Winston-Salem Chronicle

By A. J. Daniel | The Winston-Salem Chronicle The 2026 race for Forsyth County district attorney is beginning to sharpen into a debate over experience, accountability and the exercise of prosecutorial power after longtime Winston-Salem pastor and community activist Rev. Dr. John Mendez endorsed Democratic challenger Amara M. Hunter over incumbent Republican District Attorney Jim O’Neill. In an endorsement letter dated Aug.

By Staff Report One day after students returned to classrooms, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is turning to another question about its future: who will lead the district after Sept. 30? The Board of Education is expected to discuss the search for an interim superintendent Tuesday following Superintendent Don Phipps’ announcement that he plans to retire at the end of September. 88.5 WFDD The timing makes this more than another personnel change.

Staff Report The Winston-Salem Chronicle The City of Winston-Salem is calling on local businesses and community organizations to help create more opportunities for young people this summer through employment and youth programming. City leaders will host a community informational meeting focused on summer jobs and camp opportunities at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Salem Lake in the Dr. Virginia K. Newell Room, located at 815 Salem Lake Road.

By Algenon Cash The 2024 election brought three new members to the City Council. New leadership often brings new energy, new priorities, and a different way of looking at old problems. Rather than criticize from the sidelines, I decided to wait. I wanted to see what would emerge. A year later, I’m still waiting. Over the past few weeks I’ve watched Greensboro hold another State of the City address. I’ve watched newly elected council members host neighborhood walking tours and town halls.

By George Redd In Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, nonprofit organizations are doing critical work every day—addressing housing needs, supporting families, strengthening the workforce, and investing in the long-term health of our community. Much of that work depends on the generosity of local donors who care deeply about making a difference where they live. But in today’s environment, generosity alone is not enough. How organizations engage donors matters just as much as how much they raise.

Staff Report WS Chronicle A proposed Winston-Salem budget now under City Council review would raise the property-tax rate, increase water and sewer charges, lift stormwater fees, and push up some city user fees — a package that would touch homeowners directly and could also ripple through renters’ monthly costs.

By Nathan Scovens In West Winston-Salem, grocery runs are simple: fresh produce, meats, and whole grains line the shelves. In East Winston, a single Food Lion on New Walkertown Road is the only full-service supermarket for thousands of residents. Others must rely on Family Dollar and Dollar General, where fresh produce is scarce, and processed foods dominate. Is East Winston’s money or dollars “green” enough to attract investment?

The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership is excited to share that our beloved Summer Music Series is returning for its 28th season in 2026! This cherished community tradition brings residents, visitors, and music fans together for a summer full of free live music in the heart of downtown.

After more than 11 years on the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, Chairman Don Martin has announced he will retire effective July 31, citing a promise made to his wife to step away from public life upon turning 75. In announcing his departure, Martin reflected on major accomplishments during his tenure, including school funding initiatives, capital improvement projects, economic development successes, and the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Derwin L. Montgomery WS Chronicle A lunch conversation at West End Cafe became more than a meeting.It became a relationship.It became a lesson in local history. And by Juneteenth, it became a $76,262 gift from members of Home Moravian Church to Triad Cultural Arts — enough to help the organization pay off a $75,000 bridge loan connected to the restoration of the historic Shotgun House Legacy Site in Happy Hill. For Triad Cultural Arts Executive Director Abrea Armstrong and the Rev.