Hurricane Helene and port strike test federal response ahead of Vance-Walz debate

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Hurricane Helene recently struck western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, causing widespread flooding and resulting in over 100 deaths. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with large areas inaccessible, prompting authorities to airlift supplies to affected communities. The disaster response, led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has come under scrutiny for its planning and prioritization.

As the country deals with the aftermath of the hurricane, another challenge looms in the form of a port strike. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) plans to strike along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, which could cost the U.S. economy up to $5 billion daily. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have faced criticism for their limited public involvement during both crises. Biden spent the weekend in Delaware, while Harris continued her campaign on the West Coast, though she later canceled some events to address the hurricane.

These developments are likely to play a role in the upcoming vice presidential debate between Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz, as both crises are expected to be central discussion points.