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Cooper Strategist Gives Republicans Wrong Election Day as Democrats Lead Early Voting

Democrat Roy Cooper's U.S. Senate campaign is drawing questions about disinformation as North Carolina heads into the final days of an election in which registered Democrats have outpaced Republicans in early voting. During the Oct. 30 State Lines broadcast on PBS North Carolina, Morgan Jackson of Nexus Strategies, whom moderator Kelly McCullen identified as leading Cooper's campaign, described Republican turnout as falling behind previous midterm election patterns. "It's not

Annie Dance

7 hours ago2 min read

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David Rakowski

David Rakowski, age 67, of Spindale, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.

1 min read

USDOT Awards $36 million for Future WNC Rail Service

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the N.C. Department of Transportation approximately $36 million as the state works to improve safety while reconnecting western North Carolina by rail. The announcement of $35.8 million in federal funding is for the project’s development, final design and construction and includes activities to support the upgrade of more than 40-highway-rail crossing signal systems between Salisbury and Hickory. The project will enhance rail saf

1 min read

Cooper Strategist Gives Republicans Wrong Election Day as Democrats Lead Early Voting

Democrat Roy Cooper's U.S. Senate campaign is drawing questions about disinformation as North Carolina heads into the final days of an election in which registered Democrats have outpaced Republicans in early voting. During the Oct. 30 State Lines broadcast on PBS North Carolina, Morgan Jackson of Nexus Strategies, whom moderator Kelly McCullen identified as leading Cooper's campaign, described Republican turnout as falling behind previous midterm election patterns. "It's not

2 min read

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Local News

USDOT Awards $36 million for Future WNC Rail Service

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the N.C. Department of Transportation approximately $36 million as the state works to improve safety while reconnecting western North Carolina by rail. The announcement of $35.8 million in federal funding is for the project’s development, final design and construction and includes activities to support the upgrade of more than 40-highway-rail crossing signal systems between Salisbury and Hickory. The project will enhance rail saf

1 min read

Cooper Strategist Gives Republicans Wrong Election Day as Democrats Lead Early Voting

Democrat Roy Cooper's U.S. Senate campaign is drawing questions about disinformation as North Carolina heads into the final days of an election in which registered Democrats have outpaced Republicans in early voting. During the Oct. 30 State Lines broadcast on PBS North Carolina, Morgan Jackson of Nexus Strategies, whom moderator Kelly McCullen identified as leading Cooper's campaign, described Republican turnout as falling behind previous midterm election patterns. "It's not

2 min read

Rutherford, McDowell voters cast over 24K early ballots

Registered voters who have not voted can head to their assigned polling place Tuesday, Nov. 3. Rutherford County recorded 13,572 ballots and McDowell County recorded 10,863 ahead of Tuesday’s election, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections’ Nov. 1 report. The figures include in-person early voting and mail ballots cast through Oct. 31. In Rutherford County, 13,230 voters cast ballots in person. The county also recorded 301 civilian mail ballots, five milita

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Regional News

USDOT Awards $36 million for Future WNC Rail Service

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the N.C. Department of Transportation approximately $36 million as the state works to improve safety while reconnecting western North Carolina by rail. The announcement of $35.8 million in federal funding is for the project’s development, final design and construction and includes activities to support the upgrade of more than 40-highway-rail crossing signal systems between Salisbury and Hickory. The project will enhance rail saf

1 min read

Rutherford, McDowell voters cast over 24K early ballots

Registered voters who have not voted can head to their assigned polling place Tuesday, Nov. 3. Rutherford County recorded 13,572 ballots and McDowell County recorded 10,863 ahead of Tuesday’s election, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections’ Nov. 1 report. The figures include in-person early voting and mail ballots cast through Oct. 31. In Rutherford County, 13,230 voters cast ballots in person. The county also recorded 301 civilian mail ballots, five milita

1 min read

EXCLUSIVE: Moore announces additional $11.2M in Helene funding

New FEMA awards follow last week's $13.8 million announcement, bringing additional federal commitments to Western North Carolina more than two years after Hurricane Helene. U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, R-N.C., announced Wednesday an additional $11.2 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for Hurricane Helene recovery, including repairs to Lake Lure's dam gates and a storm-damaged road bridge, restoration of a church in Cleveland County and nearly $9.8 million for Nor

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Business News

USDOT Awards $36 million for Future WNC Rail Service

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the N.C. Department of Transportation approximately $36 million as the state works to improve safety while reconnecting western North Carolina by rail. The announcement of $35.8 million in federal funding is for the project’s development, final design and construction and includes activities to support the upgrade of more than 40-highway-rail crossing signal systems between Salisbury and Hickory. The project will enhance rail saf

1 min read

From the White House to Main Street: Trump targets housing costs, federal fraud

New directives seek to reduce mortgage expenses and duplicative housing requirements, with potential implications for Western North Carolina. President Donald Trump is directing federal agencies to reduce certain homeownership costs and streamline manufactured housing requirements, changes that could matter to Western North Carolina residents buying or replacing homes. The administration also launched a fraud reporting incentive program aimed at protecting taxpayer dollars. B

2 min read

NC auditor’s tipline accepts confidential reports of government misconduct

State accepts confidential complaints about fraud, waste and abuse, with options for anonymous tips and supporting documents. North Carolina residents who suspect fraud, waste or misuse of state resources can submit confidential complaints to the Office of the State Auditor, including anonymous tips. The office investigates allegations involving state agencies or employees within its legal authority. Complaints may concern misappropriation or mismanagement of resources, viola

1 min read