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- 🌳 Roxboro & Mangum 2-Way Conversion at Risk
🌳 Roxboro & Mangum 2-Way Conversion at Risk
Jordan Parker
May 08, 2025
In this issue:
Riggs Wins NC Supreme Court Race
NC Drops to 43rd in Teacher Pay Rankings
Triangle Housing Market Cools, Durham Shows Mixed Signals
Board Delays Budget Vote Amid Transparency Demands
Meet Squeak: A Gentle Soul Looking for Calm
Roxboro & Mangum 2-Way Conversion at Risk
Stargazing with Sagan: A Journey Through the Cosmos
Approx Read Time: 3 mins
Riggs Wins NC Supreme Court Race
After months of legal wrangling over absentee ballots, Democrat Allison Riggs will retain her seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court. Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin conceded after a federal judge ordered the state to count previously disputed votes — tipping the margin in Riggs' favor.
Court orders ballots counted: A federal judge ruled ballots postmarked by Election Day but received late must be included in the count.
Razor-thin finish: Riggs ultimately won by fewer than 1,000 votes — one of NC’s closest judicial races in decades.
Majority preserved: The 4–3 Republican majority remains, but Riggs’ win blocks a potential GOP supermajority.
NC Drops to 43rd in Teacher Pay Rankings
North Carolina now ranks 43rd in the nation for average teacher pay, falling behind most neighboring states and about $14,000 below the national average.
Big pay gap: The national average is $71,000; NC’s is closer to $57,000.
Durham’s local role: Districts like DPS rely heavily on local supplements to attract and retain teachers.
Morale on the line: Advocates say stagnant pay is driving burnout and staff turnover.
Triangle Housing Market Cools, Durham Shows Mixed Signals
The Raleigh housing market has shifted significantly since the pandemic boom. As of February 2025, 63% of homes in the Raleigh metro area sold below asking price, a stark contrast to the bidding wars of 2021.
Raleigh sees price stagnation: The median home price in Raleigh held steady at $455,000 in April 2025, showing little change from the previous year.
Durham experiences modest growth: In contrast, Durham's median home price rose to $426,415 in April 2025, marking a 2.7% increase year-over-year.
Market dynamics vary: While Raleigh buyers gain negotiating power, Durham's market remains competitive, with homes selling after an average of 44 days on the market.
Board Delays Budget Vote Amid Transparency Demands
The April 24 Durham Public Schools board meeting saw dozens of speakers urge the district to protect classroom jobs and prioritize student-facing roles. The board delayed a full budget vote amid questions about staffing cuts and transparency.
Comment cap lifted: Board members waived the 30-minute limit to hear all 40+ public speakers.
Central office vs classrooms: Critics questioned $2M in new admin roles while 112 teacher jobs are on the chopping block.
Union steps up pressure: DAE called for a public meeting with Superintendent Lewis to renegotiate the district’s priorities.
Meet Squeak: A Gentle Soul Looking for Calm
Squeak is a sweet, sensitive guy who thrives on comfort and quiet cuddles. He’s a bit anxious, but full of love and potential. This medium-sized adult dog would do best in a calm, patient home — ideally without small children — where he can build confidence and feel safe.
Roxboro & Mangum 2-Way Conversion at Risk
The long-planned two-way conversion of Roxboro and Mangum Streets — designed to reduce traffic speeds and improve safety — may be left out of the upcoming City Manager’s proposed budget. Without funding beyond the current “30% design” phase, the project could stall indefinitely.
Write a letter today urging the City Manager to include funds for completing the 2-way conversion of North Roxboro and Mangum Streets in the upcoming Capital Improvements Program.
Take Action >>
Stargazing with Sagan: A Journey Through the Cosmos
West Point on the Eno Park
Fri, May 9 | 8:00–11:00 PM
A free outdoor screening of Cosmos plus telescopes, stargazing, and science activities under the stars.
Details >>
Strawberry Shindy at Durham Farmers’ Market
Durham Central Park
Sat, May 10 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Live music, free cupcakes, berry-themed fun, and peak-season strawberries.
Details >>
55th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival
Rock Quarry Park
Sat, May 17 | 1:00–7:00 PM
Celebrate Black culture with live music (Raheem DeVaughn headlines), food, vendors, and community.
Details >>
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