January 2025

A “Bittersweet” Transition For New Mayor Pro Tempore

Mayor Pro Tem Marikay Abuzuaitor was the lone vote against Pender's appointment. (Photo courtesy of the City of Greensboro.)

Contemplating a run for mayor, Greensboro City Council Member Marikay Abuzuaiter talks about her new role.

Jefferson Griffin’s Gambit For a State Supreme Court Seat

Jefferson Griffin, who currently serves on the Court of Appeals, is the Republican candidate for the state Supreme Court. (Photo courtesy of Griffin's campaign)

Last year, a state board and rules commission said overseas voters didn’t need to provide photo ID. Now Griffin wants ballots from heavily Democratic counties tossed.

The Company Behind ShotSpotter Says It Curbs Gun Violence. But Some Cities Fear It’s An Empty Promise.

Photo illustration by Nicole Pajor Moore

Several North Carolina cities have ended ties with the company that uses technology to track gun violence.

How Destin Hall Rose From Humble Beginnings to House Speaker

New House Speaker Destin Hall in his office in Lenoir. (Robert Taylor for The Assembly)

Hall, the youngest House speaker in 200 years, will have greater influence over the Republican agenda.

Vernon Johnson Seeking Late Mother’s Greensboro Council Seat

Vernon Johnson, son of the late Yvonne Johnson, vied for the chance to finish out his mother's unexpired term. He still plans to run for an at-large seat on the council in November, he told The Thread. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Johnson-Tonkins)

The son of the late Yvonne Johnson is planning to run for her at-large seat on the Greensboro City Council.

Scholars, Farmers Try to Perfect a New Use for a Southern Staple Food

Dried okra pods at the Princeton Seed Farm. (Photos courtesy of Tessa Desmond)

Okra seeds yield a liquid comparable to extra-virgin olive oil, but the crop isn’t ready for commercial production.

Tourism-Dependent Hot Springs Tries to Rebuild by Spring

Hot Springs Resort and Spa, located between the French Broad River and Spring Creek, will face a long and expensive recovery. (Mike Belleme for The Assembly)

Damage from Hurricane Helene has put the upcoming hiking season in question for the first town on the Appalachian Trail.

Where Did the General Assembly Go to College?

Dots show where members of the General Assembly went to college. (Map by Matt Hartman for The Assembly)

Here’s what the data tells us about the educational experiences of the lawmakers tackling higher ed issues.

How the N.C. Legislature Bankrolls Anti-Abortion Centers

Gateway Women’s Care is a crisis pregnancy center with three locations in the Triangle. (Kate Medley for The Assembly)

Over the past three years, the state legislature has given $30 million to crisis pregnancy centers, with little oversight or outcomes.

Judicial Candidates Made Numerous Prohibited Donations

Photo illustration made in Canva.

At least 15 candidates in the 2024 election cycle made political donations while campaigning or serving as a judge.