The Hatteras Island beachfront has eroded rapidly and caused the collapse of about 20 houses since last fall. The Army Corps of Engineers plans to repair broken jetties later this year, and Dare County is planning a beach renourishment project, but the fix will be too late for many homes.

The Coharie Indian Tribe launched an effort to clean out debris from the Great Coharie River near their headquarters north of Clinton. That led to a unique recreation and tourism initiative where members of the Coharie Tribe lead visitors on guided kayaking trips down the river.

State and federal money has been slow to arrive, but Madison County locals have been able to get things up and running with donations and volunteer labor. Now they're hoping tourists will return for what could be a make-or-break 2026.