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
‹
GUIDE: Where to Find Food Resources In Orange and Chatham Counties
Here's our guide to where residents in both Orange and Chatham can find food assistance and services as SNAP funds run dry.
On Air Today: The State of Hunger Relief Efforts in the Triangle
Aaron welcomes two local hunger-relief leaders to discuss hunger-relief efforts in our community - which are facing multiple pressures.
Local Food Banks Seek Community Help With Dwindling Support for Federal Programs
Local nonprofit organizations battling food insecurity are struggling to sustain the increasing number of families who depend on them.
Top Stories of 2025: Federal Funding Cuts Hit UNC, Nonprofits and Local Residents
One of the defining stories of 2025 was the impact of federal funding cuts on our community - from nonprofits to research and beyond.
Orange County to Host Emergency Food Distributions This Weekend for Local SNAP Recipients
For residents who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Orange county will host food distributions this weekend.
'The Needs Keep Growing': Local Non-Profits Discuss Impact of Lack of SNAP Benefits
After officials in the Trump Administration concluded last week they cannot legally use a $5 billion contingency fund for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid the ongoing government shutdown, the local non-profit TABLE said it will continue its work of fighting food insecurity in the Chapel Hill and Carrboro communities. Wednesday, October 29 marked […]
'Snooze' Eatery Announces Opening Date in Chapel Hill's Eastgate Crossing
Snooze A.M. Eatery has officially set a date for its first Triangle-based location to open. After months of renovation in the Suite 3 space of Chapel Hill’s Eastgate Crossing shopping center, the breakfast restaurant plans to open for business on Wednesday, November 8. “We’re excited to continue to grow our Snooze community in North Carolina,” […]
UNC Football NIL Collective Heels4Life Partners with TABLE
Heels4Life, the name, image and likeness (NIL) collective benefiting members of the UNC football team, partnered with Carrboro-based nonprofit TABLE to package food for more than 800 local children and their families Saturday. The weekend event marked another collaboration between the Tar Heels and TABLE, who last year hosted a donation event with former quarterback […]
Food for Students to Continue Serving Summer To-Go Meals
Students at Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and children across the country have access to free take-away summer meals.
'John News': All The News That's Fit For YouTube, With A Very Young Anchor
The year 2020 has been a rough one in a lot of ways, but here in Chapel Hill, there's one brand new news outlet that's guaranteed to warm your heart.
›