ReopenNC Coverage

ReOpen NC protester files federal lawsuit over arrest during shutdown

Monica Ussery was taken into custody in April 2020 while standing in a state-owned parking lot in downtown Raleigh during the first ReOpen NC rally.

ReOpen NC protester arrested for violating stay-at-home order; sues Gov. Cooper

Monica Ussery was taken into custody in April 2020 while standing in a state-owned parking lot in downtown Raleigh during the first ReOpen NC rally.

Joe Fisher, WRAL reporter

Proud Boys among several groups to lead rally in downtown Raleigh

About 100 people gathered in downtown Raleigh on Saturday afternoon for a rally that supported police and protested COVID-19 rules in North Carolina.

ReOpenNC supporters rally in support of Wendell General Store, against mask mandate

About 100 people gathered in Wendell Saturday morning to show support for a store owner who had refused to enforce the statewide mask mandate intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Raw: In Wendell, flag-waving protest counters mask mandate

About 100 people gathered in Wendell Saturday morning to show support for a store owner who had refused to enforce the statewide mask mandate intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

'Y'all are gonna kill each other:' Protesters from across political spectrum clash at Governor's Mansion

Protesters from NC Born, ReOpenNC, the Proud Boys and other groups from across the political spectrum clashed for hours in downtown Raleigh on Saturday.

Keely Arthur, WRAL reporter, and Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

Bars, movie theaters allowed to reopen with restrictions

WRAL's Leslie Moreno and Julian Grace had reaction from owners of bars and movie theaters after Gov. Roy Cooper announced both businesses could reopen on Friday with restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Frustrations continue for theater, bar owners still unable to reopen

WRAL's Rosalia Fodera has more on the frustrations that continue to mount for owners of such businesses as The Rialto movie theater and PLUS Dueling Piano Bar. Gov. Roy Cooper says they still can not reopen under the state's coronavirus plan.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Veto overrides miss their mark

Friday, July 10, 2020 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

Ashley Smith, leader of political org, holds another rally downtown Raleigh

Ashley Smith, leader of the political organization ReOpenNC, holds another rally outside the North Carolina Legislative Building. Smith is calling for the removal of Gov. Roy Cooper, and calls him a socialist.

ReOpenNC calls for removal of Gov. Roy Cooper

Leader of the group ReOpenNC, which was originally formed in opposition against the state's stay-at-home order, is calling for the Gov. Roy Cooper to be impeached on the streets of downtown Raleigh.

ReOpenNC calls for impeachment of Gov. Cooper

ReOpenNC, a large group that held several protests when North Carolina was shutdown and more once it started reopening, gathered again in downtown Raleigh on Wednesday.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL multiplatform producer

Around 7K people sign ReOpenNC petition against statewide mask mandate

ReOpenNC, an organization initially formed to protest Gov. Roy Cooper's stay-at-home order, rallied against the state's soon-to-begin mask mandate in downtown Raleigh Friday morning.

Maggie Brown, WRAL multiplatform producer

ReopenNC founder promotes 'Burn Your Mask' challenge

As public officials consider making masks in public spaces mandatory, Ashley Smith, cofounder and CEO of ReopenNC, is promoting a "Burn Your Masks" challenge.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL multiplatform producer

ReOpen NC hosts fundraiser for Ace Speedway

ReOpen NC organized an event to raise money for Ace Speedway. They raised around $1,000 for the business to help with legal fees, as the speedway owner openly defied the governor's order--before being sent to court.

ReOpenNC group holds rally, fundraiser for Alamance County speedway

The group ReOpenNC, who surfaced during the coronavirus pandemic to oppose Governor Cooper's initial stay-at-home order, is holding another rally and fundraiser on Saturday.

Luke Nolestine, WRAL photojournalist

ReOpen NC to hold news conference, fundraiser for Alamance Co. track

The ReOpen NC movement is holding a news conference and fundraiser on Saturday to raise money to help the Alamance County track owner who was forced to shut down after a legal battle with the state.

As rhetoric over reopening NC heats up, authorities watch for statements inciting violence

Where is the line between freedom of speech and words that promise or incite violence?

Amanda Lamb, WRAL reporter

Authorities watching statements during reopen debate for any violations of NC law

Where is the line between freedom of speech and words that promise or incite violence?

Protesters say push against pandemic restrictions is fight for freedom

On a day dedicated to honoring those who died fighting for freedom, protesters gathered in Raleigh to continue their battle against pandemic-related restrictions they say infringe on their freedoms.

ReOpenNC uses Memorial Day as backdrop for fight against virus-related restrictions

On a day dedicated to honoring those who died fighting for freedom, protesters gathered in Raleigh to continue their battle against pandemic-related restrictions they say infringe on their freedoms.

Joe Fisher, WRAL multimedia journalist

RAW: ReOpenNC holds Memorial Day march in Raleigh

ReOpenNC moves its weekly protest to Monday this week to hold a Memorial Day march in Raleigh and again push for an end to pandemic-related restrictions in North Carolina.

ReOpenNC organizers discuss continued push for end to pandemic-related restrictions

ReOpenNC moves its weekly protest to Monday this week to hold a Memorial Day march in Raleigh and again push for an end to pandemic-related restrictions in North Carolina.

ReOpen NC marches on Memorial Day after protester's comments raise concerns about safety

ReOpen NC plans to march in cities across North Carolina on Memorial Day in protest of Governor Cooper's decision to slowly phase in the reopening of the state's businesses. The co-founder's husband made comments that circulated social media, raising concerns about the safety of the march. However, he claims his words have been taken out of context.

ReOpen NC protestor's comments raise concerns

Comments made on social media ahead of Monday's ReOpen NC march raised concerns of safety​ and violence. Adam Smith, the husband of ReOpen NC's co-founder, said reopening NC to protect businesses and constitutional rights are issues some should be willing to kill over.