NC Local

@nclocal.bsky.social

Working with local news and information providers to ensure everyone in North Carolina has access to news and information they trust. Stay connected with our weekly newsletter: https://nclocalnewsworkshop.org/resources/newsletter/

Did you know North Carolina sent its absentee ballots out before any other state in the country this year for the midterm elections? Catch the first episode of Purple Primer, an NC Local show on the 2026 elections, out today. Send us your questions and watch the episode at nclocal.org/purpleprimer.

3/ our first collab w/ @nclocal.bsky.social dug into a local election that really deserves more attention—a sheriff who has long drawn criticism for policies and rhetoric targeting Latinos, from racial profiling stops/arrests to spewing epithets (like calling Latinos in his community “taco eaters”)

A North Carolina Sheriff and ICE Ally Faces Accusations of Racism—and a Challenger This Fall - Bolts

This story is produced as a collaboration between Bolts and NC Local. One Saturday in May, Shannon Long, a pastor running for sheriff in North Carolina, set up his campaign... Read More

boltsmag.org

Education Secretary Linda McMahon says the new Workforce Pell Grant program “is revitalizing the American Dream.” Yet community colleges are scrambling to determine which programs will even qualify. @opencampus.org & @nclocal.bsky.social report on challenges in North Carolina: tinyurl.com/36ajhzhn

As financial aid for workforce training launches, North Carolina community colleges find few courses mesh with strict federal rules - Open Campus

Officials estimate less than 1% of course sections will be eligible for Workforce Pell.

tinyurl.com

Education Secretary Linda McMahon says the new Workforce Pell Grant program “is revitalizing the American Dream.” Yet community colleges are scrambling to determine which programs will even qualify. @nclocal.bsky.social reports on challenges in North Carolina: tinyurl.com/36ajhzhn

As financial aid for workforce training launches, North Carolina community colleges find few courses mesh with strict federal rules - Open Campus

Officials estimate less than 1% of course sections will be eligible for Workforce Pell.

tinyurl.com

Diving Deeper Into ICE Activity in North Carolina: 🚨A DHS website lists what the agency dubs the “worst of the worst” arrested by ICE, even though most people arrested by ICE — 56%, according to a recent CATO Institute analysis — haven’t been charged with violent crimes.

FAQ: Measles in North Carolina *️⃣How many cases are reported? 🗨️Four recently confirmed cases *️⃣How did it spread? 🗨️This week, health officials said a family in Buncombe Co. contracted measles after traveling to Spartanburg, SC (where there's been a large outbreak). nclocal.org/2026/01/07/n...

As NC reports more measles cases, how can you protect yourself?

North Carolina is reporting rising measles cases in 2026 — learn the latest on local exposures, CDC guidance, and expert tips on vaccination, symptoms, and how you can protect yourself and your family...

nclocal.org

We spent some time last week volunteering with Urban Ministries of Durham. We appreciate the work they do to help families & individuals with shelter, food, clothes & more.🎁We hope your holiday is filled with warmth & joy! From all of us at NC Local, thank you for your support of local journalism!

North Carolina ferry system gets boost, but challenges remain. The latest 👇 💵State lawmakers approved an extra $7 million this year for the OBX ferry system 🛟Due to an aging fleet, leaders say millions more will be needed for repairs & improvements ℹ️More here: nclocal.org/2025/12/12/s...

Still afloat: NC ferry system gets boost but challenges remain

North Carolina’s ferry system is a critical transportation network serving coastal communities and hard-to-reach areas of the state, including Ocracoke and other Outer Banks destinations. Operated by ...

nclocal.org

💸Where does North Carolina tourism tax money go? 📈Recent figures show more than $400 million is collected statewide from tourists paying this tax. Find out who joins these TDA boards that control the money and why there's a related case before the N.C. Supreme Court: nclocal.org/2025/12/09/w...

What are Tourism Development Authorities?

Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) play a major role in how North Carolina funds and promotes local tourism. This article explains what TDAs are, how occupancy taxes work, and where the money coll...

nclocal.org

What’s happening with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles? If you’ve been to the DMV lately, you may have waited a long time. Also, some leaders want to separate the DMV from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Here's what to know 👇

A new law this year gave North Carolina parents and guardians more control over what books their children can access in public schools. Here's what HB 805 requires of school boards and teachers, and what control parents now have.

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We're hosting two great (free!) events next week in Western North Carolina as we connect with the community & welcome NC Local's Senior Reporter, Lilly Knoepp. 🍻Launch Event: The Trailhead 📍The Lazy Hiker (Sylva) 🗓️Nov. 13, 5 to 7 🎟️Free (first round on us!) 👉 www.eventbrite.com/e/nc-locals-...?

NC Local’s Lilly Knoepp Welcome Reception

Join us to meet Lilly Knoepp, NC Local’s newest journalist, and learn more about the work of NC Local in WNC.

eventbrite.com

Big news!🎉Yesterday, nearly 80 community leaders in Alamance County joined us as we announced the launch of The Alamance Fabric — a new newsletter and community engagement initiative! ✨Connecting neighbors ℹ️Sharing trusted information 🤝Strengthening a sense of place

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