In the Fall of 2024, the NC Local News Workshop kicked off a nine-month-long coaching and mentorship initiative for a dozen Report for America corps members reporting in newsrooms across the state. We’re excited about this group of talented journalists and what this program is offering the larger North Carolina news and information ecosystem. Here you can get to know some of these RFA reporters, the work they’ve been doing and their connections with the communities they’re covering.
Morgan Casey
Morgan Casey is a health reporter at CityView and Report for America Corps Member. She graduated from Arizona State University with a master’s in investigative journalism, conducting team investigations into American lithium mining and Catholic health systems. Off-the-clock, you can find her catching up on professional track and field, watching anime or reading a book at one of downtown Fayetteville’s local coffee shops.
What inspired you to pursue journalism?
I love talking to people and telling stories. Journalism lets me combine those loves and make a profession out of it.
What’s your favorite story you’ve reported on so far?
Fayetteville looks to shake its title as ‘America’s least walkable city’
What’s something surprising you’ve learned about North Carolina?
There are no speed cameras in North Carolina. Moving here from the Baltimore and D.C.-Maryland-Virginia metro areas where we have speeding, red light and stop sign cameras, it was crazy to know that none exist here.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in local news?
Get out on the town as much as possible. Ask as much as possible for interviews in person. Attend weekend events that interest you. Try new restaurants. The more you do, the more you know and stories you’ll find.
If someone were visiting your community, what recommendations would you share? (Favorite restaurant, museum, place to read a book, recharge, etc)
For coffee, I love Vagabond Cafe. My favorite place to read is Blanc Coffee Roasters. Best food I’ve had so far was from Taste of West Africa.
Rachel Crumpler
Rachel Crumpler is a reporter at NC Health News covering gender health and prison health. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media in 2022. She’s a lifelong North Carolinian based in Winston-Salem.
What inspired you to pursue journalism?
I joined my high school’s newspaper staff and found a love for interviewing and writing that stuck with me and made me want to pursue a career in journalism. I enjoy learning something new from every person I talk to and every story I cover, and I feel privileged to work every day to communicate important information accurately and compellingly to readers.
What’s your favorite story you’ve reported on so far?
I wrote about the experience of one man being denied his medications for opioid use disorder in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act while he served time in jail, illustrating the statewide problem of many jails across the state denying this needed treatment. I’m proud of this story because it highlighted an issue that other reporters weren’t covering and weaved in his compelling narrative that put into perspective the real-world impact of this issue on people’s lives and their recovery.
What’s something surprising you’ve learned about North Carolina?
As I’ve watched health policy take shape by lawmakers at the General Assembly, I’ve been surprised by the limited public input and speed at which some complicated health policies move — mostly worked out behind closed doors.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in local news?
Prioritize cultivating sources and intentionally reach out to new people to expand your perspective. They can tell you some of the best story ideas that weren’t on your radar.
If someone were visiting your community, what recommendations would you share?
Visit Momo Ashi Cafe for boba tea and Ginger Bread Man Bakery for a sweet treat.
More RFA Corps members coming soon!
