Enrollment has rebounded at North Carolina's three state universities in the mountainous western part of the state that was slammed by Hurricane Helene last fall. Appalachian State University, the University of North Carolina Asheville and Western Carolina University are all showing enrollment increases compared to last

Months after Hurricane Helene disrupted the academic year for thousands of students and their families, spring enrollment is up at the UNC System’s three mountain universities.

Locals are showing their concerns through a petition and a Facebook group about UNC Asheville's intentions with a forest the university owns.

Emergency funding from the N.C. General Assembly allowed the universities to fix damaged infrastructure, boost financial aid, and cover spring tuition for all students at UNC Asheville.

Ben Johnson, a North Carolina native from just outside of Asheville, agreed to a deal to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears, reports say.