Helene

Heavy rain, flooding and a rock slide have again closed a section of the major cross country highway Interstate 40 along its narrow corridor through the Great Smoky Mountains.

Since October, the federal-state partnership program has processed more than 11,000 claims for over 800 victims in storm-affected counties.

The storm smashed into the North Carolina mountains last September, killing more than 100 people and causing an estimated $60 billion in damage. Chimney Rock, a hamlet of about 140 named for the 535-million-year-old geological wonder that underpins its tourism industry, was hit particularly hard.

The North Carolina House advanced another Hurricane Helene funding package on Thursday to address pressing needs in the mountains eight months after the storm caused historic flooding and destruction.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein made another request of state lawmakers to commit hundreds of millions more dollars to western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene last year. Stein's proposal announced Monday totals $891 million.

Damage so far has been minimal, mostly limited to flooding on low-lying roads and bridges, says Will Holt, director of Watauga County’s Emergency Services. 

Melissa McKinney has always wanted to be on stage at MerleFest, and this year she’s getting her chance. Her five-piece band, Mama & The Ruckus, will be one of eight acts competing in the festival’s annual band contest.

However, officials say market uncertainty and the global trade wars could have an impact on the vital summer tourist season.

State officials say more than half of people in North Carolina prisons have mental health conditions, and three-quarters live with substance use disorders. The new initiative aims to help those at risk connect with care.