Buncombe County

Mullin visits western NC, reaffirms commitment to cutting red tape

April 14, 2026 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin made his first official trip as secretary on April 8 when he visited Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village, areas hit hard by Hurricane Helene. During […]

Rocky Mount faces possible financial takeover

April 11, 2026 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — The state’s Local Government Commission delivered a warning to the city of Rocky Mount during its monthly meeting last week, putting its elected leaders on notice that any further budget missteps could trigger […]

State getting $233M more in Helene funds

February 5, 2026 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — More than $233 million in federal public assistance grant reimbursement funds is headed to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The funding reimburses local governments, utilities, state agencies and other eligible entities […]

Another $116M headed to NC for Helene recovery

January 24, 2026 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — Department of Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem announced last Wednesday that more than $116 million will be headed to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. “This investment will repair and restore critical […]

Local Government Commission makes $1.1B in financing approvals

December 22, 2025 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Local Government Commission approved financing totaling more than $1.1 billion at its December meeting. Key approvals focused on retirement communities and health care, including $395 million in conduit revenue bonds […]

$33M released for Hurricane Helene relief

December 18, 2025 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced another $33 million in relief for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in North Carolina on Dec. 5. “This investment will repair and restore critical public infrastructure across […]

Audit finds 914 inmates due cash back from Buncombe County jail

June 6, 2025 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — An investigative audit report has found financial mismanagement and withholding of cash from inmates at the Buncombe County jail. The N.C. Office of the State Auditor (OSA) received three allegations about the Buncombe […]

Local Government Commission approves major projects in Charlotte, Wake

February 13, 2025 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — The Local Government Commission approved significant bond packages for North Carolina’s biggest city and second-largest county. Charlotte secured approval for $400 million in general obligation bonds to address transportation, housing and neighborhood improvements. […]

NC schools receive Blue Ribbon recognition

October 3, 2024 A.P. Dillon

RALEIGH — Five public schools and one private school in North Carolina have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024 by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The schools are among 356 educational institutions across the nation […]

Torrential rains flood North Carolina mountains; Lake Lure Dam at risk

September 27, 2024 The Associated Press

ASHEVILLE — Days of torrential rains in North Carolina culminating with tropical downpours from what was Hurricane Helene have led to officials keeping a close eye on a major dam, the closure of two main […]