Tropical Storm Helene devastated Asheville and Western North Carolina, destroying roads, downing power lines and demolishing entire towns. See aerial images of the damage.

Under pressure to control housing costs, Republican lawmakers rejected standards meant to protect against disasters, experts say.

The Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed throughout North Carolina after Tropical Storm Helene tore through the mountains last week, and the National Park Service says it doesn’t know when the road will reopen.