LOCAL NEWS

Madison County, tucked in the mountains of western North Carolina, has no hospital and just three ambulances serving its roughly 22,000 people.

This week’s Good News Friday roundup includes big “Giving Tuesday” gifts, rural improvements announced by Gov. Josh Stein, and a major honor for a Charlotte museum. 

Groceries are too expensive. The social safety net is weaker than ever. And people in NC communities could really use your generosity this year. 

On November 28, Maggie Valley residents spotted an elk with a toddler’s swing stuck in its antlers. Today, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission went out to help—here’s what you need to know.

Our picks for 3 things happening this week in NC: Iryna’s Law takes effect, despite concerns. The 2026 election officially begins, and the chance to be a viking in Oxford. 

A NC civil rights group says it is asking people to boycott US Rep. Chuck Edwards’ fast food restaurants, including McDonald’s, because of his vote to cut food benefits for poor people. 

Also known as ReBuild NC, the agency wasn’t good at rebuilding, monitoring budgets, overseeing contractors or helping hurricane victims, many of whom were left living in motels for years while their homes were supposedly being rebuilt.

A pair of breeding red wolves have been swapped for a wolf family living at the Museum of Life and Science. Plus, Helene relief sees infusion of state spending and new fund creates lifeline for classical music industry.

A new analysis showed the harmful life cycle from production to application of a widely used pesticide in North Carolina.

As ICE and Border Patrol head for Charlotte, local groups say they are training volunteers on how to protest and informing immigrants of their rights.