These are our stories that made the biggest waves this year, from beach shades to porn shop allegations to mushroom tourism.
December 2024
Posted inThe Assembly News
2024 in Photos
Some of the most memorable photography we published this year.
Posted inThe Assembly News
The Nice List
Here are our staff’s favorite stories published throughout the year, which we are putting outside our paywall as a special gift to you.
Posted inBusiness
It’s Christmas at the Biltmore. For Nearby Businesses, It’s a Lost Holiday Season.
Asheville has welcomed tourism back after Hurricane Helene. But in Biltmore Village, recovery is still months away.
Posted inCulture
Black Santa Clauses are Coming to Town
For 12 years, a Raleigh man has been making Black Santas a holiday tradition.
Posted inHigher Education
UNC-Chapel Hill Trustees Pressed Senior Staff for Admissions Information
Text messages The Assembly obtained showed at least six trustees prodded university employees for information on specific applicants or the admissions process.
Posted inPolitics
What Roy Cooper Leaves Behind
No other North Carolina governor has seen his role so often reduced to trying to thwart his legislative adversaries. But that’s not Cooper’s only legacy.
Posted inFood
How Southern Season, a Chapel Hill Foodie Dream, Met Its End
It’s been nearly five years since the demise of the beloved food emporium. Many who loved it still wonder what went wrong.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Roy Cooper’s Last Stand on the Death Penalty
As attorney general, Cooper oversaw 27 executions. But he’s been quiet about the issue in his two terms as governor.
Posted inHealth
Why Kaiser Bet on Cone Health for Its N.C. Expansion
The Triad-based health system hasn’t focused as aggressively on growth. Can it expand under a new owner without losing its identity?