Equipment operators from across the country came to Western North Carolina to assist in cleanup from Tropical Storm Helene.

According to FEMA, 33 families have temporary homes to call their own in Western North Carolina as of Thanksgiving and nearly 500 families have been approved for housing. FEMA is paying hotel costs for almost 12,000 survivors in the state. The federal agency has already paid more than $ 940,000 to help survivors with their rent.

The nonprofit has been helping people in Western North Carolina since the beginning of October. In total, they've served over 350,000 meals in the state. Additionally, the event hosted NASCAR drivers Todd Gilliland and Cody Ware who signed autographs for members of the community while they got their dinner.

Hurricane Helene took out critical infrastructure in western North Carolina, specifically water systems that were already under much strain.

The lawmaker representing Haywood and Madison counties told Queen City News he has not been approached by Republican leadership about any changes to the bill, but said he had not decided how he will vote if an override is pursued by the supermajority.

It was a scene ripped from a John le Carré novel. According to firsthand accounts and court documents, a man is told to go to the front desk of the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Manhattan and say the phrase “banana peel.” The concierge then hands him an envelope with orders to circle the block …