https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQi3gXNdmNg Our collective power is in our community movements, no matter where you stand in your politics. In this storm, that is one of the many lessons we have learned, as folks have come together from all areas of the country, and every background, to help people get back on their feet.
We are 5 weeks and 4 days past the ravaging of Hurricane Helene, our hearts are sore and wounded, but our spirits are strong. A few days ago we gathered with friends and kindred near to pay homage in art, and sang a final song at the Salvage Station, at the banks of the French Broad River, in the River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina. Built out of an up-cycled junkyard turned music-venue gone-rogue, it flooded 23ft under water and is deemed part of an area in that will not be rebuilt.
Now it’s just about catching hold of our favorite memories and cleaning up the wreckage.
Salvaging what we can.
The people of Southern Appalachia
are made of steel and sourgum…
cardinals and marigolds.
We love yall, here.
We are damn certainly honored to be a part of this movement, and this recovery.
Steady onward.
Be kind to one another in the coming days.
Post edited by Pap on
Athens 2006 / Milton Keynes 2014 / London 1&2 2022 / Seattle 1&2 2024 / Dublin 2024 / Manchester 2024
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
By Mark Swanson | Tuesday, 07 January 2025 08:25 PM EST
The Department of Homeland Security inspector general launched an audit of the Federal Emergency Management Agency last month over claims that the agency bypassed homes ravaged by hurricanes that contained yard signs supporting then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, The Hill reported Tuesday.
Joseph Cuffari confirmed in a letter to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves, R-Mo., and Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., that he initiated an audit on Dec. 17, according to the report.
The audit stemmed from a former FEMA official who instructed disaster relief workers in Florida to "avoid homes" with signs endorsing Trump. Marn'i Washington would later say her directive of "best practices" was not "isolated" and in fact was widespread and happening in the Carolinas as well in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. She also said she was being made a scapegoat over a policy she was following, not creating.
A former FEMA official lent support to Washington's claims, telling the New York Post that the pattern of skipping Trump-supporting houses has been an open secret at FEMA for years.
According to Cuffari's letter, the objective of the audit is "to determine how well FEMA followed its policies and procedures when addressing safety concerns and determining community trends that impact disaster survivor assistance in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton," The Hill reported.
Graves and Perry were among a host of Republicans who demanded an investigation.
"In North Carolina, the Committee is aware of reports of FEMA employees skipping any home that displayed a 'Make America Great Again,' 'Drain the Swamp,' 'Don't Tread on Me,' or Trump campaign sign," Graves and Perry wrote in a 3-page letter to Cuffari on Dec. 3. "If the FEMA field team encountered three or more of these signs, the field team could abandon the entire neighborhood without notifying hurricane victims of assistance available to them."
The House Oversight Committee grilled FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in November over the practice, which she said was "completely at odds with FEMA's mission." Criswell vowed then to request an inspector general investigation into the claims.
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
By Mark Swanson | Tuesday, 07 January 2025 08:25 PM EST
The Department of Homeland Security inspector general launched an audit of the Federal Emergency Management Agency last month over claims that the agency bypassed homes ravaged by hurricanes that contained yard signs supporting then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, The Hill reported Tuesday.
Joseph Cuffari confirmed in a letter to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves, R-Mo., and Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., that he initiated an audit on Dec. 17, according to the report.
The audit stemmed from a former FEMA official who instructed disaster relief workers in Florida to "avoid homes" with signs endorsing Trump. Marn'i Washington would later say her directive of "best practices" was not "isolated" and in fact was widespread and happening in the Carolinas as well in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. She also said she was being made a scapegoat over a policy she was following, not creating.
A former FEMA official lent support to Washington's claims, telling the New York Post that the pattern of skipping Trump-supporting houses has been an open secret at FEMA for years.
According to Cuffari's letter, the objective of the audit is "to determine how well FEMA followed its policies and procedures when addressing safety concerns and determining community trends that impact disaster survivor assistance in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton," The Hill reported.
Graves and Perry were among a host of Republicans who demanded an investigation.
"In North Carolina, the Committee is aware of reports of FEMA employees skipping any home that displayed a 'Make America Great Again,' 'Drain the Swamp,' 'Don't Tread on Me,' or Trump campaign sign," Graves and Perry wrote in a 3-page letter to Cuffari on Dec. 3. "If the FEMA field team encountered three or more of these signs, the field team could abandon the entire neighborhood without notifying hurricane victims of assistance available to them."
The House Oversight Committee grilled FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in November over the practice, which she said was "completely at odds with FEMA's mission." Criswell vowed then to request an inspector general investigation into the claims.
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
THANKFUL FOR VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP ANYONE IN NEED - EVEN TRUMP SUPPORTERS - WHILE FEMA DISCRIMINATES.
Please stop already fuckface threatening withholding relief funds from disaster areas was his motto! And how many hillbillies decided to refuse help because MAGA told them fema would take their homes! If you’re going to post info the least you could do is post both sides of the coin! But it doesn’t surprise me that you only see one side…
Drenched in Place (a compilation album curated by Rising Appalachia for Hurricane Helene relief) We are so proud to present Drenched in Place, a heartfelt compilation album created in response to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This collection features 50 incredible artists, 39 tracks, and over 2 hours of music -a mix of unreleased gems and reimagined favorites - all coming together to drench our hearts in beauty after the high waters. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to three amazing nonprofits Beloved Asheville, NanoStead, and River Link, all whom are working tirelessly to rebuild and support communities here in Western North Carolina.
This album is a love letter to resilience, community, and the spirit of Appalachia. It's only available on Bandcamp , making it a perfect holiday gift for loved ones while supporting a critical cause.
Available only on Bandcamp! Join the movement to help us rebuild. Together, we can keep Appalachia strong.
Post edited by Pap on
Athens 2006 / Milton Keynes 2014 / London 1&2 2022 / Seattle 1&2 2024 / Dublin 2024 / Manchester 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vAsuzFb9AQ Busker's Corner is a series of performances by Western North Carolina musicians in nature settings that were devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Reflections from Leah Song of Rising Appalachia:
“Winter solstice, after Hurricane Helene. In celebration of the darkest night of the year, and the place where this quiet earth stores all her energy in preparation for turning towards the light, we sing this song on the cold forest floor, surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of trees felled like matchsticks by the recent storms. It’s a love song, and a lament, for this wild ground around us…it’s ravage and it’s regrowth.”
Athens 2006 / Milton Keynes 2014 / London 1&2 2022 / Seattle 1&2 2024 / Dublin 2024 / Manchester 2024
MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. – At least three wildfires have broken out near towns that were devastated by Hurricane Helene, forcing evacuations.
So far, evacuations are in place for people living along several roads in Old Fort, North Carolina, due to a fire known as the Crooked Creek Fire.
The fire is estimated to be 200 acres and 5% contained, according to McDowell County Emergency Management. It's reportedly jumped across Bat Cave Road in Old Fort.
The McDowell County Office of Emergency Management said the fire was started by a tree on a downed power line, and flames are being driven by gusty winds in the area.
There have been no reported injuries, but the fire has destroyed "multiple" outbuildings, the agency said.
As parts of western North Carolina are still devastated from Helene, a wildfire erupted on Wednesday near Black Mountain and Old Fort.
"The emergency management of this county had said that it's a lot of that debris from Helene and the cut down trees, the dry brush, that's making it challenging for a lot of these firefighters," said FOX News Multimedia Reporter Chelsea Torres.
Two more fires began north of Marion, North Carolina on Wednesday afternoon. According to McDowell County Emergency Management, no evacuations are in place for either fire.
One of the fires, located along US 221 North, is 2 acres and 0% contained, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.
There's no word yet on how large the third fire is.
The North Carolina Forest Service warned residents Wednesday morning that conditions would be ideal for fire weather but should improve in the evening. Low humidity and gusty winds create the perfect mixture for rapid fire spread.
Old Fort was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September. The town is still working to rebuild after flooding destroyed much of Western North Carolina.
Firefighters continue to work on establishing containment lines and structure protection for multiple homes in the area.
Comments
Our collective power is in our community movements, no matter where you stand in your politics. In this storm, that is one of the many lessons we have learned, as folks have come together from all areas of the country, and every background, to help people get back on their feet. We are 5 weeks and 4 days past the ravaging of Hurricane Helene, our hearts are sore and wounded, but our spirits are strong. A few days ago we gathered with friends and kindred near to pay homage in art, and sang a final song at the Salvage Station, at the banks of the French Broad River, in the River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina. Built out of an up-cycled junkyard turned music-venue gone-rogue, it flooded 23ft under water and is deemed part of an area in that will not be rebuilt. Now it’s just about catching hold of our favorite memories and cleaning up the wreckage. Salvaging what we can. The people of Southern Appalachia are made of steel and sourgum… cardinals and marigolds. We love yall, here. We are damn certainly honored to be a part of this movement, and this recovery. Steady onward. Be kind to one another in the coming days.
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
By Mark Swanson | Tuesday, 07 January 2025 08:25 PM EST
The Department of Homeland Security inspector general launched an audit of the Federal Emergency Management Agency last month over claims that the agency bypassed homes ravaged by hurricanes that contained yard signs supporting then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, The Hill reported Tuesday.
Joseph Cuffari confirmed in a letter to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves, R-Mo., and Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., that he initiated an audit on Dec. 17, according to the report.
The audit stemmed from a former FEMA official who instructed disaster relief workers in Florida to "avoid homes" with signs endorsing Trump. Marn'i Washington would later say her directive of "best practices" was not "isolated" and in fact was widespread and happening in the Carolinas as well in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. She also said she was being made a scapegoat over a policy she was following, not creating.
A former FEMA official lent support to Washington's claims, telling the New York Post that the pattern of skipping Trump-supporting houses has been an open secret at FEMA for years.
According to Cuffari's letter, the objective of the audit is "to determine how well FEMA followed its policies and procedures when addressing safety concerns and determining community trends that impact disaster survivor assistance in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton," The Hill reported.
Graves and Perry were among a host of Republicans who demanded an investigation.
"In North Carolina, the Committee is aware of reports of FEMA employees skipping any home that displayed a 'Make America Great Again,' 'Drain the Swamp,' 'Don't Tread on Me,' or Trump campaign sign," Graves and Perry wrote in a 3-page letter to Cuffari on Dec. 3. "If the FEMA field team encountered three or more of these signs, the field team could abandon the entire neighborhood without notifying hurricane victims of assistance available to them."
The House Oversight Committee grilled FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in November over the practice, which she said was "completely at odds with FEMA's mission." Criswell vowed then to request an inspector general investigation into the claims.
Mark Swanson ✉
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
THANKFUL FOR VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP ANYONE IN NEED - EVEN TRUMP SUPPORTERS - WHILE FEMA DISCRIMINATES.
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt2
We are so proud to present Drenched in Place, a heartfelt compilation album created in response to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This collection features 50 incredible artists, 39 tracks, and over 2 hours of music - a mix of unreleased gems and reimagined favorites - all coming together to drench our hearts in beauty after the high waters. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to three amazing nonprofits Beloved Asheville, NanoStead, and River Link, all whom are working tirelessly to rebuild and support communities here in Western North Carolina.
This album is a love letter to resilience, community, and the spirit of Appalachia. It's only available on Bandcamp , making it a perfect holiday gift for loved ones while supporting a critical cause.
Available only on Bandcamp! Join the movement to help us rebuild. Together, we can keep Appalachia strong.
https://youtu.be/enRt3xOLwZ8?si=URWeKOIx0_3Prwnt
Busker's Corner is a series of performances by Western North Carolina musicians in nature settings that were devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Reflections from Leah Song of Rising Appalachia:
“Winter solstice, after Hurricane Helene. In celebration of the darkest night of the year, and the place where this quiet earth stores all her energy in preparation for turning towards the light, we sing this song on the cold forest floor, surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of trees felled like matchsticks by the recent storms. It’s a love song, and a lament, for this wild ground around us…it’s ravage and it’s regrowth.”
MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. – At least three wildfires have broken out near towns that were devastated by Hurricane Helene, forcing evacuations.
So far, evacuations are in place for people living along several roads in Old Fort, North Carolina, due to a fire known as the Crooked Creek Fire.
The fire is estimated to be 200 acres and 5% contained, according to McDowell County Emergency Management. It's reportedly jumped across Bat Cave Road in Old Fort.The McDowell County Office of Emergency Management said the fire was started by a tree on a downed power line, and flames are being driven by gusty winds in the area.
There have been no reported injuries, but the fire has destroyed "multiple" outbuildings, the agency said.
As parts of western North Carolina are still devastated from Helene, a wildfire erupted on Wednesday near Black Mountain and Old Fort.
"The emergency management of this county had said that it's a lot of that debris from Helene and the cut down trees, the dry brush, that's making it challenging for a lot of these firefighters," said FOX News Multimedia Reporter Chelsea Torres.
Two more fires began north of Marion, North Carolina on Wednesday afternoon. According to McDowell County Emergency Management, no evacuations are in place for either fire.
One of the fires, located along US 221 North, is 2 acres and 0% contained, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.
There's no word yet on how large the third fire is.
The North Carolina Forest Service warned residents Wednesday morning that conditions would be ideal for fire weather but should improve in the evening. Low humidity and gusty winds create the perfect mixture for rapid fire spread.
Old Fort was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September. The town is still working to rebuild after flooding destroyed much of Western North Carolina.
Firefighters continue to work on establishing containment lines and structure protection for multiple homes in the area.
These poor folks just can't catch a break.