Public News Service

The death toll from Hurricane Helene tops 200 as search and rescue efforts continue in North Carolina, community health centers in Florida struggle to serve patients as storm recovery strains resources, a new program offers Ohio residents relief from medical debt and voter advocacy groups say poor maintenance has led to inaccurate voter rolls in Indiana.

Israel's assassination of Hezbollah's leader and Iran's missile retaliation escalate Middle East tensions; Hurricane Kirk strengthens with 85 mph winds, as Hurricane Helene leaves over 175 dead in Southeast; new tools hold oil and gas drillers accountable; Montana's Indigenous advocates push back against ending ballot collection on tribal lands; New York colleges feel effects of SCOTUS affirmative action decision; fans express frustration over rising ticket prices and hidden fees; teens in Minnesota struggle with fewer safe spaces amid isolation.

Hurricane Helene's death toll nears 160 as rescue efforts continue. The US Navy intercepted Iranian missiles targeting Israel. Meanwhile, wildfires in Colorado accelerate snowpack melt, affecting water supplies and a listeria outbreak linked to deli meats has caused 10 deaths.

Tonight, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance will debate for vice president. California Gov. Gavin Newsom bans legacy preferences in college admissions. Purdue students are protesting for greater voting access, and a Pennsylvania program targets postpartum depression.

Southeastern U.S. states struggle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene; Public health officials lack data in treating Native American communities; and postal workers to hold day of action over concerns about working conditions.

Hurricane Helene strengthens into a Category 4 storm, bringing warnings of heavy rain and dangerous winds to southeastern U.S., while New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces wire fraud and bribery charges, Indiana emerges as a clean energy leader, and Kentucky kinship families report needing more support.

Hurricane Helene set to slam Florida; Lawmakers act ahead of presidential election after rise in voter intimidation; Congress passes stopgap spending bill; Colorado residents use new tool to compare healthcare costs, quality; Overdose deaths drop in Kentucky but rise among Black residents; Arizona State alumna discovers link to ASU's history through ancestor; North Dakota task force reviews zoning laws for factory farms; Dogs highlight Montana's public lands.

President Biden delivers his final address before the U.N. General Assembly; a report says rising energy demand from growing industries threatens climate goals; Florida under a State of Emergency as a massive storm intensifies; and small businesses look to Congress to keep tax breaks alive.

Sustainable aviation fuel is creating buzz in the airline industry; the FBI reports a drop in violent crime; prison copays called a barrier to care for incarcerated people; and a Caribbean storm system could threaten the Gulf of Mexico by Thursday.

The U.S. has seen over 400 mass shootings, including a targeted attack in Birmingham that killed four. House Speaker Mike Johnson proposed funding the government until December 20, while California will ban plastic bags by 2026. New EPA standards could save over 200,000 lives, but environmentalists oppose lifting gray wolf protections.