NC Wins $197M More Helene Aid

FEMA approved $197 million more for North Carolina’s Hurricane Helene recovery, funding more than 30 projects across the state.

The largest award, $162.1 million, goes to North Carolina Emergency Management for debris removal and disaster costs. Another $7.2 million will fund North Carolina Department of Transportation road and bridge repairs.

Smaller grants target the hardest-hit mountain towns: $2.8 million to Morganton for boardwalk repairs, and $1.5 million to Asheville for the Swannanoa River Greenway. Spruce Pine and Crossnore will split more than $1.1 million for water and sewer repairs.

The funding follows a federal review of disaster spending for fraud, waste, and abuse ordered by President Trump. FEMA Region 4 Administrator Rob Ashe said the aid reflects “our ongoing partnership with state and local leaders to restore critical infrastructure.”

Presidential Chef Serves History in Grover

A former White House chef will dress in colonial-era clothing and serve 1776-style food at his bed-and-breakfast in Grover for the Fourth of July.

Martin Mongiello, who has cooked for seven presidents, opened The Inn of the Patriots 18 years ago inside a home built by a descendant of a Revolutionary War colonel. The inn also houses his Presidential Culinary Museum, free and open to the public.

Mongiello said the property sits near the site of what he calls Cleveland County’s only Revolutionary War battle, the Battle of Grahams Ford. The July 4 event will honor Susannah Twitty, a 17-year-old who fought in the battle, with a special medallion.

The museum is also adding new pieces for the occasion, including a 24-carat gold plate tied to former President Bill Clinton and a gold egg signed by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

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➤ Asheville: The Salvation Army‘s Center of Hope will suspend operations at its downtown shelter at 204 Haywood St. on Oct. 1 because of budget constraints, ending overnight shelter for about 65 people experiencing homelessness each night. (More)

➤ Huntersville: The ongoing drought and water restrictions in Mecklenburg County forced city leaders to cancel the traditional Wet Down Independence Day event. (More)

➤ Carolina Beach: Lifeguards pulled more than 60 swimmers from rip currents at North Carolina beaches Thursday, with 44 of those rescues happening in Carolina Beach alone. (More)

➤ Charlotte: A software glitch briefly showed Truist customer Rolana Sbano’s IRA balance at roughly $220 billion, an amount that would have made her one of the world’s richest people. (See Details)

➤ Raleigh: NC State researchers are racing to fight Neopestalotiopsis, an aggressive fungal disease first confirmed in North Carolina strawberry fields in 2022 that can wipe out a grower’s crop overnight. (See Report)

➤ Morrisville: Breeze Airways, a popular budget carrier, launched two new non-stop flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport this week—to Tallahassee, Florida, and Birmingham, Alabama—with one-way fares starting at $49. (More)

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What’s your favorite July Fourth meal?

1. Barbecue
2. Burgers and dogs
3. Steak
4. Chicken
5. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you have a July Fourth shirt, outfit, or bathing suit?

1. No: 44%
2. Yes: 41%
3. Not yet: 15%

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ As America turns 250, its most beloved holiday tradition is facing growing pushback from cities, neighbors, and fire officials alike. (Hear More)

➤ Federal regulators want to pay hospitals less for routine imaging, escalating a long-running payment fight. (Listen Now)

➤ You could see radiation-detecting aircraft and drone-takeover technology overhead this weekend, as security for the nation’s 250th birthday hits the highest level. (Podcast Available)

What cantata was performed for America’s first July 4th celebration in Old Salem?

Show me the answer