nathan p. collins 🦇
@nathanpcollins.bsky.social
investigative reporter for The News & Observer
The NC man charged with killing 4 of his kids cited declining mental health in a request for a court fee waiver last year.
“I’m 100% PTSD and I’m afraid my mental state is not improving,” he wrote in court records obtained by @newsobserver.com.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
“I’m 100% PTSD and I’m afraid my mental state is not improving,” he wrote in court records obtained by @newsobserver.com.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
NC man charged with killing 4 of his kids cited PTSD in court filing last year
Before he was charged with killing four of his children, the Johnston County father cited poor mental health when asking a judge for financial relief.
www.newsobserver.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:08 PM
The NC man charged with killing 4 of his kids cited declining mental health in a request for a court fee waiver last year.
“I’m 100% PTSD and I’m afraid my mental state is not improving,” he wrote in court records obtained by @newsobserver.com.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
“I’m 100% PTSD and I’m afraid my mental state is not improving,” he wrote in court records obtained by @newsobserver.com.
my latest:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
“I don’t want my kids living with fear all the time." Powerful story from @nathanpcollins.bsky.social on a Raleigh husband and father of two teenage daughters who made the decision to self deport.
Facing possible detention or deportation, NC father leaves on his own terms
After 30 years in the U.S., a North Carolina father who entered the country illegally went back to Mexico rather than face detention or deportation.
www.newsobserver.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:41 PM
“I don’t want my kids living with fear all the time." Powerful story from @nathanpcollins.bsky.social on a Raleigh husband and father of two teenage daughters who made the decision to self deport.
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Facing possible detention or deportation, NC father leaves on his own terms. The Rivera family are among those living in the Triangle who say they're facing the hard decision of whether a loved one should self deport. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol
Facing possible detention or deportation, NC father leaves on his own terms
After 30 years in the U.S., a North Carolina father who entered the country illegally went back to Mexico rather than face detention or deportation.
www.newsobserver.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Facing possible detention or deportation, NC father leaves on his own terms. The Rivera family are among those living in the Triangle who say they're facing the hard decision of whether a loved one should self deport. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol
Fidel Rivera lived, worked and paid taxes in the U.S. for 30 years, despite his immigration status.
He left his wife and kids in Raleigh to go back to Mexico — rather than taking his chances with immigration officials.
my latest for @newsobserver.com:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
He left his wife and kids in Raleigh to go back to Mexico — rather than taking his chances with immigration officials.
my latest for @newsobserver.com:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Facing possible detention or deportation, NC father leaves on his own terms
After 30 years in the U.S., a North Carolina father who entered the country illegally went back to Mexico rather than face detention or deportation.
www.newsobserver.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Fidel Rivera lived, worked and paid taxes in the U.S. for 30 years, despite his immigration status.
He left his wife and kids in Raleigh to go back to Mexico — rather than taking his chances with immigration officials.
my latest for @newsobserver.com:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
He left his wife and kids in Raleigh to go back to Mexico — rather than taking his chances with immigration officials.
my latest for @newsobserver.com:
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Eastern NC lawmaker arrested and charged with driving while impaired in Raleigh. Sen. Norman Sanderson, a Pamlico County Republican, says he ‘made a regrettable mistake’ and takes responsibility for his actions. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social)
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #ncga
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #ncga
Eastern NC lawmaker arrested and charged with driving while impaired in Raleigh
He was also charged with having an open container and failing to obey a traffic officer.
www.newsobserver.com
October 19, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Eastern NC lawmaker arrested and charged with driving while impaired in Raleigh. Sen. Norman Sanderson, a Pamlico County Republican, says he ‘made a regrettable mistake’ and takes responsibility for his actions. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social)
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #ncga
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a... #ncpol #ncga
i was at Elon U today for the Central Carolina J-Day and led a session on where to find good story ideas to a group of (very engaged) hs students.
all i can say is: the future of the journalism world is in good hands, y’all.
all i can say is: the future of the journalism world is in good hands, y’all.
October 16, 2025 at 5:39 PM
i was at Elon U today for the Central Carolina J-Day and led a session on where to find good story ideas to a group of (very engaged) hs students.
all i can say is: the future of the journalism world is in good hands, y’all.
all i can say is: the future of the journalism world is in good hands, y’all.
before i was a reporter, i was a professional musician. d’angelo is one of like five artists that genuinely, truly impacted my musicianship in a way words can’t describe. i’m heartbroken. rip to THE GOAT.
October 14, 2025 at 10:50 PM
before i was a reporter, i was a professional musician. d’angelo is one of like five artists that genuinely, truly impacted my musicianship in a way words can’t describe. i’m heartbroken. rip to THE GOAT.
hi bsky: i’m on insta (officially) for work now @ ireportnc
give me a follow if you want
give me a follow if you want
October 14, 2025 at 6:24 PM
hi bsky: i’m on insta (officially) for work now @ ireportnc
give me a follow if you want
give me a follow if you want
The seven patients who fled Holly Hill Hospital in East Raleigh this week aren’t the only ones.
Advocates told the @newsobserver.com the psych unit has a “troubling history.”
read my latest here (gift link):
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Advocates told the @newsobserver.com the psych unit has a “troubling history.”
read my latest here (gift link):
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
A record of problems at Raleigh psych hospital where young patients fled
Holly Hill Hospital has been cited for problems for years. A January state investigation found 27 deficiencies.
www.newsobserver.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The seven patients who fled Holly Hill Hospital in East Raleigh this week aren’t the only ones.
Advocates told the @newsobserver.com the psych unit has a “troubling history.”
read my latest here (gift link):
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Advocates told the @newsobserver.com the psych unit has a “troubling history.”
read my latest here (gift link):
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
For owner of NC private prison, Trump immigration push is good for business. GEO Group, which contributed millions to mostly conservative political organizations and candidates last year, has secured ICE contracts. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/politic... #ncpol
For owner of NC private prison, Trump immigration push is good for business
Linked to political donations and active in lobbying, GEO Group has landed multiple federal detention-linked contracts this year.
www.newsobserver.com
September 19, 2025 at 3:29 PM
For owner of NC private prison, Trump immigration push is good for business. GEO Group, which contributed millions to mostly conservative political organizations and candidates last year, has secured ICE contracts. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/politic... #ncpol
The company that owns a NC private prison bet big on the Trump admin.
At least two former GEO Group contractors are now high-ranking admin officials.
The company has secured multiple contracts since the beginning of the year.
for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
At least two former GEO Group contractors are now high-ranking admin officials.
The company has secured multiple contracts since the beginning of the year.
for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
For owner of NC private prison, Trump immigration push is good for business
Linked to political donations and active in lobbying, GEO Group has landed multiple federal detention-linked contracts this year.
www.newsobserver.com
September 19, 2025 at 1:16 PM
The company that owns a NC private prison bet big on the Trump admin.
At least two former GEO Group contractors are now high-ranking admin officials.
The company has secured multiple contracts since the beginning of the year.
for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
At least two former GEO Group contractors are now high-ranking admin officials.
The company has secured multiple contracts since the beginning of the year.
for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
Linked to political donations and active in lobbying, GEO Group has landed multiple federal detention-linked contracts this year.
It’s part of an effort to resurrect shuttered prisons as immigration detention centers.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
It’s part of an effort to resurrect shuttered prisons as immigration detention centers.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
For owner of NC private prison, Trump immigration push is good for business
Linked to political donations and active in lobbying, GEO Group has landed multiple federal detention-linked contracts this year.
www.newsobserver.com
September 19, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Linked to political donations and active in lobbying, GEO Group has landed multiple federal detention-linked contracts this year.
It’s part of an effort to resurrect shuttered prisons as immigration detention centers.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
It’s part of an effort to resurrect shuttered prisons as immigration detention centers.
my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
watching the Cowboys hits different on the east coast… 🥴
September 14, 2025 at 5:49 PM
watching the Cowboys hits different on the east coast… 🥴
A private prison company wants to potentially house ICE detainees in its Eastern N.C. facility.
It’s been trying to reopen the prison for years.
Phoebe Zerwick had it first w/ @theassemblync.bsky.social
Read my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
It’s been trying to reopen the prison for years.
Phoebe Zerwick had it first w/ @theassemblync.bsky.social
Read my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Eager to reopen private prisons, company is in talks to hold ICE detainees in NC
The GEO Group is discussing how ICE and the U.S. Marshals Service might use its facilities, including Rivers Correctional Institution in northeastern North Carolina.
www.newsobserver.com
September 9, 2025 at 8:43 PM
A private prison company wants to potentially house ICE detainees in its Eastern N.C. facility.
It’s been trying to reopen the prison for years.
Phoebe Zerwick had it first w/ @theassemblync.bsky.social
Read my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
It’s been trying to reopen the prison for years.
Phoebe Zerwick had it first w/ @theassemblync.bsky.social
Read my latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Eager to reopen private prisons, company is in talks to hold ICE detainees in NC (by @nathanpcollins.bsky.social, 🎁🔗) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Eager to reopen private prisons, company is in talks to hold ICE detainees in NC
The GEO Group is discussing how ICE and the U.S. Marshals Service might use its facilities, including Rivers Correctional Institution in northeastern North Carolina.
www.newsobserver.com
September 9, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Eager to reopen private prisons, company is in talks to hold ICE detainees in NC (by @nathanpcollins.bsky.social, 🎁🔗) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
got to experience some W. North Carolina beauty! Stone Mt. was a treat.
September 1, 2025 at 9:32 PM
got to experience some W. North Carolina beauty! Stone Mt. was a treat.
supporting for my first @durhambulls.bsky.social game today. go Bulls!
August 31, 2025 at 6:12 PM
supporting for my first @durhambulls.bsky.social game today. go Bulls!
Hundreds of kids in Western North Carolina wait weeks — sometimes months — for suitable homes.
Parent attorney and family court day shortages in W. NC make their wait longer, according to county officials.
My latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Parent attorney and family court day shortages in W. NC make their wait longer, according to county officials.
My latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
How can NC help kids stuck in county custody? Pay lawyers fairly, advocates say.
While regulators and advocates figure out a way to increase legal representation and expand court time, children continue to wait for a stable living environment.
www.newsobserver.com
August 28, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Hundreds of kids in Western North Carolina wait weeks — sometimes months — for suitable homes.
Parent attorney and family court day shortages in W. NC make their wait longer, according to county officials.
My latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Parent attorney and family court day shortages in W. NC make their wait longer, according to county officials.
My latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
The state’s $65/hr rate for parent attorneys isn’t enough, according to officials and child welfare advocates.
The result? Children wait weeks, sometimes months, for suitable homes while court is delayed.
My latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
The result? Children wait weeks, sometimes months, for suitable homes while court is delayed.
My latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
How can NC help kids stuck in county custody? Pay lawyers fairly, advocates say.
While regulators and advocates figure out a way to increase legal representation and expand court time, children continue to wait for a stable living environment.
www.newsobserver.com
August 28, 2025 at 7:09 PM
The state’s $65/hr rate for parent attorneys isn’t enough, according to officials and child welfare advocates.
The result? Children wait weeks, sometimes months, for suitable homes while court is delayed.
My latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
The result? Children wait weeks, sometimes months, for suitable homes while court is delayed.
My latest for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
A year after a federal lawsuit accused officials of tolerating a crisis inside the N.C. child welfare system, problems persist.
Parent attorney and family court date shortages in WNC mean children must wait longer for a home.
For @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
Parent attorney and family court date shortages in WNC mean children must wait longer for a home.
For @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
How can NC help kids stuck in county custody? Pay lawyers fairly, advocates say.
While regulators and advocates figure out a way to increase legal representation and expand court time, children continue to wait for a stable living environment.
www.newsobserver.com
August 28, 2025 at 2:08 PM
A year after a federal lawsuit accused officials of tolerating a crisis inside the N.C. child welfare system, problems persist.
Parent attorney and family court date shortages in WNC mean children must wait longer for a home.
For @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
Parent attorney and family court date shortages in WNC mean children must wait longer for a home.
For @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
Children wait for weeks, sometimes months, in N.C. protective care for suitable homes.
Low wages for parent attorneys and family court date shortages make the issue worse in WNC, officials say.
My investigative report for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Low wages for parent attorneys and family court date shortages make the issue worse in WNC, officials say.
My investigative report for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
How can NC help kids stuck in county custody? Pay lawyers fairly, advocates say.
While regulators and advocates figure out a way to increase legal representation and expand court time, children continue to wait for a stable living environment.
www.newsobserver.com
August 28, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Children wait for weeks, sometimes months, in N.C. protective care for suitable homes.
Low wages for parent attorneys and family court date shortages make the issue worse in WNC, officials say.
My investigative report for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Low wages for parent attorneys and family court date shortages make the issue worse in WNC, officials say.
My investigative report for @newsobserver.com
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Four journalists were killed by an Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital today, including Mariam Dagga, a freelancer with the @apnews.com. She has a 12-year-old son, who was evacuated from Gaza earlier in the war.
She was a true hero, like all of our Palestinian colleagues in Gaza.
tinyurl.com/3cn5c9vb
She was a true hero, like all of our Palestinian colleagues in Gaza.
tinyurl.com/3cn5c9vb
Multiple journalists killed by Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital
A hospital strike in southern Gaza has killed at least eight people, including four journalists. The attack happened on Monday.
apnews.com
August 25, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Four journalists were killed by an Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital today, including Mariam Dagga, a freelancer with the @apnews.com. She has a 12-year-old son, who was evacuated from Gaza earlier in the war.
She was a true hero, like all of our Palestinian colleagues in Gaza.
tinyurl.com/3cn5c9vb
She was a true hero, like all of our Palestinian colleagues in Gaza.
tinyurl.com/3cn5c9vb
After tragic flooding in Texas swept Camp Mystic away, we asked ourselves which camps here are most at risk.
@newsobserver.com Database Editor David Raynor and I found 18 youth summer camps across the NC that are on or very near federal flood zones.
Read more:
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
@newsobserver.com Database Editor David Raynor and I found 18 youth summer camps across the NC that are on or very near federal flood zones.
Read more:
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
August 21, 2025 at 1:41 PM
After tragic flooding in Texas swept Camp Mystic away, we asked ourselves which camps here are most at risk.
@newsobserver.com Database Editor David Raynor and I found 18 youth summer camps across the NC that are on or very near federal flood zones.
Read more:
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
@newsobserver.com Database Editor David Raynor and I found 18 youth summer camps across the NC that are on or very near federal flood zones.
Read more:
www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n...
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
Camps across North Carolina are in or near flood zones. What families must know. At least 18 summer camps are in or near federally designated flood zones. Parents should ask about emergency plans. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social & @crddraynor.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n... #nced
Camps across North Carolina are in or near flood zones. What families must know.
The News & Observer located them by checking flood-risk statuses with federal and state records.
www.newsobserver.com
August 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Camps across North Carolina are in or near flood zones. What families must know. At least 18 summer camps are in or near federally designated flood zones. Parents should ask about emergency plans. (Via @nathanpcollins.bsky.social & @crddraynor.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/state/n... #nced
Reposted by nathan p. collins 🦇
‘The Kite Runner’ will continue to be a reading assignment given to Wake County high school sophomores studying world literature.
Wake rejects book challenge. ‘The Kite Runner’ will stay in high schools.
‘The Kite Runner’ will continue to be a reading assignment given to Wake County high school sophomores studying world literature.
bit.ly
August 5, 2025 at 4:30 PM
‘The Kite Runner’ will continue to be a reading assignment given to Wake County high school sophomores studying world literature.