Checkmate Government Relations was hired in part because of its sway with Republicans in the state legislature. Some council members questioned if the firm has been effective.
Justin Laidlaw
Justin Laidlaw is a reporter for the INDY, covering Durham. A Bull City native, he joined the staff in 2023 and previously wrote By The Horns, a blog about city council.
Posted inColumn
Reintroducing ‘By The Horns,’ a Column for the Local Government Nerd in You
INDY’s Justin Laidlaw is here to help readers get a grip on politics and civic life in Durham.
Posted inEducation
The High Schoolers Graduating with College Degrees
Thousands of N.C. students are getting college credits, professional certifications, and even degrees while they’re still in high school. By 2028, Durham Public Schools hopes a quarter of its graduates will also have an associate’s degree.
Posted inBusiness & Economy
Keep It Durham-Owned Initiative Aims to Expand Employee Ownership of Local Businesses
Most business owners don’t have a succession plan in place. A new city program aims to help them pass on their businesses to workers.
Posted inCulture
Durham’s Cultural Roadmap Gets the Green Light
At the Thursday-night meeting, local arts workers celebrated the adoption of the plan, which has been in the works for four years, while calling for more clarity around funding initiatives and plan implementation.
Posted inSports
From Softball to Ultimate Frisbee, Durham Is Carving Out a Sports Niche
The Durham Sports Commission has spent the past few years building up the Bull City as a destination for emerging sports—especially women’s and youth leagues.
Posted inNews
Durham City Council Passes Resolution in Support of Tenants’ Rights
Though it isn’t legally binding, the resolution encourages property owners to work with tenant unions, especially in developments that received public funding.
Posted inNews
In Durham County, Debate Around Data Centers Focuses on the Research Economy
Local governments across the state have passed temporary bans on new data center construction. Unlike Durham County, home to part of the Research Triangle Park, most don’t have data centers.
Posted inNews
Residents Push Durham to Support Tenant Unions
Tenants at Willard Street and Ashton Place are urging City Council members to pass a resolution recognizing the role of tenant organizing, especially in buildings like theirs that the city helped fund.
Posted inCulture
In Three Years, this “Generational” Global Sports Event Will Descend Upon the Triangle
In 2029, the Triangle and parts of the Triad will play host to the World University Games—the world’s largest event for student-athletes.
