Johanna F. Still, Author at The Assembly NC

Sunblocked: Can Shibumi Make Waves South of the (NC) Border?

Shibumi Shades line Ocean Isle Beach in July 2024. Horry County, seen in the background, bans them. (Courtesy of Shibumi)

Myrtle Beach has maintained its ban, but Horry County is considering giving sunshades a trial period this summer.

Like the Nation, North Carolina’s Airport Towers Are Understaffed

The Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic control towers in North Carolina are understaffed, latest data show. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Douglas International Airport)

A review of the latest data shows the state’s largest airports are hurting for air traffic controllers, a federal job that’s recently come under scrutiny.

Farewell to the Longtime Home of Wilmington’s Black Press

A wrecking crew tears down the longtime home of The Wilmington Journal. (Madeline Gray for WHQR and The Assembly)

Earlier this month, a wrecking crew crushed the historic and dilapidated home of The Wilmington Journal–one of the state’s oldest Black papers.

Ticket-Splitting is Part of Our DNA

Voters prepare to enter the Leland Cultural Arts Center during early voting. Brunswick County picked Republican President Donald Trump and Democrat Josh Stein for governor. (Photo by Johanna F. Still)

North Carolinians are the “rare political animal” who will vote for candidates from both parties in one election.

Parties Poured Millions Into a Wilmington Race. The Incumbent Won Easily.

A Wilmington Republican watches results at the New Hanover County GOP election watch party Tuesday. (Photo by Johanna F. Still)

State Sen. Michael Lee widened his margin of victory in one of the state’s most expensive, competitive districts.

Red, Purple & Blue: North Carolina’s Evolving Electorate

Rhiley Harris, 21, sits at the UNCW College Democrats' table for the Harris-Walz campaign during early voting. (Photo by Johanna F. Still)

Democrats hope new voters and shifting demographics will deliver N.C.’s electoral votes. It’ll take an impressive turnout.

Josh Stein Draws Heat for Hands-Off Approach To Region’s Largest Endowment

Attorney General Josh Stein has drawn criticism for his handling of the New Hanover Community Endowment, created by the 2021 sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health. (Illustration by Johanna F. Still)

Josh Stein has kept his distance since approving the sale of a county-owned hospital to Novant Health. A grassroots group is begging him to step in.

Entrepreneur With Murky Financial Past Faces IRS

Wilmington entrepreneur George W. Taylor Jr. pleaded guilty to tax evasion this month. (Illustration by Johanna F. Still)

Before he pleaded guilty to tax evasion, Wilmington businessman George Taylor had twice declared personal bankruptcy.

Former Politician Named CEO of Wilmington’s Most Powerful Nonprofit

Dan Winslow has been named the New Hanover Community Endowment's CEO. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Former GOP star Dan Winslow is the new CEO of the New Hanover Community Endowment. With no philanthropic track record, he faces an uphill climb to win over skeptics.

Lee Roberts’ Island Dreams

Passengers aboard the Sans Souci watch as the Ranger ferry arrives at Deep Point Marina in Southport. (Photo by Johanna F. Still)

Before he was named UNC chancellor, Lee Roberts waded into a different political storm: the future of Bald Head Island’s ferry system.