🌳 Durham Restaurant Openings to Watch

In this issue:

• Durham Protests ICE Shooting

• Durham Police Chief Announces Retirement

• DA Defends Controversial Plea Deal

• Durham Restaurant Openings to Watch

• Court Technology Funding Draws Public Pushback

Approx Read Time: 3 mins

Durham Protests ICE Shooting

Hundreds of Durham residents gathered at CCB Plaza and marched downtown last week to protest the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. The demonstration tied local outrage to broader concerns about federal immigration enforcement, accountability, and the growing presence of ICE and CBP across North Carolina.

• Large downtown turnout: Protesters filled CCB Plaza, marched through downtown, and drew vocal support from passing drivers.

• Local activists lead: Organizers and speakers from groups including Durham Beyond Policing criticized elected officials and federal agencies for what they described as unchecked use of force and expanded immigration enforcement.

• Broader Triangle impact: The protest followed recent CBP raids across North Carolina and came as organizers announced more demonstrations planned in Durham and across the Triangle in the coming days.

Read More >>

Durham Police Chief Announces Retirement

Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews will retire on May 1, capping a 25-year career in law enforcement and more than five years leading the Durham Police Department. In interviews following the announcement, Andrews framed the decision as a personal one focused on family and long-term sustainability, while reflecting on her tenure, departmental challenges, and what comes next.

• Career and timing: Andrews joined DPD in 1997, later served as Morrisville police chief, and returned to Durham in 2021. The city has not yet named an interim or permanent successor.

• Record and reflection: She pointed to reductions in violent and property crime, improved officer retention, and stronger recruitment, while also acknowledging personal sacrifices and the mental toll policing has taken on staff.

• What’s next: Andrews says she is stepping away from law enforcement entirely but is not ruling out a future in public service or politics, saying she still wants a voice in Durham’s civic life.

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DA Defends Controversial Plea Deal

Durham County District Attorney Satana Deberry is defending her office’s 2025 plea deal with Ryan Camacho, now charged with murdering Raleigh teacher Zoe Welsh, saying prosecutors lacked sufficient evidence to sustain felony convictions. The case has sparked public criticism over whether prosecutorial discretion appropriately weighed Camacho’s history and the broader public safety risks.

• DA’s justification: Deberry says evidence did not prove Camacho intended to commit larceny during prior break-ins, a legal requirement for felony convictions, leading prosecutors to reduce four felony charges to a single misdemeanor.

• Why critics say it should have been a felony: Camacho’s repeated break-ins, prior criminal history, and circumstantial evidence surrounding the entries could have supported felony charges under North Carolina law, critics argue. Even without certainty of conviction, felony charges would have allowed higher bail or longer incarceration.

• Political and civic fallout: The decision has intensified scrutiny of prosecutorial discretion as Deberry faces a primary challenge, with Durham leaders offering cautious responses while residents question whether public safety was adequately prioritized.

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Durham Restaurant Openings to Watch

Several highly anticipated restaurants are set to open in Durham in 2026, adding new energy to downtown, East Durham, and Hub RTP. Axios Raleigh highlights a mix of bakeries, wine bars, and chef-driven concepts that reflect the city’s continued growth and evolving food scene.

• Downtown and ATC growth: Lutra Cafe & Bakery will open its first permanent space at American Tobacco Campus this spring, expanding from pop-ups into full breakfast, lunch, and brunch service.

• Hub RTP arrivals: High Horse is making a comeback with a new location at Hub RTP later this year, while Prime STQ will bring a steakhouse concept from the team behind Prime Barbecue.

• East Durham expansion: Pinheiro, a Portuguese-focused wine bar, is slated to open in early 2026 along S. Driver Street, adding to the area’s growing dining corridor.

Read More >>

Court Technology Funding Draws Public Pushback

Durham County Commissioners voted Jan. 12 to approve funding for courtroom and remote court technology after pulling the item from the consent agenda to allow public comment. The discussion revealed deep frustration from residents over the justice system, but commissioners moved forward with the funding despite calls to reconsider its broader impacts.

• Court tech funding approved: Commissioners unanimously approved a roughly $212,000 budget item to support courtroom and remote court operations.

• Sharp public criticism: Speakers argued the funding enables constitutional violations and harmful court practices, particularly in criminal and family court cases.

• Calls to shift priorities: Residents urged the county to redirect funds toward foster care, housing, and support for youth aging out of care, rather than court infrastructure.

Watch the Full Discussion >>

Upcoming Election

Durham’s primary election is Tuesday, March 3. Because many local races have no Republican challengers, several contests (including the Sheriff and District Attorney) will effectively be decided during this primary.

On Your Ballot:

• Local: Durham Sheriff, District Attorney, Board of Education, and Clerk of Court.

• State/Federal: N.C. General Assembly and U.S. House (District 4).

• Judicial: Multiple District and Superior Court seats.

How to Vote:

• Early Voting: Feb. 12 – Feb. 28 (In-person)

• Election Day: March 3 (6:30 AM – 7:30 PM)

• Mail-In: Request your absentee ballot by Feb. 17.

• Remember: You will be asked to show a photo ID to vote.

Why It Matters: In a deep-blue county like Durham, the Democratic primary winner often takes the office. With historically low primary turnout, your single vote carries significantly more weight in shaping our schools, safety, and courts.

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