Thursday, Dec. 18: Premium Hikes + Meredith College Shakeup School Rebuild Clash + Migrant Advocacy (copy)
Thursday, Dec. 18
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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State workers face 2026 premium hikes amid plan deficit.
North Carolina state employees will see higher health insurance premiums in 2026 as officials confront a billion-dollar deficit in the State Health Plan. The shortfall stems in part from former Treasurer Dale Folwell’s Clear Pricing Plan, which aimed to cut costs through transparency but instead contributed to mounting losses. New Treasurer Brad Briner and plan director Tom Friedman are reversing course, negotiating lower provider rates and linking premiums to salaries. The changes come as employees face stagnant wages and rising healthcare costs. More than 146,000 still chose higher-tier plans.
Ligon rebuild plan pits alumni against Wake schools.
Plans to rebuild Ligon Middle School in Raleigh are stirring tension between Wake County Schools and alumni of the former all-Black high school on the site. Three options are on the table, but alumni are rallying to preserve the 1953-era main building or rebuild on its historic hilltop location. Administrators favor a third option—constructing a new facility on the ball fields—citing cost, continuity of instruction, and modern standards. The school board will make the final decision, but promises to seek community input first. A $141 million renovation is scheduled to begin in 2027.
LGBT Center reopens in long-term Cabarrus Street home.
After years without a permanent home, the LGBT Center of Raleigh has reopened in a 3,000-square-foot space on Cabarrus Street. The newly renovated community hub features a lounge, library, cyber center, food pantry, and free clothing closet with gender-affirming items. Executive Director Kori Hennessey says the center aims to be more than just a crisis resource—it’s also a welcoming, affirming space. Supported by community donations, including $300,000 from contractor Cooper Tacia, the center signed a lease that runs through at least 2038.
Raleigh revives DWI unit after deadly impaired-driving surge.
Raleigh is reviving its specialized DWI unit after a spike in alcohol-related fatalities. Though only 2% of crashes last year involved impaired drivers, those incidents caused nearly 29% of all traffic deaths in the city. A new $553,000 federal grant will fund three officers dedicated to detecting and deterring impaired driving. The move comes as part of the state’s broader “Booze It & Lose It” campaign and is modeled after a previous unit that significantly reduced fatalities. The Raleigh Police Department says the effort is about prevention and accountability.
Tardys launch downtown Raleigh Artist Lounge, multi-level arts venue.
Reggie and Georgia Tardy, known for hosting art events from their Raleigh home, are launching a new downtown venue called The Artist Lounge. Located at 122 S. Salisbury Street, the $1.3 million property will be transformed into a multi-level arts hub featuring a cafe, gallery, vinyl lounge, game room, and retractable rooftop for concerts and events. The Tardys say the space will support a wide range of artists, from DJs to muralists. Renovations are underway, with an opening planned for next year.
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