North Carolina Leaders Seek $23 Billion in High-Stakes D.C. Visit

North Carolina -- January 14, 2026: Governor Josh Stein and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer arrived in the nation’s capital today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to press federal officials for a critical recovery package totaling $23 billion. The delegation, which includes State Senator Kevin Corbin and officials from across Western North Carolina, is highlighting a widening gap between local needs and federal support.While much of the public focus remains on the request for new aid, state leader