As part of a new series on universities that are good to work for, the Chronicle of Higher Education has a story today about Duke University's employee development initiatives.

You may need a Chronicle password or account to access the story.

Channel 17's "MyNC" Web site has some videos of Durham residents talking about "Why I love Durham."

Top of the chart is Locopops — as described by Farmer's Market manager Erin Kaufman. Blues, arts and Parkwood also make the list.

At the same time, the site's most popular story is "Durham PD Needs Help To ID Restaurant Robbery Suspects."

Because, no doubt, Durhamites are so public-spirited.

If you happened to pick up a New York Times today and happen to be wrestling with the crossword puzzle, here's a gift: The clue for 53-down is "Duke's home." Six letters.

Nope, it's not "castle."

Hint: It's the name of a city and county in North Carolina.

If you're one of the property owners feeling the crunch of the revaluation and tax increases, this might be of benefit:

The Durham County tax administration reminded residents today that they can pay their tax bills in installments by calling (919) 560-0300.

Tax bills will be mailed out at the end of the month, and may be paid

— in person at the main office on the first floor of the Old Durham Courthouse (200 E. Main St. in downtown)

— in person at the new tax payment kiosk at Northgate Mall, 1058 W. Club Blvd.

— by mail

— online using E-services (there's a fee)

— by telephone (1-866-892-0656) using E-services (there's a fee; instructions here)

— by electronic draft

To calculate your taxes, follow the instructions that accompanied our package on taxes last week.

After a month-long summer break, about 3,400 elementary and middle-schoolers will be heading back to class on Monday, as Durham’s five year-round schools begin the new school year.

Take note that today and tomorrow are the open houses for parents at Easley, Holt and Pearsontown elementaries and Chewning and Rogers-Herr middle schools. (Here's the schedule.)

School supply lists are out, and parents should know that tax-free weekend is scheduled for Aug. 1 through Aug. 3, during which school supplies, and most clothes, electronics and sports equipment are exempt from sales taxes.

Drug manufacturer Merck and Co. has given $30,000 to Durham Technical Community College for faculty development initiatives.

The gift is a result of a partnership between Merck and Durham Tech's Biotechnology/BioWork program.

"As new laboratory techniques and processes become standard in the industry, faculty must possess cutting-edge skills to prepare students," said Ingrid Charles, director of Durham Tech’s BioWork/BioPharma program, said in a news release.

"Merck’s gift will ultimately mean a larger pool of skilled employees for the predicted growth in the biomanufacturing and pharmaceutical manufacturing fields."

Merck recently announced plans for a third phase of expansion of its new vaccine plant in Durham and eventually plans to add 400 new jobs.

The mother of a little girl who was killed 11 years ago by a drunk driver was herself struck by a suspected drunk driver Monday night while driving in northern Durham.

Most in Durham remember the tragic death of Megan Dail, the 4-year-old killed by repeat offender Timothy Blackwell.

Her parents were Greg and Sherry Dail (pictured here in a 1998 photo from the murder trial).

On Monday, Sherry Dail was driving on U.S 501 when a motorcycle driven by Arthur Michael Tilley, 46, crashed into her Saturn. The full story is here.

The Durham Public Schools named two new principals Wednesday.

Sylvia Bittle, current principal of Eno Valley Elementary, is moving to the district's brand new school opening in January, Spring Valley Elementary School on Northern Durham Parkway.

The current principal of Merrick-Moore Elementary, Kathy Kirkpatrick, will take the leadership position at Lowe’s Grove Middle School. Kirkpatrick has been principal at Merrick-Moore for three years, and before that was a principal in Greensboro.

The vacancies left by these principals' moves have not yet been filled, according to a news release.

A bill calling for a November referendum on whether Durham County can collect a 1 percent tax on prepared meals and beverages passed its third reading in the House this afternoon, meaning it will now move to the Senate for consideration. The bill passed by a narrow 60-59 margin.*

It met stiff opposition from anti-tax groups, primarily Americans for Prosperity.

The matter had been a source of local controversy for years because Rep. Paul Luebke, D-Durham, opposed the tax on the grounds that he believed it would disproportionately impact the poor.

He finally relented earlier this year and agreed to join other local lawmakers in introducing a bill that would allow Durham County voters to decide if they want the tax.

Two signature Durham events, the World Beer Festival and the Bull Durham Blues Festival, will be held this year at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park instead of the Durham Athletic Park, which is about to undergo major renovations.

The Bull Durham Blues Festival is slated for Sept. 18-20, and the World Beer Festival will take place Oct. 4.

The $6.3 million renovation to the DAP, the former home of the Durham Bulls, will begin in late July. The park should be ready for use as a training facility for Minor League Baseball by early next year, said Alan Delisle, the city's economic development director.

Daniel Bradford, organizer of the World Beer Festival, said he's thrilled about the opportunity to host the 12th annual event at what he described as a "spectacular facility."

Bradford said officials are taking pains to tread lightly on the DBAP's pristine field. In 2005, the DAP field suffered extensive damage after the World Beer Festival was held after heavy rains.

A field protectant called Terraplas is being used to avoid a repeat.

Delisle said the plan is for the World Beer and Bull Durham Blues festivals to move back to the DAP next year.

But Bradford's hoping the World Beer Festival won't be forced back.

"It’d be wonderful if we had a choice," he said.