Shocking story today: An NC legislator is charged with statutory rape and indecent liberties. A magistrate also says the lawmaker “has made attempts to contact the victim in this case and has gone as far as attempting to locate the juvenile in the hospital." The latest from Avi Bajpai.

NC Sen. Thom Tillis questions National Guard deployments and rejects notion that Charlotte is unsafe. Story by @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social. #ncpol

A Harnett County animal sanctuary that includes a barn and a reptile room is for sale. Some animals come with. Story by @chantalallam.bsky.social.

The saga of Francine -- the Lowe's store cat who went missing in Virginia -- ends happily in North Carolina. Simone Jasper reports.

Why NC's new law requiring teachers to catalog all their classroom books means fewer reading options for some students. @keunghui.bsky.social reports.

"I know you! You're the midterm girl!" Josh Shaffer talks to the frustrated UNC football fan who has gone viral.

Two underperforming ACC football teams. A 10 am (yes, 10 AM!) concert by rapper Ludacris. Come for @dmtwumasi.bsky.social's story on what's happening in Chapel Hill on Saturday. Stay for @shelbyswanson.bsky.social and @chapelfowler.bsky.social's Ludacris knowledge.

A Raleigh police officer is fired and facing multiple charges after authorities say he had a sexual encounter instead of conducting a DWI investigation. Story from @annamroman.bsky.social.

An expansive North Carolina crime bill that grew out of the fatal Charlotte transit stabbing has been signed into law. The latest from Avi Bajpai.

North Carolina's Medicaid cuts started this week. @lucianaperezu.bsky.social breaks down what that could mean and when.

There's lots of chatter about the government shutdown. @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social is out here doing the lord's work explaining what's true, what's not and what's complicated.

The pandemic led to a quick exit for this high-concept Raleigh restaurant with a celebrity chef. Now, it's making a comeback. @reneeumsted.bsky.social reports.

New North Carolina laws take effect today, including stricter immigration enforcement and more protections for children. Story from @kyleingram.bsky.social.

Durham considers wading into a politically divisive firestorm: how to feed birds and other wildlife. (Subtitle: Are squirrels why we can't have nice things?) Kristen Johnson explains.

UNC has placed a professor on administrative leave while it investigates his alleged ties to an anti-fascist group. He says he hasn't been part of the group since 2018. The group says it disbanded in 2019. Details from @koriedean.bsky.social.

“It’s a piece of Chapel Hill’s legacy.” This historic -- but definitely unusual looking -- home is for sale. Details from @chantalallam.bsky.social.

The NC State Fair new food list is out, and @reneeumsted.bsky.social has details on those that sound worth trying (Brown Sugar Hushpuppies, BBQ Doughnut), those that sound like a maybe (Fried Frozen Watermelon) and those that are hard NOs (Pickle Soup, Flaming Hot Cheetos Pickle Pizza).

With a government shutdown likely in just a few hours, @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social writes, "the paychecks of more than 140,000 North Carolinians (are) at risk, along with federally funded programs and services used throughout the state."

"There are people who have never attended a Hurricanes game who are going to notice if the team signs someone recently on trial for sexual assault." @lukedecock.bsky.social writes about perception, reality and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Under new law, some North Carolinians could go 24 years without having to go to the DMV. The latest from Richard Stradling.

A former NC GOP leader who has been sharply critical of Sunday voting and wanted limits on early voting was just hired for a newly formed "election integrity" role by the state auditor. Story by @kyleingram.bsky.social. #ncpol

NC's congressional maps are heavily skewed toward Republicans now. Senate leader Phil Berger says he'd be open to making them even more red. But he denies claims that he would push redistricting in exchange for a Donald Trump endorsement. @kyleingram.bsky.social story. #ncpol

The Carolina Hurricanes are interested in two scandal-tainted free agents that the NHL says fell "woefully short of the standards and values" the league demands. Some Canes fans angrily question what the team is thinking. "This is a bridge to far." The latest from @chipalexander.bsky.social.

Things are getting a little complicated in the Atlantic, as forecasters watch Tropical Storm Humberto. And then there's another system that could become Imelda. The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.

A North Carolina DMV official (since fired) didn't schedule hearings in DWI cases, meaning potentially impaired drivers could get their licenses back without rulings. Important Reality Check journalism from @dmtwumasi.bsky.social. This is a gift link.

Tough talk from columnist @lukedecock.bsky.social on UNC's ever-more-ludicrous football season and the many people who share in the blame. "The Tar Heels have been humiliated by TCU and UCF, and it’s fair to wonder WTF at this point."

Durham County isn't sponsoring this weekend's Pride event -- as it usually does -- because of fears of losing federal funding. But a county commissioner hopes to raise money herself for Pride and the LGBTQ Center of Durham. Kristen Johnson reports.

NC plays a role in Kamala Harris' new book, from Roy Cooper's support to Hurricane Helene recovery to crossing paths with Donald Trump. Story from @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social.

“I knew that there were potentially other guys out there that experienced worse things than me, or things similar to what I went through. I think there will be more to come.” @virginabridges.bsky.social talks to first NC State athlete to come forward about a former trainer's alleged sexual abuse.

The former provost at UNC-Chapel Hill accuses the university's Board of Trustees of "systematically hiding matters of grave public concern behind closed doors.” The latest from @koriedean.bsky.social and @shelbyswanson.bsky.social.

The Turkey Shoot -- in which no live turkeys were harmed -- was a fixture of the NC State Fair since 1952. For many, it won't seem like the fair without it, as Josh Shaffer reports.

More former NC State athletes are joining a legal fight against the university, saying that officials including former athletics director Debbie Yow didn't protect them from a trainer's sexual abuse and harassment. Important journalism by Virginia Bridges.

UNC System schools get the OK to raise tuition up to 3% for new students starting next year. Story from @koriedean.bsky.social.

More homes along the North Carolina coast at risk of falling into the sea. The latest from Martha Quillin.

Powerful journalism from Josh Shaffer and @vizjourno.bsky.social on the ground in Swannanoa a year after Helene. Things aren't like they once were -- and may never be again -- but it's home to so many. I encourage you to read and share. (This is a gift link.)

Inside Look at the new location of one of the Triangle's most unconventional -- and acclaimed -- barbecue brands. From @reneeumsted.bsky.social and @vizjourno.bsky.social.

“Who are you to take the kindest person you would have ever met?” Brothers plead guilty to killing deputy in case that rocked NC law enforcement. The latest from @dmtwumasi.bsky.social and @virginabridges.bsky.social.

Brenay Kennard, a North Carolina TikTok star with over 3 million followers, faces cyberstalking charges. Story by @dmtwumasi.bsky.social.

A Carolina Panthers communications employee is fired after an insensitive social media post about the Charlie Kirk killing. Story from Scott Fowler.

“The truth is, I’m afraid, and it’s extremely disheartening to feel that way.” Raleigh City Council member cancels weekend event in wake of Charlie Kirk slaying. @annamroman.bsky.social has details.

US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez postpones Raleigh event out of respect for Charlie Kirk and security concerns. @kyleingram.bsky.social has the latest.

The mayor of Wake Forest backtracks on LGBTQ History Month proclamation, saying the town has "strong feelings on both sides of this issue." Story from @annamroman.bsky.social.

Hemp and marijuana smell the same. So should police be able to search you based on the odor? Interesting discussion going on in the NC Supreme Court. @lucianaperezu.bsky.social has details.

New Crabtree Valley Mall owners mean kiosk operators have to vacate by the end of the month. The latest from @reneeumsted.bsky.social.

Tens of millions of dollars mismanaged and massive layoffs in NC's fourth largest school system. The latest from @keunghui.bsky.social.

Outdated flood maps mean an entire neighborhood didn't have flood insurance. Then came Tropical Storm Chantal, and everyone was blindsided. Powerful reporting and photojournalism from @chantalallam.bsky.social and Robert Willett.

A bus driver "beloved by many at Duke" is set to lose his federal authorization to live and work in the United States next week. He's hoping NC Republicans can help him appeal to the Trump Administration. Story by Avi Bajpai.

NC voters ousted Madison Cawthorn from Congress after one scandal-plagued term. Might he find a political rebirth in ... Florida? The latest from @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social. #ncpol

Durham declared itself a "Fourth Amendment workplace." But just what does that mean? Kristen Johnson explains.

NC test scores are still below pre-pandemic levels, but education officials say there are some positive signs. The latest from @keunghui.bsky.social and @crddraynor.bsky.social.