Rob Wu

2 months ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Rob Wu

RALEIGH, N.C. - Gov. Josh Stein has announced his 2025-27 state budget proposal, outlining a $67.9 billion spending plan focused on education, workforce development, health care and public safety. The proposal, which Stein calls a budget that "reflects North Carolina's values," aims to invest in key areas while freezing planned tax cuts to avoid an anticipated $800-million shortfall in the coming years. Here are key highlights of Stein's budget proposal.

Feb 21, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Rob Wu

BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — For more than a century, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina, has served as a retreat for growth, leadership and community. But when Helene struck last September, the storm left behind widespread destruction, forcing the historic retreat to close.

Feb 20, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Rob Wu

ARDEN, N.C. - Inside a warehouse in Arden, the work never stops. Volunteers with America Cares, a nonprofit delivering relief to families impacted by Helene, are sorting, packing and transporting essential supplies to communities still struggling months after the storm. "The need is far greater than what's coming in," said Jennifer Jones, the nonprofit's procurement director.

Feb 19, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Rob Wu

SWANNANOA, N.C. — About five months after Helene tore through Beacon Village, the community is still rebuilding — one home, one family and one act of kindness at a time.

Feb 18, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Rob Wu

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Months after Helene devastated Asheville's thriving arts community, local artists are finding a way forward. A new creative space, Resurrection Collective Studio, is giving artists a place to create and showcase their work, helping revive the city's art scene. Multidisciplinary artist Kira Bursky lived in the Asheville area for 15 years before moving to South Carolina. She saw the devastation for herself when she drove back days after the storm to pick up her parents.