The year 2020 has been a rough one in a lot of ways, and that’s been reflected in the news – but here in Chapel Hill, there’s one brand new news outlet that’s guaranteed to warm your heart.

John Wortman is seven years old, he’s a rising second grader at Ephesus Elementary, and he’s been hosting his own local newscast, “John News,” all summer long.

His father Thomas says John got the idea shortly after the schools closed in the spring. They’ve been producing new shows ever since, covering all the top stories of the day – and gaining viewers from all over the country and as far away as Canada.

The “John News” show includes special features like a cooking segment – but the show also makes time for in-depth coverage of serious issues and some pretty hard-hitting interviews. John has interviewed psychotherapists and doctors, as well as Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger – among many others.

You can find “John News” on the YouTube channel of John’s father, Thomas Wortman. They’re also selling t-shirts, with half of the proceeds going to benefit TABLE, a local non-profit to provide hunger relief in Orange County.

Photo via Thomas Wortman.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
TABLE Soliciting Donations Ahead of Day of Advocacy School Closings
One of the main concerns after local school districts voted to close for the organized Day of Advocacy on May 16 was how to make sure students in the schools who relied on free-and-reduced lunch did not go hungry. Local non-profits are stepping in to help fill that void. TABLE announced this week that it […]
Weaver Street Market campaign raises money for families in need.
In January 2015, Weaver Street Market partnered with local food relief organizations including PORCH, TABLE, the Interfaith Council (IFC) and Orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM) to form the Community Food Partnership. The partnership jump-started a series of successful campaigns to provide healthy and nutritious food to people in need in the local community. “We had […]
TABLE Expands To Feed More Hungry Children
TABLE is expanding their service of feeding needy children to preschool and middle school students.
Chapel Hill Town Council's Adam Searing Not Seeking Second Term, Cites 'Heavy Lift' of Local Governing
Adam Searing, a nonprofit and health care attorney, described the Chapel Hill political climate as a major factor in his decision.
OWASA Details Downtown Chapel Hill Water Line Replacement, Major Road Closure
A significant OWASA water line replacement project is set to close parts of West Rosemary Street for roughly 18 months starting this fall.
Tech Company Announces New Corporate Headquarters on West Franklin Street
IotaComm, Inc., a wireless communications and data services company, will be relocating its corporate headquarters to the top floor of the office space at 200 West Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill. “We’re thrilled IotaComm is calling Chapel Hill home,” said David Putnam, the town’s economic development director. “Once again, Chapel Hill stands out among […]
Community Members Donate To Support Baxter Bar & Arcade Following Water Main Break
After suffering a water main failure, The Baxter Arcade and Bar turned to the community for support in the form of a GoFundMe campaign.
The 5:00 News - Local Government Meetings, Overdose Awareness, Chapel Hill Budget
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we check our local government meeting schedule, including the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners. We hear a story on Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell helping prevent an overdose death. We hear from Chapel Hill Mayor Pro Tem Amy Ryan on the Budget, and more.
Chapel Hill Police: Missing Teen Safely Located
UPDATE: Chapel Hill Police shared an alert Sunday morning that Kaydin Shelton has been safely located. The Chapel Hill Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing teenager. Police say 15-year-old Kaydin Shelton of Chapel Hill was last seen just before midnight Saturday night in the area of Legion Road and Ephesus […]
The 5:00 News - Drowning in Chatham, Chapel Hill Budget, State Housing Bill
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we hear of a tragic drowning in Chatham County near the B. Everett Jordan Dam. We also hear of Chatham County Commissioners plan to honor George Moses Horton along 15-501 through the county. We hear about the Chapel Hill Town Council narrowly passing their budget, a new housing bill going through the statehouse, and more. In sports we hear from UNC football safety Will Hardy, and more.
›