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☀️ In Today’s Edition

1. Onlyphantoms in the Building
2. Define Print
3. New Kind On the Block
4. What We’re Reading
5. Our Recent Stories

When reporter Jane Porter wondered about some mysterious goings-on in her historic Raleigh home, she did what any self-respecting journalist in pursuit of truth would do. She turned to the experts—in this case, a local group, cheekily called Onlyphantoms, that offers free paranormal investigations—to debunk her suspicion that her house is haunted.

Because ghosts are make-believe, right?

Getting Ghosted With Onlyphantoms

Missing mugs, cold gusts of air, and a strange smoky smell: Why I turned to these North Carolina ghost hunters.

“Our goal is not only to try to potentially capture something,” said aptly named investigator Sterling Hunt, “but also to debunk everything we’ve been told that you experience.”

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

Define Print

References to “academic freedom” are sprinkled throughout the UNC System’s policy manual, which sets out the many rules the state’s 17 public campuses must follow. Most references state that the system supports academic freedom and will not seek to infringe upon faculty rights.

But what, exactly, does academic freedom mean? The policy manual doesn’t include a formal definition.

As Korie Dean reports, some faculty want UNC System leaders to spell out exactly what they’re promising to protect, as professors and administrators around the country warn that Trump administration policies threaten the very principle. 

UNC System Faculty Seek to Define ‘Academic Freedom’

As some professors feel their work is being threatened, a faculty group wants UNC officials to be more precise about which activities are protected.

New Kid On the Block

We launched a new newsletter this week! The Line, anchored by Sarah Day Owen Wiskirchen, will cover all things Cary and Western Wake County.

She’ll be working closely with our team and INDY’s Wake reporters to bring you regular updates about what’s happening in this fast-growing part of the state.

Curious? Get in Line!

What We’re Reading

Booze You Can Use: Our friends at The Food Section are rolling out an ambitious look at North Carolina’s ABC system, which includes rating the top-selling stores in 97 counties. 

Indicted: The man charged in the fatal Charlotte light rail stabbing was indicted this week on federal charges that could result in the death penalty, ABC News reports.

The Fault in Our Czars: Tensions are brewing Western N.C. over aspiring senator Michael Whatley work as “Helene recovery czar,” per Smoky Mountain News.

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Our Recent Stories

On the Rocks

A Wilmington distillery owner is selling bottles of his signature spirits from a downtown storefront—and daring the state ABC Commission to stop him.

Democrats’ Deep Hole

What would it take for North Carolina Democrats to overcome the latest GOP congressional gerrymander? A political earthquake.

A Flag the Size of a Basketball Court Divides Greenville

Camping World’s CEO said the flag is a display of patriotism, while others said local ordinances exist for a reason. Then, the state legislature stepped in.