Helene

With Grace and Grit: Replacing Helene-damaged bridges became a calling for volunteers

5:30am March 27, 2025

In the second installment of "With Grace and Grit: A mountain community responds to Helene," Paul Garber reports on Lansing’s Bridge to Recovery. The nonprofit was launched post-Helene to help restore vital spans that are not maintained by the state.

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Environment

More evacuations as wildfires burn in the Carolinas. Forecasts aren't encouraging for firefighters

1:49pm March 26, 2025

by Associated Press

More people have been asked to leave their homes in the North Carolina and South Carolina mountains as wildfires spread and the forecast for

With Grace and Grit: Six months after Helene struck, Lansing is reinventing itself, again

5:30am March 26, 2025

by Paul Garber

A few decades ago, the High Country town of Lansing was a struggling former train stop. But this century, it has seen a revival, thanks to new residents and businesses. Then, Helene washed away much of the progress. Six months after the storm, Lansing is again looking to make a comeback.

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Environment

Wildfires in North and South Carolina fueled by drought, wind and fallen trees from Hurricane Helene

12:19pm March 25, 2025

by Associated Press

Dry conditions, wind and trees downed by Hurricane Helene fueled wildfires in North Carolina and South Carolina, where evacuation orders were in effect Tuesday.

North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein speaks about his two-year state government budget proposal

Politics & Government

New North Carolina governor seeks to freeze tax cuts, phase out school vouchers in budget

1:04pm March 20, 2025

by Gary D. Robertson, Associated Press

North Carolina Democratic Gov.

Debris is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Another $528M for North Carolina Helene recovery OK'd by legislators

8:30pm March 19, 2025

by Gary D. Robertson, Associated Press

North Carolina lawmakers agreed Wednesday to spend another $528 million on still-pressing needs from Hurricane Helene's historic floo

Economy

Strong ski season despite Helene is a sign of mountain resiliency, resort executive says

3:14pm March 13, 2025

by Paul Garber

In the High Country there’s still snow on ski slopes and a couple of good weeks left to enjoy the winter sports, says Kimberley Jochl, president of the North Carolina Ski Areas Association.

Politics & Government

Tens of billions in Hurricane Helene aid to start by March 21

8:33pm March 12, 2025

by Jeff Amy and Russ Bynum, Associated Press

Tens of billions in aid for victims of Hurricane Helene should start flowing later this month, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins pledged Wednesday, but delays are already making it hard this year for some farmers to plant crops.

Politics & Government

FEMA extends Helene assistance deadline at request of Gov. Stein

2:16pm March 10, 2025

by DJ Simmons

Homeowners and renters with uninsured losses from the storm may be eligible to apply for FEMA assistance.

two people hug as they look at damage to Marshall NC

Politics & Government

North Carolina lawmakers close in on another injection of Helene relief funds

10:27am March 05, 2025

by Gary D. Robertson, Associated Press

North Carolina state Senate Republicans advanced a disaster recovery measure Tuesday to direct $533 million in additional spending to meet still-pressing needs from