Lilly Knoepp | NC Local

Republican leaders chose N.C. Rep. Jennifer Balkcom as the new candidate for Congress, opening a spot for a new candidate for the 117th district in the NC House election.

ICE confirms Wilson Creek was its first operation with the U.S. Forest Service in North Carolina in more than five years. Community members and advocates are questioning why the operation took place.

The Republican candidate for the 11th district will be chosen by the GOP executive committee and is expected to be named later this month. While Edwards trailed his challenger in fundraising, money from his coffers could go to his successor.

Celebrations of Appalachian craft highlight the local culture and have become a part of tourism in the region. Here’s how craft trails are part of the regional economic strategy — and Helene recovery.

A trailblazing N.C. tax credit has been extended to support farmers, environmentalists and land conservation efforts for another five years. Supporters hope the credit will encourage conservation.

Messages from local party chair say Jackson County GOP stance not impacted by state party or auditor’s office, but expresses dislike of “strong arm” efforts by both to influence local board members’ votes.

Four research stations in Western North Carolina are operated by the U.S. Forest Service. USDA officials told NC Local that WNC facilities aren’t on the chopping block.

Sixty-six members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee were honored on the MMIR remembrance story walk with banners sharing photographs and details about their lives. Some of the cases remain unsolved.

Even with additional challenges, some candidates for local offices in NC choose to run without a party affiliation.