Wednesday, Nov. 12: WakeMed Shooting Update + SNAP Delays + Durham Schools Decline
Wednesday, Nov. 12
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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WakeMed shooting suspect charged; friends cite mental health struggles
Authorities say 29-year-old Benji Martin Jr. is charged with murder in the death of Officer Roger Smith, a 14-year WakeMed campus police veteran who was fatally shot Saturday morning at the hospital’s Garner Healthplex. Martin, a former ECU dance graduate, was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis. The SBI continues to assist with the investigation.
SNAP delays hit 586,000 North Carolina households amid shutdown
SNAP distributions were delayed this month due to the ongoing federal shutdown, impacting more than half a million North Carolina households—including nearly 85,000 college students. Many eligible students aren’t enrolled due to unclear rules, prompting a new state campaign to expand access through clearer guidelines and outreach.
Durham schools see sharp enrollment drop, losing 1,000 students
Durham Public Schools reported its steepest decline since the pandemic, dropping from over 31,000 to 30,172 students this fall. Officials cite lower birth rates, increased private school vouchers, rising charter enrollment, and immigration fears. Board members say the budget impact could be significant.
Raleigh and Durham lead U.S. in hotel-to-apartment conversions
A new RentCafe report ranks Raleigh and Durham among the top 10 U.S. metros for hotel conversions, adding 700 apartment units in 2024 with 450 more in progress. Developers say the adaptive reuse trend eases the housing crunch and creates affordable micro-units faster than traditional builds.
NC State installs Kevin Howell as 15th chancellor
NC State University formally installed alumnus and longtime administrator Kevin Howell as its 15th chancellor. State and university leaders praised his leadership and commitment to affordability, research, and student success. Howell called NC State “destined to be the most impactful land-grant university in the country.”
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