Assembly Staff

Here are our staff’s favorite stories published throughout the year, which we are putting outside our paywall as a special gift to you.

A North Carolina man makes Black Santas a holiday tradition. Plus, a Biltmore Christmas.

How a foodie heaven met its end. Plus, what Cooper leaves behind.

A new book on Duke’s success is just as noteworthy for what it leaves out. 

Nearly three months after Hurricane Helene, friends and family are still looking for a missing Yancey County musician.

Sustaining a hand-built party oasis on the Tar River. Plus, how to check if your ballot’s been questioned.

The many tentacles of a federal probe in Columbus County. Plus, the scourge coming for N.C.’s beloved Christmas trees.

An unlikely folk hero emerges in the Carolina mountains. Plus, how Republicans came to love early voting.