Thursday, Jan. 8: Teacher Protes + Convention Center + Airline Cuts
Thursday, Jan. 8
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Wake teachers walk out, urge Leandro funding and pay boosts
Hundreds of teachers across North Carolina, including over 30 schools in Wake County, called out of work Wednesday to demand increased public education funding. Organized by NC Teachers in Action, the protests drew 650 to 750 educators to intersections statewide, with major turnout in Cary. Teachers cited North Carolina’s national rank of 43rd in average teacher pay and last in school funding. Protesters called for restoring benefits like longevity and master’s pay, and fully funding the Leandro plan—a court-ordered initiative to ensure every student access to a sound, basic education.
Repair work puts Raleigh Convention Center reopening on track
Raleigh city officials say the convention center is on track to reopen this month following a December HVAC fire that heavily damaged its roof. Repairs totaling $1 million have already been completed, with more underway, including full roof replacement. Most costs will be covered by the city’s $500 million property insurance. While six December events were canceled or rescheduled, over 30 events in the first quarter remain booked, retaining about $4 million in revenue. A $400 million expansion project is also moving forward.
You can read more about this in the Triangle Business Journal. *
Avelo drops more RDU routes, closes crew base
Avelo Airlines is scaling back its operations at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, eliminating nonstop service to Albany, Grand Rapids, and Punta Cana. This follows earlier cuts to flights serving Fort Myers, Manchester, Montego Bay, and Wilmington, Delaware. The low-cost carrier will also close its crew base at RDU, part of a larger network consolidation that includes base closures in Mesa, Arizona, and Wilmington, North Carolina. Avelo will now serve only New Haven and Rochester from RDU, shifting focus to five other hubs, including one in Concord, near Charlotte.
Durham lifts City Hall ban on activist Amanda Wallace
A two-year ban barring Durham activist Amanda Wallace from City Hall has been lifted following an administrative appeal. Wallace was removed from a December swearing-in ceremony after loudly interrupting the proceedings. City Manager Bo Ferguson initially imposed the ban, citing disruption of governmental function—not Wallace’s speech content—as the basis. The reversal came after Wallace acknowledged the city’s authority to enforce meeting rules, though she stopped short of promising future compliance. The case raised concerns among some council members and advocates over free speech and due process.
Coastal Credit Union Music Park starts paid parking, $20–$110
Concertgoers at Coastal Credit Union Music Park will have to pay for parking this year, ending the venue’s longstanding free-parking policy. Operated by Live Nation, the amphitheater announced that attendees must purchase parking passes in advance or at the gate. Options range from $20 to $110, with upper tiers offering perks like closer spots and quicker exits. Live Nation’s other Raleigh venue, The Ritz, already charges for parking and premium access. The city’s outdoor concert season kicks off June 2 with rapper MGK.
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