Tuesday, Dec. 23: Council Reset + Trolley Trouble + Charter Shortfalls
Tuesday, Dec. 23
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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100+ candidates file for Triangle races ahead of March primary.
Over 100 candidates have filed to run in local races across Durham, Wake, and Orange counties ahead of North Carolina’s March 3 primary elections. While statewide races like the U.S. Senate campaign will draw headlines, key local contests include sheriff, district attorney, and school board seats. In Durham, voters will weigh in on four school board seats as well as the sheriff and DA races. Orange County’s sheriff race is contested, and in Wake, the Board of Commissioners will expand from seven to nine seats in 2026, with at-large seats now up for grabs.
Raleigh City Council on ballot again before staggered terms begin.
Raleigh voters will see every City Council seat on the ballot one more time in 2025, ahead of a transition to staggered four-year terms aimed at improving government continuity. Under the new system, the mayor and some council members will serve four years, while others will serve an initial two-year term to align the stagger. Notable candidates include incumbent mayor Janet Cowell and challenger Ashleigh Heath Armstrong, while the at-large race features six contenders vying for two seats. Incumbents in districts A through E are also seeking reelection, with several facing competitive challenges.
Cary bought $540K trolleys, sold after ADA issues revealed.
Cary’s $540,000 investment in two vintage-style trolleys has drawn scrutiny after it was revealed the vehicles were never returned as previously claimed. Initially purchased for a downtown loop service, the trolleys were found noncompliant with federal accessibility standards and quietly warehoused for over a year. In June, the town sold them to a California transit agency for $300,000, incurring additional shipping costs. Questions raised by a town council candidate prompted the town to disclose the situation. The episode has fueled concerns about transparency amid broader investigations into town spending.
New charter schools miss enrollment targets; High Point TISA closes.
The abrupt closure of Triad International Studies Academy in High Point underscores a broader trend: new charter schools across North Carolina are struggling to meet enrollment and financial targets. TISA, which offered Spanish and Chinese immersion, shut down just weeks into its first year after enrolling only 45 students—well below the state minimum of 80. It was one of seven charter schools to open statewide this year, and all fell short of projections. Statewide, more than 70 charter schools have closed since 1998.
Crabtree plans $60M makeover; Northgate, Triangle Town Center redevelop.
And, in a timely update for the shopping season, Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh is set for a major transformation under new ownership. California-based Macerich purchased the mall for $290 million and plans to invest $60 million in renovations next year, including a refreshed food court and upgraded interiors. New additions include a Toys “R” Us pop-up and Dick’s House of Sport. Meanwhile, Durham’s Northgate Mall is slated for partial demolition, redevelopment and rebranding as Ellerbe Square. And Triangle Town Center continues its revitalization.
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