Unless lawmakers or the governor act, provider rate cuts of up to 10 percent will take effect Wednesday, jeopardizing access to services across the state.
Announcements

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
-
The suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford, served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008, military officials confirmed to NPR. He was killed in a shootout with police.
-
President Trump ordered the deployment of troops to Portland and said he's authorized them to use "full force" to curb protests outside ICE facilities.
More local stories
-
Senate Republicans have argued that giving direct aid to small businesses would violate the state constitution.
-
There is an elevated risk Wednesday evening for heavy rain across the Western North Carolina region.
-
As some fireflies face challenges from climate change and habitat loss, little changes can make a big difference - even in your front yard.
-
The town plans to purchase and redevelop part of the former Pactiv Evergreen paper mill site.
-
Police were called for a welfare check on a person, who deputies say opened fire at them in a Pizza Hut parking lot.
-
The North Carolina State Board of Elections made appointments to all 100 county boards of elections at the beginning of July, what does that mean for Western North Carolina.
Stay informed with BPR's weekly newsletters.
Get news updates, learn about upcoming events, and go behind the scenes with our reporters.