In the final weeks of the Senate race, Whatley and his allies are renewing scrutiny on Cooper’s record during his final weeks in office. “I think it is laughable if Roy Cooper even tries to make hurricane recovery an issue in this campaign after how badly he fumbled not only Helene, but eastern North Carolina,” State Representative Jake Johnson told the Reporter in an interview. “He is trying to run from anything that reminds anyone of how bad he has handled natural disasters in this state.”

Stein says Cooper’s response to Helene too slow

This final assessment allows the Asheville Fire Department to determine that all who pass are ready to serve the community, from their first day on the job,  with the same level of excellent service as existing AFD staff – no matter the call.

“Serving as Interim Chief over the past year has reinforced my pride in the men and women of the Asheville Police Department,” said Chief Stepp. “I am deeply honored to step into the permanent Chief role and will work alongside our dedicated officers, city leadership, and community partners as we continue to build on our progress and move Asheville forward together.” 

Rutherford County approved for FEMA Funds

“Most wildfires in this state are preventable,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Human activity continues to be responsible for more than 99% of wildfires in North Carolina, making individual actions one of our most important tools for preventing wildfires. Before you burn, take simple steps to keep your backyard fire in your backyard.”

“The Mountain State Fair has become such a special tradition for so many families, and that was evident by the smiles you could see on people’s faces and the laughter you would hear walking around,” said fair manager Jeff Barham. “Being able to provide an opportunity for families and friends to come together, learn about agriculture, share delicious fair food and enjoy some of the music and entertainment on the grounds is one of the greatest rewards of putting on the fair each year.”

Mission Health’s Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA) celebrated four decades of providing critical air medical care across Western North Carolina and surrounding areas. Since the program began in 1986, MAMA crews transported over 31,000 patients, bringing high-quality healthcare across the region. 

Asheville Botanical Garden, a free-entry public garden, will remain rooted at UNC Asheville for decades to come under a new 50-year ground lease. 

Rutherford County tourism revenue remains below last year’s pace, but officials are pointing to stronger late spring lodging collections and continued investment in Chimney Rock recovery, outdoor recreation and destination marketing.

Republican US Senate candidate Michael Whatley and state Rep. Jake Johnson (R, 113th District) are calling for faster, more predictable construction permitting as builders warn that delays are driving up costs across North Carolina.

University of North Carolina Asheville Associate Professor of Music Toby King was named the new Chair of the UNC System Faculty Assembly.  In his new role, King spoke to the first Board of Governor Meetings this week. This is a prestigious honor, King is one of only two members of the UNC Asheville faculty appointed to this leadership position. His tenure as Chair runs from 2026-2028. 

Showtime’s Legit BBQ of Benson, captained by Kevin Peterson, secured a first-place win and $2,000 grand prize at the 2026 Got to Be NC Whole Hog Cookoff at the N.C. Mountain State Fair.

HCA Healthcare announced plans to invest more than $32 million in Mission Health facilities across Western North Carolina to strengthen patient safety, quality, and care capabilities throughout the region.

Proposed misdemeanor ordinance restricts firearm discharge, while state law expressly protects an exception for self-defense

“The N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame is a prestigious group of folks who have given so much of their time and energy to support the Mountain State Fair livestock shows. Both Cameron Greene and Mark Mills are deserving of this honor,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

HCA CEO Sam Hazen joined a roundtable of WNC Healthcare leaders to discuss issues

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and North Carolina’s Forest Service (NCFS) signed a nearly $65 million, 10-year Good Neighbor Agreement to support Helene recovery efforts. Under the agreement, NCFS will reduce hazardous fuels across areas of wildland-urban interface impacted by the storm and develop strategies to address non-native and invasive species that can thrive in the aftermath of landscape disturbance. The new agreement will increase the pace of forest restoration and bring new jobs to Western North Carolina.

Balkcom releases first ad

Mission Health highlighted its continued partnership with Western Carolina University to strengthen the healthcare workforce across Western North Carolina.