Friday, Nov. 21: Wendell Detention + Selma Housing + UNC Austerity:
Friday, Nov. 21
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Site Slowdown: Immigration crackdown empties South Creek Chapel Hill crews
Construction has slowed sharply across the Triangle as immigration enforcement activity keeps workers home. At Chapel Hill’s South Creek site, only 20 of the usual 100 workers showed up. Industry leaders and advocates say fear—affecting even legal residents—is driving widespread labor shortages.
Wendell Detention: Enforcement sweep seizes homeowner Fatima Velasquez-Antonio in Cary
A 23-year-old Wendell woman, Fatima Issela Velasquez-Antonio, was among nine people detained in Cary during the latest federal immigration sweep. Detained near her workplace, she has no criminal record beyond traffic violations, and officials have not disclosed her location. More than 250 people have been detained statewide.
State Militia: Attorney urges Stein reactivate humanitarian defense force statewide
Durham attorney Italo Medelius is urging Gov. Josh Stein to reactivate North Carolina’s long-dormant State Defense Militia, arguing it could provide humanitarian support as immigration raids disrupt communities. The militia last operated in the 1990s and could assist families without interfering with federal authorities.
Selma Housing: Officials weigh Waterbury Gardens rezoning, workforce affordability promise
A proposed 115-unit affordable apartment complex in Selma is drawing mixed reactions. TWG Development is seeking rezoning for Waterbury Gardens, aimed at essential workers, but town leaders worry about overdevelopment near another large housing project. A vote is set for Friday.
UNC Austerity: Independent audit disputes necessity ideological budget reductions
An independent audit disputes UNC’s justification for $70M in budget cuts, arguing the university is financially strong with nearly $2B in reserves. Auditor Howard Bunsis says the cuts—impacting academics and aid—are unnecessary, while UNC leaders say they’re responding to reduced research funding.
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