In this issue:
Cold Lingers After Ice, Snow Still Possible
DPS Administrators Indicted in Abuse Case
New Music Venue Opens on West Main
Foushee–Allam Rematch Tests Democrats’ Direction
$5.25M Penthouse Sets NC Condo Record
Approx Read Time: 3 mins
Cold Lingers After Ice, Snow Still Possible
Central North Carolina is emerging from the latest round of winter weather impacts, but dangerous cold and additional snow chances remain in the forecast. Icy conditions across Durham earlier this week led to road hazards, business disruptions, and school schedule changes, with forecasters warning that the region isn’t in the clear yet.
What just happened: Refreezing ice created hazardous driving conditions across Durham, prompting delays, closures, and some schools shifting to remote learning as temperatures stayed below freezing.
Snow chances rising: Confidence is increasing for measurable snow from Friday night into Sunday morning, with at least 1 inch likely and higher totals possible depending on the storm track.
Dangerous cold ahead: Arctic air will keep highs in the 30s to low 40s, with overnight lows dropping into the teens, which could prolong ice risks through early next week.
DPS Administrators Indicted in Abuse Case
Three senior officials with Durham Public Schools were indicted this week on felony charges tied to a 2024 child abuse investigation at Eno Valley Elementary School, where an autistic student was restrained to a chair by staff. Prosecutors allege the administrators obstructed the police investigation and, in some cases, committed perjury. The indictments raise serious questions about leadership accountability and transparency within DPS.
Who’s charged: Deputy Superintendent Tanya Giovanni, Senior Executive Director Ayesha Hunter, and Eno Valley principal Tounya Wright were all indicted on felony obstruction of justice; Hunter and Wright also face perjury charges.
What prosecutors allege: Court records claim evidence was withheld, notes were falsely denied under oath, and the existence of a photo documenting the abuse was misrepresented.
District response: DPS placed all three on paid leave in December and says it is cooperating with the DA while conducting an independent review.
New Music Venue Opens on West Main
A new 300-capacity venue, Stanczyks Music Bar, quietly opened late last year on West Main Street, aiming to revive live music in a stretch of downtown longtime promoters say has been overlooked. The space fills a key size gap in Durham’s music ecosystem and plans to ramp up from local shows to touring acts this spring.
Who’s behind it: The venue is run by the “West End mob,” including Motorco booker Josh Wittman, with a focus on strengthening Durham’s live-music pipeline.
How it fits: With room for about 300 people, Stanczyks sits between smaller clubs like The Pinhook and larger venues like Motorco.
What’s next: After hosting test shows in January and February, the venue plans to begin booking touring acts in March and will operate as a bar even on non-show nights.
Foushee–Allam Rematch Tests Democrats’ Direction
A closely watched Democratic primary is shaping up in North Carolina’s solidly blue 4th Congressional District, as incumbent Valerie Foushee faces a rematch against Durham County commissioner Nida Allam. The race is drawing attention as a test of how Democratic voters balance experience with calls for change in 2026.
A rematch reshaped: Foushee defeated Allam by nine points in 2022, but redistricting and shifting national politics have made this year’s primary more competitive.
Different styles, similar policies: Both candidates support Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, abortion rights, and a higher minimum wage, but take notably different approaches to campaigning and party leadership.
A party bellwether: Debates over Gaza, immigration enforcement, campaign funding, and generational leadership are central to the race and could offer clues about where the Democratic base is headed.
$5.25M Penthouse Sets NC Condo Record
A penthouse condo in downtown Durham’s newest high-rise just sold for a record-breaking $5.25 million, marking the highest price ever paid for a condominium in North Carolina. The sale highlights how quickly Durham’s luxury real estate market is reshaping expectations downtown.
Record-setting sale: The 5,484-square-foot penthouse in The Novus closed at $5.25 million, far above the Triangle’s typical condo ceiling of around $1.5 million.
A symbol of growth: Opened in 2025 at 400 W. Main St., the 27-story tower is Durham’s second-tallest downtown building and part of a broader post-pandemic construction boom.
Luxury demand: With high-end amenities and sweeping city views, more than 89% of the building’s condos are already sold, signaling strong appetite for upscale urban living in Durham.
Carolina Theatre 100th Birthday Party
Carolina Theatre of Durham
Saturday, Feb. 1 · 6:00 PM
A centennial celebration for one of Durham’s most iconic venues, featuring performances, surprises, and community nostalgia.
Details >>
