NC Local

ICE arrested more than 3,300 people across NC during Trump’s first 9 months in office. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested more than 3,300 people in North Carolina during President Donald Trump’s first nine months in office, according to data from the University of Calif...

We crunched the data. Here's what we found:

🎒ICE agents apprehended at least 38 children. One was younger than 3.

🌽Few arrests were recorded in the northeastern NC, a farming region.

🏛️ICE targeted jails & prisons (more than 2/3 of recorded arrests).

Find our map + more info here: bit.ly/4bwYlgH

In NC, agents arrested 3,300+ people during President Trump’s first 9 months in office. This data comes from the University of California Berkeley’s Deportation Data Project.

Diving Deeper Into ICE Activity in North Carolina:

🚨A DHS website lists what the agency dubs the “worst of the worst” arrested by ICE, even though most people arrested by ICE — 56%, according to a recent CATO Institute analysis — haven’t been charged with violent crimes.

Hey fellow NC journos! Are you interested in meeting up with other women in journalism in our state? If so, I've got good news for you: We're hosting a networking event Jan. 25 from noon to 2 p.m. in Chapel Hill. Light refreshments will be served! DM me for the address. @nclocal.bsky.social

New case just reported in Rutherford county.

As NC reports more measles cases, how can you protect yourself? North Carolina is reporting rising measles cases in 2026 — learn the latest on local exposures, CDC guidance, and expert tips on vaccination, symptoms, and how you can protect yourself and your family...

FAQ: Measles in North Carolina
*️⃣How many cases are reported?
🗨️Four recently confirmed cases
*️⃣How did it spread?
🗨️This week, health officials said a family in Buncombe Co. contracted measles after traveling to Spartanburg, SC (where there's been a large outbreak).

nclocal.org/2026/01/07/n...

CBD, hemp and other marijuana products may not be available in North Carolina next year. Full details 👉 nclocal.org/2025/12/23/cbd-hemp-and-other-marijuana-products-may-not-be-available-in-nc-next-year-heres-why/

We spent some time last week volunteering with Urban Ministries of Durham. We appreciate the work they do to help families & individuals with shelter, food, clothes & more.🎁We hope your holiday is filled with warmth & joy! From all of us at NC Local, thank you for your support of local journalism!

About The Trailhead Why is our newsletter called The Trailhead? The natural beauty of Western North Carolina is one of the things that makes this region special. The people of our region come together on the trails, camp...

Want to make sure you get the next newsletter? It's free, sign up here: nclocal.org/thetrailhead/

🗳️In Jackson Co., WCU may lose its early voting location.

🏡Update on Asheville Vice Mayor's homestead exemption on property in Atlanta.

🚶‍➡️1st installment of our "My Favorite Trail" series, ft. Senior Reporter Lilly Knoepp's guide to Wayah Bald.

Read the full newsletter: bit.ly/4qaJ2OU

🥁Our first edition of The Trailhead: A Guide to Western North Carolina landed in subscribers' inboxes this morning! Here's a look at what's inside⬇️

Still afloat: NC ferry system gets boost but challenges remain North Carolina’s ferry system is a critical transportation network serving coastal communities and hard-to-reach areas of the state, including Ocracoke and other Outer Banks destinations. Operated by ...

North Carolina ferry system gets boost, but challenges remain. The latest 👇

💵State lawmakers approved an extra $7 million this year for the OBX ferry system

🛟Due to an aging fleet, leaders say millions more will be needed for repairs & improvements

ℹ️More here: nclocal.org/2025/12/12/s...

Asheville Vice Mayor claimed tax break for Georgia residence Public records show that for at least seven years, while registered to vote at an Asheville address — making her eligible to serve on City Council — Asheville Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley simultaneousl...

An NC Local investigation finds Asheville Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley has been claiming a tax benefit for a home in Georgia. Full story here: nclocal.org/2025/12/11/a...

What are Tourism Development Authorities? Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) play a major role in how North Carolina funds and promotes local tourism. This article explains what TDAs are, how occupancy taxes work, and where the money coll...

💸Where does North Carolina tourism tax money go?

📈Recent figures show more than $400 million is collected statewide from tourists paying this tax.

Find out who joins these TDA boards that control the money and why there's a related case before the N.C. Supreme Court: nclocal.org/2025/12/09/w...

Why are health coverage costs increasing under the Affordable Care Act in North Carolina? Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance costs in North Carolina are set to rise sharply in 2026, driven by significant premium increases and the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. State In...

Do you have ACA coverage/marketplace insurance? How much more do you expect to pay in 2026?

In this story, we include the @kff.org ACA enhanced premium tax credit calculator, which helps you see your estimated plan cost, with & without the federal tax credit. nclocal.org/2025/12/03/a...

Why is the cost of health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act increasing in North Carolina?

Federal tax credits (set to expire in 2026) & North Carolina's rate hike approval, all explained here: nclocal.org/2025/12/03/a...

What is up with the DMV and driver licenses in NC? The North Carolina DMV is facing record-long wait times, with September averages reaching two hours and forty-five minutes, according to a state transportation report. The primary issue driving delays...

🚗Changes at the NC DMV

Future plans include improving customer feedback systems, longer hours, and using more self-service kiosks and mobile units.

Want more info? Read the latest in our coverage, including tips to get an appointment and what to know about the REAL ID: nclocal.org/2025/11/26/w...

🪪Struggling to get appointments

Amid long wait times, the state legislature has issued a moratorium on expired driver's licenses, which means you may still be able to drive with an expired license.

🛎️Staffing woes

A main problem with DMVs across the state is low staffing levels, which State Auditor Dave Boliek highlighted in a recent performance audit report.

Boliek proposes that North Carolina remove DMV from under the NC Department of Transportation, to let it run as an autonomous agency.

⏲️Increased wait times

If you’ve been to a North Carolina DMV lately, you probably waited a long time.

Recently, the average wait time reached 2 hours and 45 minutes.

What’s happening with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles?

If you’ve been to the DMV lately, you may have waited a long time.

Also, some leaders want to separate the DMV from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Here's what to know 👇

How is school library access changing for NC students? A new North Carolina law, House Bill 805, is reshaping school library access by giving parents the power to block their children from borrowing specific books. Effective July 2024, the law requires ev...

We've put a searchable data set in this story with the website where you can find policies for each public school in North Carolina: nclocal.org/2025/12/02/h...

Nationwide, parent complaints about books have generally increased the number of texts/resources being removed from libraries. Here's how you can check your school district's policy in North Carolina.

A new law this year gave North Carolina parents and guardians more control over what books their children can access in public schools.

Here's what HB 805 requires of school boards and teachers, and what control parents now have.

A person presenting on community-centered journalism; Giving Tuesday reminder for NC Local supporters

From Murphy to Manteo, we’re convening North Carolinians to help them feel more connected — to each other, and to our state. If you'd like to support our work, you can donate here: nclocal.org/donate

Need help paying energy bills this winter? North Carolina residents can access several programs to help pay energy bills, reduce home energy costs and handle emergencies. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) offers one-time heating...

Need help paying energy bills this winter?

North Carolina’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program helps with gas, electric and fuel bills.

👉What to know & how to find out if you're eligible: nclocal.org/2025/11/24/n...

What's the difference between ICE and Border Patrol? FAQ: nclocal.org/2025/11/14/f...

Wildfire danger is high across NC. Here’s what you should know Overview: While there are currently no state-issued burn bans in North Carolina, current conditions in parts of central and western North Carolina have a higher wildfire danger than normal. While ther...

⚠️ Wildfire danger is high across NC. Here’s what you should know nclocal.org/2025/11/19/w...

How are Border Patrol operations affecting kids and schools in Charlotte? nclocal.org/2025/11/18/i...

Need food in NC? Use this map to find it If you are looking for free food in North Carolina, especially after the SNAP cuts, use this free tool to find food pantries, food banks and other food giveaways.

🛒Need food in North Carolina? Use this map to find it! 1,000+ locations 🔎 Search by map or city/county 👉 Find free food resources here: nclocal.org/2025/11/12/n...