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@theassemblync.bsky.social
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North Carolina's new digital statewide magazine. In-depth reporting and writing about the state. Reach out info@theassemblync.com.

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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 2h
The Little-Noticed Policy Change Promoting Three-Year High School Diplomas North Carolina’s universities are debating three-year degrees. In 2023, the General Assembly directed public high schools to create an accelerated path too.
theassemblync.com
The Little-Noticed Policy Change Promoting Three-Year High School Diplomas
North Carolina colleges are debating three-year degrees. In 2023, the legislature directed public high schools to create an accelerated path too.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 10h
The Incident at Little River  The brutal crime that catalyzed the LGBTQ movement in North Carolina has never been fully chronicled—until now.
theassemblync.com
The Incident at Little River 
The brutal crime that catalyzed the LGBTQ movement in North Carolina 45 years ago has never been fully chronicled—until now.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Panel Probing Cooper Prison Settlement Goes Quiet A GOP aide said the group hopes to share something before the election, but its work could extend past November.
theassemblync.com
Panel Probing Cooper Prison Settlement Goes Quiet
A GOP aide said the group hopes to share something before the election, but its work could extend past November.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Roy Cooper’s Secret Sauce The Democratic Senate candidate is campaigning on his rural upbringing, but his recipe for success is less remarkable than you might think.
theassemblync.com
Roy Cooper’s Secret Sauce
The Democratic Senate candidate is campaigning on his rural upbringing, but his recipe for success is less remarkable than you might think.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Newsmakers: Strengthening Economic Mobility in the Triangle What is the role of accelerated and dual-enrollment programs in the state’s economic future?
theassemblync.com
Newsmakers: Strengthening Economic Mobility in the Triangle
What is the role of accelerated and dual-enrollment programs in the state’s economic future?
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A Hand Up for the Helpers A new Wake County program is testing an apprenticeship model to help instructional assistants get the training they need to lead a classroom.
theassemblync.com
A Hand Up for the Helpers
A new Wake County program is testing an apprenticeship model to help instructional assistants get the training they need to lead a classroom.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The High Schoolers Graduating with College Degrees Thousands of N.C. students are getting college credits, professional certifications, and even degrees while they’re still in high school. By 2028, Durham Public Schools hopes a quarter of its graduates will also have an associate’s degree.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Durham Tech Child Care Academies Draw New Teachers, But Workforce Gaps Persist The Early Educator Academy offers a streamlined path for child care workers to earn a credential in two months. Demand is high, but the program remains small.
theassemblync.com
Durham Tech Child Care Academies Draw New Teachers, But Workforce Gaps Persist
The Early Educator Academy offers a streamlined path for child care workers to earn a credential in two months. Demand is high, but the program remains small.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
After the Flood Came the Lies Social media conspiracies hampered relief efforts after Helene. Two years later, officials say they’re better prepared to address it.
theassemblync.com
After the Flood Came the Lies
Social media conspiracies hampered relief efforts after Helene. Two years later, officials say they’re better prepared to address it.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
This N.C. College Leader Thinks Two-Year Schools Can Save the Middle Class Monty Sullivan, the new president of the N.C. Community College System, talks like an evangelist for the schools.
theassemblync.com
This N.C. College Leader Thinks Two-Year Schools Can Save the Middle Class
Monty Sullivan, the new president of the N.C. Community College System, thinks the schools can get more North Carolinians into jobs.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The Long Wait For Helene Housing Recovery Funds Renew NC is meant to help homeowners who fall in the gap. But many have faced delays and confusion about their application status.
theassemblync.com
The Long Wait For Helene Housing Recovery Funds
Renew NC is meant to help homeowners who fall in the gap. But many have faced delays and confusion about their application status.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Pat McCrory’s Raleigh Reckoning McCrory expected to bring a different style of governing to Raleigh. He got an education in legislative power and the limits of his office.
theassemblync.com
Pat McCrory’s Raleigh Reckoning
McCrory expected to bring a different style of governing to Raleigh. He got an education in legislative power and the limits of his office.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Wake County Commissioners Green-light WakeMed-Atrium Merger After four months of public deliberation and some additional concessions from the state’s largest hospital system, commissioners voted 5-2 for changes that will allow the deal to go through.
theassemblync.com
Wake County Commissioners Green-light WakeMed-Atrium Merger
After four months of public deliberation and some additional concessions from the state’s largest hospital system, commissioners voted 5-2 for changes that will allow the deal to go through.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Wake County Commissioners Green-light WakeMed-Atrium Merger After four months of public deliberation and some additional concessions from the state’s largest hospital system, commissioners voted 5-2 for changes that will allow the deal to go through.
theassemblync.com
Wake County Commissioners Green-light WakeMed-Atrium Merger
After four months of public deliberation and some additional concessions from the state’s largest hospital system, commissioners voted 5-2 for changes that will allow the deal to go through.
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Reposted by The Assembly
Jessica Wakeman @jessicawakeman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
new piece from me on @theassemblync.bsky.social www.theassemblync.com/news/culture...
theassemblync.com
Lake Lure’s Brief, Bizarre Chapter as the Headquarters of a Model Cult
Lake Lure residents recall the far-out happenings at a lakefront compound featured in an HBO docuseries about a doomsday cult.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Lake Lure’s Brief, Bizarre Chapter as the Headquarters of a Model Cult  Residents recall the far-out happenings at a lakefront compound featured in an HBO docuseries about a doomsday cult.
theassemblync.com
Lake Lure’s Brief, Bizarre Chapter as the Headquarters of a Model Cult 
Lake Lure residents recall the far-out happenings at a lakefront compound featured in an HBO docuseries about a doomsday cult.
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Reposted by The Assembly
Matt Hartman @themhartman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
UNC finished its football investigation and once again released few details about the findings. I asked the investigators why www.theassemblync.com/news/educati...
theassemblync.com
UNC-Chapel Hill’s Football Investigation is Over. Will We Ever Know What It Found?
University officials are providing few details. They say the secrecy is necessary to build trust with future whistleblowers.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
UNC-Chapel Hill’s Football Investigation is Over. Will We Ever Know What It Found? University officials are providing few details. They say the secrecy is necessary to build trust with future whistleblowers.
theassemblync.com
UNC-Chapel Hill’s Football Investigation is Over. Will We Ever Know What It Found?
University officials are providing few details. They say the secrecy is necessary to build trust with future whistleblowers.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The eCourts Legal Saga May Be Over A settlement has been reached in the three-year litigation against Tyler Technologies over eCourts system, which has faced complaints across North Carolina.
theassemblync.com
The eCourts Legal Saga May Be Over
A settlement has been reached in the three-year litigation against Tyler Technologies over eCourts system, which has faced complaints across North Carolina.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
How UNC Asheville Plans to Attract More Students After Another Enrollment Drop The liberal arts university has struggled with enrollment challenges, but the chancellor says she has a plan to turn things around.
theassemblync.com
How UNC Asheville Plans to Attract More Students After Another Enrollment Drop
The liberal arts university has struggled with enrollment challenges, but the chancellor says she has a plan to turn things around.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A Battle for the Soul of Chatham County  A rezoning request for a planned church outside Chapel Hill is now a federal case, with religious-freedom groups and the U.S. Department of Justice weighing in.
theassemblync.com
A Battle for the Soul of Chatham County 
A rezoning request for a planned church outside Chapel Hill is now a federal case, with religious-freedom groups and the U.S. Department of Justice weighing in.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
What the Censure of a GOP Leader Says About Michael Whatley After Richard Burr voted against Trump at his second impeachment trial, state party chair Whatley retaliated. Trump rewarded him—twice.
theassemblync.com
What the Censure of a GOP Leader Says About Michael Whatley
After Richard Burr voted against Trump at his second impeachment trial, state party chair Whatley retaliated. Then Trump rewarded him—twice.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Democrats Drop Support for Candidate Who Called for Violence Against Republicans Democratic state legislative candidate Shelly Headen has called for President Trump’s supporters to “experience sexual assault” and for attacks on conservative states.
theassemblync.com
Democrats Drop Support for Candidate Who Called for Violence Against Republicans
State legislative candidate Shelly Headen has called for President Trump’s supporters to “experience sexual assault” and for attacks on conservative states.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Chemours to Pay $455 Million for Fayetteville Works Contamination The company will pay the sum over the next 15 years for contamination caused by its plant on the border of Cumberland and Bladen counties.
theassemblync.com
Chemours to Pay $455 Million for Fayetteville Works Contamination
North Carolina and a handful of local governments agreed to settle with Chemours over its pollution, state officials said.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Making the Grade at The Assembly’s Triangle Article Club Participants debated possible causes of grade inflation and potential solutions at the Chapel Hill gathering.
theassemblync.com
Making the Grade at The Assembly's Triangle Article Club
Participants debated possible causes of grade inflation and potential solutions at the Chapel Hill gathering.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
RTI Hits the Xcelerator The nonprofit is expanding a facility that helps startups develop new technologies after federal funding cuts.
theassemblync.com
RTI Hits the Xcelerator
RTI International is expanding a facility that helps startups develop new technologies. The effort comes after federal funding cuts upended its business model.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Exhuming the Memory of 9/11 Forensic anthropologist John Williams was called in to help identify remains after the attack on the World Trade Center. Now he’s ready to talk about it.
theassemblync.com
Exhuming the Memory of 9/11
Forensic anthropologist John Williams was called in to identify remains from the World Trade Center. Now he’s ready to talk about it.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
2026 N.C. Election Guide: Who’s On Your Ballot The Assembly's voter guide gives you the information you need to know heading to the polls this primary season.
theassemblync.com
2026 N.C. Election Guide: Who's On Your Ballot
Our 2026 election guide gives North Carolina voters important information about key dates, registering to vote, and candidates.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
From the archives: How did the rapper, still omnipresent three decades after his death, come to rest in a Lumberton grave? Journalist Jeff Pearlman went down to Robeson County to find out. www.theassemblync.com/news/culture...
theassemblync.com
How Tupac Came to Rest in North Carolina
The cremated remains of the rapper, still omnipresent three decades after his death, now lie in a Lumberton grave.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
A Family Reunion Like No Other Chang and Eng Bunker became globally recognized as the original “Siamese twins” before settling down in Mount Airy. Generations of descendants have kept their legacy alive.
theassemblync.com
A Family Reunion Like No Other
Chang and Eng Bunker, the original “Siamese twins,” settled down in Mount Airy. Generations of descendants have kept their legacy alive.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Two Former Columbus County Sheriff’s Deputies File Discrimination Complaints  Their attorneys say the allegations highlight ongoing racial inequities at the department.
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Two Former Columbus County Sheriff’s Deputies File Discrimination Complaints 
Attorneys say the allegations highlight ongoing racial inequities at the department, long after the resignation of Jody Greene.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Hurricane Helene Washed His Wife Away From Their Mobile Home. Now New Residents Live on the Same Land. Residents of a riverfront trailer park have lost homes and loved ones in multiple storms. A policy gap puts mobile home residents in harm’s way again and again.
theassemblync.com
Hurricane Helene Washed His Wife Away From Their Mobile Home. Now New Residents Live on the Same Land.
Residents of this riverfront trailer park have lost homes and loved ones in multiple storms. A policy gap means many face repeated flodding.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
House Censures Edwards Following Sexual Harassment Probe Edwards’ colleagues adopted the recommendation of an ethics panel that concluded the Republican behaved inappropriately toward two young female staffers.
theassemblync.com
House Censures Edwards Following Sexual Harassment Probe
An ethics panel had concluded the Western North Carolina Republican behaved inappropriately toward two young female staffers.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The Politics of Dissent As Anita Earls runs for re-election to the state Supreme Court, here's what her dissents tell us about her judicial philosophy.
theassemblync.com
The Politics of Dissent
As Anita Earls runs for re-election to the state Supreme Court, here's what her dissents tell us about her judicial philosophy.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Who Gets Held Back? Boys are more likely to be held back than girls, and Black boys are retained at more than twice the rate of white boys.
theassemblync.com
Who Gets Held Back?
In N.C. and nationwide, boys are more likely to be held back than girls. Black boys are retained at more than twice the rate of white boys.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
‘A Dumb Mistake’: U.S. House Candidate Suspended from Kalshi for Betting on Herself Republican Laurie Buckhout bet on her own campaign, according to a settlement agreement with the online prediction market.
theassemblync.com
‘A Dumb Mistake’: U.S. House Candidate Suspended from Kalshi for Betting on Herself
The GOP congressional candidate bet on her own campaign, according to a settlement agreement with the online prediction market.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Three Races to Watch in Roy Cooper’s Backyard Nash County is home to three state legislative races that could make or break a GOP supermajority.
theassemblync.com
Three Races to Watch in Roy Cooper’s Backyard
Nash County is home to three state legislative races that could make or break a GOP supermajority in North Carolina.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Chuck Edwards Mounts His Defense: ‘Poetry Is Not Sexual Misconduct’ The Western North Carolina Republican maintains his relationships with female staffers were friendships and not sexual harassment.
theassemblync.com
Chuck Edwards Mounts His Defense: ‘Poetry Is Not Sexual Misconduct’
The Western North Carolina Republican maintains his relationships with female staffers were friendships and not sexual harassment.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
U.S. Senate Candidates Could Skip Debating for First Time in Almost 30 Years Neither Roy Cooper nor Michael Whatley is facing the scrutiny that a one-on-one forum can provide.
theassemblync.com
U.S. Senate Candidates Could Skip Debating for First Time in Almost 30 Years
Neither of North Carolina's Senate candidates is facing the scrutiny on the campaign trail that a one-on-one forum might raise.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The Durham Record Label Where Dolly Parton Found a ‘Little Spot of Heaven’ From Dolly to Doc Watson, Sugar Hill Records played a big role shaping American roots music. While many have forgotten its origin, the legacy its founder built lives on.
theassemblync.com
The Durham Record Label Where Dolly Parton Found a ‘Little Spot of Heaven’
From Dolly to Doc Watson, Sugar Hill Records played a big role shaping American roots music. The legacy its founder built lives on.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Make Or Break North Carolina has one of the highest ninth-grade retention rates in the country. Schools and parents are struggling with how best to ensure students are ready to move on to the next grade.
theassemblync.com
Make Or Break
Ninth graders in N.C. are held back more often than students in other parts of the country. How can schools ensure they're ready to move on?
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
What the Duke Lacrosse Case Says About Roy Cooper The Senate candidate won praise for declaring three players innocent as AG in 2007. Critics wish he’d done more for other defendants.
theassemblync.com
What the Duke Lacrosse Case Says About Roy Cooper
The Senate candidate won praise for declaring three players innocent as AG in 2007. Critics wish he’d done more for other defendants.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Which N.C. Lawmakers Showed Up to Vote? An analysis of legislators’ voting records shows that seven of 170 members haven’t missed a single vote since 2025. Several others, however, have been frequently absent.
theassemblync.com
Which N.C. Lawmakers Showed Up to Vote?
Seven of 170 members haven’t missed a vote since 2025. Several others, however, have been frequently absent.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
N.C. Cotton Farmers Contend With a New Pest The cotton jassid is a looming threat to agriculture in North Carolina. Farmers already struggling to stay afloat fear what’s next.
theassemblync.com
N.C. Cotton Farmers Contend With a New Pest
The cotton jassid is a looming threat to agriculture in North Carolina. Farmers already struggling to stay afloat fear what’s next.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
ECU Health May Have Found a Tool to Reduce Childbirth Risks: Wristbands Nearly 50 North Carolina hospitals and the state’s health department have begun distributing the wristbands to remind mothers and care providers of the life-threatening health risks after birth.
theassemblync.com
ECU Health May Have Found a Tool to Reduce Childbirth Risks: Wristbands
Hospitals and the health department have begun distributing wristbands to remind mothers and care providers of health risks after childbirth.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
A National Divide Over Holding Students Back The rate at which students are held back a grade has fallen. But there's a growing divide on when the intervention is most effective.
theassemblync.com
A National Divide Over Holding Students Back
The rate at which students are held back a grade has fallen. But there's a growing divide on when the intervention is most effective.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Moments of Nope? When a beloved YMCA branch was put up for sale, one of Charlotte’s most prominent pastors thought he’d found a home for his fast-expanding new church. Then came the protests.
theassemblync.com
Moments of Nope?
When the Morrison YMCA was put up for sale, pastor David Chadwick thought he’d found a home for Moments of Hope Church. Then came protests.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Stein to Veto Bill Allowing Chief Justice to Suspend Judges Without Pay GOP lawmakers say the bill improves judicial accountability, but Democrats say it would embolden Republican Paul Newby to target judges with opposing viewpoints.
theassemblync.com
Stein to Veto Bill Allowing Chief Justice to Suspend Judges Without Pay
GOP lawmakers say the bill improves judicial accountability, but Democrats say it would embolden Republicans to target judges with opposing viewpoints.
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
In Canton, a Small-Town Mayor Faces Big Questions Zeb Smathers knows the future of his town is riding on him. His own political ambitions depend on that success. 
theassemblync.com
In Canton, a Small-Town Mayor Faces Big Questions
Zeb Smathers knows Canton's future rides on him after an economic loss and two weather disasters. His ambitions depend on that success, too. 
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The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The Assembly Wins Third National Edward R. Murrow Award The award recognizes our November 2025 breaking news coverage of immigration enforcement action in North Carolina.
theassemblync.com
The Assembly Wins Third National Edward R. Murrow Award
The award recognizes our November 2025 breaking news coverage of immigration enforcement action in North Carolina.
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