🌅 Dino’s Brings Old-School Pizza Vibes to Durham

Good morning!

Welcome to the very first issue of Hey! Durham, your go-to-source for quick, clear updates on the most important news, events, restaurants, and more. Each issue delivers key local stories in 3 minutes or less, so you can stay informed without the fluff.

- Jordan Parker

Duke & UNC to Build NC’s First Freestanding Children’s Hospital

Duke Health and UNC Health are teaming up to create NC Children’s, a 500-bed pediatric hospital—the first standalone facility for kids in North Carolina. The state has committed $320M to jumpstart the project, with construction set to begin by 2027.

• Located on a 100+ acre site in the Triangle.

• Includes a behavioral health center, outpatient care, and research hub.

• Will serve as a pediatric teaching hospital for both universities.

• Expected to open in the early 2030s.

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Durham Public Schools Faces $7M Budget Shortfall

Durham Public Schools (DPS) is $7 million over budget due to miscalculations in staffing, charter school payments, and child nutrition costs. While a $26.4M reserve helped reduce the gap, DPS has yet to outline a full plan to address the shortfall.

• $34M in missing expenses, including 315 staff positions and $9.7M in charter school payments.

• $27.4M county funding increase was spent on salary hikes, charter schools, and Pre-K.

• Child nutrition lost $3M, prompting an evaluation of food service costs.

• Staff salary concerns remain, with some employees receiving minimal raises.

DPS is now reviewing vacant positions and potential central office cuts while finalizing its audit.

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🍕 Dino’s: Classic Pizza & Pasta Coming to University Hill

Durham chefs Matt Kelly (Mateo, Nanas) and Tom Cuomo (Papa Shogun) are opening Dino’s, a family-friendly pizzeria inspired by classic NY/NJ spots. Expect New York-style pizza, hoagies, pasta, and wings in a laid-back space with red gingham tablecloths and a patio. Classic comfort food, done right. 🍕

• Menu: Pizza logs, spaghetti & meatballs, rigatoni vodka, and buffalo wings.

• Vibe: Casual, TVs on the walls, and outdoor seating.

• Opening this spring in the former BB’s Crispy Chicken space at University Hill.

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Jim Gaffigan
DPAC
Sat, Feb 8th, 5pm
Tickets » 

Puppy Love Fundraiser with Hope Animal Rescue
The Velvet Hippo
Sun, Feb 9th, 12-3pm
Details »

Super Bowl Watch Party
Glass Jug Downtown
Sun, Feb 9th
Details »