Latest news with #WLOS
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Heartbreaking new report reveals ongoing hurricane devastation across multiple US states — here's what's happening
Some communities are still reeling from the devastation that Hurricane Helene brought to North Carolina and other southeastern states in the U.S. As ABC affiliate WLOS detailed, the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) published a report highlighting the widespread impact of damages caused by Hurricane Helene on farming in Western North Carolina. About 900 small-scale, family-owned farms that grow food for local markets were the focus of the report, and the findings paint a bleak outlook. According to the ASAP report, 86% of these farms suffered physical damage, 70% of which reported damage to their land or waterways. While the report stated that the varying physical damage levels from farm to farm didn't exceed 25% of their operations, these farms were facing an average cleanup and recovery cost of $40,000. In 2024, the total lost sales per farm averaged $30,000, but that number is estimated to fall only slightly to $28,000 in 2025. In all, the ASAP report determined that damages and losses accounted for a whopping 88% of the average Western North Carolina farm's gross annual sales. Hurricane Helene was a Category 4 storm that caused catastrophic damage across multiple states, bringing heavy rains, high winds, extreme flooding, and landslides. According to the NOAA Office for Coastal Management, "Helene was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria (2017), and the deadliest to strike the U.S. mainland since Katrina (2005). Helene's total costs were $78.7 billion." The intensity of Hurricane Helene was fueled by the rising ocean temperatures, which are the result of a warming planet. Human-induced global heating creates more favorable conditions for extreme weather events, making them more frequent and dangerous to areas across the country — including areas that aren't typically prone to them. Do you think your house could withstand a hurricane? No way Maybe a weak one I'm not sure It definitely could Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The impact on farming communities could lead to significant economic losses and affect those who depend on agriculture to make a living. There are organizations and companies working hard to help people become more resilient to extreme weather events. To help, individuals can consider exploring critical climate issues and donating to groups committed to aiding in recovery efforts. One way to prepare yourself and your home for extreme weather events is by installing solar panels in conjunction with a battery system to avoid losing power during extended grid outages — which can also bring down the cost of energy bills. If you're interested in adding solar power to your home, EnergySage offers an easy way to compare quotes from vetted local installers and can save customers up to $10,000 on solar installations. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NC GOP lawmakers demand transparency over Helene recovery fund delays
Some North Carolina Republican lawmakers are calling for more transparency when it comes to the team created to oversee the distribution of millions of Helene funds. The Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina is an entity set up by Governor Josh Stein. However, it is now facing scrutiny due to delays in distributing recovery funds, according to reports from WLOS. ALSO READ: Stein announces 2nd Helene budget proposal Grow NC Director Matt Calabria said the officers coordinate rather than control the funds. 'They have been up into the mountains, they have spoken with many communities, and they have said, 'This is who's going to redo this. We are going to redo this the correct way.' But they have still not gotten any of the money out that we gave them in March,' said Calabria. Grow NC said 80% of the money has been approved and distributed. They said they are working to get the rest of the money out as quickly as possible. VIDEO: Stein announces 2nd Helene budget proposal
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Asheville getting another $225M for Helene recovery
Asheville is set to get another $225 million in recovery funds for Hurricane Helene after the federal government approved the city's revised action plan. The revised plan says about $125 million of the new plan will go toward infrastructure, $52 million is for economic revitalization, and $31 million is going to housing. Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina and caused billions of dollars in damage last fall. Since then, the city of Asheville and surrounding communities have relied on federal and state assistance to rebuild. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will review Asheville's 'financial, procurement, and grant management practices' before being certified, according to our partners at WLOS. You can see the approved plan by clicking this link. (VIDEO >> Helene 6 months later: Asheville businesses work to bring back visitors)
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Asheville firefighter honored with medal after Hurricane Helene rescue
Two firefighters were posted along the French Broad River when bystanders told them about a man trapped in a car. Jay Bettencourt and Corey Bass jumped into action. They boarded a rescue boat and arrived where the man's car was filling with water, WLOS reports. 'Luckily, we were able to pull the door open and use the motor to help push it open and then pull this guy out into our boat,' Bettencourt said. READ: Resources for those impacted by Hurricane Helene But challenges persisted. 'It's funny,' Bettencourt said. 'Our boat motor died right then. It got a bunch of gunk in the propeller and died and so my guy Corey had to flip the motor up, fix it really quick and get it going again and then we pushed off.' Bettencourt was presented with the Medal of Honor on Thursday at the Asheville Fire Department's annual awards ceremony at Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville. WATCH: Resources for those impacted by Hurricane Helene
Irish Independent
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford Light Opera Society return with monstrously funny Mel Brooks comedy ‘Young Frankenstein'
There was a degree of expectation around Wexford Light Opera Society as the production team behind last year's award-winning Phantom of the Opera got the band back together for their next production. They certainly managed to keep up with those expectations with the monstrously funny Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks which enjoyed a wonderful reception from an appreciative audience on opening night at the National Opera House on Monday. Adapted from the 1974 cult film classic, the stage version is packed with laughs, catchy tunes and fantastic dance numbers all performed with gusto by a stellar WLOS cast. Returning to the stage were some familiar faces and voices, including Pat Lawlor, Antonia Close, Brian Kelly, Stephen Byrne, Dylan Walsh and Sophie Blaney-Parslow. This year also features some new faces with Colin Flynn, David Doyle, Kacey Mooney and Keith Flanagan all making their debut with Wexford Light Opera Society. The show also features a visually stunning set, lively choreography and the kind of slapstick humour which tickled the first audiences to catch it. The show runs until May 3 and the last of the remaining tickets can be purchased via or by calling the box office on 0539122144.
