Hurricane Helene

New Trump rules increase costs for electrifying homes in North Carolina, particularly affecting residents in Ashe County who rely on affordable heating methods like woodstoves and propane. The impact is exacerbated for families still recovering from Hurricane Helene nearly two years later.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed a $34 billion budget with a 3% raise for state employees, a personal income tax cut, and significant teacher pay increases. The budget includes Medicaid funding, Hurricane Helene relief, and criticism over cuts to diversity initiatives and state positions.

North Carolina will receive $197 million in federal funds for recovery and mitigation projects following Hurricane Helene, as approved by FEMA. The funding includes support for debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and community assistance across multiple cities and state agencies.

Tennessee’s emergency management agency has transitioned to a standalone state department named the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority. The change aims to improve coordination across state agencies for faster crisis response, with Patrick Sheehan as the first commissioner. The department cited recent disasters like Hurricane Helene and a 2024 ice storm as reasons for the structural shift.

North Carolina lawmakers begin voting on a $34 billion state budget plan that includes pay raises for state employees, teachers, and law enforcement, income tax cuts over the next decade, and funding for Hurricane Helene relief. The budget, negotiated by Republican leaders, also addresses repayment for Charlotte's I-77 expansion project and is expected to be finalized by Friday.

Congressman Tim Moore announced over $4.7 million in federal funding from FEMA for Hurricane Helene recovery projects in North Carolina's 14th District. The funding will support debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and utility restoration in Morganton, Burke County, and Rutherford County.

Sen. Ted Budd opposes President Donald Trump’s $87.6 billion funding request, which excludes federal aid for Hurricane Helene recovery in western North Carolina. Budd highlights ongoing infrastructure and housing needs, stating current resources are insufficient. Thom Tillis, North Carolina’s senior senator, has not publicly commented but has previously opposed Trump’s funding requests.

A North Carolina bill to modify the list of counties under a property tax revaluation freeze (Senate Bill 474) stalled in the Senate due to constitutional concerns, despite Governor Josh Stein's support. The bill aims to remove Buncombe, Harnett, and Scotland counties from the freeze while adding Chowan and Pamlico, but faced opposition from Republican Sen. Steve Jarvis, who cited constitutional issues with a section of the bill.

Parts of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina remain changed following Hurricane Helene in the Fall of 2024. Rebuilding efforts continue with a focus on resiliency in engineering.

Sen. Ralph Hise discusses state budget efforts for Hurricane Helene relief, noting over 1,000 homes have been repaired or rebuilt, with more than 2,800 in process. State and federal funding totals exceed $13 billion, but additional federal support is sought for housing and infrastructure. Challenges include aligning state funds with FEMA guidelines to avoid reductions.

North Carolina tourism leaders anticipate a decline in visitor numbers, projecting the state will drop out of the top five most-visited states. Reduced visitors to the Outer Banks and mountain regions follow Hurricane Helene, according to Visit North Carolina officials.

The North Carolina Senate passed Senate Bill 595, which shifts enforcement of vapor product regulations to Alcohol Law Enforcement, requires licenses for alternative nicotine product retailers, and modifies research and development tax deductions. The bill, supported by all present Republicans and opposed by Democrats, includes provisions for financial exploitation prevention and hurricane-related tax credits but faces criticism for potentially discouraging innovation by spreading R&D deductions over five years.

North Carolina legislators are working to resolve differences between the House and Senate on a state budget, with leaders expressing cautious optimism about finalizing an agreement by the end of June. Discussions include provisions for state employee and teacher raises, tax cuts, and Hurricane Helene relief, though state agencies did not receive all requested funding.

FEMA announced an additional $34 million in funding for Tennessee to support recovery efforts from 2024’s Hurricane Helene and the January 2026 winter storm. The funds will cover debris removal, utility repairs, and infrastructure restoration across multiple projects and organizations.

FEMA announced $6 million in funding to support recovery projects in South Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding aims to assist communities impacted by these disasters.

A North Carolina food bank damaged by Hurricane Helene is deploying solar-powered trailers to preserve food and provide emergency power. The trailers, designed by the nonprofit Footprint Project with a $5 million grant, serve as mobile electric hubs during disasters and are being stationed in rural areas.

Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused significant damage in St. Petersburg, Florida, exposing disparities in neighborhood recovery. Older homes in Shore Acres show severe disrepair, while newer, elevated homes remain unaffected. Rising insurance costs and climate risks are reshaping Florida's property markets and housing finance systems.

The North Carolina Senate Judiciary committee revived a bill banning unauthorized homeless encampments outside official city-maintained sites. The amendment, attached to House Bill 437, requires local governments to provide designated camps with sanitation and safety measures, but faced Democratic criticism over practicality and regional disparities.

Residents of Western North Carolina mountain communities are preparing for hurricane season amid lingering trauma from Hurricane Helene, which killed over 100 people and destroyed homes two years ago. Survivors like Jackie Fenstermacher and her sister Cynthia Dunn describe ongoing struggles with temporary housing and anxiety about future storms. Buncombe County has approved funding to build a standalone emergency operations center in response to the disaster.

Virginia officials, including Gov. Abigail Spanberger, are urging residents to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1. They highlighted lessons from Hurricane Helene's 2024 damage and emphasized pre-storm preparedness through simulations and coordination among emergency agencies.

North Carolina experienced a 33% increase in homelessness in 2024-25, the largest percentage rise in the U.S., driven largely by Hurricane Helene, which displaced nearly 4,000 people in western North Carolina. The 2025 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report attributes the surge to infrastructure loss and reduced affordable housing, with challenges persisting in rural and urban areas.

Federal data shows a 3% decline in U.S. homelessness between 2024 and 2025, with 745,652 people homeless in January 2025. However, 28 states reported increases, including North Carolina (33% rise due to Hurricane Helene), while Hawaii and Illinois saw the largest percentage decreases (41% and 44%, respectively).

North Carolina lawmakers face uncertainty over meeting a mid-June budget deadline, with Gov. Josh Stein expressing cautious optimism. A proposed deal includes raises for teachers, state workers, and law enforcement, but details remain unfinalized. Stein also emphasized the need for additional Hurricane Helene relief funding for western North Carolina.

Extreme weather events like hurricanes and wildfires can cause anxiety, but mental health experts recommend creating safety plans and emergency kits to reduce stress. Preparation, seeking support, and maintaining routines after disasters are emphasized, along with resources from organizations like the American Red Cross. The article highlights personal experiences, including a restaurant owner's response to Hurricane Helene.

Federal data shows a 3% decline in U.S. homelessness between 2024 and 2025, driven by fewer people in emergency shelters and unsheltered populations. However, 28 states reported increases, with North Carolina’s homeless population rising 33% due to Hurricane Helene, while Hawaii and Illinois saw the largest percentage decreases.

Federal data shows a 3% decline in U.S. homelessness from 2024 to 2025, but 28 states reported increases, with North Carolina seeing the largest rise (33%) due to Hurricane Helene. The Trump administration highlighted a 27% increase since 2013, criticizing 'housing first' policies, while Hawaii and Illinois saw the largest decreases (41% and 44%).

The U.S. homeless population declined by 3% in 2025 compared to 2024, driven by fewer people in emergency shelters and unsheltered settings. However, 28 states reported increases, including North Carolina (33%), Oregon (19%), and Maryland (17%), while Hawaii and Illinois saw the largest decreases. The Trump administration attributed the overall 27% rise since 2013 to ineffective 'housing first' policies.

Federal data shows a 3% decline in U.S. homelessness between 2024 and 2025, driven by fewer people in emergency shelters and unsheltered populations. However, 28 states reported increases, including North Carolina (33% rise due to Hurricane Helene), while Hawaii and Illinois saw the largest percentage decreases.

The U.S. homeless population declined by 3% in 2025 compared to 2024, driven by fewer people in emergency shelters and unsheltered settings. However, homelessness increased in 28 states, with North Carolina seeing a 33% rise due to Hurricane Helene. Hawaii and Illinois reported the largest percentage decreases (41% and 44%, respectively).

Black bears in Tennessee face increasing threats from climate change and human interaction. Rising bear encounters, driven by scavenging for food and habitat disruption, are linked to extreme weather events and drought. Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats and managing human-bear conflicts.

The Georgia Public Service Commission approved a fuel rate decrease for Georgia Power, effective June 1, which is expected to lower power bills for millions of Georgians. The decision followed a deal between Georgia Power, the commission’s public interest advocacy staff, and intervening parties, resulting in a $4 monthly reduction for a typical 1000-kilowatt-hour customer. The change offsets hurricane cleanup costs and addresses concerns about cost-shifting to ordinary customers.

NOAA predicts a below-average 2024 Atlantic hurricane season for Virginia, with up to 14 named storms and six hurricanes, influenced by El Niño conditions. Historical hurricanes like Irene (2011) and an unnamed 1933 storm highlight regional risks, while officials emphasize preparedness despite the 'below average' projection.

A natural disaster in North Carolina highlighted the challenges faced by individuals recovering from opioid addiction in accessing essential medications. A group of doctors is urging federal lawmakers to improve access to substance use medications during severe weather emergencies. Climate change threatens to exacerbate the opioid crisis in the US.

Asheville, North Carolina, once a popular mountain destination, faces rising homelessness and crime after Hurricane Helene, with critics blaming decades of ineffective policies and political shifts. Former City Council member Carl Mumpower argues that liberal-led governance and defunded policing have exacerbated issues like public intoxication and encampments, while data shows a 9.1% increase in homelessness since 2025.

A wildfire in southeast Georgia has destroyed nearly 90 homes and spread across 8 square miles, with 15% containment as officials warn of potential rapid escalation. Evacuations are ongoing, and over 150 wildfires are active in Georgia and Florida, exacerbated by climate change, drought, and debris from Hurricane Helene.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) thanked DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin for approving over $200 million in FEMA funding to support hurricane recovery in western North Carolina, which was devastated by Hurricane Helene two years ago.

Wildfires in southern Georgia and Florida have forced hundreds of residents to evacuate, destroying over 50 homes and creating hazardous air quality conditions across the Southeast. The fires, fueled by drought, strong winds, and debris from Hurricane Helene, remain only partially contained, leaving evacuees uncertain about the fate of their properties.

FBI personnel are actively supporting response and recovery efforts in communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The agency is working around the clock alongside first responders to assist in rebuilding initiatives.