Monday, Jan. 5: Teacher Tragedy + Political Challenge + Community Apology
Monday, Jan. 5
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Ravenscroft teacher killed during home burglary Saturday morning.
Zoe Welsh, a longtime science teacher at Raleigh’s Ravenscroft School, was killed early Saturday morning during a burglary at her home near Fred Fletcher Park. Police say officers responded around 6:30 a.m. to a report of a break-in while Welsh was on the phone with 911. She was attacked before officers arrived and later died at the hospital. The suspect, 36-year-old Ryan Camacho, was arrested nearby and charged with murder and felony burglary. Welsh had taught at Ravenscroft since 2006 and was remembered as a mentor and beloved colleague.
Teacher challenges GOP lawmaker in Wake House primary.
A competitive GOP primary is emerging in Wake County’s House District 18, where Rep. Mike Schietzelt is being challenged by Michele Joyner-Dinwiddie, a public school teacher and former Democrat. She’s part of the “N.C. Educators on the Ballot” initiative, which encourages educators to run in Republican primaries. Joyner-Dinwiddie cites school funding and environmental policy as priorities, while Schietzelt highlights his legislative record on teacher pay and public school oversight. The winner will face Democrat Evonne Hopkins in November. The primary is scheduled for March 3.
Shop Local Raleigh director apologizes for transphobic comment.
The executive director of Shop Local Raleigh has issued a public apology following backlash over a transphobic comment made in a Facebook group. Jennifer Martin acknowledged that her words caused “real hurt and pain,” though she didn’t explicitly reference the transgender or LGBTQ+ community in her statement. In response to a parent’s post, Martin had written, “There’s no such thing as a transgender son.” Critics, including LGBTQ+ leaders, say her apology was insufficient and are calling for her resignation. Shop Local Raleigh manages major local events including Brewgaloo and the Raleigh Christmas Parade.
Dallas developer to renovate affordable apartments in Durham.
A Dallas-based developer is investing more than $100 million to preserve affordable housing in Durham as it grows its footprint in the Triangle. Dominium has acquired the Magnolia Pointe and Falls Pointe apartment complexes and plans to spend $21.6 million on renovations. This marks Dominium’s third Triangle project, including a 370-unit complex planned on the Raleigh Golf Association property. The renovations aim to upgrade amenities while keeping rents affordable for residents earning 60 to 80 percent of the area median income.
Grassroots group builds queer community for Triangle women.
In Raleigh, a grassroots group is reshaping queer community life for LGBTQ+ women across the Triangle. “For the Girls” launched just over a year ago with a Halloween party and has since grown into a dynamic organization hosting mixers, vendor fairs, self-defense classes, and speed dating nights. With over 3,500 Instagram followers and most events selling out, the group fills a critical gap for queer women seeking connection beyond Pride Month. Founders say their goal is both social and civic, donating event proceeds to local nonprofits.
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