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NC News Oct. 20, 2026

Vance Touts $858M in Helene Aid at Rally

Vice President JD Vance campaigned Monday in Hendersonville for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley and Republican House candidates Jennifer Balkcom and Laurie Buckhout.

He promised $858 million in additional Department of Transportation funding for Hurricane Helene recovery, saying it would rebuild eight major corridors, including I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge.

A protester seated behind Vance interrupted by shouting “Release the Epstein files!” Security removed the man as the crowd booed and chanted “USA!”

Vance’s Hendersonville stop is part of the Trump administration’s push to encourage GOP turnout for the midterm elections. President Trump will hold a midterm rally in Greenville today, with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. and his remarks scheduled for 7 p.m.

Article Icon 1Early Voting Surges across NC

More than 500,000 North Carolinians had cast ballots by Saturday, the third day of early voting for the November midterms, running well ahead of the same point in 2022.

Democratic turnout has climbed, while Republican turnout is roughly flat with 2022, according to Catawba College political scientist Michael Bitzer.

The open U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis tops the ballot and was a key focus of Vice President JD Vance during his Hendersonville rally on Monday. Former Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, faces Republican Michael Whatley, a former Republican National Committee chair.

An ECU poll conducted Sept. 30 through Oct. 8 put Cooper ahead 50% to 43% among likely voters. Cooper also outraised Whatley for a third straight quarter.

Article Icon 1World-Class Rowers Converge on High Point

The reigning world-champion U.S. women’s four will headline the High Point Autumn Rowing Festival on Saturday, racing an international crew on Oak Hollow Lake.

The Oct. 24 regatta, set at Festival Park on Oak Hollow Lake, pits Team USA against a World squad in a match that has made the Triad an unlikely stop on the elite rowing circuit.

The field is capped at 420 entries this year and runs collegiate, high school, and masters races alongside the marquee event, with a livestream planned for those who can’t line the banks.

New this year, dragon boat racing joins the traditional categories, and High Point University’s second-year program will compete on its home water.