App State alumnus Moss Brennan '21 talks about the challenges he faced as both a journalist and a first responder in Watauga County during Hurricane Helene. Brennan is the editor of the Watauga Democrat and volunteers with the Deep Gap Fire Department and Watauga County Rescue Squad. He graduated from App State with a degree in journalism in 2021.

Floridians could pay for Hurricane Milton through surcharges imposed on their insurance policies and potentially higher premiums for property coverage. Dr. Lori Medders, professor in App State’s Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance, noted there was already a lot of pressure on the property insurance market in Florida before hurricanes Helene and Milton and that these events will make the challenged market even worse.

App State alumnus Jesse Barber ’22 ’24, a documentary photographer and Western North Carolina native, brought a unique perspective to his photo coverage of Hurricane Helene, with an aim to capture hope amidst the devastation of his home state. Barber graduated from App State with a bachelor’s degree in documentary studies and a master’s degree in Appalachian studies.

Many homeowners in North Carolina won’t be insured against flooding or landslides from Hurricane Helene due to the fragmented way in which disasters are covered. Dr. David Marlett, professor in App State’s Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance, breaks down property insurance markets for homes and the many factors that can have negative impacts on policies.