After the federal government shutdown cut staffing and services at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, local governments and nonprofits in the region stepped up to foot the bill and keep the park open during the peak fall season.

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
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Videos taken by eye witnesses of federal agent encounters with immigrants in Chicago and elsewhere have shown increasingly tense incidents. Immigrant advocates and observers say they're indicative of a larger trend of aggression among federal immigration officers.
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NPR is highlighting Indigenous stories from across its network in celebrations of Indigenous Peoples Day.
More local stories
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The incident was posted on TikTok on June 27 and shows a group of white men in construction-style clothing cursing, aggressively confronting, and threatening a Black truck driver.
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What you need to know from the July 29 Asheville City Council meeting
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The report comes amid continued scrutiny of HCA’s ownership of Mission Hospital, with critics arguing the facility has seen a decline in quality of care.
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Climate-fueled extreme heat is slow-moving but dangerous. Here are some tips to stay safe.
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Scattered storms and muggy nights continue across Western North Carolina as forecasters eye a weekend cooldown.
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The project includes changes to more than 50-acres of university property such as a controversial move for construction on the school’s popular forest.
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