a longtime Durham Public Schools educator, says the accusation is false and defamatory.
   

2. Longwood vs North Carolina Central Prediction 12/20/2025 Today's College Basketball Picks (pickdawgz.com) — North Carolina Central hosts Longwood this afternoon at McDougald-McLendon Arena in Durham, with tipoff set for 2 p.m. The preview breaks down recent form, key players, and betting trends, ultimately leaning toward Longwood despite NCCU’s strong daytime home record.
   

3. Year in Review: Pharmaceuticals industry continues ascent (thecentersquare.com) — Major pharmaceutical investments are flowing into North Carolina, including a $771 million Novartis expansion in Durham and Wake counties that promises 700 new jobs. Biogen already employs many workers in Durham and Wake, while new state laws tighten oversight of drug pricing and pharmacy benefit managers. Opioid-related settlements will also send money to counties across the state.
   

4. Field Guide: Ten Local Songs We Loved in 2025 (indyweek.com) — Durham music fans get a year-end treat with a curated list of ten standout local songs from across the Triangle’s vibrant scene, spanning hip-hop to cosmic country. The INDY also reminds readers that its Durham- and Triangle-focused coverage stays free, while inviting locals to support that work through its Press Club membership.
   

📸 Around Durham

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Durham

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    A dog who went missing in Durham, NC, has been safely reunited with their family after 1 days, 10 hours. More details here https://www.pawboost.com… (Nextdoor Boswell st)
  • I've seen a lot of posts about people asking for Christmas trees.
    The Durham Rescue Mission will be handing out free Christmas trees today from their thrift store located at 10701 Glenwood Ave until all gone. This… (Nextdoor Grove Park)
  • Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. posted a job opening for Part Time Dairy Frozen Clerk in Durham. Apply here.
  • Domino's Pizza, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Manager(05503) - 1209 W Main St. 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 dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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