MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1780, the Revolutionary War Battle of Kings Mountain took place in what was once considered North Carolina but is now Cherokee County, South Carolina. Under the command of Col. William Campbell, the Patriot militia charged British Major Patrick Ferguson’s loyalists multiple times.

We’ve got lots of North Carolina music news sprinkled throughout today’s edition. Check it out in Top Stories, Et Cetera, and Trivia!

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Today’s edition is sponsored by Sight Bulb, the new and easy way to keep your home secure.

FEMA Aid Controversy Intensifies

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated last week that FEMA doesn’t have enough funds to make it through hurricane season, and storm-zone residents responded by posting social media videos with the hashtag #FEMAfailure, showing no FEMA personnel on-site.

FEMA stated claims of the agency “confiscating or taking commodities, supplies, or resources in North Carolina, Tennessee, or any other state impacted by Helene are false.”

The agency also launched a rumor response page Thursday to counter accusations that it diverted disaster relief funds to pay for migrant housing in the U.S. following Mayorkas’ comments.

Rutherford County officials also debunked rumors that the Town of Chimney Rock had been seized by the government, and that there were “bodies everywhere,” posting "These claims are entirely false" on its website.

Additional Hurricane Helene updates:

The overall death toll surpassed 230 Saturday, with 112 recorded deaths in North Carolina.
An Asheville man shared a 20-minute video of his hike to Chimney Rock, revealing the extensive damage there.
Asheville Regional Airport is serving as a “military hub” for the region.
It could take at least three months to rebuild a damaged Duke Energy substation that powers Biltmore Village.
WBTV of Charlotte hit the road to video trouble spots due to road closures.

Helene Forces IV Fluid Shortage

Flooding from Hurricane Helene forced Marion-based Baxter International, the leading supplier of IV fluids and resources to hospitals across the U.S., to close its factory for the foreseeable future.

Baxter International supplies about 60% of the country’s IV fluid bags. The company placed limits on the quantity of orders customers can purchase, but it's working with federal agencies to mitigate supply disruption to patients.

Chair, president and CEO José E. Almeida says the company “will spare no resource” to help those in need, and that remediation efforts are underway.

Wilmington to Host Hurricane Relief Concert

The City of Wilmington and Live Nation have announced a Hurricane Helene relief concert will take place Oct. 29 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater.

From Wilmington, With Love will feature Ben Folds of western North Carolina, along with other artists yet to be announced.

All proceeds will benefit local charities working with the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to assist with emergency food, housing, and home repairs.

Folds shared the event on his Facebook page, where updates will be posted soon.

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➤ Fayetteville: Former President Donald Trump vowed to change the name of Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg if he’s elected. The base was renamed a year ago to remove the name of a Confederate general. (More)

➤ Asheville: Local resident Jaclyn Shea compiled a list of resources to support Hurricane Helene victims that went viral, prompting her to create a crowd-sourcing document open to others who want to add resources. (See List)

➤ Greensboro: A couple forced to cancel their wedding due to Hurricane Helene donated their reception meals to victims of the storm. (More)

➤ Lake Lure: A couple stranded in the mountains were reunited after a volunteer helicopter pilot could only rescue one of them at a time, due to aircraft weight limits—then was told he’d be arrested if he returned to rescue the second person. (See Details)

➤ Wake County: The recently opened 18-mile stretch of I-540 in southern Wake County has provoked noise pollution complaints from angry residents of nearby communities. (More)

➤ Raleigh: A new 72,000-square-foot indoor pickleball and golf facility touted as the nation’s largest will open Oct. 9 near downtown Raleigh. (See Details)

➤ Despite scoring on their second drive, the Carolina Panthers struggled after the Chicago Bears scored 20 points in the second quarter, leading to a 36-10 Bears win that dropped the Panthers to 1-4. (More)

➤ UNC, Duke, and NC State all took tough losses against ACC opponents Saturday. NC State quarterback Grayson McCall took a scary hit that caused him to be stretchered off the field, but he's since been discharged from the hospital. (More)

➤ UNC-Charlotte and ECU faced off Saturday, with Charlotte’s offense exploding to a 55-24 win, bringing both teams to 3-3 on the season. (Watch Highlights)

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➤ I-77 Mobility Partners is suspending dynamic pricing on toll lanes between Charlotte and Mooresville to help mitigate financial impacts on drivers assisting with critical relief efforts. (More)

➤ San Antonio-based Whataburger is coming to North Carolina. Both locations will be in Raleigh, with one on Falls of Neuse Road and the other on Six Forks Road. (More)

➤ A map showing the average cost of infant child care in each state puts North Carolina at the lower end of the scale, with an average of $12,300 per year. (See Map)

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➤ Country music star and Granite Falls native Eric Church announced that all publishing rights and proceeds from his newest song, “Darkest Hour,” will go to the state of North Carolina to help victims of Helene. (Hear Song)

➤ The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which is currently being renovated, appears to be bleeding due to a vapor blasting technique that uses a red garnet exterior paint removal substance. (See Photo)

➤ Duke Gardens is getting a new welcome center and cafe, as well as an enhanced entrance as part of a $30-million makeover funded by private contributions. Construction begins this fall and should end in spring 2026. (See Renderings)

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