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.

The National Flood Insurance Program expired after Congress and President Trump failed to reauthorize the program.

Health officials say an adult in the western part of the state died from flu complications in early October and are urging residents to get vaccinated as respiratory virus season begins.