The City of Asheville decided to let their city manager's contract renew for another two years. Prior to that, it was somewhat unknown how that decision might turn out for Debra Campbell. That had to do in part with some tough times for Asheville. Such as a water crisis, needed policing, and a pandemic shutdown. Asheville Watchdog's John Boyle spoke to us just prior to the contract renewal.

WUNC's Capitol Bureau Chief, Colin Campbell shared details of his story, "North Carolina Considers New Casinos". Numerous N.C. Legislators would like to add additional casinos across the state, with the idea of placing them in poor and needy counties, such as Rockingham. Unlike Cherokee Casinos, some of these locations wouldn't have to be on tribal land.

Reporter Jack Igelman of Carolina Public Press talked with WNCW about his informative story on helping Western North Carolina's North Fork and Broad Rivers. "A River's Destiny" shares how these rivers, particularly the counties they run through, are trying to gain important wild and scenic status that could lead to government funding that helps in their struggles.

Asheville Watchdog Reporter, Barbara Durr shared details from her story, "Asheville Businesses Feel The Pain of Tourism Decline." While the tourism decline wasn't major, this report says it was enough that restaurants and hotels in particular felt the pinch. Hear why and what's expected next.

Steve Harrison of WFAE Charlotte discussed news on North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein (Democrat), who's running for Governor, and shared proposed plans for the former property that was home to the popular Eastland Mall.

Colin Campbell, Capital Bureau Chief for WUNC (public radio) talked about a new political party that's emerging. Being called The No Labels Party, its supporters, Democrats and Republicans, feel if next year's presidential election comes down to incumbent Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump again, there should be an alternative choice. This conversation originally aired on July 19, 2023.

South Carolina Public Radio was spotlighted on WNCW as their Health Focus Reporter, Bobbie Connor, shared two different reports that were very much related to one another. They were on processed foods and the concerns they present to the human body and heart failure. We called it "Bad Food - Bad Heart", from July 12, 2023.

From Asheville Watchdog, Reporter John Boyle recapped his news group's 12-part series dealing with concerns in downtown Asheville. From a major water outage to policing and mental health to affordable housing. This conversation originally aired on June 28, 2023.

The Daily Yonder's Sarah Melotte was our guest, recapping her story on how small towns and rural areas across America, particularly in the South, are facing tougher times due to new SNAP Program requirements. SNAP is a government program that provides income for food to low-wage individuals. With reports of food insecurity on the rise, this change could impact many who need it most.

From Smoky Mountain News, Cory Vaillancourt talked about being on location at Pactiv-Evergreen, the longtime Canton paper mill on its final day of operation. The paper mill was in operation for more than a century and has been one of Haywood County's largest employers over those years. What's next for the area and those out of work?