Headshot of NC Newsline Deputy Editor, Clayton Henkel

Clayton Henkel

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Clayton Henkel, Deputy Editor at NC Newsline, is one of North Carolina’s most experienced and accomplished multimedia journalists. She is responsible for NC Newsline's daily and weekly newsletter management as well as production of the weekly News and Views radio program/podcast. Prior to joining NC Newsline, she worked as a special projects reporter, assignment editor and managing editor for Raleigh-based Capitol Broadcasting.

As back-to-school prices rise, donations fill the gap for North Carolina teachers, families
North Carolina

As back-to-school prices rise, donations fill the gap for North Carolina teachers, families

Aug 20, 2026
Clayton Henkel
There is perhaps no clearer sign that summer is drawing to a close than the arrival of school supplies in big box stores and school supply drives in most counties. On Wednesday, Gov. Josh Stein delivered school supplies collected over...
As Meta faces trial for hooking kids on social media, NC’s attorney general offers parents advice
North Carolina

As Meta faces trial for hooking kids on social media, NC’s attorney general offers parents advice

Aug 19, 2026
Clayton Henkel
“This is the big one.” That’s how North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson described the landmark federal trial that got underway Tuesday, in which Meta is accused of designing its platforms to be addictive to children. Jackson and a bipartisan...
Egg-static: NC food bank receives first delivery from 3 million egg antitrust settlement
North Carolina

Egg-static: NC food bank receives first delivery from 3 million egg antitrust settlement

Aug 18, 2026
Clayton Henkel
One of the most requested items at North Carolina’s food banks is food that’s high in protein. Starting this week, hungry families will see their wish fulfilled dozens and dozens of times over. State Attorney General Jeff Jackson, joined by...
Veteran pollster David McLennan discusses attitudes toward online gambling
North Carolina

Veteran pollster David McLennan discusses attitudes toward online gambling

Aug 17, 2026
Clayton Henkel
As anyone who’s watched a college or professional sporting event in recent years is well-aware, the rapid spread of online gambling has brought transformative – and many would say deeply troubling – change to what has long been one of...
Wake Ed Partnership President Keith Poston on their efforts to equip public school classrooms
North Carolina

Wake Ed Partnership President Keith Poston on their efforts to equip public school classrooms

Aug 17, 2026
Clayton Henkel
All across North Carolina, students, parents and teachers are preparing for the start of a new school year and, unfortunately, one of the most vexing challenges that’s accompanied this time of year for the last several is the struggle many...
Three more NC localities weigh pauses on data centers as developer backs away from Raleigh project
North Carolina

Three more NC localities weigh pauses on data centers as developer backs away from Raleigh project

Aug 17, 2026
Clayton Henkel
Recent polling shows growing opposition to data centers in North Carolina. That trend is being reflected across the state Monday, with three more cities and counties considering putting data project developments on pause, while a proposal to build one in...
Stein set to veto controversial changes to North Carolina court system
North Carolina

Stein vetoes controversial changes to North Carolina court system

Aug 17, 2026
Clayton Henkel
Gov. Josh Stein vetoed House Bill 377 Monday, saying it would have a “chilling effect” on judicial independence in North Carolina. The bill, simply titled “ 2026 Court Changes,” would give the state Supreme Court the power to censure, publicly...
As summer heat waves intensify, North Carolina advocates push for farmworker protection
North Carolina

As summer heat waves intensify, North Carolina advocates push for farmworker protection

Aug 14, 2026
Clayton Henkel
When the heat index tops 105°F, as it has this week in central North Carolina, the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory. Meteorologists warn people to limit their time in the sun and advise that hot temperatures and high...
Even as inflation eases slightly, North Carolina families still feel squeezed from all sides
North Carolina

Even as inflation eases slightly, North Carolina families still feel squeezed from all sides

Aug 13, 2026
Clayton Henkel
Inflation cooled slightly in July thanks in part to a dip in gas prices, but many consumers aren’t feeling any relief. David McLennan, a veteran political scientist at Meredith College, told NC Newsline that there’s a disconnect between the data...
NC’s Labor Department recovers more than $3.5 million in unpaid wages, setting new record
North Carolina

NC’s Labor Department recovers more than $3.5 million in unpaid wages, setting new record

Aug 11, 2026
Clayton Henkel
“When you put in the work, you deserve to be paid every single penny that you’ve been promised.” North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announced Tuesday that his department recovered a record $3.7 million in unpaid wages for workers in...
In an uncertain job market, top economists offer advice for incoming NC college students
North Carolina

In an uncertain job market, top economists offer advice for incoming NC college students

Aug 10, 2026
Clayton Henkel
It’s move-in week for college students across North Carolina. And once students have gotten settled into their dorms, their attention will turn to getting the classes needed to fulfill their chosen major. But which career paths are a safe bet...
North Carolina high schoolers show improvements in mental health 
North Carolina

North Carolina high schoolers show improvements in mental health 

Aug 07, 2026
Clayton Henkel
One of the most vexing problems caused by the pandemic was the toll it took on the mental health of young people. Students struggled with school closures, isolation from their friends, and the difficulties of remote learning. But after years...