Garbage In, Toxics Out
A Zebulon, North Carolina recycling facility with a record of violations undercuts claims about turning plastic waste into an environmental benefit.
What’s in a Pseudonym?
After two women accused a college student of sexual assault, he sued to clear his name—and keep it a secret.
How State Vacancies Are Hurting Businesses
Lagging salaries in state government have made it difficult to fill vacant jobs, and the budget deal falls short of the boost many say is needed.
Politics
The Troubled Last Days of Speaker Tim Moore
As he moves toward finishing an unprecedented 10-year reign, the House speaker leaves a complicated legacy.
The Price of a Moral Panic
In 1987, Andrew “Junior” Chandler was convicted of sexually abusing several young children. He’s the only person in N.C. still in prison from that era.
Oppo Man
Charles Hellwig, a self-described “right-wing nut,” works behind the scenes to elect Republican candidates. Sometimes that means deploying the darker arts to reveal secrets.
Place
Keeping the Lights On
Duke Energy has billed a new $14.5 million microgrid project in Hot Springs as a leap forward. But will it lead to greater grid resilience?
A Site To Behold
The pandemic rush into wild places accelerated human damage to places like Max Patch. Can outdoor enthusiasts balance conservation and access?
Why Some Stay
Climate change is making life along the Lumber River more uncertain. But for many people, moving isn’t a meaningful option.
Education
Public Money, Private Schools
Lawmakers plan to vastly expand Opportunity Scholarships, but questions about oversight, accountability, and what it will cost public schools remain.
The College That Refused to Die
What happens when survival becomes a college’s No. 1 priority? St. Andrews University offers a cautionary tale.
Schoolyard Brawl
Orange County has been swept up in cultural clashes over education. Superintendent Monique Felder is the latest casualty.
