Wednesday, Dec. 3: Bail Conflict + Council Transition + Legal Action
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Raleigh Blaze: Roof fire at Convention Center contained quickly with no injuries.
A gas-fed fire broke out on the roof of the Raleigh Convention Center Monday night but was extinguished within 25 minutes, preventing interior damage and injuries. Fire Chief Herbert Griffin credited rapid response and coordination among fire, police, EMS, and state crews. Structural damage is estimated at $2 million; event impacts remain uncertain.
Bail Conflict: Wendell asylum-seeker remains detained despite nationwide ruling.
Fatima Issela Velasquez-Antonio, 23, arrested in a recent immigration sweep, will stay in federal detention. An immigration judge denied bail under a Trump-era policy, even as a federal judge in California overturned that policy nationwide. Velasquez-Antonio, seeking asylum, remains in Georgia while her attorney appeals.
Council Transition: Durham swears in new members as longtime officials depart.
Mayor Leo Williams began his second term as Durham City Council welcomed newcomers Matt Kopac and Shanetta Burris. Outgoing members DeDreana Freeman and Mark-Anthony Middleton, praised for housing, social justice, and community investment work, bid farewell. Javiera Caballero became the city’s first Latina mayor pro tem.
Legal Action: Durham County pursues no-contact order against child welfare activist.
Durham County has issued a no-contact order against Amanda Wallace, founder of Operation Stop Child Protective Services, alleging harassment of DSS director Maggie Clapp. Wallace claims political targeting. A hearing is set for Dec. 5; a previous order against her was dismissed in 2022.
Oyster Bar Deal: Property agreement fuels hopes for 42nd Street comeback.
Hobby Family LLC has bought the parking lot next to the former 42nd Street Oyster Bar for $4.5 million, consolidating ownership of the site. Plans are underway to revive the restaurant in 2026, restoring a Raleigh institution that first opened in 1987.
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