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The Assembly
@theassemblync.bsky.social
North Carolina's new digital statewide magazine. In-depth reporting and writing about the state. Reach out [email protected].
Among the dozens of races across the state, here's our list of ten to watch in 2026.

These are the primaries in North Carolina that are expected to be the most competitive, consequential, or interesting—or all three. 🧵
February 10, 2026 at 11:25 PM
For much of the past year, Greg Bovino was a top Border Patrol officer and the swaggering leader of immigration enforcement efforts from Charlotte to Los Angeles, winning public praise from President Donald Trump himself.
January 29, 2026 at 1:38 PM
North Carolina is about to get its first Buc-ee’s, the massive, cult-classic gas station rapidly expanding across the southeast. It was founded in Texas in 1982 as a normal convenience store, but in the ensuing decades it’s become anything but.
January 8, 2026 at 9:08 PM
Black people make up just 21% of North Carolina’s population, yet they account for nearly 60% of those serving life without parole.
January 7, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Right now, everyone is in your inbox with year-end pleas for help: donations, subscriptions, an extra kidney, anything you can spare. Including us, obviously.

I won’t knock our fellow players or tell you not to support them. But I will tell you why The Assembly should be at the top of your list.
December 31, 2025 at 7:42 PM
At The Assembly, we are lucky to work with a number of photographers around the state. Their eye for detail and ability to capture just the right moment is unmatched–and really makes our stories come to life.

Here are some of our favorite images from North Carolina news this year.
December 26, 2025 at 6:42 PM
BREAKING: The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to grant full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a moment 137 years in the making.
December 17, 2025 at 6:01 PM
In journalism, we use the word “budget” to mean two different things: the stories we have projected to run over the next weeks or months and the amount of money we have to spend on them. As The Assembly Network’s executive editor, I have to consider both at all times.
December 16, 2025 at 6:51 PM
In February, we turn five years old. We’re ready to keep building for the next five years and assemble a place where you can always find smart, unbiased reporting about what’s behind the stories.

Support our work here: theassemblync.com/subscribe/?u...
December 12, 2025 at 3:59 PM
60% OFF: We're upping the ante. Get your Assembly subscription now for 60% off through Cyber Monday. theassemblync.com/subscribe/?u...
December 1, 2025 at 3:00 AM
BLACK FRIDAY SALE: Get a Premium Subscription to The Assembly for just $90 today.
www.theassemblync.com/subscriptions/
November 28, 2025 at 3:58 PM
A photo essay from a city on edge, where fear of immigration enforcement almost kept a young mother away from a crucial prenatal appointment.

www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
November 25, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Psst! Black Friday starts early this year — get your Assembly subscription now for 40% off. www.theassemblync.com/subscriptions/
November 25, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Scenes of panic, paranoia, and solidarity unfolded across Durham on Tuesday as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents descended on the Triangle.

www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
November 18, 2025 at 9:33 PM
🗳️ With this week's election behind us, we're looking toward next year's midterms. For a limited time, you can get an Assembly subscription for just $26 through the 2026 election.
www.theassemblync.com/subscription...
November 6, 2025 at 10:25 PM
SALE: You can get The Assembly through next year's midterm elections for just $26! That's more than 50% off — claim your discounted subscription today.

www.theassemblync.com/subscription...
October 1, 2025 at 8:50 PM
The analysis looked at counties with the highest per-capita rate of households receiving FEMA aid for housing assistance, an indicator of where Helene hit people the hardest.
September 29, 2025 at 9:36 PM
OCTOBER 8: Join three Triangle-based national journalists for drinks and discussion at Durham’s Motorco Music Hall, where they will talk about the stories behind their new books and the future of North Carolina and national politics.
www.theassemblync.com/events/octob...
September 22, 2025 at 4:03 PM
There's still time to save 33% on an Assembly subscription! Act before midnight tonight to take advantage of our Pumpkin Spice Sale 🎃 www.theassemblync.com/subscriptions/
September 18, 2025 at 10:55 PM
What’s all this about The Heart of the Mountains? NC newsrooms are joining forces to honor the resilience of our region one year after Helene. Register for the free 9/24 storytelling event: heartofthemountains.eventbrite.com
September 10, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Our Labor Day sale is ending soon. Join thousands of engaged North Carolinians who rely on and support our journalism every day as paid subscribers.

Get The Assembly for as low as $0.99.

www.theassemblync.com/subscription...
September 1, 2025 at 3:44 PM
There’s a lot of headlines to follow right now. The Assembly is here to help.

This weekend only, you can get The Assembly for as low as $0.99. Lock in your access for the rest of 2025 by subscribing today.

www.theassemblync.com/subscription...
August 30, 2025 at 2:45 PM
There are a lot of important stories left to tell in 2025. At The Assembly, we don’t want you to miss a single one. That’s why we're rolling out our best offer yet this Labor Day Weekend.

Get The Assembly for as low as $0.99 today.
www.theassemblync.com/subscription...
August 28, 2025 at 2:23 PM
The Assembly has won its first nationwide Edward R. Murrow Awards. Read the award-winning reporting recognized by the awards in the thread below: www.rtdna.org/2025-nationa...
August 14, 2025 at 10:14 PM
May 15: It’s the Bulls’ mascot Wool E. Bull’s birthday. His middle initial stands for “Education,” selected from a pool of over 500 suggested names. To help Mr. Bull celebrate his birthday, about a dozen mascots from around the area have come to his party.

www.theassemblync.com/culture/spor...
August 13, 2025 at 3:36 PM