Wednesday, Dec. 10: Large ICE Operation + Enloe Charity Ball + Wake’s Countywide School System
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Advocates report large ICE operation across Triangle.
Immigrant advocacy group Siembra NC says a large-scale immigration enforcement operation is underway across the Triangle and beyond, involving at least 50 out-of-state ICE agents. The group reports activity in Apex, Durham, Greensboro, Charlotte, and surrounding areas, with some agents allegedly making arrests near their own offices. The federal government hasn’t confirmed the operation, but Homeland Security maintains it enforces immigration laws daily. Siembra blames North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, who recently praised ICE and CBP. Critics say the timing just before the holidays could cause widespread community disruption.
Snow day closures revive debate over Wake’s countywide school system.
Wake County’s recent snow day closures have reignited criticism over the district’s size and decision-making. Some parents questioned why all schools closed Monday and Tuesday despite uneven weather impacts across the 857-square-mile county. Wake, the largest school district in North Carolina, says regional weather patterns, teacher commutes, and student assignment diversity make countywide closures necessary. In a past viral post, the district emphasized that a unified system supports educational equity and lowers taxes. Wake celebrates the 50th anniversary of its county-city school merger in 2026.
Zillow: Two-thirds of Raleigh homes lost value over year.
More than two-thirds of homes in the Raleigh metro area lost value over the past year, according to new data from Zillow. That’s significantly higher than the national average of 53%, and marks a sharp turn from 2023, when just 16% of Raleigh-area homes saw value decline. Experts point to increased housing supply—Raleigh ranks in the top 10 nationally for new construction—as a key driver. Despite the dip, most homeowners remain above water on their mortgages.
Enloe Charity Ball targets $200K for Note in the Pocket.
In southeast Raleigh, Enloe High School students are wrapping up their annual Enloe Charity Ball campaign, aiming to raise $200,000 for Note in the Pocket, a nonprofit that provides personalized clothing for children in need. Now in its 20th year, the student-run fundraiser has never missed a goal and has already raised nearly $2 million over two decades. This year’s final event—a dance open to all Wake County high schoolers—will be held Saturday night at Marbles Kids Museum. Proceeds support Note in the Pocket’s expanding operations.
Raleigh “Jeopardy” champion in jeopardy of his own.
A “Jeopardy” champion from Raleigh is in jeopardy himself. Philip “Joey” DeSena, who won nearly $47,000 over two games of the quiz show in 2024, is facing two felony charges of secret peeping. Court records show he allegedly installed cameras in a Currituck County home to spy on someone in a bedroom and bathroom. DeSena, a UNC graduate and physicist, turned himself in on Dec. 1 and was released on unsecured bail. He’s scheduled for a probable-cause hearing this Wednesday.
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