Honestly, it feels like Winston-Salem is currently in the middle of a massive identity shift. If you’ve driven through downtown lately or tried to navigate the school board’s latest headlines, you know exactly what I mean. There’s this weird, exciting, and sometimes frustrating mix of world-class ambitions and local growing pains that define winston salem local news as we kick off 2026.
Basically, the "City of Arts and Innovation" isn't just a slogan on a water tower anymore; it's becoming a literal construction zone and a political battleground.
The German Invasion (The Good Kind)
Let’s talk about the biggest thing on the horizon. The German Men’s National Team just officially picked Winston-Salem as their home base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Think about that for a second. One of the most successful soccer programs in history is going to be wandering around Graylyn Estate and training at Wake Forest’s Spry Stadium.
They arrive June 8.
The city is already scrambling. Why? Because hosting a four-time World Cup champion isn't just about providing a nice grass pitch. It’s about security, international media logistics, and the sheer economic ripple effect. Local business leaders are basically vibrating with excitement. We’re talking about a global spotlight on the Triad that we haven’t seen since, well, ever.
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Why the School Board is Making People Angry
While the world looks at us for soccer, locals are looking at the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) Board of Education with a lot of "really?"
The board is stuck in a legit power struggle. On January 13, things got heated. Again. They failed to elect a new chair and vice chair because of a persistent stalemate. Board member Sabrina Coone even called the situation "beyond embarrassing."
This matters because, while they’re arguing over who sits in the big chair, the district is dealing with actual problems. Deanna Kaplan is still the chair by default, but the lack of a clear leadership vote has everyone on edge. It’s the kind of local drama that makes you want to tune out, but since it affects every kid in the county, we kind of have to pay attention.
Innovation Quarter is Changing—Literally
You probably noticed the cranes. Innovation Quarter is moving into Phase 2, and the plans just got a facelift. They’re actually pivoting to include more "street-facing retail" and community spots.
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- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Eye Institute: This $100 million beast is slated to open later this year.
- The Active-Rec Parking Garage: This is wild. It’s a parking deck that’s supposed to have a rock-climbing wall and a rooftop running track.
- Fogle Commons: This will be the new "it" spot for shops and outdoor dining.
They’ve actually reduced the number of buildings to 8 (down from 10) to make more room for public spaces. It feels like they finally realized people want to live and play downtown, not just work in a lab.
The Return of the Madhouse
If you like things loud, Feb 1 is your day. NASCAR’s Cook Out Clash is returning to Bowman Gray Stadium.
After the 2025 debut was a massive hit, NASCAR doubled down. They’ve poured money into the place—new lighting, a $1 million Samsung video board, and a resurfaced track. It’s a total throwback to the city’s roots. There’s something kinda poetic about a high-tech research park (Innovation Quarter) and a 75-year-old racing "Madhouse" both thriving at the same time.
Stuff You Actually Need to Do
Enough with the big picture. Here is the "boots on the ground" news you need for your daily life:
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- MLK Day Closures: Monday, Jan 19, is a city holiday. No garbage or recycling pickup. Everything slides back one day.
- City Council Meeting: Because of the holiday, the next big council meeting is Tuesday, Jan 20, at 6:00 PM.
- Grant Money: If you run a local nonprofit, the city opened applications for Community Agency Funding on Jan 5. You have until Jan 30 to get your RFP in.
- MUSE Winston-Salem: Mark your calendars for late summer. This new community history museum on the Downtown Strollway is going to be the first time we’ve had a dedicated spot to tell the whole story of Forsyth County, including the stuff that usually gets left out of the brochures.
The Reality Check
It’s not all soccer and stadium lights. The NC Chamber recently pointed out that even though our economy looks "strong" on paper, everyday life is getting pricey. Housing and energy costs in North Carolina rose faster than wages over the last year.
In Winston-Salem, we see this in the push for "living wage" thresholds and the ongoing fight for affordable housing. The city is currently pushing for a $875,000 release of funds for the Choice Neighborhood Program to fix up buildings northeast of downtown. It’s a start, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the need.
What you should do next:
If you want to have a say in how the city grows, show up to the City Council meeting on January 20 or the virtual public hearings for the Consolidated Plan. Local government moves based on the people who actually show up. Also, check out the "WS Collects" app if you keep forgetting when to put your trash out during these holiday weeks—it’s actually one of the few city apps that works well.