Distribution of IV fluids to most hospitals nationwide were reduced 40-60% after the nation’s largest manufacturer was hit by Hurricane Helene. The Baxter North Cove facility in Marion, N.C., produced roughly 1.5 million bags a day. The location is responsible for about 60% of the country’s supply of IV fluids. Duke University Hospital’s Chief Quality Officer Dr. Jon Bae said there is a shortage of “a lot of the traditional IV fluids, normal saline, Lactated…

Several University of North Carolina member institutions are waiving application fees for students in counties that were affected by Hurricane Helene. The offer is valid for all applying students from 39 disaster-declared counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from Oct. 21 to Oct. 27 in an effort to reduce hardships for college-bound students. The move is part of College Application Week, a statewide initiative to encourage high school seniors to pursue higher education….

By Brian Murphy, WRAL News Durham, N.C. — The Durham Rays? It seems like a long shot, but Hurricane Milton’s destruction in Florida, particularly in the Tampa area, has, at least, allowed some to dream of a Major League Baseball team coming to the area. The roof Tropicana Field, the home of MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays, was badly damaged during Hurricane Milton which hit Florida earlier this month, raising questions about its viability for the…

On Wednesday, students at Appalachian State University returned to the classroom for the first time since Hurricane Helene hit on Sept. 27. Students will have some catching up to do – and the campus still has damage to repair. All water and power has been restored on campus, and most of the buildings have been repaired, but there are a few areas that are blocked off, including a concert hall on campus. A close-up of…

Some people planning to vote absentee are finding an unpleasant surprise when they receive their ballots. State officials say moisture from Hurricane Helene has caused one or both envelopes used to return the ballot to seal shut. There’s no word on exactly how many counties or ballots have been affected. In an email, North Carolina State Board of Elections spokesperson Pat Gannon wrote “Chatham and a few other” counties have reported problems, likely “caused by…

On Wednesday, students at Appalachian State University returned to the classroom for the first time since Hurricane Helene hit on Sept. 27. Students will have some catching up to do – and the campus still has damage to repair. All water and power has been restored on campus, and most of the buildings have been repaired, but there are a few areas that are blocked off, including a concert hall on campus. Freshman Madyson Bajema…