Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Hillsborough man is now jailed in a Durham murder case

And on the Durham Patch calendar - Mahjong Night

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Tuesday December 16th Patch AM
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Hi Durham! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Hillsborough man is now jailed in a Durham murder case
  • Which Durham favorites disappeared from the Triangle dining scene this year?
  • What unexpected Durham stories hide in Southpoint’s holiday food court chaos?

Also on today's calendar: Mahjong Night and 8 more events.

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

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Durham? Post it to Durham photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and not as cold, with a high of 50 and low of 30 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 55, low: 29.
  • Thursday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 56 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Hillsborough man arrested, charged in Durham murder, records show (cbs17.com) — Durham police have charged a Hillsborough man in the November shooting death of 53-year-old John Henry Singleton at a business on Morehead Avenue. The suspect is being held without bond at the Durham County Detention Facility, with his first court appearance continued to a later date. Residents may notice ongoing court developments in this high-profile local case.
   

2. A look back at some of the Triangle's biggest restaurant & bar closures of 2025 (newsobserver.com) — Two beloved Durham restaurants, Littler and Neo-China, were among the Triangle spots that shut their doors in 2025, ending years of special-occasion dinners and weeknight takeout traditions. A broader wave of closures hit Raleigh and Chapel Hill mainstays too, reflecting financial pressures on long-running local favorites across the region.
   

3. Lunch Money: Lo Mein and Christmas Chaos at Southpoint Mall (indyweek.com) — A food writer braves pre-Christmas crowds at Durham’s Southpoint Mall for a budget lunch of Basil Thai lo mein, only to be charmed by a recruiter for Durham Early College of Health Sciences and a nearly sold-out cookie kiosk. The piece captures the City of Medicine’s school rivalry, local small-business hustle, and chaotic holiday mall energy.
   

4. Jewish community tightens security measures as Hanukkah celebrations are underway (abc11.com) — Jewish congregations in Durham are tightening security during Hanukkah after a deadly attack at a celebration in Australia, with Beth El’s rabbi personally connected to people who were there. Local faith leaders say they’re balancing vigilance with a commitment to keep celebrating joyfully. They’re also urging neighbors to check in with Jewish friends who may be feeling shaken.
   

5. Water Woes in Fuquay-Varina (indyweek.com) — Homes in Durham are still dealing with damage from Tropical Storm Chantal, even as nearby Fuquay-Varina faces a looming water shortage that has regional leaders worried. A proposed water transfer plan could shift millions of gallons daily between river basins, sparking pushback from downstream communities. The newsletter also flags other Triangle stories, from school politics to arts and holiday events.
   

📸 Around Durham

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Durham

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Pabookie, a ferret who went missing in Chapel Hill, NC, has been safely reunited with their family after 21 hours, 54 minutes. Message from Owner: … (Nextdoor 15-501/Mt Moriah)
  • "Dangerously Cold" tonight 15 degrees PLS don't leave a stray/lost pet you see, they can FREEZE.
    IF animal control is not open, Take to vet office, urgent care + emerg vets open today. Vet can scan for microchip AND hold on for adopter--many keep… (Nextdoor Meredith/Meadow Dr)
  • Summit Hospitality Group posted a job opening for Operations Manager @ Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint in Durham. Apply here.
  • Durham Public Schools posted a job opening for Full Time Custodian 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 know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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