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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/
We crunched the data. Here's what we found:

🎒ICE agents apprehended at least 38 children. One was younger than 3.

🌽Few arrests were recorded in the northeastern NC, a farming region.

🏛️ICE targeted jails & prisons (more than 2/3 of recorded arrests).

Find our map + more info here: bit.ly/4bwYlgH
ICE arrested more than 3,300 people across NC during Trump’s first 9 months in office.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested more than 3,300 people in North Carolina during President Donald Trump’s first nine months in office, according to data from the University of Calif...
nclocal.org
January 15, 2026 at 5:21 PM
In NC, agents arrested 3,300+ people during President Trump’s first 9 months in office. This data comes from the University of California Berkeley’s Deportation Data Project.
January 15, 2026 at 5:21 PM
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.
January 15, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Reposted by NC Local
Hey fellow NC journos! Are you interested in meeting up with other women in journalism in our state? If so, I've got good news for you: We're hosting a networking event Jan. 25 from noon to 2 p.m. in Chapel Hill. Light refreshments will be served! DM me for the address. @nclocal.bsky.social
January 10, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Reposted by NC Local
New case just reported in Rutherford county.
January 9, 2026 at 10:51 PM
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
January 7, 2026 at 9:57 PM
CBD, hemp and other marijuana products may not be available in North Carolina next year. Full details 👉 nclocal.org/2025/12/23/cbd-hemp-and-other-marijuana-products-may-not-be-available-in-nc-next-year-heres-why/
December 29, 2025 at 6:10 PM
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!
December 24, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Want to make sure you get the next newsletter? It's free, sign up here: nclocal.org/thetrailhead/
About The Trailhead
Why is our newsletter called The Trailhead? The natural beauty of Western North Carolina is one of the things that makes this region special. The people of our region come together on the trails, camp...
nclocal.org
December 18, 2025 at 2:27 PM
🗳️In Jackson Co., WCU may lose its early voting location.

🏡Update on Asheville Vice Mayor's homestead exemption on property in Atlanta.

🚶‍➡️1st installment of our "My Favorite Trail" series, ft. Senior Reporter Lilly Knoepp's guide to Wayah Bald.

Read the full newsletter: bit.ly/4qaJ2OU
December 18, 2025 at 2:27 PM
🥁Our first edition of The Trailhead: A Guide to Western North Carolina landed in subscribers' inboxes this morning! Here's a look at what's inside⬇️
December 18, 2025 at 2:27 PM
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
December 13, 2025 at 7:38 PM
An NC Local investigation finds Asheville Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley has been claiming a tax benefit for a home in Georgia. Full story here: nclocal.org/2025/12/11/a...
Asheville Vice Mayor claimed tax break for Georgia residence
Public records show that for at least seven years, while registered to vote at an Asheville address — making her eligible to serve on City Council — Asheville Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley simultaneousl...
nclocal.org
December 11, 2025 at 9:23 PM
💸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
December 11, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Do you have ACA coverage/marketplace insurance? How much more do you expect to pay in 2026?

In this story, we include the @kff.org ACA enhanced premium tax credit calculator, which helps you see your estimated plan cost, with & without the federal tax credit. nclocal.org/2025/12/03/a...
Why are health coverage costs increasing under the Affordable Care Act in North Carolina?
Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance costs in North Carolina are set to rise sharply in 2026, driven by significant premium increases and the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. State In...
nclocal.org
December 5, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Why is the cost of health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act increasing in North Carolina?

Federal tax credits (set to expire in 2026) & North Carolina's rate hike approval, all explained here: nclocal.org/2025/12/03/a...
December 5, 2025 at 2:24 PM
🚗Changes at the NC DMV

Future plans include improving customer feedback systems, longer hours, and using more self-service kiosks and mobile units.

Want more info? Read the latest in our coverage, including tips to get an appointment and what to know about the REAL ID: nclocal.org/2025/11/26/w...
What is up with the DMV and driver licenses in NC?
The North Carolina DMV is facing record-long wait times, with September averages reaching two hours and forty-five minutes, according to a state transportation report. The primary issue driving delays...
nclocal.org
December 3, 2025 at 9:13 PM
🪪Struggling to get appointments

Amid long wait times, the state legislature has issued a moratorium on expired driver's licenses, which means you may still be able to drive with an expired license.
December 3, 2025 at 9:13 PM
🛎️Staffing woes

A main problem with DMVs across the state is low staffing levels, which State Auditor Dave Boliek highlighted in a recent performance audit report.

Boliek proposes that North Carolina remove DMV from under the NC Department of Transportation, to let it run as an autonomous agency.
December 3, 2025 at 9:13 PM
⏲️Increased wait times

If you’ve been to a North Carolina DMV lately, you probably waited a long time.

Recently, the average wait time reached 2 hours and 45 minutes.
December 3, 2025 at 9:13 PM
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 👇
December 3, 2025 at 9:13 PM
We've put a searchable data set in this story with the website where you can find policies for each public school in North Carolina: nclocal.org/2025/12/02/h...
How is school library access changing for NC students?
A new North Carolina law, House Bill 805, is reshaping school library access by giving parents the power to block their children from borrowing specific books. Effective July 2024, the law requires ev...
nclocal.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Nationwide, parent complaints about books have generally increased the number of texts/resources being removed from libraries. Here's how you can check your school district's policy in North Carolina.
December 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
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.
December 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
From Murphy to Manteo, we’re convening North Carolinians to help them feel more connected — to each other, and to our state. If you'd like to support our work, you can donate here: nclocal.org/donate
December 2, 2025 at 5:01 PM