🌳 JP’s Pastry Opens Durham Location

JP’s Pastry Opens Durham Location

Legal Threat Pauses Durham Rezoning

Skate Park Wins $1.2M Overhaul

Immigrant Aid Boost, Budget Signals Ahead

Duelling Op-Eds Spar Over Durham DA

Western Wake Could Decide NC-04

Certified gluten-free: Every item is made without gluten and certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group, with options ranging from Hawaiian rolls and biscuits to cupcakes and cheesecake bars.

Growing statewide footprint: Founded in Benson around 2015, JP’s now has locations in Benson, Greenville, Raleigh, and Durham — with Wilmington planned next.

Grand opening perks: On March 14, visitors can expect free samples, tote bags for the first 25 customers, and multiple gift card giveaways throughout the day.

State law conflict: A 2024 North Carolina law bars cities from downzoning property or creating new zoning nonconformities without written approval from affected owners. The attorney claims Durham’s draft code affects roughly 100 parcels.

High-profile property owner: Barnes, who oversees M.M. Fowler and Family Fare franchises with more than 30 locations in Durham County, along with other local business entities, says they “will not consent” to changes that reduce development rights.

City in a bind: Durham officials say they attempted a carve-out to avoid downzoning conflicts while aligning with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, but property owners challenged that approach, prompting the pause.

Biggest award this cycle: The skate park received the largest allocation, with funds aimed at addressing years of wear and safety concerns at the Central Park facility.

Other top projects: A new playground at Bethesda Park secured $750,000, while a downtown public restroom, which received the most votes overall, will get $350,000.

Community-driven funding: Residents submitted 964 ideas this cycle, and anyone 13 or older could vote. Detainees at the Durham County jail also participated in idea generation and voting.

$450K for immigration legal aid: Council unanimously approved $200,000 in additional funding, bringing the total to $450,000 for Justice Matters, Inc. to provide immigration legal assistance. Some members emphasized transparency and eligibility standards, but the vote was unanimous.

$4.2M HUD funding hearing: A public hearing opened on the FY2026–27 Annual Action Plan, which outlines how Durham will spend roughly $4.2 million in federal housing and community development grants. Residents weighed in on homelessness, tenant protections, and housing access.

Gun violence and homelessness: Council members acknowledged there are “no silver bullets” for reducing violent crime and called for sustained, long-term strategies. Speakers highlighted disproportionate homelessness among Black men and urged deeper investment.

Budget and livable wage: Early budget discussions included raising the city’s livable wage to $25 per hour. Annual board and commission reports were received, and most consent agenda items passed unanimously.

New district math: About 30% of NC-04 voters now live in Western Wake, a fast-growing and increasingly diverse region. An INDY analysis suggests Durham and Orange County voters could split similarly to 2022, leaving Wake voters as the likely deciders.

Different campaign styles: Foushee is leaning on endorsements from local elected officials and highlighting her congressional experience and immigration casework. Allam is campaigning as a bold, anti-corporate progressive, emphasizing grassroots outreach and direct voter engagement.

Data center flashpoint: A proposed Apex data center has become a defining issue. Allam opposes it and criticizes outside PAC spending tied to tech interests supporting Foushee. Foushee says Congress should regulate data centers but views the Apex project as a local decision.

The case against her: Critics argue Deberry has emphasized ideology over courtroom results, citing lower murder conviction rates compared to Wake County, controversial case dismissals, and concerns raised in media investigations about office management and prosecution decisions.

The case for her: Supporters point to a rising homicide clearance rate, a drop in violent crime since 2020, clearing a backlog of untested rape kits, diversion programs for low-level offenders, and her focus on prosecuting serious violent crime.

What’s at stake: The debate reflects a broader national conversation about progressive prosecution, public safety, and accountability, with Durham voters weighing reform-oriented policies against calls for tougher enforcement.