BPR News/ Gerard Albert III
Haywood County offered many more services in Spanish for its Latino community during Helene than it had in past emergencies. The community’s experience demonstrates the challenges counties have in meeting the needs of all their constituents.
Hannah Schoenbaum
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Associated Press
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One year ago, Western North Carolina was pummeled by Hurricane Helene, claiming 108 lives, displacing families and leaving behind millions of cubic yards of debris that will cost billions to clean up.
The scars from Helene may be slowly healing, but many people are still working to rebuild their homes, livelihoods and sense of normalcy.
One year later, Blue Ridge Public Radio has been talking to community members about their experiences, what issues rose to the top and where we stand today.
The scars from Helene may be slowly healing, but many people are still working to rebuild their homes, livelihoods and sense of normalcy.
One year later, Blue Ridge Public Radio has been talking to community members about their experiences, what issues rose to the top and where we stand today.
Helene Recovery
Politics & Government
Climate & Environment
Growth & Development
Arts & Culture
State headlines
National headlines
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The statue honors Trump's "long-lasting bond" with Epstein, which the president denies. The National Park Service took down the statue after one day last week, saying it didn't comply with its permit.
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The White House and GOP lawmakers say a provision in the Big Beautiful Bill that Democrats want rolled back keeps undocumented people from getting health benefits — a claim experts say is misleading.
More local stories
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Around 75 people gathered at the Craven Street Bridge for a primal scream on Friday morning. Locals hope it can be a regular thing. -
Originally adopted in 2018, the city’s roadmap for flood preparedness and climate adaptation is drawing renewed attention after Tropical Storm Helene revealed the risks of delayed implementation. -
One year after Helene, Asheville’s service industry contends with weaker tourism, fewer jobs and lingering storm trauma, all while trying to keep a happy face for customers. -
When Darlene Kurkendall closes her eyes, she imagines the walls of her house falling away. She sees the people in her community — friends, neighbors, family — swept out of sight by a horrendous heap of moving earth. -
UNC Asheville is the only school in the system that experienced a fall in enrollment. But officials acknowledged the 6% decline could be related to the ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery. -
Former Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran resigned in June after allegations of sexual assault and rape. He faces five charges including rape and sexual assault.
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