Asheville received $1.3 million for the first time in the university’s history. It will support first-generation, low income, and students with disabilities. Western Carolina University also received two TRIO grants worth a combined $2.8 million to support STEM students who are first-gen and low-income and support 100 eligible students annually in the TRIO Disabled Student Support Services program.

Gov. Josh Stein appointed members to the advisory council on Latino Affairs, including two Western North Carolinians. They hope to be the voice for the experiences of the community who live in the mountains.

Council approved a Helene home-repair partnership, reopened applications for recovery boards, and debated how quickly business proposals are moving compared with long-standing requests from Asheville’s historically Black neighborhoods.

Jen Hampton had been speaking with local residents about reported mold issues after Helene when the incident occurred.

Warren Wilson College sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene last year. They were originally left out of the disaster recovery act of 2025 but were then included in the recent passage of House Bill 358.

The majority of hiking trails will be open, with the exception of the “Brown Trail” and some of the creek and stream crossings. The disc golf course will reopen next weekend.