Mexico Sen. Jesse Helms is going to Mexico bearing kind words and friendship. Although the conservative Republican from North Carolina has served in the Senate since 1973 and is chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, the visit will be his first major foreign-policy trip in 20 years. As it embarks on the most ambitious and expensive project in its history, the housing authority is in turmoil. Its primary mission is to provide safe and decent housing for some of the city's most vulnerable families, but this winter it has been unable to meet even these basic requirements. Some officials say it's good for the coastal towns that are the recipients of the beach-nourishment projects.
Critics charge that it all adds up to welfare for the rich.
For Dear Life Frank Tursi's series looks at rare and endangered species in North Carolina. Continuing Series Ship to Shore Bernie Harberts of Statesville set off in late November 1998 on an attempt to sail around the world as part of an effort to raise awareness about the oceans. He chronicles his progress to the Journal every few weeks. Use of this Web site is subject to certain Terms and Conditions . We may collect personal information on this site, as described in our Privacy Policy .