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  • 🌳 Sylvan Esso Pulls Music from Spotify

🌳 Sylvan Esso Pulls Music from Spotify

Plus: Timber Pizza Co. expands to Durham

Author

Jordan Parker
October 02, 2025

The city’s buzzing this week! From new housing data and campaign cash trails to Sylvan Esso pulling their catalog off Spotify. A Michelin-recognized pizza shop is moving in, University Tower has a new owner, and fall festivals are about to take over downtown.

And if you’re trying to make sense of the PACs shaping this fall’s elections, you’re not alone — there’s a lively thread on r/bullcity that’s worth a scroll: Durham PACs Explained >>

-Jordan

Sylvan Esso Pulls Music from Spotify

Durham electropop duo Sylvan Esso announced they are removing their entire music catalog from Spotify, citing CEO Daniel Ek’s ties to a military AI company. At the same time, the group released “WDID,” their first new single in three years, under their own Psychic Hotline label.

  • Ethical Stand: The band said they could not “put our life’s work in a store that directly funds war machines,” citing Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s personal investment in Helsing, a military AI company, through his venture firm Prima Materia.

  • Industry Context: Other indie artists, including Deerhoof and King Gizzard, have also left Spotify over Ek’s ties, while many continue to criticize the platform’s low royalty rates.

  • New Release: “WDID” was recorded at the duo’s Chapel Hill studio and will be available on vinyl in January.

City Releases Report on Housing Trends

Durham leaders unveiled a new Housing Dashboard and a 58-page task force report that put fresh data behind one of the city’s most pressing issues: affordability and housing supply. The dashboard tracks ownership, rent, and development trends in Durham and peer cities, while the report offers policy recommendations for tackling the housing crisis. (Most current data runs through 2023, with automatic updates as new information becomes available.)

  • Snapshot of Durham Housing: The dashboard shows that 55% of Durham’s housing stock is single-family homes—far higher than peer cities like Seattle (38%) or Boston (12%)—highlighting limited diversity in housing types.

  • Affordability Pressures: Durham’s median home value has jumped from $280K in 2020 to $416K in 2024; renters now need $55K in annual income to afford the median rent.

  • Policy Pathways: Recommendations include opening a day shelter, prioritizing public land for affordable housing, streamlining development review, and potentially a new housing bond.

Durham Police Chief Receives Threatening Letter

Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews is under police investigation after receiving a threatening letter after receiving a threatening letter Tuesday containing racial slurs and an unidentified powder. Officials later confirmed the substance was not harmful. The incident comes amid backlash over Andrews’ Facebook comments on the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

  • Threat Received: Andrews opened the letter around 7:15 a.m.; fire officials tested the powder and confirmed it was not toxic.

  • Context: Andrews has faced criticism for a since-deleted post calling Kirk divisive; a petition for her resignation has drawn 2,000+ signatures.

  • City Response: Mayor Leonardo Williams has defended her free speech rights, saying, “You cannot be selectively outraged.”

D.C.’s Timber Pizza Eyes Downtown Location

Timber Pizza Co., a Michelin-recognized D.C. pizzeria, is bringing its wood-fired pies to downtown Durham. The shop, which opened its first Triangle location in Raleigh last year, will take over part of the historic city garage on Washington Street near the new Wye Junction apartments.

  • Location Details: The 2,000-square-foot space will include 45 seats and a bar area.

  • Menu Focus: Timber is known for its 12-inch, wood-fired pizzas with red, white, and green sauce bases.

  • Opening Timeline: The Durham spot is expected to launch this winter.

Following the Money in Durham’s 2025 Election

A new analysis of campaign finance filings by Bull City Public Investigators sheds light on who’s funding this year’s Durham municipal races. The report highlights the influence of outside donors, real estate interests, and a newly formed 501(c)(4) group, “Yes for Durham.”

  • Top Fundraiser: Ward 1 candidate Matt Kopac has raised over $48,000, more than any other candidate. His donations are a mix of small-dollar contributions and large gifts, including $2,500 from County Commissioner Nida Allam’s committee.

  • Mayor’s Race: Mayor Leonardo Williams has raised about $25,000, with more than 70% coming from outside Durham. Challenger Anjanee Bell follows with nearly $20,000.

  • Real Estate Influence: Williams received about $10,000 from real estate interests, making up 40% of his total. Developers and landlords have also donated to Bell, Kopac, and others.

APS Pet of the Week: Laverne

Meet Laverne, an energetic, playful pup who’s ready to bring joy to an active home. This medium-sized adult loves chasing toys, exploring the outdoors, and greeting everyone with enthusiastic “hellos.” She’ll thrive with regular exercise, some training, and a family that can keep up with her lively spirit. Laverne does best with kids 10+, warms up to other dogs, and is eager to find her forever hiking or running buddy.

Durham’s University Tower Sells for $12M

University Tower, the 17-story landmark on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, has been sold for $12 million to GM 150 LLC, an entity tied to a longtime software CEO. The deal scraps earlier redevelopment plans, and the tower will remain an office building.

  • High-Profile Sale: The tower, once marketed for redevelopment, will stay in office use under the new ownership.

  • Previous Owner: Dilweg, a Durham-based investment firm, sold the property after years of uncertainty about its future.

  • Local Icon: Built in 1986, University Tower remains one of Durham’s most recognizable office buildings.

An Evening of Magic with Michael Bloemeke
The Coffee Bar at The Durham Hotel
Thurs, Oct 2 · 6–8 PM
Award-winning magician Michael Bloemeke brings sleight of hand, storytelling, and cocktails to an intimate one-night show at The Durham.
Details >>

Missy Lane’s Block Party
Missy Lane’s Assembly Room & East Main Street
Sat, Oct 4 ¡ All Day
New fall music festival with two stages, national acts, food, art, and community, inspired by the legacy of the Art of Cool Festival.
Details >>

Move-A-Bull City: Open Streets Durham
Downtown Durham (Blackwell, Corcoran & Foster Streets)
Sun, Oct 5 · 12–4 PM
Durham’s first open streets festival takes over 1.2 miles of downtown for walking, biking, music, food, and free fun for all ages.
Details >>

Fall FestiBull
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12 · Multiple Sessions
The Bulls ballpark transforms into a fall festival with pumpkin batting practice, wagon rides, hay mountain, corn sandbox, seasonal food, and family fun.
Details >>

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