Latest news with #I-40
Axios
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Axios
NC GOP congressman unveils a plan to fix FEMA
The White House should reform FEMA rather than abolish it, western North Carolina Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards said in a report to President Trump this week. Why it matters: In releasing the report, Edwards, who Trump tapped in January for a task force to accelerate the state's recovery from Hurricane Helene, joined a chorus of Republicans who've argued the president should keep FEMA rather than eliminate it as he has suggested. Driving the news: Edwards' 62-page report, which comes some six months after Helene ravaged his district in the mountains, details numerous ways the Trump administration can aid Helene recovery in North Carolina through executive orders, legislation and proclamations specific to the state, along with broader changes to how FEMA operates. What they're saying: "Western North Carolina also cannot afford for recovery to be interrupted by total terminations of critical recovery programs," Edwards said in the report released Tuesday. The big picture: Trump, who had criticized the federal government's response to Helene during his campaign last year, has indicated Helene recovery is a top priority for administration. The president's first trip after assuming office in January was to western North Carolina. "I'll be taking strong action to get North Carolina the support that you need to quickly recover and rebuild," Trump said during his visit. "We're working on it very hard." He also indicated his interest in getting rid of FEMA: "I think we're going to recommend that FEMA go away and we pay directly — we pay a percentage to the state." The intrigue: Edwards proposes that instead of dismantling FEMA, the federal government should simplify its processes, including by creating a universal application for disaster assistance, modernizing its IT systems and changing how it administers some programs. Some of those recommendations contradict actions the Trump administration has already taken, per NOTUS. It has ended a FEMA program that Edwards recommends reforming, for example. This month, the administration asked Edwards to delay rolling out his recommendations and requested more time to review them. Meanwhile, the administration moved forward with cuts to the agency, NOTUS reported. Zoom in: Edwards also made numerous recommendations for how the federal government can better aid western North Carolina, including by allowing reimbursements for repairs of private roads and bridges and increasing the federal government's cost share for repairs to I-40 to 100%, up from 90%.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
More remains found in crash debris; rescue on Camelback Mountain
From the tragic discovery of more human remains being found 10 days after a deadly I-40 crash, to the rescue of an unconscious man on Camelback Mountain, here are tonight's top stories.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Carolina Catholic college president announces retirement
Belmont Abbey College President Bill Thierfelder announced his retirement on Thursday after 21 years of service at the college. Thierfelder announced that he plans to retire effective Aug. 2, 2025, on the 21st anniversary of his leadership at the college. He began his leadership in 2004 as the 20th president of Belmont Abbey College, a Catholic liberal arts institution. Some of the accomplishments Thierfelder achieved during his time as president include the reinvigoration of the college's Catholic identity, enhancing programs, residence halls, and facilities, and launching a $150 million capital campaign. READ: Ex-UNCW student sues Highway Patrol over wrongful DWI charges after fatal I-40 crash 'Serving as president of Belmont Abbey College has been the joy of a lifetime,' Thierfelder said. 'Together with an incredible team of administrators, faculty, and staff, we have achieved tremendous milestones. I am deeply grateful to our students, alumni, and supporters for their commitment to our shared mission. I have overwhelming gratitude to God for giving me this charge and the grace of the confidence to know that I am leaving the college a more secure, more stable, and more faithful place dedicated to His mission.' Thierfelder said he plans to return to Belmont Abbey College in the fall of 2026 as a faculty member. The Board of Trustees is engaging in a national search for Thierfelder's replacement. WATCH: Couple accused of stealing from monks at Belmont Abbey College
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
Man killed in Hot Springs shooting, suspect arrested
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Police in Hot Springs have arrested a man in connection to a deadly Wednesday night shooting. According to the Hot Springs Police Department, officers were called to a shooting in the 100 block of North Mission Street at 10:16 p.m. Wednesday. ASP: Man arrested in December I-40 deadly shooting of Little Rock teen After arriving, officers said they found 36-year-old Dewayne Franklin Jr. inside the house after being shot. Police said he was taken to a local hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries. Detectives said 46-year-old Jerry Wayne Burks Jr. was arrested in connection to the shooting. He is being held at the Garland County Detention Center without bond. Mother of Little Rock homicide victim said son was killed while trying to sell shoes on Facebook Marketplace Burks was initially facing charges of first-degree battery and possession of firearm by certain person, but investigators said they are discussing with the Garland County prosecuting attorney about changes to the charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Winter storm threatens 10 million with severe weather as strong tornadoes, damaging wind possible
The winter storm bringing heavy snow and ice to parts of the Midwest will also bring the threat of severe weather to parts of the South and Southeast on Wednesday. Wednesday's threat of severe weather includes the potential for strong tornadoes and damaging wind. The area of greatest concern covers large portions of southern Mississippi and Alabama from Hattiesburg to Montgomery, which has been raised to a Level 3 out of 5 threat. A wider threat area of severe storms stretches from Lake Charles, Louisiana to Atlanta. While the focus will be on any severe weather, heavy rain and flash flooding will also be a concern for additional places in the Southeast. Chicago Faces Biggest Snowstorm Of Season As High-impact Winter Storm Unleashes Thundersnow, Ice In Midwest According to the FOX Forecast Center, the first round of thunderstorms and heavy rain will move across Louisiana and Mississippi. In the afternoon, these storms might get strong enough to bring damaging winds and even strong tornadoes across central and southern Mississippi and Alabama. Another round of thunderstorms is expected in the same areas during the evening and overnight. A Tornado Watch is in effect for several Southern Louisiana parishes and Southern Mississippi counties until 8 p.m. local time Wednesday. The strength of these storms will depend on how many develop earlier in the afternoon. Greater storm coverage would deplete atmospheric energy and reduce the nighttime threat, according to the FOX Forecast Center. The severe weather threat lessens heading into Thursday morning, with southern Alabama, southwest Georgia and the Florida panhandle around Tallahassee, being the areas of greatest concern. Possible Tornado Leaves 3 Hurt, Buildings Damaged Along Florida Panhandle Heavy rain fell on Tuesday from Texas to North Carolina. Between 1–4 inches of rain were recorded and minor flooding was reported in northern Alabama. Photos from the Florence, Alabama police department show road closures due to flooding after multiple rounds of rain. How Are Tornadoes Rated? The Enhanced Fujita Scale Explained The greatest risk for flash flooding covers parts of the interior Southeast from Alexandria to Asheville, North Carolina, which is still recovering from the damage left behind by Hurricane Helene. The Atlanta metro area is also included in this Level 2 out of 4 threat for flash floods. Multiple inches of rain are expected to fall from portions of Louisiana through southwest North Carolina from Wednesday afternoon into the evening. I-40 In North Carolina To Reopen In March, Nearly 6 Months After Hurricane Helene A brief pause in the rain is expected on Friday before another potential winter storm moves into the region this weekend. How To Watch Fox WeatherOriginal article source: Winter storm threatens 10 million with severe weather as strong tornadoes, damaging wind possible
