In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 74^o and Scattered Thunderstorms

📰Surge in Durham Shootings Strains District Attorney’s Resources Amid Historic Crime Lows

📰Chapel Hill Sees Major Real Estate Projects Stalled by Financial Strains

📰Voter Turnout Low as Hauser Defeats Moore in Contested Orange County Election

💌Chapel Hill Insider Staff Break Announcement

Dear Insiders,

We wanted to inform you that our team will be taking a well-deserved break from publishing the Chapel Hill Insider from Thursday, May 16th to Thursday, May 23rd. We will return refreshed and ready to bring you our special Weekender edition on Thursday, May 24th, which will feature comprehensive coverage of the upcoming Memorial Day events.

Regular publication will resume on Tuesday, May 28th. We are grateful for your continual participation, invaluable feedback, and dedicated readership, which enrich our community and make our work so rewarding. Thank you for being such an integral part of the Chapel Hill Insider family.

Warm regards,

The Chapel Hill Insider Team

🗓️Upcoming Events 

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Surge in Durham Shootings Strains District Attorney’s Resources Amid Historic Crime Lows

Durham is currently facing a challenging period with more than ten shootings occurring within just twelve days. This recent surge is placing heavy demands on the District Attorney's office, which is already operating under resource constraints. District Attorney Satana Deberry has pointed out that although this influx of violent crimes presents new challenges, it occurs within a broader context of violent crime reaching a 20-year low in the region. The complexities of these violent crime cases are significant, often involving a vast array of evidence ranging from physical items at crime scenes to digital evidence like social media and surveillance footage, which prolongs the judicial process. Since 2019, the office has managed to close 150 homicide cases, underscoring the prolonged effort and resources required for such tasks. Despite receiving federal funding for an additional Assistant District Attorney to focus on sexual assault cases, Deberry stresses the ongoing need for further staffing increases, including more legal assistants and investigators to handle the growing caseload effectively.

Chapel Hill Sees Major Real Estate Projects Stalled by Financial Strains

The Atma Hotel Group has postponed the next stage of its redevelopment project at Tarheel Lodging in Chapel Hill, citing higher interest rates and rising construction and labor costs as the main reasons for the delay. The Phase Two of the project, originally set to introduce about 283 apartments and roughly 10,000 square feet of office space, alongside three parking decks, is now pushed back by a year. This halt reflects a broader trend in the commercial real estate industry, where major projects, including those in downtown Raleigh, are experiencing delays due to similar economic pressures.

Voter Turnout Low as Hauser Defeats Moore in Contested Orange County Election

In a recent runoff election for the Orange County Board of Education, Bonnie Hauser was reelected, defeating Jennifer Moore. Hauser secured 2,512 votes against Moore's 1,428, according to unofficial results. The election came after Moore resigned from the board in April over discrepancies related to her claimed doctoral degree, which Bellevue University confirmed she did not possess. Voter turnout was low, with less than 6% of registered voters participating.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

Center Theater Company in Carrboro

Hello Music Lovers!

Get ready for a night filled with vibrant tunes and lively energy! We're excited to announce that the Nomads Band will be performing live at Capt John's, located in the Cole Park Shopping Center in Chapel Hill, NC. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on May 17, 2024.

From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, you'll have the perfect opportunity to enjoy a dinner out while grooving to the beats of the Nomads Band. Known for their electric performances and engaging music, the band promises an evening of fun and frolic, and the best part? There's no cover charge to attend!

Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking for a fun night out in Chapel Hill, this event is the perfect way to kick off your weekend. Don't miss out on this special evening where music and merriment meet. We can't wait to see you there!

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, May 17, 2024

• Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

• Location: Capt John's, Cole Park Shopping Center, 11550 N 15-501, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

• Admission: Free

Make sure to bring your friends and family to share in the experience. Let's make it a night to remember!

Fridays on the Front Porch

Experience the charm of Chapel Hill each Friday at the Carolina Inn’s “Fridays on the Front Porch” event. Located at 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, the event is sure to be a great way to enjoy the season. Running every Friday from April 19 through October 25, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this local favorite is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Although the first event on April 19th has been canceled due to anticipated bad weather, the series promises plenty of excitement with live music, handcrafted cocktails, North Carolina beers, and a diverse selection of food from local food trucks. The event caters to all age groups, making it an ideal outing for everyone looking to unwind in a festive atmosphere. Click here to see the lineup. (Linked has been updated) This Friday, May 10th, listen to the Lee Gildersleeve & The Bad Dogs and enjoy How Bout Burger and Poblanos Tacos food trucks!

Cat’s Cradle