Plus, a strong cold front could bring damaging winds Friday afternoon and evening.
The 5AM Morrisville team2 stories14 sources5 min read
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Gifts for your significant other
Sherpa lined flannel | $39.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish button down.
Men’s smart posture joggers | $138 | Upgrade their everyday essential to a pair that delivers continuous lower back + lumbar spine support.
Bezel set stud earrings | $49.99 | They’re sure to swoon over these timeless 12K gold emerald-cut earrings.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 | $249 | Only the best for your sweetie —like “the world’s best in-ear active noise cancellation.”
Barefoot Dreams cardigan | $125 | They’ll never want to take off this top-rated cardigan made with the brand's famously soft yarn.
Gifts for retirees
Oh My Mahjong Amethyst mat | $90 | The perfect gift for the mahjong lover in your life, this unique mat “is a whimsical ode to twilight skies and shimmering gemstones.”
Mystery jigsaw puzzle | $45 | The perfect activity to take on with grandkids, this puzzle includes clues, surprises, and twists and is 100% artist drawn.
Gifts for a cozy winter
Tea bag organizer | $29.64 | This eight-box bamboo compartment with a clear lid will show off their coziest tea bag collection — bonus points if you fill it for them.
Carhartt beanie | $19.99 | Choose their favorite color of this best-selling hat that’s sure to become their winter go-to.
Softies waffle lounge set | $170 | Featured in “Oprah’s Favorite Things,” this set features the brand’s famously soft marshmallow waffle fabric.
Candle warmer lamp | $22.99 | This stylish warmer doubles as a chic accent piece.
Tabletop s’mores kit | $29.99 | Bring this classic campfire treat indoors with this kit complete with an electric flameless heater + everything you need to make the perfect s’more.
Rain and storms are in Friday's forecast, but they likely won't do much. CBS 17 says winter could bring a rainier pattern, though it can take time to set up.
Last measurable rain: Oct. 17, three-fourths of an inch
Expected this week: one-fourth of an inch to 1 inch
Needed to start recovery: over 12 inches
Climate Prediction Center outlook: drought persists through November
This week's rain falls far short of what the drought needs
Durham County animal shelter says photos from a former employee don't show it today
A former employee's Facebook post about the Durham County animal shelter is stirring controversy. CBS 17 reports the photos show unsanitary conditions, moldy pet food and dead dogs piled into an incinerator. WRAL is not sharing the photos because they're graphic.
“What we want people in the community to know is these pictures don't represent what APS and the Durham shelter is today.”
Stacy Bluth, interim executive director, Animal Protection Society of Durham
The Animal Protection Society of Durham says the person left more than four months ago. WRAL captured video inside the shelter Thursday showing clean kennels and proper feeding and labeling.
State inspections and leadership changes frame the shelter's response
Sept. 2025State inspection marked 'contingently/conditionally approved,' with nine areas needing improvement.
March 2026The board of directors puts interim leadership in place.
July 2026Inspection notes staff corrected earlier issues, but some still need repair.
Nov. 7The shelter's Home for the Holidays fundraiser is scheduled at the Washington Duke Inn.
Emergency vet visits surge around the holidays according to Google Trends
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🗒️News Notes · More
Water
Durham has an estimated 81 days of water supply remaining, with its two main reservoirs at 31% of combined storage capacity. The city could soon implement Stage 3 water restrictions. WRAL
Durham's two main reservoirs are at 31% of storage capacity
31%Combined storage in Durham's two main reservoirs
A strong cold front is on track to move into Eastern NC Friday afternoon and evening, with damaging straight-line wind gusts that could exceed 60 mph. Areas between Raleigh and Highway 17 are in the primary threat zone. WITN
Cary Academy seniors Agam Pannu and Julian Sloan created Puente de Salud, a free bilingual directory of about 4,600 health, mental health and financial assistance resources in North Carolina. It presents the information in plain English and Spanish. Enlace Latino NC
Flag football
Holly Springs beat Riverside 41-0 Thursday to advance to the 7A East regional final. Playoff games were moved up from Saturday because of expected weather conditions Friday. HighSchoolOT
Home
Two cute home finds: This elegant, patterned entry rug that’s under $19 and comes in three charming patterns to match your decor, and this double picture frame for $9.99 that’s perfect for displaying family memories on your mantle.* Advertising from Amazon.
The Buy
Product find alert: You’ve never used a steamer like this vacuum clothes steamer, which heats up in 30 seconds and offers powerful, even steaming and vacuum suction to remove dust and wrinkles. Use it on clothes like this women’s batwing sweater for a crisp, polished fall look.* Advertising from Amazon.
Finance
With Groundfloor, you could earn $2,850 on a $30,000 investment in 12 months — nearly five times the national average CD rate. There are zero fees, so what you see is that you earn. Learn more and get started.* Advertising from Groundfloor Finance.
Content marked with an * is advertising.
🗒️Around North Carolina · More
Schools
North Carolina school districts report $18 billion in school construction needs over the next five years, according to a K-12 Facilities Needs Survey presented Wednesday to the State Board of Education. The $680 million bond Wake County voters approved this week is a small fraction of that. Durham Herald Sun
The U.S. Treasury has certified 204 census tracts in North Carolina as opportunity zones, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The state Department of Commerce received 340 nominations during a 53-day public comment period. WHKY
204North Carolina census tracts certified as opportunity zones
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Your modern day Las Vegas showgirl!
“Halloween might be over but not till I share my beautiful costume! I spent three days bedazzling, adding sequins and diamonds to the corset completely by hand, and I wanted to share the full put-together look with everyone! While it might not be spooky, I worked hard on the costume to make it as burlesque accurate as…”
Saturday's Taste of China Food and Culture Festival at Downtown Cary Park runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free. The Chinese-American Friendship Association of North Carolina is hosting its 6th annual edition, so come hungry and ready to wander through the food and culture. Easy appetite, easy plan.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Wake voters OK $680M school bond and $149.1M for Wake Tech
Optimist Farm Road in eastern Holly Springs is closed after a car struck multiple cyclists Saturday morning, officials say. Avoid the area while responders work.
What’s the most popular dog name in the country? Rover studied pet owner data. See which common one tops list again and which are trending, up-and-coming.
Fork Chapel Missionary Baptist Church will be celebrating the pastor’s 13th anniversary for the Rev. Emery E. Jones. The service will be Sunday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m..
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education is reconsidering hiring a contractor to study enrollment trends and boundary adjustments amid concerns about community engagement and the contracting firm. Enrollment at DPS is declining, in line with national trends as birth rates fall and students move to private and charter schools. Current projections show a continued […]
