The swing-state counties hit by Hurricane Helene mostly voted for Trump in 2020 The key presidential states of Georgia and North Carolina were hit particularly hard by Hurricane Helene. NPR compared which counties qualify for FEMA aid with 2020 election results. The area is largely Republican. Read more on NPR

How could hurricanes impact the election? What we can learn from 5 recent storms The election and Atlantic hurricane seasons are overlapping with dramatic effect, and not for the first time. Here’s what we can learn from other storms that shaped elections, from Katrina to Maria. Read more on NPR

Time is short to evacuate for Hurricane Milton. And, EPA mandates lead pipe removal Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida late tonight as a dangerous storm, and time is running out for people to evacuate. And, the EPA has mandated a nationwide lead pipe removal. Read more on NPR

Researchers work to make pitch-perfect turf for the 2026 World Cup Researchers work to grow grass that will offer the same level playing field for athletes at the various soccer venues that will be used during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Read more on NPR

Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded to scientists for work on proteins The Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded Wednesday to David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper for their work with proteins. The awards continue with the literature prize on Thursday. Read more on NPR

Only 2% of charitable giving goes to women. Can Melinda French Gates change that? The philanthropist is spending $1 billion — and leveraging her ever-growing celebrity — to call more attention to the systemic problems facing women and girls. Now she’s focusing even more on women’s health. Read more on NPR

They came to Asheville looking for a ‘climate haven.’ Then came Hurricane Helene When Mary Ann Roser and her husband moved to Asheville four months ago they introduced themselves to neighbors as “climate refugees from Austin.” After Helene, she has thoughts on “climate havens.” Read more on NPR

Evacuation windows narrow as Hurricane Milton closes in on Florida The National Hurricane Center predicts the storm surge can get as high as 15 feet in some places, and rainfall totals could reach 18 inches. Read more on NPR

Many people in jail have the right to vote. So do many felons People who are in jail and haven’t been convicted of a crime — and even many who have been convicted — retain their right to vote. But it’s often challenging for them to exercise it. Read more on NPR

In battleground states, it’s not just about winning — but also losing by less In a state where every vote matters, both Democratic and Republican campaigns are not only trying to win in counties where they’re strongest, they’re also trying to lose by less. Read more on NPR