As Chapel Hill flooded, a mother at Silverspot Cinema and a DoorDash delivery driver in the parking lot outside faced the same rising water—but made different choices.
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.
Posted inNews
“What Just Happened Here?”: Orange County Hit Hard by Tropical Storm Chantal
Record rainfall from Tropical Storm Chantal caused widespread flooding, inundating Carrboro’s Public Works facility, threatening a coal ash mound in Chapel Hill, and dealing a blow to local governments already squeezed by dwindling state and federal support.
Posted inNews
Ask INDY: How Have Local Workers Been Hit by Federal Policies?
For this installment of Ask INDY, we look at the impacts of federal funding cuts and tariffs on workers in the Triangle.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lunch Money: Pork Adobo at the Filipino Express
Purple treats, a free Bible, and an addictive lunch combo at the Filipino Express, a convivial Raleigh restaurant tucked inside an Asian grocery store.
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Character Studies: Dexter Phuong, the Only Diva in Durham
Dexter Phuong left corporate life to become Durham’s self-proclaimed Carrie Bradshaw. The content creator’s videos about being the only fashionable person around have struck a chord with anyone who’s ever felt out of place.
Posted inFood & Drink
The Common Market to Open Location in Raleigh
Owner Graham Worth’s popular deli-bar-smorgasbord spot, which has locations in Charlotte and Durham, will open in early 2026.
Posted inFood & Drink
New Cookie Shop Ashleigh Bakes Daily Coming to Downtown Durham
Ashleigh Ratchford is bringing her pillowy cookies to a Main Street incubator space designed to help women entrepreneurs get off the ground.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lunch Money: A Big Burger and Big Surcharge at Big Bob’s
A satisfying cheeseburger combo in the heart of Hillsborough.
Posted inNews
Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association Votes to Dissolve Amid Turnover
The environmental nonprofit, which oversees nearly 500 acres of protected land in Durham, is undergoing restructuring after a vote to dissolve in January.
Posted inFood & Drink
Restaurant Owner Cheetie Kumar Wants Congress to Amend “No Tax on Tips” Proposal
The James Beard award-winning chef and vice president of the Independent Restaurant Coalition breaks down the policies she believes will most benefit restaurant workers.