This is a particularly strong endorsement, following a more tepid, yet still notable endorsement from the state's largest newspaper (and sister paper) the Charlotte Observer.
For those unfamiliar, the Raleigh News & Observer, while shrinking as all papers are, is arguably the most prominent and influential newspaper in the state.
A selection on Obama:
Obama’s policies, including his economic stimulus efforts, have helped to reduce unemployment and create jobs, and in many parts of the country (including urban North Carolina) even the housing market is improving. There is hope. If one doesn’t believe it, ask workers in the auto industry, many of whose jobs were saved because of policies backed by the Obama White House.
Concerning Romney, the N&O took the high road, but were scathing nonetheless:
Romney, born to privilege, also erred (though he didn’t know it) with secretly recorded comments to a group of donors that 47 percent of Americans were dependent on government and perfectly happy to be so.
That the group included those on Social Security and in the military didn’t seem to occur to him, and he later apologized. But it is fair to wonder if he meant what he said, the first time.
I haven't done an extensive search of North Carolina newspapers to find other endorsements. Perhaps some of you might know of others.