Monday, Nov. 24: Border Enforcement + Education Shift + Health Care Strain
Monday, Nov. 24
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Border Enforcement: Viral TikTok shows Border Patrol detain and release Raleigh-born landscaper.
A viral TikTok video showing Border Patrol agents detaining 18-year-old landscaper Fernando Vazquez in Cary has sparked national attention. Vazquez, a U.S. citizen born in Raleigh, was handcuffed and later released without explanation as agents tossed his wallet onto the ground. The incident has raised concerns about enforcement tactics.
School Response: Immigration raids drive Durham absences, walkouts, and student protests.
Durham Public Schools saw absences jump nearly 70% this week amid heightened immigration enforcement. Nearly 30% of students—over 9,200—missed school Wednesday. With more than a third of DPS students being Hispanic or Latino, officials urged understanding as protests and walkouts took place across the district.
Education Shift: Enrollment drop pushes Durham schools toward cuts and rising charter transfers.
Durham Public Schools faces a $4.7M budget shortfall after enrolling about 1,000 fewer students than expected. The decline will cost DPS 33 state-funded teaching positions next year and require an additional $5M transfer to charter schools. Leaders are freezing hiring and reviewing contracts as they work to bring students back.
Health Care Strain: Carolinas hospital chaplains face heavy emotional load and growing burnout.
Chaplains at Duke and UNC Hospitals are experiencing high levels of emotional and physical burnout as they support patients and families through constant crises. With only one chaplain on call overnight, the strain is significant. Meditation and peer support help, but the work remains deeply taxing.
Housing Growth: Rezoning proposal would add 190 townhomes, boosting missing-middle options.
Raleigh’s R&R Development Group has proposed a 190-unit townhome project in northeast Raleigh, filing to rezone 25 acres for higher-density “missing middle” housing. Plans include extending Hartham Park Avenue to improve connectivity, adding to a wave of similar projects shaping the area.
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