Good morning, Wake Forest.

Sanford homeowner Rebecca Yingling said her pool waterwall, ladder and other features remain unfinished after she paid thousands for a Backyard Leisure job that began in 2024 — other customers in North Carolina have reported similar delays due to abnormal rainfall and permitting challenges, and over sixty complaints are now under investigation by the Attorney General’s office.

Wake Forest Downtown Inc. and Firebox Theatre Company will host the Spirits of Wake Forest ghost walks from September 25 through October 30 in Downtown Wake Forest — tickets cost $20 and go on sale at noon on Sept.

4, with tours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Sarah Carter, a 21-year-old new teacher in Wake County, is ready to set up her middle school classroom and build strong relationships with her students this year.

County officials reported that teacher vacancies have dropped by 60 to 175 and bus driver wages have increased to help fill positions—steps aimed at strengthening local education.

Wake County Public Schools use the Say Something app—created by Sandy Hook Promise—to let students anonymously report concerns via QR codes in school hallways.

In its second year, nearly half the reports were deemed life safety risks leading to law enforcement and mental health follow-ups.

Wake County educators and parents are concerned about unsafe HVAC systems in local schools—deferred maintenance leaves classrooms uncomfortable and unfit for learning.

Wake County Schools will hire a third-party firm to evaluate repairs and consider a bond to cover full costs, aiming to improve facilities before the new school year.

Students in Wake, Durham and Cumberland counties return to class today under updated rules that include bus notifications, new visitor sign-in systems, revised meal prices, and classroom cellphone bans.

Orange County schools held open house events on August 21—non-English speakers are better supported and a new technology fee will help cover device repairs.

Apex teen Alondra Azcona received a rare scholarship to attend her dream school — Berklee College of Music — that will help cover her high tuition, and she shared the news with her excited family.

Now, she prepares to begin her studies without the worry of debt.

Starting Monday through Thursday, Aug.

25-28, Blythe Construction will close lanes overnight from 7 p.m. — 6 a.m. on Retail Drive between Durham Road/NC 98 and Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass to resurface the road; flaggers and signage will guide drivers and delays are expected so motorists should choose alternate routes.

Wake Forest Comic-Con 2025

10:00-11:30 a.m. — Flaherty Park Community Center — Free entry — Discover a vibrant showcase of comics, anime, toys, and collectibles from over 30 vendors.

The Bat-Signal Suncatcher Workshop

6-8 p.m. — MK Creative Arts Studio — Ages 10+ — Create your own glowing Bat-Signal suncatcher in this artistic workshop.

Joe Pug Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Carolina Theater Company — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience poignant songwriting and harmonica melodies from Joe Pug, a rising star in the music scene.