Wednesday, Dec. 17: Cary Land Deal + Meredith College Shakeup + Migrant Advocacy
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
🎧 Prefer to listen to the news?
Find Wake Up, Raleigh! on
Spotify,
Apple Podcasts,
YouTube,
or wherever you get your podcasts.
Cary land deal bypassed council; flood-risk warnings ignored.
New details have emerged about a $1 million land deal in Cary that bypassed full town council approval. Former Town Manager Sean Stegall, who resigned earlier this week, authorized the purchase of two lots on Kildaire Farm Road at more than double their previous sale price. Internal emails show staff advised against the purchase due to flood risk and limited utility. The transaction occurred just after a tax hike and during a freeze on capital projects. Council members say they were unaware, raising questions about oversight and discretionary spending limits.
Meredith ousts deans; protests grow amid deficit, mold complaints.
Meredith College is facing mounting criticism after removing its academic deans and reassigning them without clear explanation. The move follows a 6% staff layoff earlier this year, fueling student protests over both transparency and deteriorating campus conditions like mold and rodents. Meredith is a private women’s college in Raleigh that had an enrollment last year of 1,460. Although the college claims the dean removals weren’t budget-related, Meredith faces a projected $7 million deficit, with enrollment declining and tuition set to rise 4% next year. Alumni and students are demanding clearer communication from leadership amid fears the college may follow other struggling small institutions.
Migrant advocates brace for 2026 after H-2A wage cuts.
It’s been a difficult year for North Carolina’s migrant farm workers, but advocacy groups are closing it out with a message of resilience. At an event in Durham, the nonprofit It’s Our Future celebrated its efforts to support laborers through a season of wage cuts, extreme heat, and labor rights violations. The Department of Labor dropped H-2A visa wages from $16.16 to $12.69, while allowing employers to deduct rent. Advocates say workers faced increased isolation and exploitation—but also more self-advocacy. “We’re more prepared for next year,” said Sylvia Zapata of Student Action with Farm Workers.
Four Triangle restaurants get B grades in health inspections.
Wake and Durham counties reported four restaurants receiving “B” sanitation grades during inspections conducted December 9 through 15. In Wake County, Bharath Cafe in Cary scored 87% due to issues like improperly stored milk desserts and undated food containers. In Durham, 92 Korean Chicken, Tokyo Express, and Thai Cafe received scores ranging from 87% to 88.5%, with violations including poor handwashing practices, unsafe food temperatures, and sanitation lapses. These grades reflect adherence to food safety standards aimed at preventing illness.
Raleigh rapper Madison Jay urges voting, civic engagement.
In a candid interview, Raleigh hip-hop veteran Madison Jay reflects on his decades-long journey in music, the evolving Triangle region, and the power of community engagement. Known affectionately as “County,” Madison began rapping in high school and has remained a constant voice in a changing city. Inspired by fellow North Carolinian Rapsody, he champions positivity and perseverance. As Raleigh grapples with growth and infrastructure challenges, Madison urges residents to participate in local government. “You’re a fool if you don’t vote,” he says. “We have to be present.”
* Subscription required.
✉️ Do your neighbor a favor — forward this newsletter or send them to our signup page.
