‘We Certainly Have a Long Way to Go’

Theo Crouse-Mann feels fortunate to be able to return to his home, even if it has taken a year and he’s encountered a lot of red tape to fund the restoration work. “It's hard to grasp the whole thing,” he shares, emphasizing that only now has the “deeper stuff” and “trauma” of what his family went through begun to settle in. Photo by Abby Hassler

On the one-year milestone of Hurricane Helene, communities reflect on the challenges they still face on the long road to recovery. The storm caused significant destruction, but it also exacerbated existing issues. New instances of housing insecurity and mental health concerns bubble to the surface every day — and will for months and years to come. For those doing the arduous work of long-term recovery, it feels never-ending.

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Community preparedness and resilience workshop to be held in Dickson County on Sept. 27

Sept. 27: Community Preparedness & Resilience Workshop graphic with text and farmland photo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 11, 2025 CONTACTDan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (276) 289-1018, dan@appvoices.org  A workshop in Charlotte, Tennessee, will help community members learn about disaster preparedness, the role solar energy can play in dealing with disasters and how to build stronger networks among the community. The workshop will be held on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m.…

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Labor unions, allies to address Tennessee Valley Authority board on Wednesday against TVA privatization 

tva_headquarters_knoxville

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 18, 2025 CONTACTDan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (276) 289-1018, dan@appvoices.org KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — This Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 2-4 p.m., labor leaders from the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers and the Engineering Association, IFPTE Local 1937, the Office of Professional Employees International Union, the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and…

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The Long Trail Back: Public Lands Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Wild South’s chainsaw team (left to right: Ben Shaw, Nick Massey and Taylor Hilgeman) lend a hand rerouting a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail near Table Rock in response to Hurricane Helene. This section was next to, but outside of, the Linville Gorge Wilderness, so chainsaw use was permitted. Photo by Jonathan Massey, Wild South

Hurricane Helene devastated many of Appalachia’s most beloved natural areas. Thanks to federal, state and local partners and volunteers, many of these outdoor spaces have reopened. But full recovery is far from over. Current and looming federal budget cuts and policy changes have made already challenging land restoration work even more arduous.

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