State and Regional News

To her, Hurricane Helene debris isn’t trash. It is full of memories — and she’s returning them

To her, Hurricane Helene debris isn’t trash. It is full of memories — and she’s returning them

By MAKIYA SEMINERA Associated Press SWANNANOA, N.C. (AP) — The tops of dried, bent cornstalks crunch underfoot. Jill Holtz’s gaze is fixed on the ground ahead. She wanders into the nearby woods and weaves between…

A stretch of a North Carolina highway that collapsed during Helene is about to reopen

A stretch of a North Carolina highway that collapsed during Helene is about to reopen

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A stretch of Interstate 40 through the western North Carolina mountains is reopening to traffic this weekend, months after Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding collapsed portions of the road, partially restoring the major travel…

Another $500M for Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina passes key hurdle

Another $500M for Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina passes key hurdle

By GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Another $500 million would be spent toward Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina in legislation the state House unanimously approved Tuesday. The measure, if enacted,…

North Carolina’s insurance commissioner is out of the hospital after heart surgery

North Carolina’s insurance commissioner is out of the hospital after heart surgery

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey was released from the hospital Thursday, a spokesperson said, 10 days after undergoing heart surgery that wasn’t revealed publicly until well after it occurred. Department spokesperson Jason…

Phil Berger’s confirms reelection bid, setting up likely 2026 primary with local sheriff

Phil Berger’s confirms reelection bid, setting up likely 2026 primary with local sheriff

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger confirmed plans Tuesday to seek reelection to his chamber seat in 2026, days after his home-county sheriff said he’d run for the seat regardless of whether his…

Arctic air sweeping south over Plains shatters record temperatures in North Dakota

Arctic air sweeping south over Plains shatters record temperatures in North Dakota

By JACK DURA Associated Press BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — More than 95 million people are facing gripping cold Tuesday as a polar vortex sends temperatures plunging to record levels, closing schools, bursting pipes and forcing…