Tuesday, Nov. 25: Immigration Tensions + Health Care Shift + Downtown Access
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Immigration Tensions: Raleigh and Durham leaders alarmed by secretive CBP enforcement surge.
Raleigh and Durham are still reeling from last week’s unexpected federal immigration sweeps. CBP arrested several people in Durham without notifying local leaders, prompting school absences, business closures, and confusion across Latino communities. Officials say they still haven’t been briefed, and the federal government hasn’t confirmed whether the operation is over.
Health Care Shift: Amsurg–Ascension deal quietly reshapes ownership of Triangle endoscopy centers.
Several outpatient centers across North Carolina—including Raleigh Endoscopy Center and clinics in Durham, Johnston, Carteret, and Guilford—will soon have a new indirect co-owner. St. Louis–based Ascension is acquiring Amsurg, which currently holds a majority stake. No changes to buildings or licenses are expected, and the physician joint-venture model will continue. The deal should close by early 2026.
Downtown Access: Raleigh keeps two-hour free parking, pleasing businesses but trimming revenue.
Raleigh’s two-hour free parking pilot will run through June. Downtown businesses strongly backed the extension after 86% reported higher sales, though the city has absorbed over $500,000 in lost revenue. Officials say maintenance has been delayed, but many shops argue the program helps them compete with suburban centers.
2025 Elections: Clark Rinehart launches at-large council bid focused on housing and transit.
Clark Rinehart, a Raleigh entrepreneur and civic leader, is running for an at-large City Council seat. Currently interim director of the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, he plans to focus on housing, transit, and inclusive growth. This is the first council race with newly extended four-year terms. Candidate filing begins Monday.
Local Creativity: Durham zine vending machine highlights ice cream, foraging spots, and queer history.
A new vending machine at Durham Food Hall is selling zines instead of snacks. Created by artist and bike advocate Kelsey Graywill, the Hyperlocal Durham machine features small, self-published booklets on topics like Indigenous landmarks, queer history, and urban foraging. Graywill hopes community members will add their own work.
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