State and Regional News

Firefighters in the Carolinas battle multiple wildfires as New Jersey crews contain a forest blaze

Firefighters in the Carolinas battle multiple wildfires as New Jersey crews contain a forest blaze

Firefighters in North and South Carolina were battling multiple wind-driven wildfires Monday in rugged terrain that complicated containment efforts, officials said. Millions of trees knocked down by Hurricane Helene last year combined with long stretches of dry…

Wildfires prompt evacuations and an emergency declaration in the Carolinas

Wildfires prompt evacuations and an emergency declaration in the Carolinas

Wildfires forced a mandatory evacuation in one North Carolina county as emergency crews fought separate fires in an area of the state still recovering from Hurricane Helene, while South Carolina’s governor declared an emergency in…

North Carolina lawmakers approve additional $528M for Hurricane Helene recovery

North Carolina lawmakers approve additional $528M for Hurricane Helene recovery

By GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina lawmakers agreed Wednesday to spend another $528 million on still-pressing needs from Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding nearly six months ago, with an emphasis on home…

New North Carolina governor seeks to freeze tax cuts, phase out school vouchers in budget

New North Carolina governor seeks to freeze tax cuts, phase out school vouchers in budget

By GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein on Wednesday urged Republicans in charge of the legislature to roll back upcoming income tax rate cuts and scale…

North Carolina’s new governor seeks more Helene aid, help for families in legislative address

North Carolina’s new governor seeks more Helene aid, help for families in legislative address

By GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — New North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein gave his first address to a joint General Assembly session Wednesday night, hitting on familiar campaign and early-term…

A South Carolina man executed by firing squad is the first US prisoner killed this way in 15 years

A South Carolina man executed by firing squad is the first US prisoner killed this way in 15 years

By JEFFREY COLLINS Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina man who killed his ex-girlfriend’s parents with a baseball bat was executed by firing squad Friday, the first U.S. prisoner in 15 years…