☀️ In Today’s Edition

1. Exonerated But Still Behind Bars
2. Around Our Network
4. What We’re Reading
5. Our Recent Stories

In August, Superior Court Judge Robert Broadie overturned the convictions of Nathaniel Cauthen and Rayshawn Banner, two of five Winston-Salem men convicted as teenagers in the 2002 murder of NBA star Chris Paul’s grandfather, Nathaniel Jones.

The judge, citing newly discovered evidence and a key witness’ recantation, dismissed all charges “with prejudice”—meaning the brothers would be set free and could not be retried.

Banner and Cauthen, now 37 and 39 respectively, rejoiced and started preparing to go home. But within days, the state of North Carolina moved to block their release, thrusting their case into a legal standoff that could take years to resolve. 

Their Charges Were Dismissed, But These Two Men Are Not Free

A judge said two men incarcerated for 23 years didn’t kill the grandfather of NBA star Chris Paul. So why are they still in prison? 

“It went from reaching the heavens to falling all the way back down to the ground,” said their mother, Teresa Ingram. “And it is a hard drop.” 

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Around Our Network

When Tropical Storm Chantal swept into central North Carolina this summer, it caused major damage in Saxapahaw, a revitalized mill town and arts hub. INDY Week looks at how the community there is navigating an uncertain future.

The Cumberland County school district is considering a consolidation plan as part of a broader effort to address aging buildings, uneven enrollment, and rising operational costs. But the idea is sparking concern for parents and educators, as CityView reports.

Guilford College is back in good standing with its accreditor after two years of probation, The Thread reports. The liberal arts school has struggled financially, and its enrollment has dropped by at least 40% over the past eight years. 

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What We’re Reading

ICEd Out: Rheba Hamilton, the Charlotte woman who sparked memes after chasing immigration agents off her lawn as they targeted the men helping her decorate for Christmas, was on NPR’s Weekend Edition.

Reading Into It: In Randolph County, a disagreement over a picture book about a transgender child led county commissioners to dissolve the library board. The Washington Post has more.

Ready for Our Close-Up: Three new productions are slated for filming in North Carolina, including Season 2 of “The Hunting Wives,” per WRAL. The state’s film grant program put $28.4 million behind the projects.

Our Recent Stories

Pining for Something Real At Frosty’s Tree Farm

In the Christmas tree capital of the world, Frosty’s Choose & Cut is a family tradition for those who want memories more than comfort.

Scientists Say This Chemical Could Cause Irreversible Harm. It’s Everywhere in Eastern N.C.

The discovery of TFA in blood and water samples raises questions about Chemours’ role in adding to the pollution burden.

Discord on the Massage Board

Critics have raised concerns about the state board overseeing massage therapy’s unique legal arrangement, which some see as a convenience and others as a potential conflict.