Sitemap - 2024 - Cops & Congress by Annie Dance

Exclusive video: A Rutherford County man's struggle for support

Sheriff’s office shares holiday message of hope and reflection

No flood gauges, no warning

Exclusive video: Donnie Haulk sworn in as Rutherford County Commissioner

Multiple people arrested for drug trafficking

Major methamphetamine trafficking bust in McDowell County leads to two arrests

Five dead in fiery crash in Rutherford County, police say there were no survivors

SCOOP: Leslie Lewis cyberstalking trial set to begin today amid free speech and accountability questions

Max Cogburn becomes second on federal bench to unretire after Trump election win

Exclusive video: December Rutherford County Commissioners' meeting

Why school police officers may not be the most effective way to prevent violence

Exclusive details: Local elected leaders lobby for federal funds

Exclusive details: Funds or fiction? Court motion shines a light on opioid fight

Temporary bridge completed in Chimney Rock, marking key step in storm recovery

Meet the North Carolina members of the U.S. House

Local news fades as U.S. counties lose coverage

Helping veterans every day: Simple ways to support veterans year-round

SCOOP: Suspect in custody following fatal shooting outside Rutherfordton restaurant

Free Concert at Mountain Brook Vineyards to aid RoCo Relief’s Hurricane recovery efforts

Exclusive details: Veterans on Patrol leader confronted by cops over alleged threats in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock

Mayor Carol Pritchett re-elected in Lake Lure as town recovers from Hurricane Helene

Ballot selfies are illegal in NC, except for one woman

Exclusive details: Rutherford County residents face uncertainty more than a month after Hurricane Helene, local deaths now four and 101 statewide

North Carolina Air National Guard mobilizes air traffic control for first time in Rutherford County airport history

Chimney Rock Village council discusses storm recovery efforts and rebuilding challenges

Exclusive details: Two arrested on multiple charges after brief vehicle pursuit

Checkpoint Chimney Rock: Police prevent 'unauthorized individuals' from accessing the town more than three weeks following Hurricane Helene

‘Rutherford County Relief’ concert weekend begins tonight to support first responders

🌈 🐾 New rainbow bridge comes to Lake Lure after Hurricane Helene's devastation

Exclusive details: United Way of Rutherford County awarded $3M from feds, unclear what its exact use will be

SCOOP: FEMA trailer returns to Lake Lure four days after armed threat incident

SCOOP: Rutherford County Sheriff refutes reports of "militia" after FEMA worker evacuation, one arrested

Exclusive video: Chimney Rock moves forward in recovery after Hurricane Helene

'Armed militia' threat prompts temporary evacuation of North Carolina hurricane response workers

Exclusive details: Rutherford County EOC confirms all 1,107 missing persons located safe after Hurricane Helene

North Carolina legislators approve initial $273 million in Hurricane Helene recovery aid

Exclusive video: Lake Lure town council holds its first meeting since Helene

North Carolina legislature set to vote on major disaster recovery bill

How Hurricane Helene became a deadly disaster across six states

Lake Lure officials respond to private helicopter incident amid storm recovery, 'Optics might’ve looked bad,' Sheriff says.

Cities are clearing encampments, but this won’t solve homelessness − here’s a better way forward

Exclusive details: Three dead, hundreds confirmed safe as Hurricane Helene leaves devastation in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Hurricanes don’t stop at the coast – these mountain towns know how severe inland flood damage can be, and they’re watching Helene

Rutherford County transitions from rescue to recovery efforts as FEMA and state teams mobilize nearly a week after Hurricane Helene

New photos of Chimney Rock Village reveal devastation from Hurricane Helene

Historic hurricane hits Lake Lure: Over 130 evacuated, officials say

‘It was a nightmare.’ Helene brought historic damage to North Carolina

Rapid Reaction: Historic Flooding Follows Helene in Western NC

Hurricane Helene hits western NC: Lake Lure & Chimney Rock rallies for recovery

Some elected leaders break silence after days of uncertainty following Hurricane Helene in WNC, others still silent

Chimney Rock Village devastated by flooding from Hurricane Helene: Over 100 rescued, recovery efforts continue

Hurricane Helene continues to batter WNC, Lake Lure Dam is in ‘imminent failure’

🚨 Lake Lure Tainter gates reach critical levels amid historic flooding

Rutherford County declares state of emergency as Hurricane Helene nears; Tornado touches down in Green Hill

Multiple people arrested on drug charges, police seek Duane Cooper for new offenses

NC man accused of plotting Trump assassination staked out FL golf course for weeks, DOJ says

Rep. Chuck Edwards announces new grants for WNC police: Is Rutherford County missing out?

SCOOP: Did a repeat offender target the Union Mills fire station during a storm?

Mark Robinson faces pressure to withdraw amid allegations, vows: "I continue to tell the truth"

SCOOP: Joseph Couch found dead in KY woods, law enforcement sources say

Exclusive details: Suspect in attempted assassination of former President Trump tied to North Carolina

SCOOP: ‘We are the firewall between this county being completely uninhabitable,’ cop tells commissioners

Exclusive details: Potential threat prompts extra security at R-S Middle School

Manhunt for highway shooter continues

SCOOP: Suspect arrested with enough fentanyl to potentially kill thousands

DOJ intensifies crackdown on mail theft, pushes for stronger protections

NC Senate passes budget deal to expand private school vouchers and mandate ICE cooperation

A day that changed everything: My journey from NYC college sophomore to journalist

Ohio woman arrested for allegedly eating cat; Republicans amplify unverified claims about Haitian immigrants

Trump and Harris set for high-stakes debate tonight in Philadelphia

Exclusive details: Former Rutherfordton ABC store manager pleads guilty to embezzling over $374,000

Mother's warning to Georgia school sparks debate over missed signs before deadly shooting

SCOOP: Union Mills man arrested for first-degree murder

Recreational marijuana sales begin on tribal land in North Carolina despite statewide ban

SCOOP: Shooting investigation leads to arrest in Rutherford County

Exclusive details: Police searching for suspect considered "armed and dangerous" after missing man found buried in Union Mills

Exclusive details: Major narcotics bust in Spindale leads to multiple arrests and seizure of drugs near a school

DOJ: North Carolina musician charged with music streaming fraud aided by artificial intelligence

Investigation errors in overdose death linked to NC drug dealer: A missed opportunity to prevent further tragedies

Inside the mind of a mass murderer: The Covenant School killer’s disturbing journal revealed

Rutherford County to test siren system today

SCOOP: Forest City man charged with assaulting police officer during arrest at Family Dollar

Exclusive details: Traffic stop leads to felony charges, Links to ongoing multi-county investigation, police say

Yancey County exits regional library after disputes over LGBTQ content

Republicans sue North Carolina elections board, allege flouting of voter roll review law

DOJ watchdog criticizes FBI's handling of child sex crimes, calls for urgent reforms

Exclusive details: NC man dies after high-speed chase ends in SC

Exclusive details: Carolina cops team up in ‘Hands Across the Border’ enforcement

Exclusive details: Food recall linked to two SC deaths

Federal scrutiny likely as Connecticut faces ‘Corrupticut’ flooding crisis: Infrastructure failures and homeland security concerns mount

DOJ: Army soldier arrested for using AI to generate child pornography of kids he knew

Lake Lure family celebration turns dangerous due to carbon monoxide incident at short-term rental

Republicans sue North Carolina elections board, allege flouting of voter roll review law

Stafford Act: Understanding its role in flood response

GOP legislative leaders struggle to unite in final days of Tim Moore’s speakership

SCOOP: Man arrested for deadly weapon assault following incident with teens at local pond

Complicated app settings are a threat to user privacy

Audit uncovers mold and safety issues in Buncombe County Sheriff's evidence room

Historic flooding: Infrastructure failures and government corruption suspicions emerge

Exclusive details: Vein Mountain plane crash probe unfolds

Exclusive details: DOJ secures expanded religious rights for NC inmates

Exclusive details: Defense contractor arrested after printing dozens of top secret documents

20th annual Lake Lure Olympiad: Race events and traffic alerts for August 9-11

NCDPS: Flood risks from Tropical Storm Debby may be over, but contaminated well water remains a serious threat

SCOOP: Rutherford County 911 Communications faces surge in calls amidst multiple emergencies

SCOOP: Overdose death investigation results in two arrests in Rutherford County

Democratic Party’s choice of Harris was undemocratic − and the latest evidence of party leaders distrusting party voters

Do you really want to know what it's like to be a police officer? Attend a citizens' police academy

Man gets 30 years for selling deadly drugs; More deaths under investigation

SCOOP: Fletcher man charged with soliciting a Rutherford County child online.

Fugitive stabs girlfriend, assaults man, steals cars, and kills retired police chief in wrong-way crash

New homeland security report reveals Kamala Harris’s proximity to pipe bomb

Donald Trump: 'I have been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln.' Interview delayed over fact-checking dispute.

Exclusive details: Kamala Harris's stance on gun control

Narcotics Detective Hunter Haynes seeks dual role as cop and Commissioner

Wanted: Poll workers. Must love democracy.

Exclusive details: Man crashes car into Forest City store

Struggling with a shifting opioid crisis in Marion, NC

Veepstakes have evolved from where you live to who you are − which way will Harris turn to balance the ticket?

SCOOP: Graphic pornography disrupts North Carolina State Interoperability Executive Committee meeting

State police warned Secret Service about Trump shooter, Pennsylvania chief says

Exclusive details: House passes dam safety bill introduced by Congressman Chuck Edwards

Until 1968, presidential candidates were picked by party conventions – a process revived by Biden’s withdrawal from race

Rutherford County Sheriff’s RIOT program calls for community donations to aid inmates' children

2024 Election: Municipal candidate filing closes tomorrow

SCOOP: Security breach at Trump rally raises alarming questions about agencies’ coordination and safety

Trump assassination attempt reveals a major security breakdown – but doesn’t necessarily heighten the risk for political violence, a former FBI official explains

SCOOP: New video shows man spotted on roof seconds before shots fired at Trump rally

FBI: Assassination attempt of Donald Trump was potential domestic terrorism

Trump’s raised fist: A historic gesture with varied meanings

‘One inch from a potential civil war’ – near miss in Trump shooting is also a close call for American democracy

A nation stands together: Resilience in the wake of attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump

If a presidential nominee drops out, what happens to states’ ballots?

Some police officers leave big cities for smaller towns to avoid heightened scrutiny

Exclusive details: Drug bust in Rutherford County results in two arrests

Odds are that gambling on the Biden/Trump competition will further reduce the presidential campaign to a horse race

Trump’s raised fist – how one gesture can be used by Republicans, socialists, fascists, white supremacists and Black athletes

NCDHHS audit uncovers questionable payments by mental health agency

Exclusive details: Three killed in small plane crash near Vein Mountain

The aging political class: Why older politicians dominate U.S. leadership and why they cling to power

Exclusive details: Home invasion suspect arrested at nearby residence

Civil rights advocate says new strategies are needed to protect people experiencing homelessness

Assault investigation unfolds: Asheville police probe incident at "ACAB" seminar

SCOOP: Shots fired in Rutherford County mobile home park, suspect arrested

Celebrating America's Birthday with Local Festivities

U.S. Supreme Court sides with Oregon city, allows ban on homeless people sleeping outdoors

Bishop and Jackson clash in heated NC Attorney General debate

SCOOP: Spindale shooting suspect arrested in Tennessee

Multi-agency police chase ends in arrest of armed suspect and passenger after shots fired at school bus

SCOOP: 35-year-old Bostic man faces multiple charges after failing to appear in court

From industrial roots to taxpayer-funded community treasure: The story of POPS

Supreme Court Strikes Down Bump Stock Regulation

Lt. Governor Mark Robinson Commits to Ending DEI at Moms for Liberty Rally

Exclusive: Victim speaks out about crime on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail

Exclusive details: Rutherford County Sheriff's Office investigating drowning at Camp Bud Schiele

Lake Lure provides an update on $7.7M infrastructure project

New video: A history of known crimes on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, facts & public safety

SCOOP: Convicted felon arrested after assault reported on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, Forest City PD documents show

SCOOP: There were over 1,600 911 calls Memorial Day weekend in Rutherford County

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Local councils help people coming home from jail, prison make the transition

Exclusive details: RCSO detention center officer arrested for providing contraband to inmates, Sheriff says

Border vigilantes are blurring the lines of law enforcement

Exclusive new details about law enforcement's growing surveillance network: Over 98M cars recorded nationwide in a recent 30-day period

Some states’ populations are very much like the US overall – including 5 key states in the 2024 presidential election

Heavy rain, light turnout good for Weatherman in NC primary runoffs

Second inmate found dead in less than a week at Rutherford County Detention Center

North Carolina's Second Primary Election: Key Races and Turnout Challenges

Cake controversy: Upholding respect and public trust through flag protocol in law enforcement

SCOOP: Inmate identified who died at the Rutherford County Detention Center

Exclusive details: SBI investigating inmate death at Rutherford County Detention Center

NC Early Voting: Second Primary Election

What’s in a VIN? How to decode the vehicle identification number, your car’s unique fingerprint

Why universities turn to the police to end student protests − and why that can spiral out of control

Governor: "Situation" impacting thousands on east coast from CT fire and highway closure

Four law enforcement officers killed and four injured in Charlotte

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Joins DEA for Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Changes in access to services for NC residents with disabilities after compromise halts long legal fight

Exclusive: Forest City Police Chief names officers injured by suspect

Today at the NCGA: NCDOT Acting Director exposes disturbing employee well-being statistics

"Today at the NCGA" by Annie Dance provides unfiltered access to North Carolina lawmakers' statements

DOJ: NC man who caused Iowa man’s death sentenced to over 30 years in prison

Tulsi Gabbard to visit Rutherford County for book tour

Rutherford County Manager's "Bullshit" Remark Caught on Hot Mic Sparks Controversy

Lake Lure is rising after the winter infrastructure drawdown

Exclusive audio: Rep. Chuck Edwards hosts surprise virtual town hall, engaging constituents in candid discussion

NC State Senator Ralph Hise questions value of runoff elections amid budgetary concerns (it's state law)

Today at the NCGA: Videos & news from state officials & lawmakers

Witness: Former WNC Congressman hit police car

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reveals why he has a raspy voice – spasmodic dysphonia explained

When Rogue Brokers Switch People’s ACA Policies, Tax Surprises Can Follow

In reversal, more areas allow high-speed police chases

WCAB Flips to Classic Country Under New Owner, Returning Focus to Rutherford County

North Carolina Auditor finds NCDHHS failed to meet federal standards across various programs, including over $39M allocated for opioid crisis

SCOOP: Man arrested for second degree murder following Columbus shooting

Rutherford County Sheriff: There were over 3,770 calls for service in March

Appreciation breakfast for first responders scheduled for Friday

Man Arrested on Multiple Felonies Following Narcotics Investigation

Exclusive: Court documents shine a light on Thermal Belt Rail Trail shooting suspect

Exclusive details: Lake Lure police apprehend homeless home invasion suspect thanks to community tips

Rutherfordton man arrested for Thermal Belt Rail Trail shooting and drug charges

FBI: 'No ties to terrorism' in Baltimore bridge collapse, investigation is ongoing

Disasters like bridge collapses put transportation agencies’ emergency plans to the test

Rutherford County has one of the highest unemployment rates in NC, tied for top in WNC

DOJ held webinars 'closed to the press' right before Sunshine Week

Union Mills man accused of sex crimes, child abuse and drug charges

Today is Primary Election Day in North Carolina

Exclusive audio: Duke Energy officials illuminate issues in Lake Lure

SCOOP: Watch & listen to what the Rutherford County Commissioner candidates said at a recent forum

Early-in person voting starts today. Who's on the primary election ballot?

SCOOP: Man charged with over 50 counts of possessing child pornography

SCOOP: Listen to six of the 11 Republican NC Lt. Governor candidates

The race to get to 30% in crowded North Carolina primaries

SCOOP: Man accused of starving five dogs to death and animal cruelty

SCOOP: Convicted felon arrested for human trafficking and multiple charges in Spindale

School board members could soon be blocked from blocking people

SCOOP: 35-year-old SC man arrested for murder in NC

Exclusive details: Former ABC store manager accused of embezzling over $392k since 2019 & obtaining a loan for $150k

Law enforcement 'failure': Justice Department releases scathing report on response to mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas

Wastewater tests show COVID infections surging, but pandemic fatigue limits precautions

Voters don’t always have final say – state legislatures and governors are increasingly undermining ballot measures that win

More Police Are Using Your Cameras for Video Evidence

SCOOP: 20-year-old woman faces multiple charges, including drug trafficking

Election 2024: Convicted felon Joseph Gibson to remain on the primary ballot - watch what he exclusively told Cops & Congress

What MLK can teach us about how to fight for peace today and why a Senator from NC said he was a communist

Human trafficking is serious, so why isn't a NC government-run podcast accessible for deaf people?

When can we stop worrying about rising prices?

SC man charged with murder following overdose death in Spindale

NC Governor Roy Cooper issues state of emergency ahead of storm

SCOOP: Paramedic indicted for sex crimes

Who's on the primary election ballot?

Five southern states had most of the nation’s population growth last year

24 reasons to support my independent journalism in 2024