It was the third-deadliest hurricane of the modern era, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida late on Sept. 26 before hitting Western North Carolina the following morning. The storm brought flooding, landslides and winds that damaged or downed 40% of the trees in Buncombe County, according to Asheville Watchdog.
Two months after the storm, homes across Western North Carolina stood with broken windows and empty rooms. Spray-painted “X”s marked outside walls and garage doors, indicating complete FEMA searches, according to the Civil Air Patrol.
Cars and trucks remained abandoned in rivers and under rubble. Residents’ belongings — clothing, curtains, childrens’ toys — sat in piles along the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers. Businesses were boarded up; roads and broken bridges were closed.
A building on Riverside Drive in Asheville — located in Buncombe County — read “LOOTERS WILL BE SHOT” in red spray paint.
But amid the rubble, residents of Asheville and nearby Swannanoa also spray-painted messages of hope. A statue in the River Arts District — a neighborhood of historic buildings transformed into art galleries and restaurants — stood above a sign that read “even when the creek rises.” A piece of wood in front of a gas station in Swannanoa featured text that read “UR strong” and a red heart.
Efforts to rebuild persist. So does the knowledge that the road will be long.
Lily Alexander is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on X @llilyalexander
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PHOTO STORY: Albuquerque No Kings march draws several thousand
March 29Major intersections were shut down for Albuquerque’s third No Kings protest, which drew approximately 50,000 participants to Montgomery Park and hosted multiple speakers, including former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Chants criticizing President Donald Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the war in Iran echoed throughout the crowd. Some participants highlighted Blackstone’s proposed acquisition of energy supplier Public Service Company New Mexico, chanting “Our home is not a sacrifice zone,” and carrying banners that read “Back off Blackstone." Radiance LaJeunesse, who marched with the crowd, said she attended because of “all injustices,” including (the Trump Administration) “pulling children away from their families and killing American citizens.” “It's got way out of hand, this little science experiment that Trump wants,” LaJeunesse said. “I won't lie. I do believe that Democrats are a little spineless. I am a Democrat. But because that's the only way I can vote in every single election, so I make sure to do that.” Leila Chapa is the social media and photo editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06 Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88
PHOTO STORY: Treasures of the Earth Expo
March 23The Treasures of the Earth Expo, presented by the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club, welcomed visitors of all ages with vibrant displays of minerals and engaging activities. From Friday to Sunday, March 20-22, at the Expo NM State Fairgrounds, guests were warmly greeted by volunteers. After buying their tickets, they could cast their vote in the gemstone display competition and entered a raffle for a chance to win prizes. Among the organizations competing for the standout displays were the San Juan College Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology and the New Mexico Mineral Museum. Their booths showcased gems and minerals accompanied by informative pamphlets containing historical and scientific facts. This year’s expo drew a lively crowd eager to explore the wide variety of gemstones, jewelry, fossils and unique mineral-themed products. In addition to the marketplace and display competition, the event featured a daily silent auction where attendees bid on coveted stones and gems to take home. Beyond raw gems and decorative jewelry, vendors offered mineral lamps, wine caps adorned with polished stones, gua shas, dinosaur teeth and an array of intricately carved figures including dragons, skulls, pirate ships, mushrooms and moon shapes. For those needing a break, The Taco Guy provided food options, and tables and chairs were available for guests to relax and recharge. Paulina Acosta-Marta is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
