Daily editionFriday, August 21st, 2026
Good morning, Durham.
The 5AM Durham Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of August.
Economy
In 2025, domestic and international visitors spent a record $1.17 billion in Durham County, generating over $82 million in local tax revenue.
The study reported 13.4 million visitors and more than 7,700 tourism-supported jobs, emphasizing steady county growth.
Spectacular MagazineRead more
Education
Students beginning school next week in Durham and Wake counties will see changes in cafeteria menus.
Durham will serve canned and frozen produce until September due to Cyclospora, while Wake County raises full-price meal costs by 25 cents and expands free CEP sites from 44 to 53.
WRALRead more
Government
Durham officials will review three plans for the NC-147 corridor on Monday, Aug. 24, to reconnect Hayti and downtown—options include an urban boulevard at $500 million, a land bridge for public space at $450 million, or modernizing the freeway to help repair past harms.
ABC11Read more
Phase One of the Airport Boulevard extension project has begun as NC Transportation launched a tool for real-time traffic updates—easing travel for commuters.
In Morrisville, work on a $13.3 million corridor with two 12‑foot lanes each way will improve access to RTP, I‑40 and RDU with completion aimed for November.
WRALRead more
Lifestyle
Durham’s new Red Phone Booth, a 1920s-style cocktail lounge — where guests use a nightly code to enter — now opens at 125 W. Orange Street.
It offers an expansive selection of premium cigars and classic cocktails.
ABC11Read more