Ongoing Controversy at Pioneers Church Takes a Turn When the Organization Disaffiliates with Its Denomination Durham’s Immaculata Catholic School Denies Job to Transgender Parishioner Support independent local journalism. Join the INDY Press Club to help us keep fearless watchdog reporting and essential arts and culture coverage viable in the Triangle. Comment on this story at […]
Lena Geller
Lena Geller is a reporter for INDY, covering food, housing, and politics. She joined the staff in 2018 and previously ran a custom cake business.
Durham’s Immaculata Catholic School Denies Job to Transgender Parishioner
Despite the school’s inclusive messaging, Wilhelmina Indermaur found herself barred from a job as an in-school caretaker for a disabled student.
Cugino Forno Pays Nearly $300K for Wage Violations
Owner claims misunderstanding.
Sunday Reading: The Post-Roe Generation
In Texas, the Heartbeat Act has already wielded dire consequences, forcing many to bear children they don’t want or can’t support financially and causing some to travel hundreds of miles to get the procedure in other states.
Durham Public Schools Board Votes to Update Its Dress Code
The new dress code is designed to be more inclusive, dialing back guidelines that many argued disproportionately targeted—and were more frequently enforced for—women, students of color, and students with curvier body types.
Lone Diners and Full Tables Alike All Find a Place at Inclusive Durham Restaurant Queeny’s
More often than not, you’ll spot one or two solo diners at the bar, nursing a drink or chatting with the bartender, “Nighthawks” style, or burying themselves in a book from Rubyfruit’s selection.
Sunday Reading: When the Stealth Slate Wins the School Board
The pervasiveness of the GOP’s national movement to overtake school boards—and the disturbing rhetoric that conservative board members push once seated—is laid out in an investigative ProPublica piece out this week from reporter Nicole Carr.
Holy Mackerel: Saltbox Seafood Joint’s Ricky Moore Wins James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast
“I opened up a space on the side of the road that was 205 square feet,” Moore said in his acceptance speech. “I put my heart and soul into it.”
Sunday Reading: The Outcome of the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard Trial Doesn’t Reverse #MeToo Gains But Shows How Few Were Ever Actually Made
“Almost as soon as the supposed reckoning began there were complaints that it had gone too far, that nuances were being neglected and too-harsh punishments meted out.”
Raleigh Restaurant to Hold Benefit Dinner for Ukraine Support
Ukraine is outside Vidrio’s typical region of coverage, but executive chef Saif Rahman felt compelled to honor the country’s fare as part of the fundraising effort for World Central Kitchen.

