A house fire in Stanley, North Carolina, has claimed the life of the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin and left his mother critically injured, according to officials.

The Forest City Town Council held its December meeting on Dec. 15, covering grant approvals, budget updates, and ongoing town projects.

As 2026 approaches, North Carolina residents will see dozens of new laws take effect, reflecting a legislative session marked by policy expansion, regulatory tightening, and unresolved political tension over the state budget.

Nineteen-year-old Hinson was shot and killed in her car while returning from a Christmas party in December 1981.

Laura Lane Wise, age 61, or Mt. Holly, NC, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the Wexford House in Denver, NC.

Shelby Jean Jenkins White, age 88, of Rutherfordton, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the Fair Haven Home in Forest City.

Ina Faye Bailey, age 82, of Ellenboro, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at Oakland Living Center.

More than a year after Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, recovery officials reported ongoing efforts to restore housing, repair roads, and implement hazard mitigation programs aimed at reducing future storm damage.

As North Carolina leaders highlight a record number of job announcements, state economic data show a growing disconnect between promises made and jobs ultimately delivered, particularly within the state’s primary incentive program.

Russ Ferguson’s confirmation by the U.S. Senate and swearing-in as the presidentially appointed United States attorney for the Western District of North Carolina caps a year-long leadership transition that began earlier this spring under the U.S. Department of Justice.

A Rutherford County domestic violence investigation escalated from a reported misdemeanor incident to felony charges after investigators confirmed that gunfire struck an occupied mobile home, authorities said.

Donna Buff Waters, age 68, of Cliffside, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby.

The Transportation Security Administration is preparing for a busy – and possibly record-breaking – holiday travel season through the end of the year. 

McDowell County authorities have charged 27-year-old Nicholas Gregory Pendley of Spruce Pine with felony larceny of a motor vehicle. Pendley was denied bond, as he was already out on pretrial release at the time of the new charges.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist Wadsworth’s mother, Joyce, who lives out of state. Funds are intended to cover travel expenses for family members coming to North Carolina, as well as funeral and memorial costs and other expenses related to settling Wadsworth’s affairs.

Court records show a district court judge, William Jones, appointed earlier this year by Governor Josh Stein, terminated probation for a repeat assault offender in April, months before the same defendant was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in Buncombe County.

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said on Dec. 23 that an arrest has been made in the homicide of an 18-year-old who was reported missing earlier this month and later found dead in western Buncombe County.

Jeff Lee, age 61, of Forest City, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025 at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby.

Candidate filing for North Carolina’s 2026 election cycle closed at noon Friday, Dec. 19, finalizing the field for local, state and federal races that will appear on Rutherford County ballots next year.

Santa Claus will make a special appearance in Rutherfordton on Tuesday, Dec. 23, as part of the town’s annual Santa Drive-Through, scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m.