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- 🌳 New Arthouse Cinema Coming to Downtown
🌳 New Arthouse Cinema Coming to Downtown
Plus: RDU Adding 8 Local Food & Drink Spots
Jordan Parker
August 28, 2025
Good Morning Durham!
This week’s issue has a little of everything: county commissioners approved raises and backed a SNAP resolution, RDU Airport is adding eight new local food and drink spots, and we’ve got a lineup of late-summer events from OUTSOUTH to RuPaul’s Werq the World. We’re also spotlighting Congress and its new silent reading hour. And if you’re hungry, Picnic was just named the best barbecue in the Triangle. Meanwhile, new data shows violent crime is way down in Durham with double-digit drops across nearly all categories (at last week’s City Council work session).
See you around town,
— Jordan Parker
New Arthouse Cinema Coming to Downtown
Shadowbox Studio co-founders Alex Maness and Jim Haverkamp plan to open a new arthouse cinema, Skin and Bones Theater, at 118 West Parrish Street by next summer. The 50- to 60-seat venue will feature films, performances, and community events in a flex-use space that nods to Durham’s scrappy arts roots.
Built for Flexibility: The space will host film screenings, lectures, and performances, with a casual vibe and no-fuss concessions.
Inspired by Legacy: The duo cites Man Bites Dog Theater and their own Shadowbox Studio as key inspirations for creating a community-first space.
Downtown Evolution: Their launch comes amid downtown revitalization, rising rents, and growing demand for mixed-use arts venues.
AI Private School Expands, Including Raleigh
Alpha Schools, a fast-growing network of AI-driven private schools, is nearly doubling its campuses nationwide — including new locations in Raleigh and Charlotte. The model emphasizes tech, life skills, and minimal classroom time. Annual tuition at Alpha Schools is $40,000.
Two-Hour Core Days: Students complete academic subjects in short, AI-guided sessions, then spend the rest of the day on workshops and skill-building.
No Teachers, Just Guides: Each classroom is led by a high-paid "guide" instead of a traditional teacher, with a focus on motivation and coaching.
Controversy Persists: Critics argue the model lacks critical social-emotional learning, and five states — including NC — have rejected Alpha’s push for charter approval.
RDU Adding 8 Local Food & Drink Spots
RDU Airport is revamping its dining lineup with eight new restaurant and bar concepts this fall and winter, featuring a mix of Triangle-area favorites and national names.
Local Flavors Take Off: Durham Distillery’s Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine, Bond Brothers from Cary, and Raleigh Beer Garden are among the highlights.
Chef-Driven Concepts: James Beard semifinalist Oscar Diaz debuts Adios! and Bongiorno & Son opens a deli in Terminal 2.
Terminal Upgrades: Terminal 1 adds Italian café Puro Gusto, while Lonerider will return as a full restaurant after a brief closure.
BOCC Approves Raises, Debates Naming for Bell
At its August 25 meeting, Durham County Commissioners approved raises for several leadership roles, adopted a resolution supporting continued state funding for SNAP benefits, and delayed a public vote on renaming a county building for former Mayor Bill Bell.
Raises for Top County Officials: The board approved salary increases by a 4–0 vote (Jacobs excused), including a 12.9% raise for the Clerk to the Board, 10.4% for the County Attorney, and 6.8% for the County Manager,
SNAP Funding Resolution Passed: Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution urging the NC General Assembly to allocate $420 million annually to preserve SNAP benefits. Over 32,000 Durham residents rely on SNAP, and leaders warned of devastating impacts if funding lapses.
Building Naming for Bill Bell Delayed: A proposal to name the Admin II building after former Mayor and Commissioner William V. “Bill” Bell was supported by several commissioners but delayed due to public notice requirements. A new public hearing is set for Sept. 8.
Help Shape the Durham-to-Roxboro Trail
Durham County is designing a 26-mile multi-use rail trail to connect downtown with Roxboro — and local voices are helping guide the plans. Public feedback will shape everything from routing to amenities along the future greenway.
New State Funding Secured: $500,000 will go toward buying the unused rail corridor from Norfolk Southern.
Connect Underserved Areas: The trail could link neighborhoods north of I-85 to downtown and other regional trail networks.
Public Workshops Ahead: Join meetings Aug. 27 at Edison Johnson Rec Center or Aug. 28 at Spruce Pine Lodge, both at 6 p.m.
Events Coordinator – Hillsborough Arts Council
The Hillsborough Arts Council is hiring a part-time Events Coordinator to help produce community favorites like the Solstice Lantern Walk and Last Fridays Art Walk. This is a 15-hour/week, one-year contract role based in Hillsborough with hybrid flexibility. Pay is $18/hour, and the job involves event logistics, artist coordination, outreach, and helping keep the local arts scene thriving.
Book & Bar Wednesdays at Congress
Congress is a bar and gathering space in downtown Durham that celebrates Black imagination, creativity, and community through art, music, and shared joy.
Starting in September, they’ll host Book & Bar, a weekly silent reading hour every Wednesday at 6 PM. Bring your favorite book, order a cocktail, and enjoy a quiet hour of literary bliss — followed by an optional social hang to connect with fellow readers.
Sign-Up »
@congressdurham »
The old Burlington building on Roxboro Rd. next to TROSA is going to be a kidz exercise palace (think Skyzone on steroids) called NOVA ADVENTURE PARK
Triangle’s World Music Festival at Dix Park
Dix Park, Raleigh
Saturday, August 30, 1–11 PM
With two stages, a DJ lineup, and 16 artists performing 14 different musical styles from over 13 countries, this free all-ages event brings global sounds to the heart of Raleigh.
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq the World 2025
DPAC, Downtown Durham
Sunday, August 31 at 7:30 PM
This year’s Werq the World Tour takes audiences behind the velvet ropes of a star-studded awards show, hosted by Jimbo as Joan Rivers. Expect powerhouse performances with drag takes on icons like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Celine Dion, and Rihanna.
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