Helene Recovery; SAFE Rural Act Introduced; Absentee Rules

North Carolina has now committed more than $1 billion toward restoring water infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene as recovery efforts continue across western portions of the state. The program also features an exclusive look at Congressman Pat Harrigan’s SAFE Rural Act, aimed at strengthening storm resilience in rural communities, while President Donald Trump is set to attend the dignified transfer of two Fort Bragg soldiers killed in the Middle East. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the show to discuss newly adopted absentee ballot rules approved by the State Board of Elections that critics say could lead to more ballot rejections. Plus, American Eagle is expanding its North Carolina footprint with a new distribution hub planned for Rowan County.