Two of North Carolina’s leading Black newspapers delivered important reporting last week on housing affordability, criminal justice, community development, Black history, youth programs and HBCU athletics.

Here are some of the top headlines published by The Carolinian and Triangle Tribune from August 24 through August 30, 2026.

Top Headlines From The Carolinian

Durham Man Cleared After New Evidence Emerges

Anthony Tyrone Brown’s armed robbery conviction was vacated after newly examined fingerprint evidence pointed to another person. Brown, who consistently maintained his innocence, served seven years before his release in 2021.

The case also raised broader questions about evidence preservation, fingerprint analysis and the handling of older criminal cases by law enforcement agencies. Read the full report from The Carolinian⁠.

Raleigh Becomes a National Hotspot for Shared Rentals

Raleigh ranked third nationally for shared renter households, according to a study highlighted by The Carolinian. Nearly 19,000 Raleigh households now include roommates, representing an almost 50% increase over the past decade.

The report found that Raleigh roommates may save approximately $8,100 annually by sharing a two-bedroom apartment instead of renting separate one-bedroom units. The trend reflects housing affordability pressures, population growth and the number of young professionals moving into the Triangle. Read The Carolinian’s housing report⁠.

Durham Parks Remain Closed Over Contamination Concerns

Several former landfill and incinerator sites remain under investigation after researchers discovered elevated lead levels in Durham parks located in historically Black neighborhoods.

An audit found that 534 of North Carolina’s 688 pre-regulatory landfill sites had not been investigated or actively monitored. Limited funding could make remediation a decades-long process without additional state support. Read the complete story from The Carolinian⁠.

New NC State Exhibition Celebrates Black Heritage

The Gregg Museum of Art & Design is hosting “Community Stories: Sustaining North Carolina Black Heritage,” an exhibition examining dignity, belonging, safety and imagination in Black communities.

The free exhibition includes photographs, artwork, historical materials and community-contributed artifacts. It will remain open through February 27, 2027. Learn more through The Carolinian⁠.

Hayti’s Black History Faces Development Pressures

A Carolinian feature examined efforts to protect the history and culture of Durham’s Hayti community as new development transforms the city.

Community advocates are working to ensure that longtime residents and organizations have a meaningful role in decisions affecting the historic Black neighborhood. The report explores how Durham can encourage investment without erasing Hayti’s cultural identity. Read the Hayti preservation story⁠.

Community Partners Provide School Supplies to Raleigh Families

The Beta Lambda Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and its charitable foundation distributed free backpacks, school supplies, dental kits and snacks to hundreds of local students during Operation BigBookBag.

The annual Raleigh initiative brought together volunteers and community organizations to help families prepare for the new school year. Read more from The Carolinian⁠.

Top Headlines From Triangle Tribune

Raleigh Community Discusses Solutions to the Housing Crisis

The Hillsborough-Wade Citizen Advisory Council hosted a panel exploring affordable housing solutions as Wake County residents face rising rents and income requirements.

Triangle Tribune reported that a worker would need to earn at least $33.65 per hour to afford a two-bedroom Wake County apartment. Panelists discussed rent control restrictions, evictions, public investment and the role municipalities can play in expanding affordable housing. Read the Triangle Tribune report⁠.

Durham’s New Police Chief Promises a Hands-On Approach

Stephanie Mardis, formerly an assistant police chief in Greensboro, was selected to lead the Durham Police Department. Mardis brings 25 years of law enforcement experience and is expected to begin her new role on September 8.

She has emphasized professionalism, constitutional integrity, community engagement and direct involvement in department operations. Read the full Triangle Tribune story⁠.

North Carolina Could Receive $645 Million From Meta Settlement

North Carolina may receive as much as $645 million through 2035 under a multistate settlement with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

The agreement also requires new child-safety features, including age verification, default limits for teenage users, overnight feed restrictions and expanded parental controls. Attorney General Jeff Jackson encouraged state lawmakers to use the money for youth programs, crisis services and school health personnel. Read Triangle Tribune’s settlement coverage⁠.

Healing Transitions Completes Men’s Campus Expansion

Healing Transitions celebrated the completion of an expansion and renovation project at its Raleigh men’s campus.

The nonprofit provides peer-based recovery services for people experiencing substance-use challenges. The expanded campus will help the organization serve more individuals while improving its residential and recovery-support facilities. Read more from Triangle Tribune⁠.

NC Courage Player Named Special Olympics Ambassador

North Carolina Courage midfielder Riley Jackson became Special Olympics North Carolina’s first community ambassador.

Jackson will help promote inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities and participate in a Unified soccer event at WakeMed Soccer Park on September 17. She will also be recognized during the Courage’s Local Heroes Night on September 19. Read the Triangle Tribune sports report⁠.

HBCU Football Returns to the Spotlight

Triangle Tribune’s sports coverage examined the start of the HBCU football season, including expectations for North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Shaw University and other programs.

Morgan State opened its season with a 17-7 comeback victory over North Carolina A&T, while preseason rankings placed several CIAA, SIAC and MEAC programs in the national conversation. Explore Triangle Tribune’s HBCU sports coverage⁠.

Why These Stories Matter to the Triangle

Last week’s reporting showed how closely housing, public safety, environmental justice, education and economic opportunity are connected across Raleigh and Durham.

The Carolinian and Triangle Tribune continue to provide valuable coverage of Black communities, organizations and institutions that may not always receive sustained attention from larger news outlets.

Visit The Carolinian⁠ and Triangle Tribune⁠ to read the original reporting and support local Black journalism.

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