Too Good to Be True

Jolene Strickland in front of the Governor's Mansion in 1996. (Photo by MJ Sharp for the Independent Weekly)

When Jolene Strickland ran for governor in 1996, she received press coverage, money, and votes. If only she existed.

Expanding Minds

Rogers Masson in his home music studio. (Mike Belleme for The Assembly)

A small clinic in Waynesville has been part of a national movement to broaden the use of MDMA to treat PTSD.

A Small City Fights to Hold on to Baseball

The Down East Wood Ducks mascot and team stand during the national anthem at an August 22 game. (Tyler Northrup for The Assembly)

The minor league Kinston Wood Ducks are about to depart, and now the former tobacco hub is looking for a new baseball team. 

Reese Brantmeier v. NCAA

Reese Brantmeier during a Junior Girls' Singles match at the 2021 US Open, Monday, Sep. 6, 2021 in Flushing, NY. (Mike Lawrence/USTA via AP)

A lawsuit from a UNC tennis star challenges rules barring collegiate tennis players from keeping tournament earnings.