Mayor Esther Manheimer of Asheville, North Carolina, provides an update on the town's recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Basic services like electricity and water have been restored, but full recovery is stalled without federal funding. The mayor emphasizes the community's resilience but highlights the critical need for congressional support to avoid further devastation from potential future disasters. She expresses frustration over the delay in federal disaster relief due to partisan disputes in Washington, urging lawmakers to prioritize the aid package. The mayor stresses the importance of setting aside political differences to pass the necessary funding, especially as the community faces ongoing challenges in rebuilding infrastructure and reopening schools.