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helene goessaert

Passengers speak up after cruise ship faces virus scare

May 7, 2026

Three people lost their lives after catching a rare virus on a luxury cruise ship near Antarctica, sparking fear and frustration among passengers. The MV Hondius, carrying travelers from over 20 countries, became the center of a crisis when hantavirus cases appeared. Some who were stuck on board sha

environment

Georgia’s Wildfire Crisis: Small Sparks, Huge Losses

April 26, 2026

The Southeast is burning—not with the dramatic wildfires of the West, but with a slow, relentless spread of flames fueled by extreme drought. Georgia now holds the grim record for the worst property damage from a single fire event in its history, with over 120 homes and buildings destroyed. Two mass

politics

Downtown Asheville struggles with growing issues after years of planning failures

April 26, 2026

Asheville used to be known for its cozy mountain vibe, craft breweries, and scenic views. But now, many locals avoid the downtown area because of problems like public drinking, aggressive panhandling, and makeshift camps. Some residents say the city feels unsafe, especially after Hurricane Helene in

politics

Hot Springs Gets Its First Full-Time Town Boss

February 14, 2026

Hot Springs has taken a big step by hiring its first-ever full-time town administrator, Hassena Kassim. This is a huge deal because the town has never had someone in this role before. Kassim, who is 47 and lives right in Hot Springs, started her job in August. Before this, Kassim helped the town bo

religion

How Faith and Community Helped Asheville Bounce Back

January 13, 2026

Western North Carolina faced a huge challenge when Hurricane Helene hit on September 27, 2024. The storm caused serious damage, leaving many people without homes. Over 160 Veterans at the Veterans Restoration Quarters, run by Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM), were among those

sports

A Heartbreaking Loss in the NASCAR Community

December 19, 2025

A tragic plane crash has shaken the NASCAR world. Seven lives were lost when a Cessna C550 jet went down at the Statesville Regional Airport. Among the victims were former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children, Emma and Ryder. The families of the victims released a jo

lifestyle

A Legendary Chef's Journey: From Soul Food to Heaven

December 16, 2025

Helen L. Coleman, a beloved figure in the Seattle food scene, has passed away at the age of 90. Known affectionately as \\"Ms. Helen, \\" she left behind a legacy of soul food that won over the hearts of many, including famous faces like B. B. King and Muhammad Ali. Born in Texas and raised in Okla

health

Mountain Medics: Beyond the Emergency Call

December 15, 2025

In the rugged terrain of western North Carolina, paramedics Evan Carroll and Nicole McKinney are redefining their roles. They're not just emergency responders. They're also healthcare providers who make house calls. This is not a typical 911 service. It's a lifeline for those in remote areas. The a

environment

Forest Acres Park Gets a Big Makeover

November 28, 2025

Forest Acres is getting a major upgrade to Citadel Park. The park will be closed from December 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. This is to fix the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm took down many trees and left the park in bad shape. The city chose to close the park in winter. This way, fewer

environment

North Carolina Honors Heroes After Hurricane Helene

November 15, 2025

In 2024, Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina hard, especially in the western mountains. The storm brought record rainfall, with 24 inches at Mount Mitchell and nearly 31 inches in Busick. This caused massive flooding, over $60 billion in damages, and more than 100 deaths. Phone and internet services