The North Carolina State Board of Elections’ recent identification of "approximately 34,000 deceased individuals on the state’s voter rolls" is prompting new questions about why more expansive database checks were not conducted sooner.

Gov. Josh Stein on Monday urged more spending on law enforcement, calling for pay raises, hiring incentives and expanded public safety programs — while acknowledging that final authority over the state budget lies with the North Carolina General Assembly.

Officials in Lake Lure are warning lakefront property owners not to place freshly cut vegetation along the shoreline, as crews continue removing storm debris left behind by Hurricane Helene, 19 months later.

Chimney Rock Village is rebuilding and reopening as it enters its first full spring and summer since the damage from Hurricane Helene, Mayor Peter O’Leary said in a recent update.

Lawmakers Hold Multiple Meetings but Make No Major Decisions as Rutherford Faces Budget, School, and DSS Pressures