Some couples broke under the pressure of the storm. Others found something solid and surprising in each other.

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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They're framing it as a way to share data and messages about threats, emergency preparedness and public health policy at a time when the federal government isn't doing its job in public health.
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A Supreme Court case over Louisiana's congressional map could determine the future of Voting Rights Act protections against racial discrimination and allow Republicans to draw 19 more House seats.
More local stories
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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.
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The money provided by the federal government is a small percentage of the billions in damage that Hurricane Helene left behind in WNC.
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Unions and environmental advocates protested a potential federal shake-up at the TVA board meeting this week.
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Swain County Board of Commission Chairman Kevin Seagle was absent at Tuesday night’s county commission meeting. His resignation is effective Aug. 31.
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Manheimer, who has led the city since 2013, is the first candidate to enter the 2026 race, citing her commitment to oversee Asheville’s long-term recovery from Hurricane Helene.
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What you need to know from the Aug. 19 Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting.
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