4+ hour, 14+ min ago   (992+ words) What began as a public update on one of Asheville’s deadliest recent shootings quickly evolved into a broader debate over gun policy, constitutional rights and the limits of local government authority. Two people were killed on July 19, and seven were…...

5+ hour, 55+ min ago   (972+ words) By Annie Dance | Cops & Congress RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — North Carolina lawmakers are expected to decide whether to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of House Bill 437, legislation that could outlaw unauthorized public sleeping and camping on government-owned property while reshaping how the state…...

6+ hour, 35+ min ago   (950+ words) The resignation of Anson County Elections Director Neva Helms after just three months on the job has reignited a longstanding policy question in North Carolina: In a Dillon Rule state, should county commissioners have the power to influence the operations…...

1+ day, 10+ hour ago   (150+ words) The economic subcommittee met virtually on July 21. Following Hurricane Helene, Gov. Josh Stein created the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western NC, which includes two subcommittees. North Carolina’s long-term economic recovery plan for Western North Carolina is in its final stages....

1+ day, 11+ hour ago   (115+ words) Hurricane Helene forever changed Western North Carolina when it struck on Sept. 27, 2024, costing billions of dollars in damage and killing 107 residents, according to state officials. As recovery continues, officials meet monthly to discuss priorities and recovery efforts. As a reminder,…...

1+ day, 12+ hour ago   (507+ words) A state audit of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety found $97.3 million in overstated and understated financial reporting errors before the agency received a clean audit opinion following corrections. The North Carolina State Auditor’s Office said the findings were…...

1+ day, 20+ hour ago   (269+ words) RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners has appointed G. Scott Webber as the county’s next county manager, selecting a longtime local government leader to oversee county operations. Webber will officially begin the role on Sept. 14, according to an emailed…...

1+ day, 15+ hour ago   (679+ words) FOREST CITY, N.C. — The Rutherford County Board of Education approved an interim budget for the 2026-2027 school year, moved forward with a major heating, ventilation, and air donditioning (HVAC) replacement project at East Rutherford Middle School and debated the value of surplus…...

2+ day, 13+ hour ago   (977+ words) By Annie Dance | Cops & Congress North Carolina officials marked a major milestone in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts as the Department of Environmental Quality announced it has awarded more than $1 billion in grants for water, wastewater, and resilience projects across Western…...

2+ day, 14+ hour ago   (135+ words) Substack Fourth Circuit Upholds Conviction of North Carolina Drug Trafficker Despite Partial Courtroom Closure A divided federal appeals court has upheld the drug trafficking conviction of a North Carolina man, ruling that a brief closure of the courtroom during his…...