Regional

Graphic courtesy of U.S. Census Bureau Four counties and the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina were selected to participate in the 2026 U.S. Test Census. This graphic details why the Census Bureau chose the area.

Graphic courtesy of U.S. Census Bureau Four counties and the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina were selected to participate in the 2026 U.S. Test Census. This graphic details why the Census Bureau chose the area.

Cherokee County part of test census

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Body Murphy – Cherokee County is among a handful of western North Carolina counties that will participate in a 2026 test census.
Photos by Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent Beloved Woman Ella Bird and native Cherokee language speaker is featured in the PBSNC documentary A Sacred Thread, which premiered in late summer.

Photos by Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent Beloved Woman Ella Bird and native Cherokee language speaker is featured in the PBSNC documentary A Sacred Thread, which premiered in late summer.

'A Sacred Thread' explores saving Cherokee language

News Staff
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Body Andrews Many people recently related the story of the first Thanksgiving, of how pilgrims and natives gathered to share a meal.