“For years, do-nothing Don Davis has sided with his radical party to make Eastern North Carolinians’ lives more difficult, from trying to raise their taxes to attempting to deny historic investments in their healthcare. This November, voters will reject Davis’s record of failure and elect retired Army Colonel Laurie Buckhout to fight for them in Washington.” – NRCC Spokesman Reilly Richardson

DJ Vance campaigns in Greensboro

“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. 

Governor Abigail Spanberger today declared a State of Emergency to support Virginia farmers and producers in response to the statewide hay shortage caused by ongoing drought conditions.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced two key judicial appointments to newly created positions in the 30^th Judicial District, which serves Shelby County. The positions were established by the Tennessee General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session. 

Researchers at Harvard University followed 5,000 students for over a decade trying to figure out what predicts flourishing later in life—not just grades or income, but what prevents depression, drug use, poor life satisfaction, or a loss of sense of purpose.

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. 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Rep. Jen Kiggans for Virginia’s Second District. The U.S. Chamber is the leading advocacy group for business and endorses candidates for federal office who support policies that drive innovation, grow the economy, and create opportunities for American businesses and workers. 

Images have emerged of Democrat Ian Baltutis, who is running in the battleground North Carolina House 63 District, attending an anti-law enforcement protect that descended into total anarchy. The resulting clashes with law enforcement led to 23 arrests, including both felony and riot related charges.  

Trump campaigns for North Carolina Republicans in Gastonia.

The committee will focus on addressing the concerns about skyrocketing property tax bills and opaque decision-making by local (often Democrat) officials. 

NC College Connect announced that over 67,500 high school seniors across North Carolina already have a seat at select four-year colleges and universities next fall through its direct admission program that provides a streamlined path to higher education. Students can check their admission offers by visiting NCCollegeConnect.org and logging into the student portal there. They will also receive an official letter by U.S. mail in the coming days. 

Court of Appeals Upholds Auditor’s Authority

Rural Healthcare Grants

Kiggans passes legislation to promote safe beaches

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.