🌳 Competitive Field in Durham’s 2025 Election

Hello Durham!

We’re fueling up on caffeine this week thanks to Axios’ new roundup of the Triangle’s best coffee shops. If we were making the list, we’d add Omie’s as the best coffee in Durham. Who would you add?

Also, Dino’s Pizza is officially open! Harry Potter is coming to DPAC. And Disney broke ground in Pittsboro.

-Jordan Parker

In this issue:

• Durham Chef Expands with Hillsborough Italian Spot

• Mayor Williams Defends Controversial Town Hall Remark

• Avalara Plans Public Offering

• Competitive Field in Durham’s 2025 Election

Durham Chef Expands with Hillsborough Italian Spot

One of Durham’s most celebrated chefs is bringing red-sauce comfort to Hillsborough. Josh DeCarolis, chef-owner of Mothers & Sons, will open Serratore’s Pasta & Pizza in late August, taking over the former Radius Pizza space downtown.

• Italian-American Focus: Unlike the refined Italian dishes at Mothers & Sons, Serratore’s will feature Italian-American classics inspired by DeCarolis’ Connecticut upbringing, including chicken parm, shrimp scampi, and pork rib sugo.

• Fresh Pasta & Cutlets: Expect six house-made pastas nightly (with gluten-free and vegan options) and a dedicated cutlet menu with veal and chicken prepared four ways.

• Wood-Fired Pizza & Frozen Campari: The inherited oven means Neapolitan-style pies will be on the menu, alongside beer on tap, draft prosecco, and frozen Campari lime slushies.

Read More >>

Mayor Williams Defends Controversial Town Hall Remark

Durham Mayor Leo Williams is facing criticism for using the slang term “YN” during a July 3 town hall discussion about youth gun violence. The term sparked backlash for reinforcing stereotypes about young Black men. Williams says he meant “youngins” and won’t apologize, arguing his comments were taken out of context.

• What He Said: Williams called out “12-year-olds with no value for life” stealing guns, blaming federal housing policies for cycles of poverty.

• Why It Matters: Critics, including mayoral challenger Anjanée Bell, say words from a mayor carry weight and can fuel harmful narratives.

• Williams’ Response: He posted a follow-up video expressing regret if his words hurt anyone but said, “I’m not going to change. I’m listening, but I’m still me.”

Read More >> 

Avalara Plans Public Offering

Durham-based tax software company Avalara has confirmed plans for an initial public offering, marking a potential return to public markets after being acquired by Vista Equity Partners in 2022 for $8.4 billion. The IPO would come as investor interest in tech stocks rebounds.

• What They Do: Avalara provides cloud-based tax compliance software for global brands like Adidas, Crocs, and Reebok.

• Why Now: IPO activity is heating up nationally, and Avalara’s rapid growth positions it as one of Durham’s most prominent tech success stories.

• Local Impact: A public offering could mean more hiring and continued investment in its downtown Durham offices.

Read More >>

Competitive Field in Durham’s 2025 Election

Durham’s 2025 election is shaping up to be one of the busiest in years, with 19 candidates vying for the mayor’s office and three City Council seats — here’s who’s running and why it matters.

Key Dates: Primary Oct. 7 | General Nov. 4

• Mayor – Citywide

  • Leo Williams faces five challengers: Anjanée Bell, Pablo Friedmann, Rafiq Zaidi, Angela Reddick, and Lloyd Phillips.

  • Williams, a former teacher and co-owner of Zweli’s, seeks a second term after first being elected in 2023.

  • Can Bell’s name recognition as Bill Bell’s daughter and arts advocate chip away at Williams’ incumbency advantage?

• Ward 1 – Downtown & North Durham

  • DeDreana Freeman faces six challengers: Elijah King, Matt Kopac, Sheryl Smith, Andrea Cazales, and Samaria McKenzie.

  • A packed field of six, including politically seasoned Elijah King and planner Matt Kopac, could force a competitive runoff.

• Ward 2 – South & Southeast Durham

  • Council veteran Mark-Anthony Middleton faces Shanetta Burris and Ashley Robbins.

  • Middleton, a longtime incumbent and frequent council spokesperson, faces fresh competition from Burris, who has run before and could consolidate progressive support.

• Ward 3 – West Durham

  • Chelsea Cook will face her first election against Terry McCann, Diana Medoff, and Durant Long.

  • Appointed last year, Cook must defend her seat for the first time.

The current council has invested in HEART (Durham’s mental health crisis response program) and youth initiatives but faced criticism over housing and development votes. With three ward seats and the mayor’s office on the ballot, this election could steer Durham’s future on growth, affordability, and public safety.

Read More >> Indy Week | News & Observer | Axios Raleigh

From Reddit: “Current exhibit at the Museum Hotel - this artist bluffed her way into a cell phone factory in China, then made these dioramas of what she saw.”

GalaxyCon Raleigh
Raleigh Convention Center
July 24-27
A four-day celebration of pop culture featuring celebrity guests like Susan Sarandon, William Shatner, and Giancarlo Esposito, plus panels, live performances, and a free outdoor Streetfest on Saturday.

Budweiser Block Party Cookout
Kotuku Surf Club
Thurs, July 24, 5pm
Celebrate Harris Beverages’ 50th anniversary with a free cookout, Budweiser specials, and a chance to see the famous Clydesdale horses up close.

Back to School Community Bash with Trey Murphy III
I.R. Holmes Recreation Center
Sat, July 26, 1pm
Durham native and NBA star Trey Murphy III teams up with Durham Parks and Recreation for a family-friendly bash with games, crafts, free school supplies, and community resources.

Vegan Bakery Pop-Up at Queenys
Queenys, Downtown Durham
Sun, July 27, 10am
Grab vegan croissants, sourdough focaccia, and other baked treats at this one-day pop-up from a local vegan bakery, returning again on August 3 and 10.

Mo Amer: El Oso Palestino Tour
Carolina Theatre, Fletcher Hall
Wed, July 30, 8pm
The award-winning comedian and star of Netflix’s “MO” brings his sharp, personal storytelling to Durham in a phone-free show about family, politics, and life as a new dad.

Louis C.K.: Ridiculous
DPAC – Durham Performing Arts Center
Thu, July 31, 7:30pm
The Emmy- and Grammy-winning comedian brings his “Ridiculous” tour to Durham for a sold-out night of sharp stand-up and storytelling.

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