Today’s news
North Carolina Auditor Blames Former Rocky Mount Officials for Financial Crisis
Report finds 'poor personnel decisions' and 'egregious overspending' led to city's budget woes

Rocky Mount Faces Financial Crisis After Audit Finds Overspending and Mismanagement
North Carolina state audit uncovers significant decline in city's cash reserves and questionable spending decisions under former city manager
This week's local government meetings in the Outer Banks
Listings include county commissioner, town council, planning board, and school board meetings across Dare County
Recent news
Mar. 3, 2026
Tryon Approves Infrastructure and Community Projects
Town moves forward on dam rehab, trail expansion, and stream restoration with state and federal funding
Mar. 3, 2026
CMPD Chief Seeks More Resources, Raising Possibility of Charlotte Property Tax Hike
City Council weighs requests for more officers, pay, and technology upgrades as they draft a new budget
Feb. 27, 2026
Salisbury Lowers Traffic Study Threshold for New Developments
City Council approves policy change to trigger more traffic analyses for new projects
Feb. 27, 2026
Greensboro Narrows Police Chief Search to Two Candidates
In-person interviews with finalists to be held next week as current chief departs.
Feb. 27, 2026
Buncombe County Considers Unifying Fire Tax Districts
Proposed changes could shift tax rates for residents across the county
Feb. 26, 2026
Charlotte Names New Planning Director
Monica Holmes to lead city's Planning, Design & Development Department
Feb. 26, 2026
Johnston County Commissioners Schedule UDO Town Hall Amid Growing Public Concern
The public meeting follows weeks of mounting scrutiny over the county's proposed Unified Development Ordinance.
Feb. 25, 2026
NC Republicans Urged to Help Save Democrat-Run Cities
Entrepreneur Joe Lonsdale calls for GOP-led policy solutions to address urban challenges
Feb. 25, 2026
Hundreds Pack Benson Meeting As UDO Debate Grows
Johnston County residents voice concerns over proposed Unified Development Ordinance
Feb. 25, 2026
Johnston Commissioners Set Priorities at Annual Retreat
Key focus areas include communication, development rules, county facilities, schools, mental health, and senior services.
Feb. 25, 2026
Holly Springs Adopts Nondiscrimination Ordinance
Town council votes to recognize equal rights protections for all residents
Feb. 25, 2026
Local Governments Spend Over $250K Fighting Wilmington Harbor Deepening Project
Bald Head Island and Southport have paid hundreds of thousands in legal fees to oppose the $1.3 billion harbor expansion.
Feb. 24, 2026
Asheville City Council Approves Funding for Affordable Housing and Wildfire Safety
Council members take action on key agenda items at February 24th meeting
Feb. 21, 2026
Holly Springs Adopts Wake County Non-Discrimination Ordinance
Town Council formalizes enforcement agreement with county to extend protections within town limits
Feb. 21, 2026
Cornelius Outlines Departmental Funding Requests for Upcoming Budget
Town Manager and department heads present capital and operational needs to town board
Feb. 21, 2026
Durham Mayor's News Conference on Violence Disrupted by Chaos
Mayor Leonardo Williams' attempt to address community concerns was derailed by angry outbursts from residents.
Feb. 20, 2026
Graham Approves Design Phase for Sesquicentennial Park Relocation
City Council votes 3-2 to move forward with plans to relocate the memorial park amid public concerns over visibility, history, and economic impact.
Feb. 17, 2026
Asheville and Buncombe County Defend DEI Policies Against GOP Allegations
Officials rebut claims that diversity initiatives unfairly favor Black residents, sparking heated debate in the state legislature.
Feb. 16, 2026
Manteo Approves Cartwright Park Concept, Swears in New Commissioner
Town also reviews audit, fireworks contract, and attorney transition
Feb. 16, 2026
Old Fort and Marion Councils to Hold Meetings
Upcoming agendas for local government bodies in North Carolina