Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding totaling nearly $9.4 million has been approved for Rutherford County, reimbursing the county for extensive debris removal and emergency response work following Hurricane Helene.

Duke Energy is asking state regulators to approve an 18% increase in electricity rates for residential customers over the next two years, a proposal that could significantly raise monthly bills for households across North Carolina.

A significant share of newly announced federal disaster funding is headed to Rutherford County, as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA continues to reimburse local governments for costly cleanup and recovery work following Hurricane Helene.

NC House Speaker Destin Hall says passing a state budget remains the House’s top priority as lawmakers return to Raleigh, stressing the need for pay increases, continued tax cuts and tighter control of Medicaid spending.

Josh Stein released a detailed third-phase Hurricane Helene recovery proposal totaling nearly $792 million, calling on lawmakers to sustain momentum as western North Carolina continues to rebuild.