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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
Annie Dance
11 minutes ago2 min read
Latest News
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
Daniel McKeown
Daniel McKeown, age 76, of Mooresboro, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Colonial Manor in Rutherfordton.
1 min read
Rita Davis
Rita Davis, age 69, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Rita was born Monday, April 15, 1957 in Rutherford County to the late Joe Tesseneer and Alberta Crotts Tesseneer. She was a dedicated homemaker who loved her family dearly. Rita enjoyed going out shopping and was a butterfly enthusiast. She attended Long Branch Road Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Lynch an
1 min read
Local News
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
Moore announces $13.85 million for Helene recovery
Lake Lure parks and pedestrian bridge, Rutherfordton school buildings and Polk County debris removal are covered by five FEMA awards. More than two years after Hurricane Helene, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore announced $13.85 million in federal recovery funding on Thursday for projects in Lake Lure, Rutherfordton and Polk County. The five Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awards cover public facilities and debris removal. About $8.7 million is designated for Lake Lure, where th
2 min read
Helene recovery update leaves key questions unanswered
More than two years after the storm, state figures document federal approvals but leave gaps in tracking completed buyouts and time spent waiting. More than two years after Hurricane Helene, North Carolina reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than 600 properties for voluntary buyouts. Its latest recovery newsletter does not say how many purchases have closed, how many homeowners have been paid or how long approved projects are taking t
4 min read
Regional News
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
Moore announces $13.85 million for Helene recovery
Lake Lure parks and pedestrian bridge, Rutherfordton school buildings and Polk County debris removal are covered by five FEMA awards. More than two years after Hurricane Helene, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore announced $13.85 million in federal recovery funding on Thursday for projects in Lake Lure, Rutherfordton and Polk County. The five Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awards cover public facilities and debris removal. About $8.7 million is designated for Lake Lure, where th
2 min read
Helene recovery update leaves key questions unanswered
More than two years after the storm, state figures document federal approvals but leave gaps in tracking completed buyouts and time spent waiting. More than two years after Hurricane Helene, North Carolina reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than 600 properties for voluntary buyouts. Its latest recovery newsletter does not say how many purchases have closed, how many homeowners have been paid or how long approved projects are taking t
4 min read
Business News
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
NC fuel tax pause offers relief for drivers
Stein signs law suspending the 41-cent-per-gallon tax through Nov. 30, with additional relief for farmers Rutherford County drivers could save $6.15 on a 15-gallon fill-up under a temporary suspension of North Carolina’s motor fuel excise tax, provided the full tax reduction reaches the pump. Gov. Josh Stein signed House Bill 3, the Relief at the Pump Act, on Oct. 9 in Fairview. The suspension began Oct. 10 and runs through Nov. 30, covering gasoline, diesel and alternative f
2 min read
Obituaries
Daniel McKeown
Daniel McKeown, age 76, of Mooresboro, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Colonial Manor in Rutherfordton.
1 min read
Rita Davis
Rita Davis, age 69, of Forest City, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Rita was born Monday, April 15, 1957 in Rutherford County to the late Joe Tesseneer and Alberta Crotts Tesseneer. She was a dedicated homemaker who loved her family dearly. Rita enjoyed going out shopping and was a butterfly enthusiast. She attended Long Branch Road Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Lynch an
1 min read
Anna Marie Paul
Anna Marie Paul, age 63, of Ellenboro, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
1 min read
Harrelson Funeral Home
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