Daily editionTuesday, September 29th, 2026
Good morning, Durham.
The 5AM Durham Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 29th of September.
Community
Durham’s 7th Annual Bourbon & Bow Ties was held at Mystic Farm & Distillery on Sept. 25 and honored former Mayor Bill Bell while recognizing three longstanding community service organizations.
Hosted by Rep. Zack Hawkins, the event featured a keynote from Justice Anita Earls.
Spectacular MagazineRead more
Economy
Airlines say high airfares may persist even if fuel prices drop+ volatile jet fuel costs force carriers to plan months ahead.
Durham travelers booking flights from RDU should expect continued high fares+ local schedules may adjust as carriers manage fuel cost swings.
ABC11Read more
Education
Paisley Russell graduated from Riverside High and Durham Tech this spring and is starting her junior year at UNC Greensboro — a dual enrollment effort that saved her $15K in tuition.
Her success supports Durham Public Schools’ goal for one in four graduates to earn college credentials by 2028.
The Assembly NCRead more
On Thursday, Duke will honor 810 longtime faculty and staff at the Night of Duke Stars (an invitation-only celebration) at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham; the event will include food, music and dancing to recognize service milestones ranging from 25 to 60 years.
Duke TodayRead more
Durham Tech and Early Years are offering the Early Educator Academy, a free two-month course for aspiring childcare workers that ends with a job fair.
The program (serving about 20 participants per cohort) aims to reduce local workforce gaps in early childhood education.
INDY WeekRead more
Sports
On Saturday at Brooks Field, Duke held its annual Football Employee Celebration with free meals and family-friendly tailgate activities, and the Blue Devils won 62-7 over William and Mary.
Staff and families also met Duke President Vincent Price + enjoyed a sunny day of community spirit.
Duke TodayRead more
Accidents
An 8-inch water main break sent water gushing down a neighborhood street on Monday morning — police closed Halley Street between Moreland Avenue and Kent Street before 8 a.m. and crews began repairs by 9 a.m. with minimal impact to traffic.
WRALRead more