South
North Carolina county debunks rumors of 'bodies everywhere' and government seizures in storm-ravaged town
Rutherford County in western North Carolina this week debunked two false rumors spreading in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
“We are aware of several false reports circulating on social media on the situation in Chimney Rock. We want to address these rumors directly to ensure the public has accurate information,” Rutherford County Emergency Management said in a statement posted on social media of the mountain town devastated by the powerful remnants of the hurricane.
The agency said rumors of a “special meeting” held to discuss federal, state or local governments seizing Chimney Rock, North Carolina, following severe hurricane damage, were “entirely false.”
Chimney Rock, which is around 20 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, has suffered extensive damage in the wake of the storm, however.
NORTH CAROLINA REELING FROM DEVASTATING HELENE AS DEATH TOLL CLIMBS: ‘NEVER SEEN ANYTHING QUITE LIKE THIS’
Debris is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Chimney Rock Village in western North Carolina. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
“Everything along the river is gone,” Tracy Stevens of the destroyed Chimney Rock Brewing Co. told the Asheville Citizen-Times. “What was once a town is now a river. It’s beyond anything I can imagine.”
Emergency Management also clarified false rumors that there were “bodies everywhere” in the town.
“Tragically, we have two confirmed fatalities because of the storm. Claims of ‘bodies everywhere’ are completely unfounded,” officials said. “Our emergency services and professional contractors are working tirelessly to clear debris and ensure the safety of residents, and we will continue to provide support to those affected.”
HURRICANE HELENE: NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS FIGHT FOR THEIR SURVIVAL AS BASIC GOODS BECOME SCARCE
On Friday, the agency also said that more than 800 people had been confirmed safe across the county “thanks to the diligent efforts of the Sheriff’s Office and the FBI team working to verify all missing persons.”
Homes are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Wednesday in Chimney Rock, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
More than 200 people have been evacuated from Chimney Rock and nearby Lake Lure, and more than 13,000 people are still without power in the county.
The agency said Chimney Rock and Lake Lure residents can now return to their homes, but “must present proof of residency at designated checkpoints. Access across the bridge into Chimney Rock is strictly prohibited. Through traffic is not currently allowed in the Lake Lure Town Center area near the Lake Lure Beach and beyond. Power and clean-up crews are actively working in these areas, so please drive slowly and cautiously.”
Businesses are seen in a debris field in Chimney Rock, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The hurricane’s death toll hit 230 as of late Friday since Helene made landfall in Florida last week, with most of the deaths in North and South Carolina.
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Hundreds also remain missing.
Dallas, TX
Preston Hollow residents oppose proposed $800 million mixed-use development in Dallas, survey reveals
It’s called a blue card survey. But some residents in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas believe it could be their ace in the hole and their fight against the proposed development.
The 2019 tornado left a trail of destruction in North Dallas, including Victor Toledo’s home. He said been able to rebuild along with others in his neighborhood.
But he says one area is still an eyesore.
“It’s become a very desirable neighborhood, other than that one corner, that one corner is still stuck six years ago with the old office buildings,” said Toledo.
That “one corner” he’s referring to is the southwest side of Preston Road in Royal Lane.
It’s where developers want to build an $800 million 19-story resort hotel, apartment building, and mixed-use development.
There are signs all around Preston Hollow opposing the project.
A recently completed survey of residences within 500 yards of it reveals just how strong the opposition is.
City of Dallas survey:
- 258 opposed
- 7 in favor
- 18 no response
Margaret Chabris hopes the city’s planning and zoning commission, which meets again on Aug. 6, will take the results of the survey seriously.
“It does have an impact because this is what the city wanted to know, and this is the chance that residents and property owners right here can voice their opinion; it should have a considerable impact.”
But some residents, like Toledo, believe the benefits of the development outweigh concerns about traffic and construction.
“It’ll be great for the neighborhood to have that kind of amenity,” Toledo said. “To have hotel options, new restaurants. Now it’s a vacant old building that wasn’t being used much.”
Bradley Beal is reportedly a free agent after declining his player option to return to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Miami Heat have been linked to him with the start of NBA free agency looming.
Miami is looking to add floor spacers following its trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Beal fits the bill as he’s a career 37.6% shooter from beyond the arc and would provide the team with a lot of experience.
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MORE: Projecting the 2026 Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup after Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
Underdog NBA shared the update reported by NBA Prime’s Chris Haynes on X. However, fans expressed skepticism about his fit and what he would bring to the franchise.
“Bradley Beal about to scam the Miami Heat like he did the Phoenix Suns and the LA Clippers,” one fan wrote.
“He said watch out like if Beal is still a good player,” a comment read.
“not a soul is worried about where bradley beal is going. we waiting on the jaylen brown trade,” one user said.
“That’s suppose to scare the Celtics ?” posted another.
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“How can any team want this dude?” a comment read.
“Their whole team will be over 30 years old at this rate,” another fan commented.
Beal signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Clippers on July 18, 2025. However, he played only six games last season as doctors performed a season-ending surgery to repair a hip fracture.
Bradley Beal’s career stats
The 33-year-old is coming off a major injury and hasn’t played a full season since 2018-19. However, he last received All-Star honors in 2021 and could still be a solid contributor if given ample playing time. Beal averages 21.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.1 3PM in his career.
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He could sign a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal, which would give him a chance to secure a more lucrative contract if he performs well. A low-risk, high-reward scenario will work well for Miami as it maneuvers its salary cap situation.
Thousands of Atlanta immigrants face deportations
Hundreds of thousands of Haitian immigrants face potential deportation starting July 27 after a Supreme Court ruling allowed the administration to end Temporary Protected Status, according to legal advocates.
ATLANTA – A Supreme Court ruling allowing the end of Temporary Protected Status has sparked widespread fear among tens of thousands of Haitian immigrants living across Georgia.
The major legal decision clears the way for federal authorities to resume deportations next month.
Georgia immigrants face deportation
What we know:
The Supreme Court ruled last week that the Trump administration can end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 1-million immigrants. This decision affects roughly 350,000 Haitian immigrants nationwide, including thousands who legally reside and work in metro Atlanta.
Former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf called the ruling a dramatic win for the administration and common sense. However, local immigration lawyer Lana Joseph said, “these are people who are well vetted, who work here, raise children, pay taxes.”
Atlanta community fears violence
What they’re saying:
An anonymous Haitian woman living in metro Atlanta expressed profound terror, calling the sudden legal shift an absolute nightmare. She said, “I am worried about the future more because I don’t know what’s going to happen to me,” fearing she could be killed by heavily armed gangs that currently overrun much of Haiti.
Dr. Jean Billy Beaufils, president of the Georgia Haitian Leadership Coalition, strongly condemned the decision, describing any forced return to Haiti as suicide. Joseph added that some facing removal entered the country as infants and know no other home.
Legal protections ending soon
What’s next:
The Trump administration is authorized to begin deportations on July 27 following the expiration of the legal safeguards. Meanwhile, immigration advocates are pressing Congress to intervene and extend protections for vulnerable communities.
Unresolved immigration details
What we don’t know:
Officials have not yet confirmed exactly how many individuals within Georgia will face immediate removal actions starting next month. It also remains unclear whether federal authorities will prioritize specific cases or execute widespread enforcement operations.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from FOX 5 reporter Christopher King, who interviewed affected Haitian community members and legal experts in metro Atlanta, as well as broadcast pool feeds featuring federal policy statements.
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