Wandering The Desert
Occupied
Thirty-five years ago, two men took 17 hostages at a Robeson County newspaper to protest corruption and racism. One of the captors hasn’t lost his commitment to recognition for the Tuscarora.
Secrets in a Small Town
De’Shawn Charles Winslow’s new novel, Decent People, blends murder and cultural conflicts in the fictional town of West Mills, North Carolina.
North Carolina Trees Are Feeding Europe’s ‘Clean Energy’ Revolution
Scientists and environmental activists have raised concerns about the carbon benefit of burning wood pellets for power. But the industry churning them out in North Carolina has continued to grow.
Who we are
The Assembly is a digital magazine about the people, institutions, and ideas that shape North Carolina. Founded in 2021, we feature interesting, deeply reported, nuanced stories about our state.
We’re telling big stories and giving our journalists space to be ambitious. We want everything published at The Assembly to surprise, inform, and leave you with a better understanding than when you started.
Politics
The Paradox of Power
As the U.S. House struggled to elect a speaker, some former N.C. legislators recalled a dramatic coalition that overthrew an entrenched leader and created a memorable moment of bipartisanship.
High Point’s Controversial New Law Dean Speaks (Sort Of)
Critics have called for Mark Martin, a former North Carolina Supreme Court chief justice, to account for his part in efforts to fight the 2020 election outcome.
The Gospel According to Mark Robinson
The lieutenant governor has spent many of his Sundays giving thunderous speeches in churches.
People & Place
Parable of the Sower
Like most startups, the majority of new churches fail. Can a young pastor get his to take root in an unexpected place?
Changing A River’s Course
A new movement wants to establish that the Haw River has its own independent, inalienable rights. It’s a long shot, but organizers hope it can change the framing of environmental protection.
Before The Lights Went Out
Scenes from the Southern Pines drag show that was underway when an attack on two power substations wiped out electricity for the entire county.
