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State lawmakers unanimously approved a $273 million recovery aid bill for western North Carolina Helene storm damage. More funding is expected in the future as the full extent of damage becomes known.

Cooper signs Helene recovery package into law, with $273 million in disaster relief

<p>THE CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER AND THAT MEANS THE RISK OF SEEING FLOODING IS ESSENTIALLY GUARANTEED &gt;&gt; FROM MILTON LEANS IMPACT IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. THE TODAY STATE LAWMAKERS ARE EXPECTED TO PASS AN EMERGENCY RELIEF BILL FOR HELENE WRAL. CAPITOL BUREAU CHIEF LAURA LESLIE IS LIVE AT THE LEGISLATIVE BUILDING WHERE LAWMAKERS ARE EXPECTED TO VOTE WITHIN THE HOUR ON WHAT IS A QUARTER BILLION DOLLAR MEASURE FLOOR. &gt;&gt; JEFF LEGISLATIVE LEADERS STRESSED OVER AND OVER THIS MORNING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE THAT THIS WILL BE THE FIRST ROUND, ONLY THE FIRST ROUND OF WHAT WILL BE MONTHS AND YEARS OF RECOVERY BILLS RECOVERY A FROM A LIEN. THE MONEY WILL GO TO STATE COUNTY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO HELP THEM CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY RELIEF AND RELIEF AND SERVICES. THIS MORNING'S PRESS CONFERENCE FEATURED LAWMAKERS WHO REPRESENT THE AFFECTED AREA. THE STATE MANY SAID THEIR DISTRICTS ARE DEVASTATED ENTIRE COUNTIES WITHOUT POWER OR CELL SERVICE. NO GROCERY STORES, WATER TREATMENT PLANTS LITERALLY WASHED AWAY. REPUBLICAN JENNIFER BALCOMBE REPRESENTS HENDERSON COUNTY, ONE OF THE HARDEST HIT. SHE SAID WESTERN NORTH CAROLINIANS ARE TOUGH, RESILIENT PEOPLE WHO WILL REBUILD. BUT IT WILL TAKE TIME. &gt;&gt; TIMES WE HATE ASKING FOR HELP. I KNOW THAT MYSELF AND UP COMES, DYLAN GOING TO CRY, BUT HEADS. &gt;&gt; PEOPLE ARE STILL NEEDING HELP EVEN THOUGH THEY DON'T ASK FOR IT. AND THIS IS JUST A START. THIS IS A START TO HELP GIVE PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEED. &gt;&gt; THE 273 MILLION DOLLAR RELIEF PACKAGE ALSO EXTENDS MORE ELECTION FLEXIBILITY TO ALL. 25 COUNTIES INCLUDED BEEN THAT FEDERAL DEBT DISASTER DECLARATION, NOT JUST THE 13 WORST HIT AS THE STATE ELECTIONS BOARD DEAD VOTERS IN THOSE COUNTIES WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN THEIR ABSENTEE BALLOT TO ANY COUNTY ELECTIONS. OFFICER POLLING PLACE IN THE STATE. IT ALSO INCLUDES 5 MILLION DOLLARS IN EMERGENCY FUNDS FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTION. THE SENATE IS POISED TO TAKE THE FIRST VOTE ON THIS BILL AT ANY MOMENT HERE. AFTER THAT, IT'LL GO TO THE HOUSE AND IS EXPECTED TO BE A GOVERNOR COOPER'S DESK LATER</p>

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Cooper signs $273 million relief bill for Helene recovery

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Student cut in face, 3 teens wearing ski masks get on school bus in Enfield

Southeast Halifax High School

Hurricane Milton destroys roof of Tropicana Field in Florida

Hurricane Milton tore off the roof at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Western NC police chief recovering after bear attack, UNC System president says

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Some have been critical of the government's response to Helene. Here's a breakdown of how disaster response works

Small Business Administration Will Soon Exhaust Disaster Loan Funds

Franklin sheriff calls for county manager's resignation after she issues guidance for Helene reimbursements

Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White

Thursday could bring another opportunity to see the northern lights

Aurora forecast for Thursday, Oct. 10

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WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

In a trip through western North Carolina's mountains, railroad tracks are now snarled - ripped from the ground. Some remain suspended, hanging from the mountainside.



Some railroad tracks are closed indefinitely, could affect deliveries

Damage railway in wesern NC

U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, the Republican nominee for attorney general, is seeking damages after a pollster tied to the campaign of his opponent, Democratic U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson, asked about Bishop's legal career.

AG candidate Bishop sues Jackson campaign for defamation

Attorney general candidates

Dennis Draughon, Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Some find disaster amid the disaster! 

There is something about North Carolina lighthouses that inspired David McBride of Sanford to build close to 300 smaller versions of them.


Sanford man builds 300 mini lighthouses to uplift those facing life-threatening illnesses, including 2-year-old boy

McBride began building these lighthouses as he dealt with his own pancreatitis illness

Friday's game for the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center carries all the usual excitement for the start of a new season -- this time with hurricane victims in North Carolina and Florida at top-of-mind. 

Canes' game at Tampa Bay on Saturday postponed due to Hurricane Milton

Carolina Hurricanes left wing Juha Jaaska (54) celebrates his goal during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

People might have the chance to see the northern lights again in North Carolina on Thursday night starting around 7:30 p.m.

Fall weather expected this week, chance to catch northern lights ðin the sky Thursday night 

Northern lights

Get ready for a jam-packed weekend of fall festivities, live performances, and family fun this weekend. See our top picks! 

Weekend best bets: Fall fun, movies and more

Pumpkins on a farm ready to pick

By the time Hurricane Milton caused a construction crane to crash onto the building that houses The Tampa Bay Times late Wednesday, the newsroomâs journalists had already evacuated, fanning out across the region to cover the storm.

A Crane Hit Their Building, but the Journalists Were Out Reporting

Relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina are becoming overwhelming for those coordinating the donations.

Organizers want staggered shipments of Hurricane Helene relief supplies to maximize efficiency

Hurricane Helene relief supplies 

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There's been some confusion regarding the government's response to Helene in western North Carolina. So let's break it down.

Thousands of people have donated more than $900,000 through the WRAL Cares telethon. The Red Cross is using those donations to operate 20 shelters in the state, helping nearly 1,300 people with a safe space to stay. 

Help North Carolina rebuild: Ways to give money, goods, volunteer to help western NC

WRAL Cares

Musicians with North Carolina connections will collaborate to celebrate the Tar Heel State and raise money for hurricane relief. The Concert for Carolina takes place Oct. 26 at Bank of America Stadium.


Concert for Carolina: Sheryl Crow, Luke Combs, Eric Church, James Taylor to perform Oct. 26

Concert for Carolina Oct. 26, 2024

At least 121 people have died in North Carolina due to Helene, according to state data.



Tracking Helene's impact: Search county-by-county death toll, power outages in NC

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The 2024 North Carolina State Fair is a beloved annual tradition, offering something for everyone. From thrilling rides and delicious food to educational exhibits and live entertainment, there's always something to enjoy.

Your ultimate guide to the 2024 North Carolina State Fair  

NC State Fair Sky Glazer

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There is something about North Carolina Lighthouses that inspired David McBride of Sanford to build close to 300 smaller versions of them.

Community lifts 2-year-old boy with illness in prayer 

Local companies help victims prepare for winter

Coping with family trauma after natural diasters 

Organizers want shipments of Hurricane Helene relief supplies staggered 

NC election officials provide update on election changes for counties hit by Helene

Weak building codes making North Carolina less safe, engineer says

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Residents report health concerns, potential contamination after Hurricane Helene floods

Local News

Access to mental health resources in wake of natural disasters reduces long-term issues

Playpen on Amazon recalled, should be destroyed

Florida resident with Wake Co. ties describes preparations for Milton

Ethel Kennedy, social activist and wife of Robert F. Kennedy, has died

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Disney World and other Orlando parks to reopen Friday after Hurricane Milton shutdown

Milton knocks out power to millions and spawns tornadoes across Florida. At least 5 dead

'Our dreams were falling down the mountain': American and British climbers stranded in the Himalayas for three days

Africans recruited to work in Russia say they were duped into building drones for use in Ukraine

Catawba's own Christina Eagle has captured a coveted spot on Team Snoop Dogg on "The Voice" after a standout performance of Lainey Wilson's "Wildflowers and Wild Horses."


Catawba singer Christina Eagle joins Team Snoop Dogg on 'The Voice'

5 On Your Side: Vacationers getting mixed messages about traveling to NC mountains

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Beech Mountain Ski Resort announces opening date for 2024-25 ski season

On Dec. 17, 2022, skiers and snowboarders go down the slopes at Beech Mountain.

NC benefit concerts planned to aid in Hurricane Helene recovery

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Bicentennial Plaza 

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Fact check: Is government seizing North Carolina lithium after Helene?

Fact check: No, Democrats didn't withhold aid to right-leaning NC counties after Helene

Fact check: No, FEMA and other Helene responders aren't 'confiscating' supplies

Fact-checking 5 misleading claims about Helene relief efforts

State lawmakers plan to unveil $273-million Helene relief package Wednesday

NC Capitol

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Lawmakers ready to okay a quarter-billion dollar relief bill for Helene 

Health care staffing company plans to add high-paying 155 jobs in Raleigh's North Hills

Home insurers argue for a 42% average rate hike in North Carolina

Ahead of formal installation, UNC chancellor reflects on tenure, reiterates commitment to affordability

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Did weak building codes contribute to devastation from Helene?

WRAL In Depth

CDC investigating potential 'cancer cluster' at NC State after hundreds of people who worked, studied in Poe Hall develop cancer

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Much of Tropical Storm Fred relief money remains untouched as western NC regroups after Helene

Community event at NC State aims to address, reduce cancer disparities

NC State, 0-2 in ACC play for first time since 2015, hosts fast-starting Syracuse

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Western Highlands Conference sets next football games following Helene

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Pisgah hopes to host rivalry game with Tuscola at Memorial Stadium following flooding from Helene

After months of WRAL investigations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now working to determine if there is a connection between PCBs in Poe Hall and employee cancer cases.

CDC to investigate potential cancer cluster among Poe Hall workers at NC State

Before hunting for deep discounts on Amazon Prime Day, 5 On Your Side is warning you about the pitfalls to watch out for while you shop and after.

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WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty answers viewer questions related to the response to Hurricane Helene.

Answering viewer questions about Hurricane Helene aftermath

The North Carolina Board of Elections voted unanimously to give the hardest-hit counties more flexibility in how they conduct the elections.



NC leaders approve flexibility for voters in Helene counties

Before Helene there was Fred - $13 million was promised and few dollars were received by this town. WRAL Investigates North Carolina's long history of hurricane recovery and why funds to help communities rebuild take years to get to those in need.

NC town waiting for millions hit again 3 years later. WRAL Investigates why relief funds take years to help local communities

Many people sent WRAL News questions about the lack of internet and cell service after Hurricane Helene.

Answering viewer questions about lack of internet and cell service from Hurricane Helene

WRAL Specialists

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Vacationers getting mixed messages about traveling to NC mountains 

Helene shuts down mines critical to semiconductor production

If Helene causes a chip shortage, it'll be different than COVID

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Hope Mills man charged with murdering 25-year-old man after turning himself in

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Health care staffing company plans to add high-paying 155 jobs in Raleigh

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US jobless claims hit 258,000, the most in a year. Analysts point to Hurricane Helene, Boeing strike

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20 inches of rain cut off Fred's Mercantile on top of Beech Mountain

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