The Diaper Bank of North Carolina is asking state lawmakers for $1.3 million to keep distributing diapers in parts of western North Carolina reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Why it matters: When it's not responding to a natural disaster, the diaper bank distributes as many as 800,000 diapers to 65 counties every month.

• After Helene rocked North Carolina's mountain communities, the diaper bank rushed supplies — from formula to feminine hygiene — to the region, bringing the total number of counties the organization serves to 93.

Driving the news: The organization's stock is dwindling, but the need for diapers isn't.

• The diaper bank is asking lawmakers for funds to restock and continue serving the western part of the state through spring.
• Its requested $1.3 million would give the diaper bank the ability to distribute approximately 4 million diapers, CEO Michelle Schaefer-Old told Axios.
• "This storm is something we'll be dealing with for years," Schaefer-Old said. "We're still serving families that were affected by Hurricane Florence in 2018."

Context: Nearly one in two families cannot afford diapers every month, Schaefer-Old said.

• WIC, which provides food for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, does not cover diapers. Neither do food stamps.
• Families affected by Helene who didn't experience diaper needs before will now experience it, Schaefer-Old said, because they'll have additional expenses like home restoration and repair.

Between the lines: State lawmakers on Wednesday approved a $273 million disaster relief bill that didn't include the Diaper Bank's requested amount. (Go deeper for more of what's in the bill.)

• Lawmakers could still grant the funding ask at a later date.

How you can help: The Diaper Bank of NC is asking for donation drives from the community, says Avery Payne, director of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina's Charlotte branch.

• Learn more about hosting one here.
• You can also volunteer with the organization (learn more here) or donate supplies via its Amazon wishlist.

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The bulk of Charlotte-area homes were built between the 1990s and 2010s, per the latest census data.

• The largest share — 21.5% — were built in the 2000s.

The big picture: Existing homes aren't getting any younger and sellers are still feeling the rate-lock effect. This opens the window for a remodeling wave, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

The intrigue: An interest in remodeling has been a boost in recent years for home improvement retailers like Mooresville-based Lowe's. About two-thirds of the retailer's business is non-discretionary repair and maintenance work.

• How old is your home? Have current interest rates prompted you to stay put and remodel, as opposed to move? I'm curious to hear your story: [email protected].

🍝 Riccio's Italian, a family-run Italian restaurant since 1962, has closed. (Instagram)

Appalachian State University will resume classes on Wednesday, Oct. 16. (WRAL)

🍽️ Counter-, the popular tasting menu restaurant by James Beard Award-nominated chef Sam Hart, closed temporarily this week after a pipe burst underneath the restaurant.

• In January, it'll close for three weeks to do a more serious excavation, Hart wrote on Instagram.

Restoration plans for the historic Excelsior Club in west Charlotte are in jeopardy. (The Charlotte Post)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Service staff found harmful algal blooms in southern Lake Norman and is warning people and pets not to swim in that area. (Cornelius Today)

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Recruitment Coordinator at Augustine Literacy Project.
2. Product Manager at Stork Exchange.
3. Budget and Data Specialist at Queens University of Charlotte.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

College and pro football's return has been a boost for legal mobile sports betting in North Carolina.

Why it matters: It follows the trend experts expected during a summertime decline that football would drive betting back up after North Carolina's strong start last spring.

By the numbers: The total bet in September was $575.4 million — a 55% jump from August, per the latest data from the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.

• Total won in September: $501.6 million.

Between the lines: North Carolinians lost about $70 million on sports bets in September (considering the total amount of bets placed, won and canceled).

• The state taxes this amount, known as gross wagering revenue, by 18%, meaning the N.C. Department of Revenue collected around $12.6 million in September. That's more than double the revenue generated in August.

Read more about how football affected September sports betting

Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban and Bailey Zimmerman joined the Concert for Carolina lineup at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 26.

Catch up quick: Concert for Carolina will raise money for communities in western North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene.

• Other artists include Luke Combs, Eric Church, James Taylor and Billy Strings, who all have strong N.C. ties.
• More artists will be announced leading up to the concert.

Tickets for Concert for Carolina go on sale today at 10am at concertforcarolina.com.

Read more about the benefit concert

The forecast for this weekend looks glorious — 70s and sunny. Get out there and enjoy all the festivals, sports and live music around Charlotte.

• 🎶 Vibe to a live musical performance from Tori Kelly at The Fillmore on Friday. | $41.25 | 8pm | Details
• ☀️ Show support for the Charlotte-area autism community with BuildStrong's family-friendly autism festival at Symphony Park on Saturday. | $0-$36 | 1pm | Details
• 🏡 Take a self-guided tour of 35 homes in the Charlotte area on Saturday and Sunday for the annual Parade of Homes on Saturday. | Free | 11am-5pm | Details
• 🍂 Celebrate the fall season with live music, lawn games and pumpkin picking at Optimist Hall's Fall Fest on Saturday. | Free | 2-5pm | Details

Full weekender