Laura Hackett
Appearances
NPR News Now
NPR News: 11-18-2024 7PM EST
It's been over 50 days since Asheville residents have had clean drinking water. After Helene caused severe damage to its water system and completely muddied the reservoir, the city struggled to put the pieces back together. They've used everything from chemicals to industrial curtains to clean up the water. And now finally, the wait is over.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 11-18-2024 7PM EST
Dina Larson is one of the many Asheville residents who is rejoicing over the news that clean water has returned. There are definitely tears of happiness much sooner than anyone expected. Larson says she hopes that water will help Asheville enter its next chapter of recovery and lead to the city's economy bouncing back. For NPR News, I'm Laura Hackett in Asheville, North Carolina.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 03-28-2025 6PM EDT
Much of western North Carolina is blanketed in smoke as thousands of acres of forest land burn and new fires continue to crop up. Near the South Carolina border in Canesty Falls, Sheriff Chuck Owenby is working with the fire department and state responders. They've been working their hind ends off just to keep everybody safe.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 03-28-2025 6PM EDT
Usually in these situations, his team would call in help from other counties.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 03-28-2025 6PM EDT
As the local staff fights the fires, the State Forest Service has staffing problems. The department was reported to have 100 vacancies earlier this month. For NPR News, I'm Laura Hackett in Asheville, North Carolina.