In the weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Carolina Journal had the unique opportunity to ride along with the North Carolina National Guard as they delivered generators and fuel from Samaritan’s Purse to communities in Yancey County.

We found residents to be frustrated, saying the Federal Emergency Management Agency was scarce the immediate aftermath. Instead, residents found life-saving aid in their neighbors, churches, local first responders, and the NC National Guard. Questions are now being raised about FEMA’s mission and motives after claims that a FEMA leader allegedly instructed staff to avoid victims with Trump signs on their property.