### Fresh Criticism Over Helene Response, Israeli Ground Operations, and Imminent Vance-Walz Debate

Residents of Asheville, North Carolina, are voicing their frustration over what they perceive as the city's inadequate preparation for the aftermath of Helene. Despite assurances from Gov. Roy Cooper that collaborative efforts from federal, state, and local agencies are in motion, discontent remains high. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell noted that about 1 million liters of water and over 600,000 meals have been dispatched, along with more than 1,200 federal workers deployed to the state.

Sara Legatski, a local business owner in Asheville, expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that emergency water supplies should have been made available earlier. "None of this is a surprise," she stated. "Anyone acting like this is a surprise has not been here long enough and is not from the mountains and does not understand how water works." As survivors continue to struggle for essentials like food and clean water, the critiques underscore a broader sentiment of inadequacy in planning and execution.

The city of Asheville and Buncombe County officials have not responded to requests for comments about these grievances, fueling a sense of neglect among the affected communities.

In a separate international development, Israel has commenced a ground offensive in Lebanon following a night of bombardments in Beirut. According to U.S. officials, the operation aims to push Hezbollah forces further from the Israeli border and is expected to last several days. This escalation has heightened fears in Lebanon, with the country's Prime Minister warning it is facing "one of the most dangerous stages in its history."

Lastly, an eagerly anticipated debate between vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz is set to take place. The 90-minute event hosted by CBS will commence at 9 p.m. ET in New York. Vance, running mate to former President Donald Trump, aims to rebound from a shaky start in the 2024 presidential race and may face tough questions regarding his involvement in circulating a debunked rumor about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.

With these critical issues unfolding locally and internationally, all eyes are on how leaders and officials will address the growing concerns and what impact this will have on the upcoming elections and geopolitical stability.