Daily editionWednesday, September 16th, 2026
Good morning, Durham.
The 5AM Durham Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 16th of September.
Culture
Southern Doc Fest debuts on Oct. 10 at the Durham Arts Council with six screenings—two features and four shorts—and live filmmaker Q&A sessions plus a performance by local rapper Mike G. Full-day passes are on sale now and screening tickets begin Sept. 4.
Indy WeekRead more
Duke University Libraries presents WARphotography AMERICANimage at the Rubenstein Library Photography Gallery, featuring war images from the Civil War, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror until mid-November.
The exhibition shows work by photographers Matthew Brady, Alexander Gardner, and Inbal Abergil that explores how war moments are captured.
Duke TodayRead more
Economy
RTI expanded its Xcelerator facility yesterday to help startups develop new technologies after federal funding cuts.
The nonprofit move is aimed at boosting local innovation and providing essential resources to emerging tech companies.
INDY WeekRead more
Environment
Kat Campbell (WRAL meteorologist) explained that a drought may produce more muted fall foliage, while mountain areas will offer the best color this season.
WRALRead more
Health
Student Health responded to rising COVID-19 cases among first-year students since move-in day by offering same-day care, virtual consultations, and preparing on-campus vaccinations & 13 flu vaccine clinics to help curb transmission.
Duke ChronicleRead more
State investigators pointed to a Durham water feature as the likely source of the amoeba infection that killed a teenager, following extreme summer heat; the report explains how warmer water may heighten risks in the area.
WRALRead more
Sports
Former NC State baseball coach Elliott Avent, who retired after a 30-year career, shared his reflections with WRAL and previewed Home Run Derby X, which will take place Friday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park + signaling a new chapter in his life.
WRALRead more