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
/
Associated Press
Announcements
Upcoming Events
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 federal government is currently shut down. NPR's network is following the ways the government shutdown is affecting services across the country.
-
The parties are asking a judge to block the Trump administration from federalizing the Illinois National Guard and from sending to Illinois any guard members from other states, including Texas.
More local stories
-
Gov. Josh Stein announced the 2025 North Carolina Award winners. This year’s honorees include artists, authors, a coach and a civil rights attorney — with strong ties to Western North Carolina. -
UNCA will host the collegiate men’s and women’s track and field championships next spring. It’s expected to bring in over 1,300 people and over $1 million in spending.
-
Asheville has new restrictions on panhandling designed to keep solicitors from talking to passersby or drivers in downtown and other areas of the city.
-
A drag pageant at Jackson County Public Library on Sunday was a flashpoint of the current debate about the Fontana Regional Library System. Over 125 people participated in a read-in to support the library, vastly outnumbering protestors. -
The money provided by the federal government is a small percentage of the billions in damage that Hurricane Helene left behind in WNC. -
Unions and environmental advocates protested a potential federal shake-up at the TVA board meeting this week.
Stay informed with BPR's weekly newsletters.
Get news updates, learn about upcoming events, and go behind the scenes with our reporters.