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Durham news

Stories from 5AM Durham’s editions, and every report from Durham’s newsrooms.

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Written for 5AM Durham’s editions from the reports of two or more newsrooms.

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Blue DevilsPatrick Ngongba II scores a career-high 28 as No. 2 Duke routs Coastal CarolinaPatrick Ngongba II set a career high with 28 points and nine rebounds Thursday night as No. 2 Duke beat Coastal Carolina 113-52 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils scored the game's first 16 points and led 54-18 at halftime. His old high was 17.Tar HeelsUNC beats Wofford 109-70 a week after nearly toppling No. 1 MiamiNorth Carolina beat Wofford 109-70 Friday night at the Smith Center, putting Michael Malone's Tar Heels at 2-0. UNC scored 100 points for the first time since the 2024-25 season. Malone said he kept telling players "we're building habits."Durham CountyDurham's animal shelter says photos a former employee posted are old and don't show it todayIf you've seen the Facebook post about the Durham County animal shelter, here's the response. A former employee shared photos of unsanitary conditions, moldy pet food and dead dogs piled into an incinerator, and the post has been shared more than 100 times since Wednesday afternoon. The Animal Protection Society of Durham says the photos are old and the person hasn't worked there in more than four months.State SchoolsNC school districts report $18 billion in construction needs over the next five yearsNorth Carolina school districts say they need about $18 billion for construction over the next five years, up from $13.1 billion in 2021, according to a survey presented to the State Board of Education on Nov. 4. Guilford County ($2.2 billion), Wake County ($2 billion) and Winston-Salem/Forsyth ($1.5 billion) listed the most.BusinessM&F Bancorp shareholders approve the sale of Durham's M&F Bank to OptusIf you bank with M&F, the sale is one step from done. Shareholders overwhelmingly approved the merger into South Carolina-based Optus Financial Corp. Wednesday, and holders of fewer than 2% of shares voted against. The roughly $105 million deal still needs federal approval, and both banks expect it to close by the end of the year.DroughtDurham's reservoirs are 33% full, and the city is nearing Stage 3 water limitsIf you're on Durham city water, the drought is hitting close to home. Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir, the city's main reservoirs, are 33% full, compared to 38% in July, said Joe Lunne of the city's Department of Water Management. This is typically Durham's driest time of year, and Lunne said the city doesn't expect a lot of rain.Blue DevilsNo. 2 Duke opens the season with an 84-50 win over Army at CameronIf you missed Monday night, No. 2 Duke opened its season with an 84-50 win over Army at Cameron Indoor Stadium. It was the Blue Devils' 27th straight season-opening win, and all 12 players who got in scored.BusinessM&F Bank shareholders are set to vote Wednesday on merging with OptusIf you bank at M&F, or care about Durham's Black Wall Street story, this one's for you. M&F shareholders are scheduled to vote Wed., Nov. 4 on a roughly $105 million merger with Optus Bank of South Carolina. CEO Jim Sills calls the deal “a sign of strength.”Duke FootballDuke routs Boston College 47-2 as Nate Sheppard scores five touchdownsDuke crushed Boston College 47-2 at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday. That moved the Blue Devils to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the ACC, and made them bowl-eligible for a third straight year under Manny Diaz. Sophomore running back Nate Sheppard ran for five touchdowns, a Duke single-game record. The defense held BC to 78 rushing yards.

Around Durham

From ABC11 News, The Warren Record and 19 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service, in the last two days.

  1. ABC11 News1 hour ago

    1 dead, 7 seriously injured after vehicle hits group of bicyclists in Wake County, on ABC11 News

    One bicyclist was killed and seven others were seriously injured when a vehicle struck a group of bicyclists in Wake County on Saturday morning.

  2. The Warren Record3 hours ago

    Fork Chapel Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate pastoral anniversary, on The Warren Record

    Fork Chapel Missionary Baptist Church will be celebrating the pastor’s 13th anniversary for the Rev. Emery E. Jones. The service will be Sunday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m..

  3. Chapelboro3 hours ago

    After Miami Loss, UNC Looks to Regain Footing vs. UConn — The Carolina Football Hour (Nov. 7, 2026), on Chapelboro

    97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell and Michael Koh preview UNC's non-conference matchup with UConn on Saturday, November 7.

  4. The INDY3 hours ago

    Durham School Board Reconsiders ‘Rightsizing and Consolidation’ Study, on The INDY

    The Durham Public Schools Board of Education is reconsidering hiring a contractor to study enrollment trends and boundary adjustments amid concerns about community engagement and the contracting firm. Enrollment at DPS is declining, in line with national trends as birth rates fall and students move to private and charter schools. Current projections show a continued […]

  5. The News & Observer4 hours ago

    Consumer complaint leads to paused sales at Triangle gas stations. How to report, on The News & Observer

    In recent weeks, state inspectors found issues at more than a dozen gas stations in the Triangle. If you see a problem at the pump, here’s how to report it.

  6. The News & Observer5 hours ago

    Waymo eyes Raleigh, Durham for self-driving taxis after Charlotte. What to know, on The News & Observer

    Waymo policy adviser says the company is in active talks with Triangle governments about bringing autonomous taxis to Raleigh and Durham after Charlotte launch.

  7. The News & Observer6 hours ago

    Best Indian food? These 4 Triangle restaurants rank among the nation’s favorites, on The News & Observer

    Where’s the best Indian food? Lime & Lemon in Chapel Hill and restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina make Yelp list of most-loved places to eat in US.

  8. The Daily Reflector6 hours ago

    New judge Sutton promises to balance duty with public care, on The Daily Reflector

    Pitt County’s newest judge said this week that she is grateful to voters for entrusting her with the responsibility of the bench and that her intention going forward is to

  9. Shelby Star7 hours ago

    Duke football vs NC State live updates: Follow along from ACC clash, on Shelby Star

    Duke football is on the road at NC State for an ACC showdown. Follow live score updates, highlights, injury news and key plays.

  10. Durham Herald Sun7 hours ago

    How to watch Duke football vs NC State today, TV channel, streaming, on Durham Herald Sun

    Duke football heads to Raleigh to face NC State at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7.

  11. The News & Observer7 hours ago

    Triangle restaurants and cafés face closures and changes. Here’s what to know, on The News & Observer

    Fiction Kitchen, Crumbl Cookies and several Raleigh / Durham / Cary NC area coffee shops are closing or relocating. Here’s a look at the recent changes.

  12. Gaston Gazette8 hours ago

    UNC's Maximo Adams shows 'relentless pursuit' in viral clip, double-double vs Wofford, on Gaston Gazette

    UNC basketball players aren't surprised by what they saw from freshman Maximo Adams against Wofford. Here's why.

  13. BlueRidgeNow.com8 hours ago

    UNC vs UConn live updates: Follow along as Tar Heels play Huskies, on BlueRidgeNow.com

    It's UNC football vs. UConn in a nonconference road game. Follow live score updates, highlights, injury news, key plays and instant analysis.

    Also reported byThe Fayetteville Observer

  14. The Wilson Times12 hours ago

    High School Football Scoreboard, Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, on The Wilson Times

    Final scores from North Carolina high school football games played Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, provided in partnership with VarsityNC.com.

  15. CBS 1713 hours ago

    NC high school football playoff scores for Week 1 of 2026 season, on CBS 17

    NCHSAA Playoffs First Round Class 8A East Jordan 62, Wakefield 21 Green Hope 49, Willow Spring 17 Wilmington Laney 47, Panther Creek 27 Class 8A West Charlotte Myers Park 55, South Mecklenburg 22 Palisades 55, Charlotte Ardrey Kell 17 Southern Pines Pinecrest 49, Charlotte Providence 29 West Charlotte 20, Hoke County 7 Class 7A East

  16. HighSchoolOT13 hours ago

    (5) Green Hope football pulls away in second half to defeat (12) Willow Spring, on HighSchoolOT

    The Falcons bested the Storm in a lopsided effort to advance to the second round of the NCHSAA 8A football state playoffs.

  17. Chapelboro14 hours ago

    ‘Maniac’: Freshman Maximo Adams’ Confidence Impresses His UNC Teammates, on Chapelboro

    After recording his first career double-double in UNC’s 109-70 win against Wofford Friday night at the Smith Center, freshman Maximo Adams walked into the media room wearing a chain. It was bright, bold, and in-your-face — very similar to the guy wearing it. This chain included a bedazzled version of a strutting Rameses hanging jauntily

  18. CBS 1715 hours ago

    Brown, Young pace North Carolina in drubbing of Wofford, on CBS 17

    CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Terrence Brown scored 21 points, reserve Jaydon Young scored 15 points, and North Carolina beat Wofford 109-70 on Friday night. Other Tar Heels (2-0) backups got in on the scoring action with Alex Samodurov contributing 13 points, Maximo Adams scoring 11 and grabbing 11 rebounds, and Jarin Stevenson added 10

  19. The News & Observer15 hours ago

    Photos: North Carolina vs Wofford - College basketball, on The News & Observer

    Wofford visits the University of North Carolina for a basketball game on Friday, November 6, 2026 in Chapel Hill, N.C.

  20. CBS 1716 hours ago

    Construction on housing, retail halts at site of Durham's former Coca-Cola bottling plant, on CBS 17

    DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Construction on a massive development at the site of Durham’s former Coca-Cola bottling plant is halted. Now, a legal battle between two project developers is raising questions about the future of Westside Bottling. While part of the work is already done, there appears to be a long way to go before

  21. Charlotte Observer16 hours ago

    UNC basketball routs Wofford. Observations from second win under Michael Malone, on Charlotte Observer

    UNC Tar Heels hosted Wofford at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill on Friday in nonconference men’s basketball game, under coach Michael Malone. Did UNC win?

  22. Chapelboro16 hours ago

    Offense Explodes as UNC Men’s Basketball Blows Out Wofford, on Chapelboro

    UNC scored 100 points for the first time since the 2024-25 season in a 109-70 victory against Wofford at the Smith Center Friday night. The Tar Heels’ last time reaching 100 points in regulation came on Nov. 15, 2024 against American, though they would reach 100 again in overtime against Boston College later that same

  23. ABC11 News17 hours ago

    Raleigh rideshare driver gives hungry families free rides to the food pantry, on ABC11 News

    For many families who struggle to put food on the table, the food isn't always the hardest part. Getting to it is.

  24. CBS 1718 hours ago

    Live scoreboard: UNC hosts Wofford men’s basketball, on CBS 17

    CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina men’s basketball survived its season-opening game Monday and is looking to get stronger under new coach Michael Malone. The Tar Heels (1-0) host Wofford (0-1) Friday night at the Smith Center. Tip off in Chapel Hill is scheduled for 7 p.m. UNC outlasted Western Carolina 80-72 Monday night

  25. The North State Journal18 hours ago

    Duke alumni lead $3B AI startup weighing Triangle office, on The North State Journal

    A technology company led by two Duke University alumni is considering the Triangle for a future office as it prepares to expand its workforce following a $150 million investment round.

  26. CBS 1719 hours ago

    Live scoreboards: First round of high school football playoffs in central NC, on CBS 17

    RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Postseason high school football is here! The first round of the 2026 North Carolina high school football playoffs is Friday night, and CBS 17 will be in Cary for Green Hope vs. Willow Spring. The conference foes will battle it out for the chance to advance to the next round. Highlights

  27. ABC11 News19 hours ago

    Former Wake County deputy appears in court, on ABC11 News

    Court documents say 29-year-old Anthony Jose Garcia improperly used government property and computer systems to tip off a wanted person about active felony warrants.

  28. The News & Observer19 hours ago

    NC blue wave, e-bike rules and yes, a winter forecast: Today's top headlines, on The News & Observer

    Top News & Observer stories for Nov. 6, 2026: NC's blue wave in Congress, new e-bike rules, NOAA winter forecast and more.

  29. WUNC News20 hours ago

    Durham Public Schools delays vote on $474,000 contract for "right-sizing" study, on WUNC News

    Board members and community members raised concerns about the leading bidder for a contract to evaluate enrollment and facility needs — including possibly closing schools.

  30. Chapelboro20 hours ago

    Carrboro: More Discussion of Police Merger, Council Meeting Preview, Election Takeaways, on Chapelboro

    Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, November 6, discussing town news and events. She discussed the latest on conversations about merging the Carrboro Police Department with Chapel Hill's. She also previewed the upcoming town council meeting, recounted election night and the implications of some of those results, and more.

  31. ABC11 News20 hours ago

    UNC Hospitals' first facility dog, Suki, is already making a difference in patients' lives, on ABC11 News

    A new employee at UNC Hospitals is already winning hearts and making a difference in the lives of patients, families and staff.

  32. Qué Pasa21 hours ago

    Consejo del gobernador se reunirá con la comunidad latina en Carrboro, on Qué Pasa

    Azucena Vásquez Qué Pasa El Consejo Asesor del Gobernador sobre Asuntos Latino, realizará una reunión de Carrboro para abordar temas afectas a la comunidad latina.

  33. The Fayetteville Observer21 hours ago

    Live updates, scores from first round of high school football playoffs, on The Fayetteville Observer

    High school football season in NC rolls into the first week of playoffs with a full slate of matchups. Follow here for scores and highlights.

  34. Durham Herald Sun21 hours ago

    Google threatened to block search function in schools. NC schools seek answers, on Durham Herald Sun

    Triangle school districts seek details after Google says it will disable Search and Gemini by default, letting schools decide which AI tools to re-enable.

  35. WPTF22 hours ago

    Cary Police Chief to Retire After More Than 50 Years of Public Service, on WPTF

    CARY, N.C. (WPTF) -- After more than five years with the Cary Police Department and over five decades in law enforcement in three states, Cary Police ...

    Also reported byCBS 17WRAL

  36. Holly Springs Update23 hours ago

    Out and About This Weekend in Holly Springs (NC), Apex & Fuquay-Varina (11/6 through 11/8), on Holly Springs Update

    Autism Acceptance Day at Bass Lake, BBQ, Blues, and Brews in downtown Fuquay-Varina, baby goats at Bombshell Beer, and live music from Holly Springs to Apex fill out a packed November weekend.

  37. The Wilson Times23 hours ago

    Author visits Wilson to discuss book on RTP, on The Wilson Times

    Mack Paul will discuss “Miracle Road,” his book on Research Triangle Park’s rise, at a free Wilson County Public Library event Thursday, Nov. 12, followed by a book signing.

In brief

The short notes of 5AM Durham’s last two editions. Open one to read it, with its sources.

  • CenterFestThe Durham Arts Council says CenterFest will pause in 2027 as it considers the event's future.

    The Durham Arts Council says CenterFest will pause in 2027 as it considers the event's future. September's festival was the 51st for the state's oldest outdoor fine arts festival.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: Durham Herald Sun

  • GoogleTriangle school districts are seeking more details on Google's plan to turn off Search, Gemini and Gemini Notebook in schools by default, with schools deciding which to turn back on.

    Triangle school districts are seeking more details on Google's plan to turn off Search, Gemini and Gemini Notebook in schools by default, with schools deciding which to turn back on. Google first said it would cut Search for schools that reject AI, then said it wanted to "clarify" the plan.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: Durham Herald Sun

  • Animal shelterA former Durham County animal shelter employee posted graphic photos to Facebook Wednesday, alleging poor conditions.

    A former Durham County animal shelter employee posted graphic photos to Facebook Wednesday, alleging poor conditions. The Animal Protection Society of Durham, the nonprofit that runs the shelter, says the alleged conditions don't reflect the shelter today.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: Durham Herald Sun

  • ServalServal, an AI software company led by Duke alumni, is considering the Triangle for a future office as it prepares to expand its workforce after a $150 million round led by Sequoia Capital.

    Serval, an AI software company led by Duke alumni, is considering the Triangle for a future office as it prepares to expand its workforce after a $150 million round led by Sequoia Capital.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The North State Journal

  • Duke womenNo. 4 Duke women's basketball's Sunday game against North Texas in San Antonio was canceled, so the Blue Devils will play Florida Atlantic at Baldwin Arena in Boca Raton at 1 p.m.

    No. 4 Duke women's basketball's Sunday game against North Texas in San Antonio was canceled, so the Blue Devils will play Florida Atlantic at Baldwin Arena in Boca Raton at 1 p.m.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The News & Observer

  • Cary chiefCary Police Chief Terry Sult will retire Jan.

    Cary Police Chief Terry Sult will retire Jan. 15, 2027, after more than 50 years in law enforcement. Sult, 69, was named interim chief in 2021 and officially became chief the following year. Town Manager Russ Overton said in a statement, "We wish him well in his retirement."

    Around North Carolina · Today’s editionSources: WRAL, CBS 17, WPTF

  • E-bikesApex's Public Safety Committee backed limited e-bike amendments Thursday, Nov.

    Apex's Public Safety Committee backed limited e-bike amendments Thursday, Nov. 5 that could expand helmet requirements for younger riders, and the Town Council must approve them. North Carolina's new e-bike law takes effect Dec. 1.

    Around North Carolina · Today’s editionSource: Durham Herald Sun

  • Water supplyDurham has an estimated 81 days of accessible water remaining, with its two main reservoirs at 31% of combined storage capacity.

    Durham has an estimated 81 days of accessible water remaining, with its two main reservoirs at 31% of combined storage capacity. The city could soon implement Stage 3 water restrictions.

    News Notes · Friday’s editionSource: WRAL

  • Data centersThe Durham Planning Department has proposed rules for data centers once the city and county moratoriums end, including neighborhood meetings, public hearings and reports on water, wastewater and power use.

    The Durham Planning Department has proposed rules for data centers once the city and county moratoriums end, including neighborhood meetings, public hearings and reports on water, wastewater and power use. Data centers would be limited to industrial, light industrial, university and campus, and science and research park districts.

    News Notes · Friday’s editionSource: The INDY

  • Duke hoopsNo. 2 Duke beat Coastal Carolina 113-52 Thursday night, scoring the game's first 16 points and leading by 36 at halftime.

    No. 2 Duke beat Coastal Carolina 113-52 Thursday night, scoring the game's first 16 points and leading by 36 at halftime. Patrick Ngongba II had a career-high 28 points, and the Blue Devils are 2-0. The Duke Chronicle says it's the highest victory margin under coach Jon Scheyer.

    News Notes · Friday’s editionSources: CBS 17, The Duke Chronicle

  • Computing schoolAdministrators got more pushback Thursday at the Arts & Sciences Council meeting on a proposed Duke School of Computing, a $300 million initiative.

    Administrators got more pushback Thursday at the Arts & Sciences Council meeting on a proposed Duke School of Computing, a $300 million initiative. It would have no primary faculty but would allow secondary and joint appointments.

    News Notes · Friday’s editionSource: The Duke Chronicle

  • Duke ForestDuke Forest has a new Motus receiving station on a research tower in its Blackwood division that will detect and record the movements of birds, bats and insects.

    Duke Forest has a new Motus receiving station on a research tower in its Blackwood division that will detect and record the movements of birds, bats and insects. It's a project of the MaRRS lab at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment.

    News Notes · Friday’s editionSource: Qué Pasa

  • Wake Tech bondWake County voters approved a $149.1 million bond that will expand workforce training programs and fund upgrades across Wake Tech campuses.

    Wake County voters approved a $149.1 million bond that will expand workforce training programs and fund upgrades across Wake Tech campuses.

    Around North Carolina · Friday’s editionSource: ABC11 News

  • Tonya's pop-upTonya's Cafe and Bakeshop will open a temporary pop-up at University Place in Chapel Hill in mid-November, the restaurant announced Wednesday.

    Tonya's Cafe and Bakeshop will open a temporary pop-up at University Place in Chapel Hill in mid-November, the restaurant announced Wednesday. Chapelboro says the shop will be in the 900 Willow building. Fans can order meals and pies in time for Thanksgiving. A Sept. 19 fire closed the cafe on South Elliott Road, and no reopening date has been announced.

    Around North Carolina · Friday’s editionSources: Durham Herald Sun, Chapelboro

  • UNC hoopsUNC plays Wofford tonight, Fri., Nov. 6, at 7 p.m.

    UNC plays Wofford tonight, Fri., Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. on ACC Network. The Tar Heels were outrebounded 41-32 by Western Carolina in their 80-72 opener.

    Around North Carolina · Friday’s editionSource: The News & Observer