A potentially strong challenge to a state senator and an open contest for a state House seat make New Hanover worth watching in 2026.

Keeping an eye on 2 close NC legislative 2026 races in New Hanover County is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Frequently asked questions about early voting for the 2026 midterm general elections in North Carolina in 2026.

Early voting in NC in 2026. Everything you need to know. is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

A look at 3 potentially competitive 2026 legislative races, as Democratic challengers seek to reduce Republicans' advantage in NC House.

Battling for NC House seats in Northeastern counties is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Former Swain Co. sheriff faces sex crime charges from NC and Cherokees. He might avoid NC prosecution if judge buys mental fitness claim.

Unfit to stand trial? Ex-sheriff facing sex charges seeks to avoid prosecution. is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

NC uses dubious federal SAVE system to select registered voters for inquiry about citizenship. NC not taking them off rolls before election.

Why are NC registered voters getting letters questioning citizenship in 2026? is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

The NC Department of Public Instruction has a bold goal to boost public school enrollment. So far, there's not been much movement.

Can NC public schools boost enrollment in a voucher-flooded landscape? is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Robeson County town of Rowland faces NC Local Government Commission takeover of finances as future hopes haven't been paying the bills.

Rowland’s song may be reaching last verse as NC takes over finances is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Building interstate through rugged terrain and displacing neighborhoods part of the complex legacy of I-26 as construction continues.

I-26 projects through NC mountains have long history of controversy is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

With cost of diesel fuel hitting records, school districts across North Carolina are reckoning with how they'll afford to keep buses going.

Making the wheels on the bus go ’round and ’round costing NC schools more than ever is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

While suspending the gas tax faces little opposition, Democrats question Republican legislative leaders' timing so close to Election Day.

NC lawmakers suspend gas tax with quick return to Raleigh is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

EMS arrival times have ballooned since Scotland Co. cut a Wagram unit. The choices made once they arrived have also angered one family.

A family’s loss triggers NC probe of Scotland EMS is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

A look at 3 contested 2026 races for the NC House and Senate in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties that could be competitive in November.

3 NC legislative races worth watching in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus counties is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Surging costs drive demand at food pantries like CORA in Chatham County and across much of NC. Further loss of resources could be devastating.

Struggling with food insecurity in Central NC is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Goal of 2 million degreed or certified NC young people by 2030 banks on innovative community college programs including at many rural schools.

With worker shortage looming, NC pins hopes on community college initiatives is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Despite rejection by her party over past social media comments, Shelly Headen is continuing her challenge to Rep. Blust for Guilford district.

Contest for NC House seat in Guilford marred by controversy, but race is still on is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

North nearly pulled off an upset in a Forsyth district no one thought was competitive in 2024. She might have a better chance in 2026.

North and Zenger rematch for NC House seat could be another nailbiter is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

CATS has cracked down on crime and increased police presence on Blue Line light rail system. But nonpaying customers remain major concern.

Despite progress, challenges continue for Charlotte transit is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Feds say they are going after scammers who enrolled in Affordable Care Act. State of NC doesn't know how many residents are affected.

Some NC Obamacare recipients among those being cut. How many remains unclear. is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Federal funding woes have made housing recovery uneven after Helene. But state and nonprofit programs helping create success stories.

Places to stay. Western NC housing recovery continues 2 years after Helene. is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

5-year sunset of price caps draws criticism. Atrium deal for WakeMed still needs approval from NC attorney general, Federal Trade Commission.

Wrinkles remain in Atrium takeover of WakeMed is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.