Equipment operators from across the country came to Western North Carolina to assist in cleanup from Tropical Storm Helene.

According to FEMA, 33 families have temporary homes to call their own in Western North Carolina as of Thanksgiving and nearly 500 families have been approved for housing. FEMA is paying hotel costs for almost 12,000 survivors in the state. The federal agency has already paid more than $ 940,000 to help survivors with their rent.

A Western North Carolina winter festival is back and will run until Christmas. The 6th annual Winterfest is underway at Tryon International Equestrian Center.

The nonprofit has been helping people in Western North Carolina since the beginning of October. In total, they've served over 350,000 meals in the state. Additionally, the event hosted NASCAR drivers Todd Gilliland and Cody Ware who signed autographs for members of the community while they got their dinner.

Hurricane Helene took out critical infrastructure in western North Carolina, specifically water systems that were already under much strain.

Videos of women on nights out, revealed in a BBC North West investigation, gained millions of views. (Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump continued staffing his new administration on Tuesday night,