Several major projects remain underway in the western part of the state, including the reconstruction of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.

While many are hailing the project, some are worried about whether Swannanoa is ready for the influx of visitors the park is expected to bring.

The state’s Helene Disaster Case Management Program will now run through January 22, 2027.

The package includes money for temporary housing, private roads and bridges, volunteer rebuild groups and local governments. But the largest share — $450 million — would cover the state and local portion of federal programs.

State lawmakers released a $34 billion budget bill Tuesday morning that comes a full year behind schedule. The House and Senate plan to vote on the spending plan later this week, aiming to get the bill to Gov. Josh Stein's desk by late Thursday.

Transportation officials say roadwork will continue in the Hickory Nut Gorge area through at least 2028. Residents say they’re already fatigued from living in a seemingly endless construction zone.

Without more funding, Stein said, infrastructure and housing projects can’t move forward.

The two days of festivities included live music, a costume contest and a parade featuring dozens of creative, maritime-themed floats.

The Asheville Recovers Together grant program will accept applications from June 15 to July 14.

Transportation officials are hoping the project — one of the most expensive in state history — will lead the crucial highway to a more resilient future.

The state Senate is scheduled to vote this week to require more public notice for property tax increases. The bill stems from higher tax bills that result from a property revaluation process. Some local governments aren't lowering tax rates when property values increase to create a revenue-neutral rate.

It is still unclear whether Markwayne Mullin will continue Kristi Noem’s policies. He still needs to be confirmed by the Senate before taking over DHS.

The state has extended the deadline for the Renew NC program to Jan. 31, citing a need to give residents more time during the holiday season.

In a three-part series exploring chronic absenteeism in the region, WFDD’s Amy Diaz spoke with the school social workers helping students get to class, and above all, recover from the storm.

In a new three-part series about chronic absenteeism in the region, WFDD’s Amy Diaz explores how schools are addressing the barriers that prevent students from coming to class, starting with a focus on mental health.

One year after Helene, Asheville’s service industry contends with weaker tourism, fewer jobs and lingering storm trauma, all while trying to keep a happy face for customers.

Over the last several decades, areas of North Carolina became news deserts where finding local news was difficult, if not impossible. Mostly, that happened in rural areas. During disasters, a lack of news can result in the spread of misinformation, making it harder to get help and increase distrust of those who really do help.

When Darlene Kurkendall closes her eyes, she imagines the walls of her house falling away. She sees the people in her community — friends, neighbors, family — swept out of sight by a horrendous heap of moving earth.

When Hurricane Helene flooded western North Carolina, nonprofits scrambled to help until more permanent relief could arrive. This “disaster rodeo” follows in the wake of catastrophes, providing essential services such as water, electricity and communications. Many of those groups gathered recently near Asheville to revisit the community they helped 10 months ago.

Officials from the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina and N.C. Emergency Management were speaking in front of a legislative hurricane recovery committee.