Blue Ridge Public Radio
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BPR informs, inspires, connects, and reflects the people and places of Western North Carolina, on air at BPR News & BPR Classic and online at https://www.bpr.org/
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Today we kick off our “Be the Lifeline” Fall Drive, one of the most important fundraisers in BPR's history.
With the permanent loss of federal funding, we’re building something new: a stronger, more sustainable future made possible by YOU.
With the permanent loss of federal funding, we’re building something new: a stronger, more sustainable future made possible by YOU.
FEMA has released another round of reimbursements for Helene recovery, totaling more than $230 million. The funds are part of the agency’s Public Assistance program, which provides grants to local and state governments after Helene.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
FEMA approves $230 million in reimbursements for Helene recovery in WNC
In this latest release, the lion’s share went to North Carolina Emergency Management for the shower stations, water distribution and other emergency services deployed during Helene.
www.bpr.org
January 30, 2026 at 2:57 PM
FEMA has released another round of reimbursements for Helene recovery, totaling more than $230 million. The funds are part of the agency’s Public Assistance program, which provides grants to local and state governments after Helene.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Western North Carolina from 4 p.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Sunday. Heavy snow is possible, with total accumulation anywhere between 2 and 7 inches and winds as high as 45 mph.
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
Winter storm watch in effect beginning Friday afternoon for WNC
Western North Carolina is under a winter storm watch beginning Friday afternoon. Heavy snow is expected for much of the region. This is the second weekend in a row that a winter storm watch is in effe...
www.bpr.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:37 PM
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Western North Carolina from 4 p.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Sunday. Heavy snow is possible, with total accumulation anywhere between 2 and 7 inches and winds as high as 45 mph.
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
Did you know that during the recent storm, BPR's reporting reached more than 200,000 people through social media? That's 200,000 people equipped with vetted information to stay safe and warm. That real‑time reporting is possible only because people step up to support it.
January 29, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Did you know that during the recent storm, BPR's reporting reached more than 200,000 people through social media? That's 200,000 people equipped with vetted information to stay safe and warm. That real‑time reporting is possible only because people step up to support it.
Some Asheville residents will now have an easier time setting up new housing on their property. In a unanimous Tuesday vote, Asheville City Council relaxed regulations on certain ADUs.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Asheville eases rules on accessory dwelling units
Dek: What you need to know from the Jan. 27 Asheville City Council meeting.
www.bpr.org
January 28, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Some Asheville residents will now have an easier time setting up new housing on their property. In a unanimous Tuesday vote, Asheville City Council relaxed regulations on certain ADUs.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
State health officials are widening access to the measles vaccine as confirmed community transmission in WNC marks a shift in the current outbreak. Clinicians can now offer an elective dose of the vaccine to infants as young as 6 months in areas with active spread.
www.bpr.org/health/2026-...
www.bpr.org/health/2026-...
State health officials expand access to measles vaccine following confirmed community spread in WNC
The new guidance allows early infant doses and no-cost shots for adults as transmission moves beyond travel-linked cases
www.bpr.org
January 28, 2026 at 2:45 PM
State health officials are widening access to the measles vaccine as confirmed community transmission in WNC marks a shift in the current outbreak. Clinicians can now offer an elective dose of the vaccine to infants as young as 6 months in areas with active spread.
www.bpr.org/health/2026-...
www.bpr.org/health/2026-...
Duke Energy is reporting approximately 14,000 people are without power in Henderson County. It is, by far, the most outages of any county in western North Carolina.
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Weather Watch: Thousands without power as Winter Storm Fern sweeps through WNC
Stay up to date on road closures, snow forecasts and more in Western North Carolina.
www.bpr.org
January 26, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Duke Energy is reporting approximately 14,000 people are without power in Henderson County. It is, by far, the most outages of any county in western North Carolina.
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Courthouses across the western part of the state announced more than a dozen closures due to weather. Most school districts across the region are also canceling in-person classes for Monday.
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Weather Watch: Thousands without power as Winter Storm Fern sweeps through WNC
Stay up to date on road closures, snow forecasts and more in Western North Carolina.
www.bpr.org
January 25, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Courthouses across the western part of the state announced more than a dozen closures due to weather. Most school districts across the region are also canceling in-person classes for Monday.
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Winter Storm Fern has left 6,235 people in North Carolina without power as of 10:15 a.m. Sunday, according to Duke Energy. The majority of those are in Western North Carolina, with Transylvania, Macon, Haywood, Buncombe and Rutherford counties the hardest hit so far.
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Weather Watch: Thousands without power as Winter Storm Fern sweeps through WNC
Stay up to date on road closures, snow forecasts and more in Western North Carolina.
www.bpr.org
January 25, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Winter Storm Fern has left 6,235 people in North Carolina without power as of 10:15 a.m. Sunday, according to Duke Energy. The majority of those are in Western North Carolina, with Transylvania, Macon, Haywood, Buncombe and Rutherford counties the hardest hit so far.
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Are you seeing snow or ice accumulation at your home? Do you have updates on your area of the region that you'd like to share with our reporters? Write us a note or take a photo or video and send it our way. We may publish it as part of our ongoing coverage of the storm.
www.bpr.org/announcement...
www.bpr.org/announcement...
Is there snow or ice accumulation from Winter Storm Fern at your home in Western North Carolina? Send it to BPR
We may publish your submissions as part of our ongoing coverage of Winter Storm Fern.
www.bpr.org
January 24, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Are you seeing snow or ice accumulation at your home? Do you have updates on your area of the region that you'd like to share with our reporters? Write us a note or take a photo or video and send it our way. We may publish it as part of our ongoing coverage of the storm.
www.bpr.org/announcement...
www.bpr.org/announcement...
Winter Storm Fern is on its way, likely showing its worst over the weekend, with continued frigid temperatures into next week. Here’s how you can keep you and your family safe during severe winter weather.
www.bpr.org/2026-01-23/s...
www.bpr.org/2026-01-23/s...
Safety Kit: Winter Storm Fern
How to stay warm safely and more storm tips.
www.bpr.org
January 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Winter Storm Fern is on its way, likely showing its worst over the weekend, with continued frigid temperatures into next week. Here’s how you can keep you and your family safe during severe winter weather.
www.bpr.org/2026-01-23/s...
www.bpr.org/2026-01-23/s...
Winter Storm Fern is on its way, likely showing its worst over the weekend, with continued frigid temperatures into next week. Here’s how you can keep you and your family safe during severe winter weather.
January 24, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Winter Storm Fern is on its way, likely showing its worst over the weekend, with continued frigid temperatures into next week. Here’s how you can keep you and your family safe during severe winter weather.
Counties throughout western North Carolina are preparing for Winter Storm Fern this weekend. Here's a noncomprehensive guide of shelters that have been announced across the region.
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
Shelters open throughout WNC ahead of Winter Storm Fern. Here's where
Here is a list of the shelters across the region that have been publicly announced so far.
www.bpr.org
January 23, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Counties throughout western North Carolina are preparing for Winter Storm Fern this weekend. Here's a noncomprehensive guide of shelters that have been announced across the region.
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
In a press conference today, Gov. Stein announced the state has tapped 400+ National Guard members to help with clearing roadways, assisting stranded motorists, and distributing supplies like MREs, water and blankets.
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Weather Watch: Ahead of Winter Storm Fern, NWS says expect heavy ice south of I-40
Stay up to date on road closures, snow forecasts and more in Western North Carolina.
www.bpr.org
January 23, 2026 at 7:13 PM
In a press conference today, Gov. Stein announced the state has tapped 400+ National Guard members to help with clearing roadways, assisting stranded motorists, and distributing supplies like MREs, water and blankets.
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Western North Carolina from Saturday morning and through Monday afternoon. Significant ice and snow on power lines and tree limbs could cause widespread and long-lasting power outages.
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Weather Watch: Winter storm could hit Western North Carolina this weekend
Stay up to date on road closures, snow forecasts and more in Western North Carolina.
www.bpr.org
January 21, 2026 at 9:53 PM
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Western North Carolina from Saturday morning and through Monday afternoon. Significant ice and snow on power lines and tree limbs could cause widespread and long-lasting power outages.
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
www.bpr.org/live-updates...
A winter storm headed to WNC this weekend could create problems for the region's infrastructure. Although the predictions for how intense the storm will be are still unclear, officials say power outages and water line breaks are possible.
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
Government officials, utility providers brace for possible winter storm in WNC
As the storm forecast evolves, local utilities and governments are preparing for possible outages and other infrastructure challenges.
www.bpr.org
January 21, 2026 at 2:50 PM
A winter storm headed to WNC this weekend could create problems for the region's infrastructure. Although the predictions for how intense the storm will be are still unclear, officials say power outages and water line breaks are possible.
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
The potential for a significant winter weather event across WNC this weekend is increasing, according to the National Weather Service. Precipitation — including snow or freezing rain — could move into the region beginning Friday.
Live updates: www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Live updates: www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Weather Watch: Winter storm could hit Western North Carolina this weekend
Stay up to date on road closures, snow forecasts and more in Western North Carolina.
www.bpr.org
January 20, 2026 at 9:27 PM
The potential for a significant winter weather event across WNC this weekend is increasing, according to the National Weather Service. Precipitation — including snow or freezing rain — could move into the region beginning Friday.
Live updates: www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Live updates: www.bpr.org/live-updates...
Griffin Tichenor was hit by a car on the same bike ride that killed two people last July.
Six months after the tragedy, he’s working to channel his grief into The White Line, an advocacy group that seeks to end road deaths and create safer streets for everyone.
Six months after the tragedy, he’s working to channel his grief into The White Line, an advocacy group that seeks to end road deaths and create safer streets for everyone.
Asheville cyclists, mourning a fatal crash, push for federal bill to improve road safety
Six months after the deaths of local cyclists Lennie Antonelli and Jacob Hill, the community is working to channel their grief into advocacy.
www.bpr.org
January 20, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Griffin Tichenor was hit by a car on the same bike ride that killed two people last July.
Six months after the tragedy, he’s working to channel his grief into The White Line, an advocacy group that seeks to end road deaths and create safer streets for everyone.
Six months after the tragedy, he’s working to channel his grief into The White Line, an advocacy group that seeks to end road deaths and create safer streets for everyone.
📣 BIG NEWS: BPR has partnered with @frontlinepbs, PBS’s investigative documentary series, for a year-long reporting project focused on Western North Carolina’s recovery after Hurricane Helene.
www.bpr.org/announcement...
www.bpr.org/announcement...
BPR partners with PBS FRONTLINE to investigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene
BPR’s Gerard Albert III will investigate how changes to FEMA are impacting recovery efforts in Western North Carolina for residents, local governments, farmers and small business owners.
www.bpr.org
January 19, 2026 at 8:50 PM
📣 BIG NEWS: BPR has partnered with @frontlinepbs, PBS’s investigative documentary series, for a year-long reporting project focused on Western North Carolina’s recovery after Hurricane Helene.
www.bpr.org/announcement...
www.bpr.org/announcement...
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is seeking public comment through Jan. 20 on its Comprehensive Rail Plan, which will shape the development of North Carolina’s railways over the coming decades.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
Have thoughts on a potential Asheville-Salisbury rail line? NCDOT wants to hear from you
The proposed passenger rail line is one of seven projects currently in the planning phase.
www.bpr.org
January 19, 2026 at 5:46 PM
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is seeking public comment through Jan. 20 on its Comprehensive Rail Plan, which will shape the development of North Carolina’s railways over the coming decades.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted 3-2 along party lines Tuesday to close the early voting site on Western Carolina University’s campus for the 2026 primaries.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
State Board of Elections decides to close WCU early voting site
The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted 3-2 along party lines Tuesday to close the early voting site on Western Carolina University’s campus for the 2026 primaries. The state also voted unan...
www.bpr.org
January 16, 2026 at 3:43 PM
The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted 3-2 along party lines Tuesday to close the early voting site on Western Carolina University’s campus for the 2026 primaries.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
For months, state officials have raised concerns that FEMA had not approved a single buyout project. Now it seems the federal government is moving forward. On Wednesday, FEMA greenlit a small batch of properties for acquisition in Western North Carolina.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
FEMA approves first batch of home buyouts. Homeowners still face a lengthy process
After months of uncertainty over the fate of hundreds of homes, FEMA greenlit a small batch of properties for acquisition in Buncombe and Henderson County.
www.bpr.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:49 PM
For months, state officials have raised concerns that FEMA had not approved a single buyout project. Now it seems the federal government is moving forward. On Wednesday, FEMA greenlit a small batch of properties for acquisition in Western North Carolina.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
Asheville City Council met with grim tidings as its members began public budget planning for the city’s next fiscal year: city staffers reported that Asheville faces an estimated $30M gap between revenues and expenses for fiscal year 2026-27.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Asheville City Council grapples with $30M budget gap
What you need to know from the Jan. 13 Asheville City Council meeting.
www.bpr.org
January 14, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Asheville City Council met with grim tidings as its members began public budget planning for the city’s next fiscal year: city staffers reported that Asheville faces an estimated $30M gap between revenues and expenses for fiscal year 2026-27.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Two candidates in Buncombe County’s primary elections are facing formal challenges to their eligibility for office.
January 9, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Two candidates in Buncombe County’s primary elections are facing formal challenges to their eligibility for office.
Buncombe County has hashed out a new formula for funding its K-12 education systems. Officials say the plan, ratified Tuesday night, will provide both more money and greater budgetary reliability for Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Buncombe commissioners, education leaders agree on school funding plan
What you need to know from the Jan. 6 Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting.
www.bpr.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Buncombe County has hashed out a new formula for funding its K-12 education systems. Officials say the plan, ratified Tuesday night, will provide both more money and greater budgetary reliability for Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
After overcoming months of Helene setbacks, the long-awaited Woodfin Wave project is nearing the finish line. The $4.8M project – which aims to install a world-class surfing wave in the French Broad River – is expected to open to the public this summer.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
New whitewater wave park could bring big changes to the small town of Woodfin
The town expects the wave to officially open this summer and is hoping for a boom in new tourist dollars.
www.bpr.org
January 7, 2026 at 4:43 PM
After overcoming months of Helene setbacks, the long-awaited Woodfin Wave project is nearing the finish line. The $4.8M project – which aims to install a world-class surfing wave in the French Broad River – is expected to open to the public this summer.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...