Daily editionFriday, August 28th, 2026
Good morning, Durham.
The 5AM Durham Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 28th of August.
Culture
Sugar Hill Records—once housed in a converted 1920s municipal garage—released Dolly Parton's acclaimed bluegrass albums and became a vital part of Durham's musical legacy; founder Barry Poss is scheduled for inductions into the Bluegrass and North Carolina Music Halls of Fame in October.
Indy WeekRead more
Education
Durham Public Schools started the new school year Monday with a record low of 58 teacher vacancies after months of focused staffing efforts.
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis said the district is working to support new teachers and build strong student relationships.
ABC11Read more
Environment
Farmers in the Ivanhoe area reported small numbers of bearberry whiteflies on blueberries after harvest, and insecticide use is not warranted as populations remain low (further details on biological and economic impacts are still under study).
North Carolina Cooperative ExtensionRead more
Real Estate
Duke Health is set to sell an 11-acre site in Hillsborough (formerly a bereavement center) to Wood Partners, who will redevelop it into a 333-unit apartment complex with affordable units.
Local activists have started a petition to preserve the property's history.
Duke ChronicleRead more