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Tag: Chloe Salsameda

  • 365 days of clean air: How Mecklenburg County kept the air healthy in 2025

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the first time in recent decades, Mecklenburg County recorded 365 days of clean air last year.

    According to the county’s air quality team, air pollution stayed within a healthy range every day of 2025.

    “For the last decade, Mecklenburg County has met all health-based air quality standards, but we still would experience, on average, five days of unhealthy air quality each year,” Megan Green, the county’s air quality program manager, said. “This year [2025] is unique because we did not have any days with unhealthy air quality.”

    What You Need To Know

    •  Mecklenburg County had 365 days of clean air in 2025

    •  On average, the county previously recorded five unhealthy air quality days each year

    • The county said sustained pollution reduction efforts, favorable weather conditions and limited impacts from wildfires and prescribed burns led to the 2025 milestone


    A team of scientists has been monitoring air quality across Mecklenburg County since the 1950s. Their work found that air quality has improved over the last several decades.

    “The factors that contributed to this year’s milestone are sustained pollution reduction efforts, favorable weather conditions and limited impacts from things like wildfires and prescribed burns,” Green said.

    Healthy air quality can have a positive impact on wellness.

    “Air quality can definitely affect everyone’s everyday health in a number of ways,” said Dr. Jaspal Singh, a pulmonologist for Atrium Health. “One is people who have respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD. Many people may not realize that air pollution can actually affect your risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Areas that have higher incidents of heart attacks and strokes oftentimes have higher incidents of air pollution.”

    The county is now turning its focus to 2026 and hopes to have another year of clean air.

    “We want everyone to have healthy air quality,” Green said.

    If you want to do your part to reduce air pollution, Green recommends driving a fuel-efficient car, carpooling and parking your car instead of letting it idle while waiting in a drive-thru.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • More than 1,000 flights canceled at Charlotte airport from snow storm

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. —A groundstop was temporarily issued at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Saturday as snow created difficult conditions on the airport’s runways.

    American Airlines canceled all of its flights in and out of Charlotte Saturday afternoon. According to FlightAware, more than 1,000 flights were canceled throughout the day. An American Airlines spokesperson said the weather created hazardous conditions on the runways and roads surrounding the airport.

    What You Need To Know

    • A groundstop was temporarily issued at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Saturday

    • More than 1,000 flights were canceled

    • American Airlines canceled all of its flights in Charlotte Saturday afternoon 

    • American Airlines hopes to resume flights Sunday morning


    A 300-person team spent hours working to clear snow from the airport’s runways, taxiways, roads and sidewalks. 

    Flight cancellations created a headache for thousands of travelers.

    “My day has been absolutely crazy,” Gwendolynn Hines said.

    “It’s been a hectic combination of cancellations, rebookings and delay notices,” Matthew Spreg said.

    Spreg started his travel journey in San Antonio Friday and was trying to make it home to Raleigh. After traveling for more than 24 hours and 17 flight changes and cancellations, he still had not made it back Saturday.

    “[I’m] giving up on flights,” Spreg said. “I’m now trying to use Amtrak.”

    Brad White flew from Indianapolis to Charlotte on his way to Turks and Caicos. He said the weather 

    “Once we got here in Charlotte, we were going to land and we were descending,” White said. “Right before we landed, we took back off again. So I guess there was something wrong with the landing strip that had too many planes on there. We landed finally. Then, we sat there for about two hours waiting to get off the flight because they didn’t have any gates for us to pull into.”

    White and thousands of others spent the night in Charlotte Saturday hopeful they could continue their travel journey on Sunday.

    An American Airlines spokesperson said they hope to resume flights Sunday morning.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • N.C. hardware stores working to restock ahead of upcoming snow

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hardware stores across North Carolina are working to restock winter weather supplies ahead of this weekend’s snow. However, it will likely take weeks for some supplies to be shipped because many items sold out ahead of last weekend’s storm that affected most of the U.S.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hardware stores are restocking winter weather gear 

    •  Many supplies sold out last week ahead of the past weekend’s storm that affected most of the U.S.

    •  The owner of a Charlotte hardware store said some items will not be delivered for weeks


    “We sold about 4,500 bags of ice melt,” Ben Little, the owner of Little Hardware in Charlotte, said. “We had maybe 10 or so generators on hand. We did sell through those by about Tuesday.”

    Little, a fourth-generation owner of Little Hardware, said there was so much demand for winter weather gear last weekend that he had to order supplies from other states.

    “We were scrambling all over trying to find ice melt,” Little said. “We had some actually ordered that we were worried wasn’t going to make it, but it did end up showing up on Friday. We were also able to overnight a truck out of Florida on Thursday. It was gone in about three hours.”

    Little is working to restock his store with more supplies. He received new shipments this week, but he said some items are backordered.

    “Some of the things like salt, I can’t get any until the second or third week of February now,” he said.

    Little suggests that people always have ice melt, a generator and a second source of heat on hand in case a storm approaches.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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  • Church services changed, canceled as winter storm approaches North Carolina

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As a winter storm approaches North Carolina, churches and places of worship are altering plans for weekend services.

    The Dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh are not requiring Catholics to attend Mass Saturday evening or Sunday.

    “We want to make sure that folks stay safe and do not put themselves in any kind of harm’s way,” Diocese of Charlotte Bishop Michael Martin said.


    What You Need To Know

    • The Dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh are not requiring Catholics to attend Mass Saturday evening or Sunday

    • Catholic pastors will decide if they will cancel or change their Mass schedule amid the storm

    • Some churches plan to stream their services online


    Bishop Michael Martin dispensed Catholics in Western North Carolina from attending Mass this weekend — a decision he does not make often or lightly.

    “The Lord wants us to be safe,” Bishop Martin said. “For any of us, in any given circumstance for whatever reason, if we’re sick or we can’t, God understands that. We want our folks to do what they have to do and to not worry that God’s somehow not loving them, gracing them or giving them all that they need.”

    Bishop Martin is allowing each pastor or administrator to cancel or change their Mass schedule amid the storm. Some are planning to stream Mass online.

    “I think most of our parishioners who can’t come will be able to access Mass from their local parish, or if their parish isn’t live streaming, there are so many other options from around the country and around the world where they can, and are encouraged to, to prayerfully attend mass online,” Bishop Martin said

    First United Methodist Church in Charlotte canceled its Sunday service and has recorded a service that will play online in its place.

    “We’re glad to be able to offer that,” Rev. Dr. Valerie Rosenquist of First United Methodist Church in Charlotte said. “My message to my people is stay home, stay warm and take care of yourselves and each other.”

    While the threat of the storm is making some feel uneasy, spiritual leaders are encouraging North Carolinians to maintain their faith over the coming days.

    “I certainly want everyone in Western North Carolina, no matter whatever their faith affiliation, to know that God is watching them,” Bishop Martin said. “My prayers are with all of our people that they might know God’s presence and that they might be blessed by God’s grace with safety during these days. Amen.”

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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  • ICE issues detainer for suspect in deadly Rowan Co. crash

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    ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — The Rowan and Catawba County communities are mourning the loss of a young couple killed in a crash.

    Skylar Provenza, 19, and Fletcher Harris, 20, were killed in a wreck Friday evening. According to North Carolina Highway Patrol, the couple was driving on Amity Hill Road in Rowan County when a Chevrolet Silverado crossed the center line and hit them head-on. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Skylar Provenza and Fletcher Harris were killed in a crash Friday

    •  N.C. Highway Patrol said the crash was caused by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol

    •  The man charged for the crash is being held on $5 million bond

    • ICE has issued a detainer for the suspect in the crash


    Troopers said the driver of the Silverado, Juan Alvarado Aguilar, was driving while under the influence of alcohol. In a court hearing Tuesday, prosecutors for the Rowan County District Attorney’s Office said troopers smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from Alvarado Aguilar at the crash scene, and that he stumbled before being handcuffed.

    Alvarado Aguilar has been charged with driving while impaired and two counts of felony death by motor vehicle. He was originally granted a $250,000 bond, but prosecutors asked a judge Tuesday to increase his bond due to concerns that he could flee the jurisdiction.

    According to the district attorney’s office, Alvarado Aguilar failed to appear for two previous court hearings for a speeding charge and previous DWI charge. The judge increased Alvarado Aguilar’s bond to $5 million. 

    Prosecutors also confirmed Alvarado Aguilar is in the U.S. illegally. He has been placed under an ICE detainer.

    Friday’s crash has devastated Provenza and Harris’ loved ones. 

    “They were so in love,” Danielle Neal, the owner of Tobo’s Diner, said. “She truly was so happy with him. They were always together. If you saw one, you saw the other.”

    Neal, Provenza’s former employer at Tebo’s Diner, said Skylar had recently finished esthetician school and was preparing to start a new job at a salon.

    “Skylar wasn’t just an employee to us,” Neal said. “She was family. She came in every day with a kind heart, a sweet smile and a great work ethic. I want her to be remembered as beautiful, sweet and kind-hearted.”

    Harris, a junior and goalkeeper for Catawba College’s men’s soccer team, is being remembered for his “infectious personality” and “love for the game.” He spent this past summer playing for Hickory FC, a professional men’s soccer club, and helped lead the team to a national championship.

    “We were very fortunate to have him and feel privileged to have had the time we did with him and, certainly, are heartbroken over what happened,” Jonathan Rink, the vice president of operations for Hickory FC, said. “Every training session was fun that he was present at. Every game day was fun. He just brought such an air of excitement and positivity around everything that he was a part of.”

    A scholarship fund has been created in Harris’ honor at Catawba College.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Charlotte protesters demand justice for Minneapolis woman killed by ICE officer

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dozens of protesters marched through the streets of Uptown Charlotte demanding justice for the woman who was killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.

    People gathered at First Ward Park Thursday for the “Stop ICE Terror” protest. It was held in response to the death of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis Wednesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dozens of protesters gathered in Charlotte to demand justice for Renee Good

    • Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis Wednesday

    • DHS said the shooting was justified because the officer feared for his life

    • Protesters are demanding the officer who killed Good be charged with murder



    Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the fatal shooting was justified because the ICE officer feared and believed Good was attempting to run him over with her car.

    Protesters in Charlotte demanded the officer who killed Good be charged with murder.

    “It’s an injustice,” Paris Labelle said. “People should not be murdered senselessly. People should not be murdered at all.”

    “As soon as we saw the video and before the identity of Rene Nicole Good was revealed, we knew it was outrageous and wrong,” Asha Patel, an organizer for Party for Socialism and Liberation, said. “It was just so disgusting that we had to do something about it. We have to be out in the streets and show that we will not tolerate this.”

    Thursday’s protest came two months after Border Patrol agents arrested more than 400 undocumented immigrants in Charlotte as part of “Operation Charlotte’s Web.”

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Father of Denny Hamlin remembered for sacfrices that launched his son to fame

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    GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – The NASCAR community is mourning the loss of a driver’s father.

    Denny Hamlin’s father, Dennis, was killed in a fire at his Gaston County house Sunday night. Hamlin’s mother was critically injured and is being treated at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center.

        What You Need To Know

    • The NASCAR community is reeling from loss 

    • Driver Denny Hamlin’s father died after Hamlin’s mother pulled him out of their burning Gaston County home Sunday night 

    • Hamlin’s mother was badly burned and is still receiving medical treatment

    • Hamlin is an anticipated Hall of Famer, and his father is credited with helping him establish his career 

    Firefighters arrived at the house on Blacksnake Road just before 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Video from the fire shows flames engulfing the Hamlins’ home. According to Gaston County officials, when firefighters arrived, Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin were already outside.

    Chief David Toomey of the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department confirmed Mary Lou Hamlin pulled Dennis Hamlin out of the home to save him.

    “I don’t want to get emotional, but you do when you hear that the woman tried to drag her husband out, and he didn’t make it,” Michael Minando, a neighbor, said. “It’s very sad. My heart goes out to them.” 

    Just two months before Dennis Hamlin died, Denny Hamlin dedicated his 60th cup series race win to his dad. Dennis Hamlin was unable to travel to the race in Las Vegas. His son told the Associated Press his dad was battling a serious illness.

    Denny Hamlin celebrates in Victory Lane after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 29, 2022, in Concord, N.C. (AP File Photo/Matt Kelley)

    Denny Hamlin was first introduced to racing by his dad when he was 5. When Hamlin decided to pursue racing professionally, his dad started a family-owned racing team. He took out two mortgages on their house and sold four classic cars to make ends meet. 

    “Denny’s parents, to me, are the quintessential parents that wanted to help their child reach their dreams,” Winston Kelley, the executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, said. “They did everything, anything and everything that they could to help them get to that point.”

    Neighbors said the Hamlins’ home was full of memorabilia from Denny’s NASCAR career, and their garage was filled with classic cars. Toomey said firefighters saved the memorabilia and several cars.

    The pain of losing Dennis Hamlin is being felt throughout the NASCAR community.

    “Dennis and Mary Lou were always there supporting Denny from the time, you know, he started in the entry levels of NASCAR to be able to support them,” Kelley said. “So they were a part of that family and are and always will be a part of the family.”

    The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

    NASCAR released the following statement after Dennis Hamlin’s death:

    “NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family. Dennis Hamlin instilled a love of racing in his son, and sacrificed greatly to develop Denny into a world-class talent in the sport. We also continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to Denny’s mother, Mary Lou, and hope for her full recovery.”  

    The NASCAR community is also still reeling from the loss of retired driver Greg Biffle and his family, who were killed on Dec. 18 when a Cessna C550 plane they were traveling in crashed. 

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  • Construction projects delayed as workers fear Border Patrol arrests in N.C.

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Construction projects are being delayed across North Carolina after Customs and Border Protection’s “Operation Charlotte’s Web” led to more than 300 immigration-related arrests from Charlotte to Raleigh. 

    Hundreds of construction workers have been calling out of work in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro and Winston-Salem out of fear of possible deportation, according to Dave Simpson, the president and CEO of Carolinas AGC.

    What You Need To Know

    • Carolinas AGC estimates hundreds of construction workers have called out of work due to fear of Border Patrol arrests

    • Contractors across the state have had to pause construction jobs

    • 29% of the state’s construction workers were not born in the U.S. as of 2023, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce



    Jorge Perez, the owner of Tree Amigos, had to pause all of his remodeling projects last week because he did not have enough employees to keep the jobs running.

    “We’ve had a lot of people that called out,” Perez said. “Some of them have called out for two weeks. People are afraid. They don’t want to go to anything to do with being outside and being at risk of getting detained and getting deported. Even the people that have papers, they don’t want to deal with that either just because they’re the wrong color with the wrong face.”

    The construction industry plays a pivotal role in North Carolina’s economy. It brought $41.4 billion to the state in 2024. Immigrants play a big role as well. According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, 29% of the state’s construction workers were not born in the U.S. as of 2023.

    “The construction industry depends on immigrant labor,” Lissette Velez, the CEO of Velez Strategies, said.

    Velez works with minority-owned construction businesses. She said CBP’s arrests come at a time when the construction industry is experiencing a labor shortage“This is going to have a ripple effect that is going to replicate and impact the whole industry, our community and small businesses,” Velez said.

    As some workers start to return to work, Perez is focused on doing what he can to help.

    “We’re locking all the doors,” he said. “We go to the store for them. If they want to get something to eat, we have to do that.”

    Perez is prepared to do this for as long as he needs, but he does not know if his workers will ever feel safe.

    “We’re trying to make sure that we keep the guys a little less worried because they’re never going to stop worrying about, ‘What if they get pulled over? What if they show up at one of the job sites?’” he said.

    About 370 people have been arrested in North Carolina by Customs and Border Protection since officers arrived earlier this month.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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  • Attendance drops at Charlotte church amid Border Patrol operation

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As U.S. Customs and Border Protection made arrests throughout Charlotte, attendance at a predominantly Hispanic church decreased dramatically.

    What You Need To Know

    • About 500 people did not attend church services at Case Viva Church last week

    • A church pastor said many worshipers are fearful of possible deportation

    • Security protocols are in place for Sunday’s services


    About 1,000 people attend services at Casa Viva Church each week. Only about 500 were present this past Sunday.

    “We have a lot of Hispanic people — South American, Central American, Caribbean,” Pastor Alejandro Montes said. “Last week was really tough and difficult for people. Hundreds of people just decided to stay at home.”

    Many people in the Casa Viva Church community are fearful of possible deportation and family separation, according to Montes. He said he is not aware of any of his worshipers being arrested. With conflicting reports about if border patrol agents have left Charlotte, he is unsure what this coming Sunday will bring.

    “Our doors are open for those who are more than welcome to come in,” Montes said. “We’ll stay here preaching the gospel with hope and faith.”

    Security protocols will be in place to protect worshipers at Casa Viva Church Sunday. The church plans to have security on site and keep the doors locked. 

    “Border Patrol, they’re doing their job,” Montes said. “But, this is a great country, and we have rights. If they want to come in, they need a legal warrant.” 

    With uncertainty in the community, Montes plans to use his platform to reassure his community they are not alone.

    “I know there are a lot of people who are trying very hard to become a citizen,” Montes said. “They [have been] trying for a lot of years — not just in recent years but for a lot of years, and it has been impossible. We will try to be the voice for them because there are a lot of people who don’t have a voice.”

    “We are with them,” Montes added. “We are going to try to just be with them to help them in this situation.”

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Matthews business provides job opportunities to people with disabilities

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    MATTHEWS, N.C. — A gourmet food company in Matthews is providing job opportunities to North Carolinians with disabilities. 

    At Bear Food, several people with disabilities help run the store. The business was created by Mac Brydon in 2018. He was inspired to employ people with disabilities because his brother, Miller, has Down syndrome. 

    “He had just graduated high school, and he wanted to have some transitional experience,” Brydon said.

    What You Need To Know

    • Bear Food provides job opportunities to people with disabilities

    • The company partners with Rainbow Express Ministries

    • Employees learn to complete tasks and take on responsibilities


    Bear Food now partners with Rainbow Express Ministries, a local organization that connects people with disabilities with job opportunities in Matthews.

    “One of our big things that we want to accomplish is working alongside different businesses and having our young adults learn job skills and how to have a job because at the end of the day, they’re at the stage of their life where it’s normal to have a job, and a lot of our guys really want to have a job,” said Cassidy Barker, an associate for Rainbow Express Ministries.

    Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found 75% of people with disabilities were not in the workforce in 2024, which means they were not employed nor looking for work.

    At Bear Food, employees learn how to complete tasks and take on responsibilities. 

    “They help clean,” Brydon said. “They stock. They do things like labeling and packaging.”

    “A lot of our guys work best with a job list,” Barker said. “They come into each of our businesses, and they’ll have a checklist that they’ll complete and are able to showcase their skills in these businesses.”

    Working in the store also helps employees build confidence and make friends.  

    “I love working with my friends,” Hunter Adcock, a Bear Food employee, said. “They bring joy to me every time.”

    “I love them,” Greyson Riehm, a Bear Food employee, added. “They’re like my family.”

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  • Southport bar, restaurant workers receive checks as businesses remain closed

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    SOUTHPORT, N.C. — The Southport community continues to rally behind restaurant and bar employees who have been out of work since last month’s deadly mass shooting.

    What You Need To Know

    • Southport Cares raised money for employees who have been out of work since the deadly mass shooting in late September
    • The American Fish Company said it received checks for its employees from the nonprofit Southport Cares
    • Three people were killed and  six others were injured when a gunman opened fire at the American Fish Company 


    The management team for the American Fish Company said they have received checks from the local nonprofit Southport Cares, which have been distributed to employees at American Fish Company and Frying Pan.

    “Words can’t accurately express our gratitude for the continued support,” the management team said in a statement.

    Three people were killed and six others were wounded when a gunman opened fire at the American Fish Company on Sept. 27.

    The American Fish Company and Frying Pan have been closed since the shooting. 

    “Although it will take time, we are planning to return to our rightful place — serving our Southport friends and visitors to our town,” the management team said. “Every act of care and every prayer is a step in the right direction.”

     

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  • Charlotte food truck owner shares Mexican culture through food

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte woman’s food truck is not only serving food, it is putting her Mexican culture on a plate.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Kimberly Bazan opened El Veneno in 2023

    •  She specializes in serving food from Mexico City

    •  Bazan’s food truck travels around Charlotte


    “My family is from Mexico City,” Kimberly Bazan said. “We would visit Mexico City every year when I was younger.”

    Bazan has no formal culinary training but learned to cook by watching her father and grandmother in the kitchen. In 2023, she opened her food truck, El Veneno, where she puts her own spin on her family’s recipes.

    “We take a lot of time to put in the effort to do different specials that highlight other foods from different regions,” Bazan said.

    Bazan specializes in serving food you can find on the streets of Mexico City.

    “We do moles,” she said. “We do ceviche. We do a whole bunch of other street food that’s not super popular.”

    Bazan is known for serving black al pastor, a marinated pork used in tacos that is typically red.

    “The marinade that we use for it is not anything new,” she said. “It’s a prehistoric recipe. It’s called recardo negro. We’re the only ones who do it on the East Coast and in the Carolinas.”

    These dishes have built a community that now follows Bazan as she takes her truck around Charlotte.

    “It feels nice that people feel like we’re paving the way for a new way of dining in the city,” she said.

    As Bazan forges her own path in Charlotte’s culinary scene, she holds her family’s roots close and hopes to honor her culture in every dish. 

    “I feel like it’s our job as people in the restaurant industry and as chefs to show people how to dine, show them new things and how things should be eaten as opposed to just catering to their every want and need,” she said. “It is history. It’s culture. I feel like if we change every little thing about food just to make people happy, then we’re going to lose part of our culture.”

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  • Mother of Charlotte Hornets player shares breast cancer survival story

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The mother of a Charlotte Hornets player is urging women to advocate for their health after facing and beating breast cancer.

    What You Need To Know

    •  In Novermber 2022, Miller received a mammogram, which came back normal

    •  Miller was diagnosed with Stage 0 breast cancer two months later

    •  Miller is now cancer free


    In November 2022, Yolanda Miller, the mother of Hornets forward Brandon Miller, received her annual mammogram, which came back normal. Two months later, she noticed something was not right.

    “I started experiencing some pain in my left breast,” Miller said. “There was some discharge, so I called my doctor. It came back that I had cancer, which was Stage 0. It was caught in the very early stages because I just had that mammogram and nothing was detected.”

    It was Miller’s worst nightmare.

    “I was mad,” she said. “I was scared and upset and had all the emotions that come with hearing a cancer diagnosis. Why wasn’t this found during my mammogram? They said it could have been because it was too small to detect at that time.” 

    Miller’s diagnosis came during a busy time for her family. Her oldest son was about to get married. Her daughter was pursuing her master’s degree, and her son Brandon was in the middle of his basketball season at the University of Alabama and preparing to enter the NBA Draft.

    “As a mom, you want to protect your kids and your family at all costs,” Miller said. “That’s what I did. I didn’t need them to know that I wasn’t doing well.”

    Miller did not tell her children about her diagnosis and underwent surgery to have the lump in her breast removed. When the surgery was not successful, she knew she had to open up to her family. It is a day her daughter, Britany, remembers vividly.

    “I just remember her telling her, ‘You’re upset right now, but our prayers are going to be answered and you’re going to be cancer free,’” Britany Miller said.

    Just a few months later – after two lumpectomies, a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery – Miller was cancer free.

    “I’m so grateful to be alive,” she said.

    Miller is walking in the Susan G. Komen More than Pink walk Saturday. She is leading her team, She’s a Bad Mammograma. Miller is not just walking for herself, however. She will be walking for her family and everyone impacted by breast cancer.

    “I didn’t give up,” Miller said. “No matter what the doctor said, I still had faith. I still had hope that this was going to pass. Breast cancer doesn’t always have to be viewed as a death sentence. It’s something that if you react fast, this can be something of your past. Just keep the faith. Stay hopeful and stay encouraged because there’s a bigger thing in this life for you to experience.”

    Miller encourages all women to receive their annual mammograms and advocate for themselves if they do not feel like something is not right with their bodies.

     

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  • King tides threatening sea turtle nests on N.C. coast

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    OAK ISLAND, N.C. — King tides are putting sea turtle nests in jeopardy along North Carolina’s coast.

    What You Need To Know

    • King tides are impacting the N.C. coast this week

    • Sea turtles create nests along a 9.5 mile stretch of Oak Island between May and late October

    • King tides have washed over at least one nest on Oak Island this week

    “Our sea turtles are on the endangered species list,” Suzan Bell, a volunteer for the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program, said. “A nest can still be viable with tide wash overs. If the water can wash up and flow off, then that can actually be good for a nest sometimes. But, if the water comes up and sits on a nest, it can unfortunately either drown hatchlings that were already hatched or it can make the eggs nonviable.”

    Sea turtles create nests along a 9.5 mile stretch of Oak Island between May and late October. 

    “Oak Island is really one of the top three or four nesting beaches in North Carolina,” Bell said.

    Volunteers for the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program have been walking along the beach every morning and night this week to check if they have been impacted by the tides. They build walls of sand around the nests to protect them and guide the turtles to the ocean once they hatch.

    “We built sand barriers all around the nest to help, so if the tide comes up and the hatchlings emerge, hopefully they would still have a little bit of a runway to the water,” Bell said.

    Bell said the king tides have washed over at least one nest this week, but it is still too early to know if it has been destroyed. 

    Volunteers are hopeful their work will protect the hatchlings and lead more turtles to the ocean. 

    “I have been a part of this for 24 years, and I still get excited,” Bell said. “My adrenaline starts to flow. I get excited. I get to witness what I feel is a true miracle. To be a part of that and to help these little hatchlings make it to the water, It’s just a wonderful feeling.” 

    High tides from Hurricane Erin destroyed at least two nests on Oak Island in August.

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  • Debris from Helene could fuel N.C. wildfires for next decade, officials say

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    HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — North Carolina fire officials are warning this fall wildfire season could be dangerous as debris left from Helene could fuel wildfires.

    What You Need To Know

    •  The N.C. Forest Service says debris from Helene could fuel wildfires for the next five to 10 years

    •  Western North Carolina experienced about 822,000 acres of damaged forest land due to Helene, according to officials

    •  Debris on the ground can make it difficult for firefighters to maneuver terrain


    The large amount of debris that is still on the ground in western North Carolina can continue to pose a threat for several years, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.

    “We experienced roughly 822,000 acres of damaged forest land in western North Carolina,” Philip Jackson, the public information officer for the North Carolina Forest Service, said. ”That ranges from minimal damage to total loss, meaning the trees are on the ground, so there’s another fuel source that’s been lying on the ground for about a year now drying out and becoming more available.”

    “It’s not going to be a quick fix, and it’s going to be with us for quite some time,” Jackson added. “I would categorize this as the probably new norm when it comes to the next five or 10 year time period.”

    Debris can also make it more difficult for firefighters to battle flames by creating obstacles as they maneuver the terrain.

    “It’s in our way,” Jackson said. “We either have to cut through it, remove it and navigate it somehow or we have to find a new way to the fire. As we’re doing that, the fire is obviously spreading. It also makes it much more difficult for us to access certain roads if they’re blocked by trees.”

    Debris from Helene played a big role in fueling wildfires in western North Carolina in the spring. Officials said 3,952 wildfires burned in the state between January and May 2025. During the same time period in 2024, there were 2,835 wildfires.

    Three large fires formed the Black Cove Complex Fire in March 2025, burning thousands of acres in Henderson and Polk counties and destroying homes and buildings. According to Jackson, the fires grew so fast because of high winds and debris in the forest.

    “Wildfires went much bigger than they otherwise would have due to the storm debris,” he said.

    The Henderson County Fire Department is preparing for this wildfire season by urging people in their community to take precautions by clearing brush around their homes.

    “Clear out the underbrush,” Kevin Waldrup, the Henderson County fire marshal, said. “Clear out dead limbs underneath your trees. [For] your house itself, you can do stuff like clean out the gutters and make sure leaves don’t pile up underneath the deck.”

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  • USDA providing $221 million to help N.C. farmers recover from Helene

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    HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. — A new round of relief is on its way to farmers in western North Carolina affected by Helene.

    What You Need To Know

    • The USDA is allocating $221.2 million to assist North Carolina farmers who suffered infrastructure, timber and market losses in Helene

    • Helene is estimated to have caused $4.23 billion of damage to the state’s agricultural industry

    • The USDA’s funding comes after the North Carolina General Assembly allocated $478 million to farmers for lost crops


    The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced it is allocating $221.2 million to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a program to assist farmers who suffered infrastructure, timber and market losses in Helene.

    The funding is part of the $30 billion disaster assistance relief effort authorized by the American Relief Act.

    “It’s going to keep a good many farmers in business,” Kenny Barnwell, an apple orchard farmer, said.

    “I believe it’s going to be helpful to get our growers back on their feet so that when they start in the next season, maybe they’ll be in a little better shape than they have been this season,” Dr. Terry Kelley, the director of Henderson County Cooperative Extension, said.

    Helene is estimated to have caused $4.23 billion of damage to the state’s agricultural industry, according to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, including crop, infrastructure and equipment loss. 

    Helene washed out a road on Barnwell’s apple orchard and killed over 3,000 of his apple trees. He estimates his property sustained about $500,000 in damage and expects to feel the impacts from Helene for the next six years.

    “I hope we never have another 12 months like we had this last 12,” Barnwell said.

    The USDA’s funding comes after the North Carolina General Assembly allocated $478 million to farmers for crops lost in Helene. While that money is starting to be distributed, farmers are hopeful support from the USDA will help them recoup some of their losses.

    “Until these checks get into these people’s hands, a lot of it is up in the air,” Barnwell said.

    The USDA has not announced when farmers can apply for this assistance. Officials encourage farmers to keep in contact with their local North Carolina Cooperative Extension office for more information.

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  • Lake Lure expected to reopen in spring 2026

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    LAKE LURE, N.C. — As cleanup from Hurricane Helene continues in Lake Lure, the town is hopeful it can reopen its lake next spring.

    The town announced this week its “goal is to welcome residents and visitors back to a fully restored Lake Lure by late spring 2026.”

    What You Need To Know

    • The town of Lake Lure is planning to reopen the lake in late spring 2026 

    • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hopes to complete its cleanup of the lake by Oct. 31

    • The cleanup of Lake Lure has cost more than $200 million


    The announcement comes as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and AshBritt Environmental continue to remove debris and contaminated sediment from the lake.

    “When we first were able to lay eyes on Lake Lure, we could tell there was a lot of debris in the lake,” said George Minges, a debris subject matter expert for the Army Corps of Engineers. “It was just everything that came from upstream and Bat Cave, Hickory Nut Gorge and Chimney Rock.”

    Crews have been working on the lake since November, removing pieces of cars, metal appliances and other hazards that flowed into the lake after Helene. 

    While most of the large pieces of debris have been removed, the soil and sediment that sat on the lake floor is contaminated. Each day, crews dig up the soil and load it onto hundreds of trucks to be taken to a landfill in South Carolina.

    “We remove about 300 to 400 truckloads of soil, sediment and other debris every day,” Minges said. “To date, we’ve removed about 900,000 tons of debris just from the subsurface section of the lake.” 

    Minges said the Army Corps of Engineers is 90% done with its work in Lake Lure. He is hopeful they can complete the project by Oct. 31.

    “From the beginning of this event, we heard that without Lake Lure, there is no town of Lake Lure,” Minges said. “The work that we’re doing here is essential to the economic recovery and regional recovery of this area.” 

    The project has cost more than $200 million, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

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  • NCDOT to begin permanent repair projects in Chimney Rock, Bat Cave

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    CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — Construction to rebuild roads and bridges is ongoing in western North Carolina nearly a year after Helene. 

    The North Carolina Department of Transportation gave Spectrum News 1 a tour of a two and a half mile stretch of Chimney Rock and Bat Cave Tuesday to view the destruction and work to rebuild the region’s vital infrastructure.

    What You Need To Know

    • Helene washed out a portion of U.S. 74, which connects Chimney Rock to Bat Cave

    • A temporary road has been opened for local traffic

    • NCDOT plans to begin construction on a permanent road later this year

    • The project is estimated to cost $250 million


    Helene washed out a portion of U.S. 74, which connects Chimney Rock to Bat Cave, sending pieces of asphalt into the river below. The only way engineers could assess the damage was to hike there by foot.

    “It was very overwhelming seeing the challenge and devastation that was here,” Nathan Moneyham, the division construction engineer for NCDOT Division 13, said. “I think one of the things was that we knew we could do it. I think the question was how long it would take.”

    NCDOT quickly began building a temporary road in the middle of the riverbed below U.S. 74. The road came to life as engineers used rail cars as bridges. The temporary road opened in May.

    “That can serve this community so folks can go to the grocery store, go to doctor’s appointments and get back to some sense of normalcy as they start to rebuild,” Moneyham said.

    Engineers are now designing a permanent road to be built where U.S. 74 once stood. Construction is expected to begin later this year and be completed by 2028. The project is estimated to cost $250 million.

    In Bat Cave, NCDOT plans to replace a bridge that connects U.S. 64 and U.S. 74. Construction is expected to begin later this year and be completed in 2027. 

    Moneyham is hopeful this work will bring a sense of normalcy back to the region. 

    “We’ve got this temporary road established a lot faster than anybody expected,” Moneyham said. “A lot of the businesses in the [Chimney Rock] village are starting to open. The state park opened back in June. It’s really a big milestone and accomplishment, and really needed for the people that live and have businesses here.”

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  • What to know as federal government resumes collections of student loan debt

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The U.S. Department of Education will resume collections of defaulted federal student loans.

    Beginning May 5, the department’s Office of Federal Student Aid will restart involuntary collections. The move comes five years after collections were paused amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Collections of defaulted students loans will resume on Monday, May 5

    •  More than 1.3 million North Carolinians have student loans

    •  North Carolinians owe an average of $38,770 in student loans


    According to the Department of Education, more than 1.3 million North Carolinians have student loans and owe an average of $38,770.

    As the deadline looms, the federal government warns borrowers need to make their payments or be at risk of having their wages garnished. 

    “They could take some of your paycheck and access your bank account,” said Stephen Boatman, the owner of Flat Fee Financial. “They could take some of your tax refund. Once you’re 90 days late, they start to report it to the credit agencies, saying that you have a knock against your credit score, which could impact your lending ability. Once you get 270 days, they’ll become more aggressive with their collection efforts and will start garnishing wages and things like that.”

    Boatman, who is a certified financial planner and certified student loan specialist, suggests borrowers take a look at their financial situation and decide if their payment plan is still the best plan for them.

    “You may be married now,” he said. “You may have a higher income or lower income, and all of those variables come into play when deciding what the best payment plan is for your student loans.” 

    Boatman said some people will have to adjust their budgets to make their payments each month, but there are ways to reduce payments.

    “401(k) contributions, HSA contributions, tax loss harvesting, whatever lowers your AGI [adjusted gross income] can in turn lower your monthly student loan payment and help with some of that,” he said.

    Borrowers can also consider refinancing their debt privately or choose to continue a federal program.

    “There’s a basic rule of thumb that says if your student loans are equal to or greater than your income, then you should consider looking at a federal program,” Boatman said. “If your income is greater than your student loans, it may be worth looking at privatizing them, refinancing them and paying them off as fast as possible.”

    Boatman notes “this is not financial advice,” and borrowers “should consult with a financial adviser before making any decisions.”

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