Thursday, Dec. 11: Legal Aid Cuts + Smithfield Sale + Cary Leadership
Thursday, Dec. 11
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Legal Aid slashes services after $6M state funding freeze.
Legal Aid of North Carolina is bracing for deep service cuts in 2026 after a one-year freeze on grant funding stemming from a provision in this year’s Public Safety Act. Wake County Rep. Mike Schietzelt called the funding halt “deeply unfortunate,” warning it impedes access to justice. Ashley Campbell, Legal Aid’s director, says the freeze slashes $6 million—15% of their budget—forcing nine office closures and eliminating 50 staff positions. “Nobody can fill a $6.5 million hole. Period,” she said. About 8,000 fewer clients are expected to receive services next year.
Smithfield medical building sale reflects Raleigh’s growth pressure.
As growth from Raleigh radiates outward, nearby towns like Smithfield are seeing a surge in commercial investment. A Cary-based firm, Twiford Pony Farm LLC, has purchased the WakeMed Primary and Urgent Care building on Brightleaf Boulevard in Smithfield for nearly $2.7 million. The 4,000-square-foot facility was recently renovated and is occupied by a long-term tenant. Manager David Cross said the town’s rapid development made the deal attractive. Nearby openings like Slim Chickens and Chicken Salad Chick highlight continued momentum along this key Johnston County corridor.
Cary mayor: council left out of key decisions.
In Cary, the Town Council is facing questions over transparency after a public-records request revealed that key decisions were made without council approval. During a work session Tuesday, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht acknowledged the documents—receipts and emails—showed information had been withheld from him and council members. He did not clarify whether the findings were tied to Town Manager Sean Stegall, who was placed on paid leave after a November 20 meeting. The town also recently reimbursed nearly $37,400 in tuition for Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush, which she later repaid.
Durham judge limits CPS protester’s actions, sparking backlash.
A Durham County judge has imposed protest restrictions on Amanda Wallace, founder of Operation Stop CPS, following a no-contact order request by the director of Social Services. Wallace, who has protested outside the agency and its director’s apartment, must now stay 50 feet from the DSS building, avoid using amplified sound, and cannot protest with minors present. The ruling came during a highly attended hearing coinciding with a national family advocacy convening. Supporters say the decision chills free speech, while the judge cited the protection of vulnerable children.
Massage board’s law firm ties raise legal concerns.
In Raleigh, the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy faces growing scrutiny over its deep entanglement with a private law firm that serves as both its legal counsel and de facto administrative staff. The firm, Broughton Wilkins Sugg & Thompson, operates out of a downtown office where the board holds its meetings and receives 65% of its licensing revenue—amounting to $2.2 million since 2020. Critics say this longstanding arrangement lacks transparency and may violate state laws banning contingency contracts with private attorneys. Despite internal pushback, the board is expected to renew the contract this month.
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