Daily editionThursday, August 20th, 2026
Good morning, Durham.
The 5AM Durham Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of August.
Business
Forge Nano’s planned expansion — backed by $100 million in federal funding — will add 250 jobs at its Morrisville battery factory.
Production is expected to begin in 2028, supplying advanced battery cells for defense and aerospace use.
WRALRead more
Culture
Duke’s annual photo contest highlighted summer vacations of staff and faculty—winning photos earned prizes from Washington Duke Inn, Duke Lemur Center, and Duke Arts Presents.
Duke TodayRead more
Education
Parents are warned about scams targeting back-to-school students with fake supply deals and first-day photo offers; experts say they should verify such deals with schools to keep students safe.
WRALRead more
Duke invites students to explore 10 ways to make a difference this season.
A Volunteer Fair — set for Oct. 19 at Penn Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — will be one event among opportunities to volunteer, tutor, and join local projects.
Duke TodayRead more
Health
Oma’s Pride is recalling 639 six-pound bags of Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe after tests found salmonella; three dogs became sick while no human illnesses were reported.
The food was sold to stores in 11 states and shipped online to customers, so pet owners should stop feeding it immediately.
WRALRead more
COVID-19 cases are rising as students return to school and summer travel wraps up, according to local health experts.
Doctors advise that a newly-approved medicine is available to help prevent infection after exposure.
ABC11Read more
Sports
Carolina Blaze drew over 23,000 fans to Durham games in its inaugural season, generating nearly $6M in economic impact and boosting youth participation in women’s softball — the team will return in June for season two.
ABC11Read more