Strong fundraising by Democratic candidate Jamie Ager hints that race with Balkcom could be heated despite district's usual GOP slant.

GOP picks Balkcom to run in place of Edwards for NC congressional seat is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

The Rural Health Transformation Program could offer significant healthcare access improvements to the NC mountains.

Transforming healthcare in Western NC is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Even if HCA's operation of Mission Health is found in noncompliance, it may be able to wait out the expiration of the purchase stipulations.

Noncompliance issues plague Mission Health. But time might be on its side. is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Helene turned some NC mountain communities into food deserts. Nonprofit efforts stepping forward with answers while stores remain closed.

Tackling the NC food deserts that Helene created is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.