Johanna Still
@j-still.bsky.social
mom x3
covering health care for The Assembly
johanna@theassemblync.com
covering health care for The Assembly
johanna@theassemblync.com
“I dare them to retaliate” – Wilmington distillery owner who says he just opened the state's first private liquor store
The ABC Commission allows distilleries to sell their own liquor directly to customers–only if it’s produced on-site. But one Wilmington man is selling liquor at his new store anyway, relying on legal ambiguity in the state’s interpretation of “production.”
www.theassemblync.com/business/mom...
www.theassemblync.com/business/mom...
On the Rocks
A Wilmington distillery owner is selling his signature spirits from a downtown storefront and daring the state ABC Commission to stop him.
www.theassemblync.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:14 PM
“I dare them to retaliate” – Wilmington distillery owner who says he just opened the state's first private liquor store
Finger-pointing ensues as state’s Medicaid cuts deadline arrives @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/health/medic...
www.theassemblync.com/health/medic...
Stein’s Medicaid Cuts Deadline Arrives as Legislative Gridlock Continues
The governor said North Carolina’s Medicaid program would begin cutting reimbursement rates to offset a $319 million shortfall.
www.theassemblync.com
October 1, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Finger-pointing ensues as state’s Medicaid cuts deadline arrives @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/health/medic...
www.theassemblync.com/health/medic...
“They’re trying to scare our members,” State Treasurer Brad Briner, who oversees the State Health Plan, told @theassemblync.bsky.social
He said Duke has been “incredibly tone deaf in this situation.”
www.theassemblync.com/health/duke-...
He said Duke has been “incredibly tone deaf in this situation.”
www.theassemblync.com/health/duke-...
Duking It Out: State Health Plan Negotiations Continue As Deadline Looms
With one month remaining before the current contract between state employees’ insurer, Aetna, and Duke Health expires, the biggest state players in health care aren’t even close to a deal.
www.theassemblync.com
September 17, 2025 at 8:54 PM
“They’re trying to scare our members,” State Treasurer Brad Briner, who oversees the State Health Plan, told @theassemblync.bsky.social
He said Duke has been “incredibly tone deaf in this situation.”
www.theassemblync.com/health/duke-...
He said Duke has been “incredibly tone deaf in this situation.”
www.theassemblync.com/health/duke-...
Shital Patel’s husband died while undergoing a routine dental procedure. After she advocated for safety reforms, the governor’s office told her it had named her to the state dental board–then dentists intervened.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/politics/den...
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/politics/den...
How a Widow’s Appointment to the State Dental Board Got Spiked
Shital Patel’s husband died while undergoing a routine dental procedure. After advocating for safety reforms, the governor’s office told her it had named her to the state dental board–then dentists in...
www.theassemblync.com
April 10, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Shital Patel’s husband died while undergoing a routine dental procedure. After she advocated for safety reforms, the governor’s office told her it had named her to the state dental board–then dentists intervened.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/politics/den...
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/politics/den...
Myrtle Beach officials shot down the potential for a Shibumi trial run this summer. Horry County is expected to vote soon on whether to temporarily lift its ban.
The outlook is far from sunny
@theassemblync.bsky.social
The outlook is far from sunny
@theassemblync.bsky.social
In recent years, Shibumi co-founder Dane Barnes has managed to convince North Carolina beaches to lift rules to allow his inescapable shades on all the state’s shores.
But across the state line, officials in Myrtle Beach haven’t budged–yet.
www.theassemblync.com/business/myr...
But across the state line, officials in Myrtle Beach haven’t budged–yet.
www.theassemblync.com/business/myr...
Sunblocked: Can Shibumi Make Waves South of the (NC) Border?
Myrtle Beach has long banned sun shades and tents. Will they relax that rule this year for Shibumi Shades?
www.theassemblync.com
March 14, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Myrtle Beach officials shot down the potential for a Shibumi trial run this summer. Horry County is expected to vote soon on whether to temporarily lift its ban.
The outlook is far from sunny
@theassemblync.bsky.social
The outlook is far from sunny
@theassemblync.bsky.social
Reposted by Johanna Still
Pender County is blood red GOP territory so the decision to moderate its relationship with ICE was definitely *not* any kind of sanctuary gesture. (They just don’t like doing Uncle Sam’s work for free). Also, DEI is still on the menu at The Endowment. For now. Latest from @j-still.bsky.social and me
The Dive: Iced Out; Food for Thought
On this week's edition of The Dive, Johanna Still from The Assembly looks at Pender County's rejection of a resolution supporting ICE, and WHQR's Ben Schachtman looks at The Endowment's ongoing commit...
www.whqr.org
February 24, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Pender County is blood red GOP territory so the decision to moderate its relationship with ICE was definitely *not* any kind of sanctuary gesture. (They just don’t like doing Uncle Sam’s work for free). Also, DEI is still on the menu at The Endowment. For now. Latest from @j-still.bsky.social and me
As of the latest data available, North Carolina's six FAA-staffed air towers had just 178 certified air traffic controllers.
Combined, that's 57 air traffic controllers short of meeting an industry agreed-upon standard.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/business/nor...
Combined, that's 57 air traffic controllers short of meeting an industry agreed-upon standard.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/business/nor...
Like the Nation, North Carolina’s Airport Towers Are Understaffed
A review of the latest data shows the state’s largest airports are hurting for air traffic controllers, a federal job that’s recently come under scrutiny.
www.theassemblync.com
February 6, 2025 at 1:40 PM
As of the latest data available, North Carolina's six FAA-staffed air towers had just 178 certified air traffic controllers.
Combined, that's 57 air traffic controllers short of meeting an industry agreed-upon standard.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/business/nor...
Combined, that's 57 air traffic controllers short of meeting an industry agreed-upon standard.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/business/nor...
Trump’s new executive order halts any new federal offshore wind leases and stops further permitting.
Projects already underway in North Carolina–Kitty Hawk South and Carolina Long Bay–will likely hit speedbumps as a result.
www.theassemblync.com/newsletter/t...
Projects already underway in North Carolina–Kitty Hawk South and Carolina Long Bay–will likely hit speedbumps as a result.
www.theassemblync.com/newsletter/t...
The Dive: Knocked the Wind Out
President Trump's new executive order could halt progress on North Carolina's planned offshore wind farms. Plus, New Hanover nears naming a permanent school superintendent.
www.theassemblync.com
January 30, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Trump’s new executive order halts any new federal offshore wind leases and stops further permitting.
Projects already underway in North Carolina–Kitty Hawk South and Carolina Long Bay–will likely hit speedbumps as a result.
www.theassemblync.com/newsletter/t...
Projects already underway in North Carolina–Kitty Hawk South and Carolina Long Bay–will likely hit speedbumps as a result.
www.theassemblync.com/newsletter/t...
Reposted by Johanna Still
I look forward to my Wilmington Deep Dive every week. If you’re in the Cape Fear region, I recommend following these local treasures @schachtman.bsky.social @rachelkwhqr.bsky.social @j-still.bsky.social
www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
Sunday Edition: Bipartisan Blues
Sunday Edition is a weekly newsletter from WHQR's News Director Benjamin Schachtman, featuring behind-the-scenes looks at our reporting, context and analysis of ongoing stories, and semi-weekly column...
www.whqr.org
January 23, 2025 at 5:59 PM
I look forward to my Wilmington Deep Dive every week. If you’re in the Cape Fear region, I recommend following these local treasures @schachtman.bsky.social @rachelkwhqr.bsky.social @j-still.bsky.social
www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
Reposted by Johanna Still
His use of the online handle minisoldr haunted Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson this year, but he's still using it, @joekilliannc.bsky.social reports.
www.theassemblync.com/politics/mar... #ncpol
www.theassemblync.com/politics/mar... #ncpol
The Return of Minisoldr
Mark Robinson’s use of the handle “minisoldr” on online platforms drew a lot of attention during this year’s election. He’s still using it.
www.theassemblync.com
December 16, 2024 at 2:27 PM
His use of the online handle minisoldr haunted Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson this year, but he's still using it, @joekilliannc.bsky.social reports.
www.theassemblync.com/politics/mar... #ncpol
www.theassemblync.com/politics/mar... #ncpol
Reposted by Johanna Still
This Cyber Monday, give yourself the gift of excellent journalism. Our subscriptions are now HALF OFF — get our archives for a year for $30, or go Premium for just $75. Act now: there's less than 12 hours left of this sale.
theassemblync.com/subscriptions/
theassemblync.com/subscriptions/
December 2, 2024 at 5:52 PM
This Cyber Monday, give yourself the gift of excellent journalism. Our subscriptions are now HALF OFF — get our archives for a year for $30, or go Premium for just $75. Act now: there's less than 12 hours left of this sale.
theassemblync.com/subscriptions/
theassemblync.com/subscriptions/
Reposted by Johanna Still
A few months ago, I started hearing from former employees of the Hunt Institute that the venerable education nonprofit was plagued by high turnover and low morale.
Today, @theassemblync.bsky.social is publishing our investigation. It’s a wild ride.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hu...
Today, @theassemblync.bsky.social is publishing our investigation. It’s a wild ride.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hu...
Former Hunt Institute Employees Describe a ‘Culture of Fear’
Ex-staffers say its leader has created a toxic environment that imperils the education nonprofit’s future—and former Gov. Jim Hunt’s legacy.
www.theassemblync.com
November 20, 2024 at 6:26 PM
A few months ago, I started hearing from former employees of the Hunt Institute that the venerable education nonprofit was plagued by high turnover and low morale.
Today, @theassemblync.bsky.social is publishing our investigation. It’s a wild ride.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hu...
Today, @theassemblync.bsky.social is publishing our investigation. It’s a wild ride.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hu...
Earlier this month, a wrecking crew crushed the historic and dilapidated home of The Wilmington Journal–one of the state’s oldest Black papers.
www.theassemblync.com/media/wilmin...
www.theassemblync.com/media/wilmin...
Farewell to the Longtime Home of Wilmington's Black Press
Earlier this month, a wrecking crew tore down the building that housed The Wilmington Journal, one of the state’s oldest Black papers.
www.theassemblync.com
November 21, 2024 at 12:31 PM
Earlier this month, a wrecking crew crushed the historic and dilapidated home of The Wilmington Journal–one of the state’s oldest Black papers.
www.theassemblync.com/media/wilmin...
www.theassemblync.com/media/wilmin...
Why did the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office post, then delete, a recent tribute to a former sheriff who served in the 50s-70s?
In short, he was a member of the Ku Klux Klan.
www.whqr.org/local/2024-1...
In short, he was a member of the Ku Klux Klan.
www.whqr.org/local/2024-1...
Ask a Journalist: Why did NHCSO post, then delete, a tribute to former Sheriff Marrion Millis?
Q: On Friday, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (NHCSO) shared a “Flashback Friday” post about former Sheriff Marion Millis — but quickly pulled it down. What happened?A: NHCSO has frequently sh...
www.whqr.org
November 20, 2024 at 3:52 PM
Why did the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office post, then delete, a recent tribute to a former sheriff who served in the 50s-70s?
In short, he was a member of the Ku Klux Klan.
www.whqr.org/local/2024-1...
In short, he was a member of the Ku Klux Klan.
www.whqr.org/local/2024-1...
for…reasons!
Facts⤵️
1) Split partisan outcomes are normal in NC
2) The undervote/roll-off was typical except for Gov. where it was ⬆️ for...reasons
3) Even for Gov, the winning margin >>the undervote
No conspiracy, no malfeasance, just normal electoral patterns in a purple state #ncpol
(2/3)
1) Split partisan outcomes are normal in NC
2) The undervote/roll-off was typical except for Gov. where it was ⬆️ for...reasons
3) Even for Gov, the winning margin >>the undervote
No conspiracy, no malfeasance, just normal electoral patterns in a purple state #ncpol
(2/3)
November 20, 2024 at 3:40 PM
for…reasons!
Reposted by Johanna Still
NEW: An audit finds Charlotte-based U.S. Performance Center misspent $6.2M in state tax dollars; 1 in 4 dollars of $25M it was awarded. #ncpol
How?
-buying alcohol
-double billing grant
-contributions to political orgs
-inadequate documentation, etc
www.theassemblync.com/politics/oly...
How?
-buying alcohol
-double billing grant
-contributions to political orgs
-inadequate documentation, etc
www.theassemblync.com/politics/oly...
Company Misspent $6.2 Million in State Funds to Lure Olympic Groups, Audit Finds
A state audit found the Charlotte-based U.S. Performance Center misspent nearly a quarter of the money awarded by the legislature.
www.theassemblync.com
November 19, 2024 at 9:26 PM
NEW: An audit finds Charlotte-based U.S. Performance Center misspent $6.2M in state tax dollars; 1 in 4 dollars of $25M it was awarded. #ncpol
How?
-buying alcohol
-double billing grant
-contributions to political orgs
-inadequate documentation, etc
www.theassemblync.com/politics/oly...
How?
-buying alcohol
-double billing grant
-contributions to political orgs
-inadequate documentation, etc
www.theassemblync.com/politics/oly...
Reposted by Johanna Still
Check out our Starter Pack and follow our reporters, editors, and staff as we do deep coverage of North Carolina.
go.bsky.app/D31XM91
go.bsky.app/D31XM91
November 18, 2024 at 6:35 PM
Check out our Starter Pack and follow our reporters, editors, and staff as we do deep coverage of North Carolina.
go.bsky.app/D31XM91
go.bsky.app/D31XM91
Tew said some people misunderstand her and the Moms for Liberty group’s advocacy.
“I think they see our passion and they mistake it for extremism,” she said. “It’s our children.”
@theassemblync.bsky.social
“I think they see our passion and they mistake it for extremism,” she said. “It’s our children.”
@theassemblync.bsky.social
@j-still.bsky.social and I looked at how Moms for Liberty-endorsed candidates performed across North Carolina this election. In Moore County, where the group's ideas have arguably gotten the most traction, voters turned toward other candidates.
www.theassemblync.com/politics/mom... #ncpol
www.theassemblync.com/politics/mom... #ncpol
Moms for Liberty’s Local Election Scorecard
The “parental rights” group’s North Carolina chapters endorsed seven school board candidates this election cycle. Only two won.
www.theassemblync.com
November 18, 2024 at 7:47 PM
Tew said some people misunderstand her and the Moms for Liberty group’s advocacy.
“I think they see our passion and they mistake it for extremism,” she said. “It’s our children.”
@theassemblync.bsky.social
“I think they see our passion and they mistake it for extremism,” she said. “It’s our children.”
@theassemblync.bsky.social
November 17, 2024 at 12:37 PM
Reposted by Johanna Still
“Ticket splitting isn’t a one-off in North Carolina, it’s as consistent a trend as you can find in the Old North State,” @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social told @j-still.bsky.social. But still, there have been plenty of conspiracy theories. #ncpol
www.theassemblync.com/politics/tic...
www.theassemblync.com/politics/tic...
Ticket-Splitting is Part of Our DNA
North Carolinians are the "rare political animal" who will vote for candidates from both parties in one election.
www.theassemblync.com
November 15, 2024 at 6:51 PM
“Ticket splitting isn’t a one-off in North Carolina, it’s as consistent a trend as you can find in the Old North State,” @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social told @j-still.bsky.social. But still, there have been plenty of conspiracy theories. #ncpol
www.theassemblync.com/politics/tic...
www.theassemblync.com/politics/tic...
*depressed DJ Khalid* another one
National Park Service photo of the house that collapsed overnight in Rodanthe
November 15, 2024 at 3:20 PM
*depressed DJ Khalid* another one
After all the ballot hoopla the winners remain the same in New Hanover County.
BOE counted ~3K ballots over a 9-hour meeting Thurs.
www.whqr.org/local/2024-1...
BOE counted ~3K ballots over a 9-hour meeting Thurs.
www.whqr.org/local/2024-1...
Additional ballots shift rankings, but not winners in New Hanover County school board and commissioner races
After roughly nine hours of counting absentee and provisional ballots last night, the races for New Hanover County school board and county commissioner seats remain effectively unchanged — although ev...
www.whqr.org
November 15, 2024 at 12:25 PM
After all the ballot hoopla the winners remain the same in New Hanover County.
BOE counted ~3K ballots over a 9-hour meeting Thurs.
www.whqr.org/local/2024-1...
BOE counted ~3K ballots over a 9-hour meeting Thurs.
www.whqr.org/local/2024-1...
Reposted by Johanna Still
Ticket-Splitting is Part of Our DNA
North Carolina is home to a “rare political animal”: the split-ticket voter. Though the state’s electoral outcomes may seem head-scratching to some, it’s par for the course. #NCPol #NC
www.theassemblync.com/politics/tic...
North Carolina is home to a “rare political animal”: the split-ticket voter. Though the state’s electoral outcomes may seem head-scratching to some, it’s par for the course. #NCPol #NC
www.theassemblync.com/politics/tic...
Ticket-Splitting is Part of Our DNA
North Carolinians are the "rare political animal" who will vote for candidates from both parties in one election.
www.theassemblync.com
November 14, 2024 at 3:15 PM
Ticket-Splitting is Part of Our DNA
North Carolina is home to a “rare political animal”: the split-ticket voter. Though the state’s electoral outcomes may seem head-scratching to some, it’s par for the course. #NCPol #NC
www.theassemblync.com/politics/tic...
North Carolina is home to a “rare political animal”: the split-ticket voter. Though the state’s electoral outcomes may seem head-scratching to some, it’s par for the course. #NCPol #NC
www.theassemblync.com/politics/tic...
Ticket-splitting is in our DNA, as @bowtiepolitics.bsky.social puts it #ncpol
Voters are far weirder than any pundits or statistics or trends can ever capture www.theassemblync.com/politics/tic...
November 14, 2024 at 7:55 PM
Ticket-splitting is in our DNA, as @bowtiepolitics.bsky.social puts it #ncpol