NC Justice Center

08/21/2026

Health care costs are rising, and we’re tired of being told there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

There is. And one place Wake County leaders can act is by opposing the proposed Atrium takeover of WakeMed, which could mean higher health care costs and less competition statewide.

We need the Wake County Commissioners and WakeMed Board to put people — not corporate interests — first.

Join us at the next Wake County Commissioners meeting:
Tuesday, September 8 at 5 p.m.

And contact the Commissioners today to tell them NO takeover: ncjustice.org/stop-takeover

08/21/2026

You've probably heard a lot about Duke Energy’s proposed rate hikes. But there’s another change that could hit some of North Carolina’s lowest-income customers even harder: the impending loss of Duke Energy’s Customer Assistance Program.

The program provides a $42 monthly bill credit to tens of thousands of low-income households and is set to expire at the end of the year. Duke has the power to help keep this assistance in place — if it asks the North Carolina Utilities Commission to make the program permanent.

“Duke should request to make the Customer Assistance Program a permanent program,” said Claire Williamson, Senior Energy Policy Advocate at the NC Justice Center.

“This is not the time for Duke to pull the rug out beneath 80,000 customers… We have to have programs that address the chronic unaffordability of rates.”

A pilot program that applies a credit to low-income households’ monthly bills is poised to end at the same time rates rise for everyone

08/19/2026

☕️ Coffee, care, and a chance to take action! bit.ly/coffee-and-care

Join us for a Coffee and Care Conversation on Saturday, August 29, at New World Cafe in Raleigh. We’ll have free resources, giveaways, and a chance to join the fight to get health care right!

Sign up at the event and enjoy a coffee on us. ❤️

📅 Saturday, August 29
⏰ 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 New World Café, 5900 Duraleigh Rd., Raleigh
📩RSVP: bit.ly/coffee-and-care

08/19/2026

Now’s your chance! Join the NC Justice Center, the NC Black Alliance, and Pro-Choice NC for a conversation about healthcare and reproductive justice. We’ll be discussing how public health policies affect access, affordability, insurance options, and reproductive freedom. The conversation takes place virtually on August 26 from 1 to 3pm.

Register today: ncblackalliance.org/event/reprorights

Explore how healthcare policy, reproductive freedom, and elections shape access to care, economic security, and health outcomes across North Carolins.

08/14/2026

The new public charge rule takes effect next month, and the NC Justice Center just released a new resource guide to help immigrant community members navigate these upcoming changes.

The guide—available in both English and Spanish—features information about how children, sponsorship, and green card applications may be impacted. It also provides additional resources in other languages and ways to get connected to legal aid.

To find out if the new rule applies to you or a loved one, check out https://ncjustice.org/public-charge

08/13/2026

🚨 NO Atrium takeover of WakeMed!

WakeMed is pursuing a deal that would put its operations under Atrium/Advocate Health — a deal that could mean higher prices, less community control, and threats to care for low-income residents.

The Wake County Commission is holding its first — and possibly only — public hearing on this deal next week:

📅 Monday, August 17
🕑 2 p.m.
📍 Wake County Justice Center, Room 2700
300 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh

Speak up: NO Atrium takeover!

👉 RSVP at ncjustice.org/pack-wakemed-hearing

08/11/2026

Our Defenders of Justice Gala is around the corner, and we are so excited to celebrate with you! We are thrilled to honor five Lifetime Champions of Justice this year: Lariza Garzón, Celia Pistolis, Jackie McKinnon-McLean, Bob Phillips, Bishop Dr. William Barber II. There are a limited number of seats left, so don't hesitate! Sponsor today at bit.ly/doj2026

07/29/2026

📣📣📣TONIGHT at 8 PM!!!📣📣📣

Are you ready to fight for lower health care costs and a system that puts people over profits? 🤝 Join the One Nation, Overcharged Virtual Rally TONIGHT at 8 PM to learn how YOU can take action in your community. It’s going to take all of us. Register today:

07/27/2026

Health care should be a right—not a luxury. Join the One Nation, Overcharged Virtual Rally to to make YOUR voice heard and rally for change. Everyone is welcome, so tell your friends and neighbors! 🔗 Register today:

07/27/2026

Behind every budget are students trying to build a future.

This spring, Andressia had the privilege of reviewing scholarship applications for . The stories she read were filled with determination, resilience, and hope—but they also revealed the barriers too many students, especially immigrant and first-generation students, continue to face.

North Carolina's state budget is now law, but that doesn't mean lawmakers are done making choices that affect our schools. As the General Assembly returns to Raleigh this week, they can still make changes that better support students and strengthen public education.

Our students deserve fully funded public schools and policies that put people first.

What would a people-first education system look like to you? Tell us in the comments.