Unemployment benefits raised to compensate Helene victims

Unemployment benefits in North Carolina are rising to a maximum of $600 a week. Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order yesterday authorizing the change, he said, to help people who are out of work after hurricane Helene. The benefits paid out by the state were capped at $350. The change would apply statewide, but largely go to workers from counties in the western part of the state. Cooper’s office says nearly 80% of new claims come from counties impacted by Helene. The executive order received unanimous support from the bipartisan council of state.