☀️ In Today’s Edition

1. There’s a Cicada In My Soup
2. A Drive-by Double Murder Revisited
3. Accredit to UNC’s Name
4. What We’re Reading
5. Our Recent Stories

For an estimated two billion people around the planet, eating insects is no big deal. While entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and foragers have made some inroads in convincing Americans that insects can be a healthy, tasty source of protein, we’re still “lagging” when it comes to eating arthropods, said Cat Lamb, a sociologist who studies the topic. 

But she’s found that there’s one insect even the bug-averse are typically intrigued to try: the cicada. 

Writer Emily Cataneo was among the cicada curious—enough so that she decided to attend a recent supper that featured them in all seven courses.

Brood Awakening

A high-end, seven-course Asheville supper set out to convince diners that cicadas can be gourmet. I chewed on a few wings and legs to see for myself.

As Superior Court Judge Henry W. Hight Jr. opened a hearing in Pitt County last week, he saw a courtroom packed with supporters of James Richardson, who contends he was wrongfully convicted 14 years ago of a late-night, drive-by double murder in Greenville.

Richardson’s lawyers said they have uncovered new evidence that pokes holes in the prosecution’s case and raises questions about whether crucial evidence was withheld from the defense. They argued Richardson should get a new trial.

A growing swell of people from Pitt County and beyond have taken up Richardson’s cause, developing letter-writing campaigns and phone-tree strategies to share their concerns about what they fear is another wrongful conviction of a Black man in their county. Anne Blythe reports from the hearing.

Pitt County Residents Rally Around a Native Son

Two men wrongfully convicted of violent crimes in the Eastern North Carolina county gathered recently to support James Richardson, another local man disputing his conviction. 

Have a news tip for our team? You can reach us at scoops@theassemblync.com.

“Woke.” “Ideological fads.” “Cartels.”

That’s how Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis described university accreditors this summer, claiming that the review bodies’ standards reinforce progressive ideology as he announced that Florida and several other state university systems were going to form a new one.

“They exert all this power over our educational institutions,” DeSantis said. “That stops today.”

DeSantis’ critiques echoed widespread complaints among conservatives, including President Donald Trump, about college accreditation. But while Florida broke the news, more than 800 pages of public records and other documents obtained by The Assembly show the University of North Carolina System was at the center of the project for more than a year.

How the UNC System Shaped a Controversial Plan to Revamp College Accreditation

Records show North Carolina played a significant role in founding the new oversight body. State leaders say it won’t be political, but some faculty are concerned.

What We’re Reading

Having Fund Yet? A campaign finance watchdog wants the State Board of Elections to investigate a fundraiser for the state’s two most powerful leaders, following The N&O’s reporting on it.

Rest in Power: Joseph McNeil, a retired major general and a member of the Greensboro 4, died this week at the age of 83, per the Winston-Salem Journal. McNeil was one of four N.C. A&T students held a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter in 1960. 

Meck of a Job: The Charlotte Optimist had a long sit-down with Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry L. McFadden, described as one of the state’s “most controversial public officials.”

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Our Recent Stories

Kash Patel’s Krispy Kreme Connection

The FBI director says his investment in the N.C.-based donut giant isn’t a conflict.

How State Funds Are Helping Private Schools Expand

Vouchers aren’t the only way lawmakers have funneled money to private schools. At least two have received grants for new facilities.

Michael Whatley Is Throwing Out the Tillis Playbook

While many candidates would look at the terrain and hew to the center, Whatley is betting that his alignment with Trump will appeal.

Lee Roberts’ Long Game

UNC’s chancellor has his sights set on the big picture—despite funding uncertainties and clashes over his business-driven vision.

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