HURRICANE MATTHEW

Hurricane Sam will pass far to the east of the Caribbean but could produce swells in the region, including Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, spreading to the U.S. East Coast by this weekend, impacting Florida north to New York.

A view of the damaged city after the passing Hurricane Matthew in Jeremie, Haiti, Friday. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526.

Hogshead said South Carolina was already established as a grantee, whereas North Carolina had to apply for grantee status before receiving funds. HUD spokesman Brian Sullivan declined to comment beyond referring a reporter to online materials that characterize North Carolina as a "slow spender" of its Matthew-related grant. HUD announced in May it will award North Carolina $336.5 million in community block grants for the storm, but spending rules must be settled first. Organizations including Habitat for Humanity and Baptists on Mission volunteer labor for STEP repairs. Avis Rankins, 52, didn't think the Spring Lake home she shares with her mother was livable after STEP repairs.