Will Michaels, NC Local
Senior State Issues ReporterWill Michaels comes to NC Local from the Triangle’s NPR station, WUNC, where he spent 15 years as a reporter, producer and on-air host. During his time at WUNC, Will covered a wide range of stories, including local government issues, science and technology, housing and education. His work often focused on how statewide decisions shape life in cities, small towns and rural communities. Will’s mix of experience shaped his approach to storytelling: report thoroughly, write concisely and let people speak for themselves. Will graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and is a proud Tar Heel sports fan. He lives in Durham with his wife and daughter. When he isn’t writing, he’s usually umpiring Little League baseball games, tinkering with his 1988 Corvette or occupied by the joyful chaos of parenting a toddler.
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The five-member commission regulates the state’s monopolies. Now they are considering a rate request by Duke Energy with expert testimony starting today. -
After putting off votes for nearly a year, House Republicans suddenly overrode vetoes on measures eliminating DEI practices and changing immigration policy. -
Retirees on the state’s Medicare Advantage plans will pay more for hospital stays, specialist visits and some drugs next year. -
Duke Energy proposes an increase in home electricity rates by 18% over the next two years. The utility says it needs more money for grid upgrades and power plants, as policymakers and residents are concerned about rising demand from data centers. Thousands of customers have responded in opposition. The decision is now in the hands of the Utilities Commission. -
North Carolina controls liquor sales through a post-Prohibition network of local ABC boards and state-set prices. A new bill would loosen some rules, but some are once again pushing to privatize the system. -
The newest and least contained fire is in McDowell County, where crews are trying to keep the Jumping Branch Fire from spreading through steep terrain that still has debris left from Helene. -
North Carolina is more than eight months into the current fiscal year without an enacted state budget, the only state in the country in that position. -
The last 10 years have been pivotal in shaping North Carolina’s immigration policy. NC Local takes a closer look. -
Some voters need to update their information this week or risk having to cast a provisional ballot. NC Local explains what's going on. -
Proposed changes to federal wetland protections could leave North Carolina communities vulnerable to flooding and drive up the cost of water treatment, according to state officials and environmental groups. The EPA says the changes are in line with a U.S. Supreme Court decision, NC Local reports.
