Gerard Albert III
Western North Carolina Rural Communities ReporterEmail: galbert@bpr.org
Phone: 865-332-9439
Gerard Albert III covers Western North Carolina rural communities as a Report for America corps member. He joined BPR in July 2024 and has since covered Hurricane Helene and its aftermath throughout the region.
As misinformation swirled after the storm, Gerard published investigations into FEMA housing policies and a series of fact checks on subjects like the death toll. He continues to report on the long-term impact of Hurricane Helene on rural communities.
Gerard also serves as BPR's unofficial staff photographer.
He worked at WLRN in South Florida for two years, where he reported on affordable housing policy, local government accountability and the death penalty trial of the Parkland school shooter. He also covered the history of the Black community and criminal justice system in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
He earned a journalism degree from Florida International University, where he served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper.
In his free time, you can find Gerard kayaking, reading a book in his hammock, or making zines with his friends.
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It is still unclear whether Markwayne Mullin will continue Kristi Noem’s policies. He still needs to be confirmed by the Senate before taking over DHS. -
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem “created extraordinary bureaucratic gridlock,” according to Senate Democrats. -
Murphy Campbell is recording hundred-year-old ballads for the first time this summer. -
Incumbent Chuck Edwards and farmer Jamie Ager will face off in the midterm election for the congressional seat that represents most of Western North Carolina. -
The comments come after FEMA recently disbursed over $5 billion in disaster aid, nearly depleting its reserves. -
The funding that FEMA announced Friday was not all designated for Helene recovery. It had been waiting for final approval from Kristi Noem. -
From disaster cleanup to Congressional hopeful: The veteran vying to unseat NC-11 Rep. Chuck EdwardsAdam Smith’s decision to run for Congress was spurred by his Hurricane Helene experience. Will it be enough for him to unseat the incumbent? -
The N.C. General Assembly provided a total of $96 million for flood mitigation projects in 2021. So far, the state has spent just under half of that money. -
Most recreational vehicles are not built for winter weather. Water lines that supply the campers can freeze up and the temperature inside can match the temperature outside. -
Here is a list of the shelters across the region that have been publicly announced so far.
