Blue Ridge Public Radio
@blueridgepublic.bsky.social
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.
As reported by the Asheville Watchdog: From Mission Health’s corporate owner, HCA Healthcare, has seen its revenues increase by $3.8 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, the company reported.
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...
HCA reports $3.8 billion increase in 2025, citing rise in admissions, volume
Growth comes amid complaints, legal action about declining care at Mission, other WNC hospitals.
www.bpr.org
November 12, 2025 at 8:08 PM
As reported by the Asheville Watchdog: From Mission Health’s corporate owner, HCA Healthcare, has seen its revenues increase by $3.8 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, the company reported.
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...
UNC Asheville will partner with a consulting firm to guide its Millennial Campus Development Commission, the university announced Tuesday.
The news comes months after the university halted development of its controversial Millennial Campus property.
www.bpr.org/education/20...
The news comes months after the university halted development of its controversial Millennial Campus property.
www.bpr.org/education/20...
UNCA hires consulting firm to help with its Millennial Campus Development Commission
UNC Asheville will partner with consulting firm HR&A Advisors to establish and guide its Millennial Campus Development Commission, the university announced Tuesday. It will provide facilitation, suppo...
www.bpr.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:04 PM
UNC Asheville will partner with a consulting firm to guide its Millennial Campus Development Commission, the university announced Tuesday.
The news comes months after the university halted development of its controversial Millennial Campus property.
www.bpr.org/education/20...
The news comes months after the university halted development of its controversial Millennial Campus property.
www.bpr.org/education/20...
BPR is Driven by Gratitude — and you could be too!
Our fall car raffle is in full gear, and tickets are going FAST.
Get yours today:
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Our fall car raffle is in full gear, and tickets are going FAST.
Get yours today:
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Driven by Gratitude: Enter BPR’s 2025 Car Raffle to support public media
Back by popular demand, BPR’s second car raffle of 2025 offers you another chance to win a Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid.
www.bpr.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:04 PM
BPR is Driven by Gratitude — and you could be too!
Our fall car raffle is in full gear, and tickets are going FAST.
Get yours today:
www.bpr.org/announcement...
Our fall car raffle is in full gear, and tickets are going FAST.
Get yours today:
www.bpr.org/announcement...
The Evergreen Ridge Apartments in East Asheville is one of the rare places in Asheville where a two-bedroom apartment can be rented for under $1,000.
But the cheap rent comes at a cost for some residents, who say leaky pipes and festering mold are harming their health.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
But the cheap rent comes at a cost for some residents, who say leaky pipes and festering mold are harming their health.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
‘We’re stuck and we’re scared’: Asheville’s beleaguered renters grapple with mold
There are signs of mold all over the Evergreen Ridge Apartments in East Asheville. In one old utility hallway in building D, the walls are crumbling and black in places, pipes are bent. In the main lo...
www.bpr.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:47 PM
The Evergreen Ridge Apartments in East Asheville is one of the rare places in Asheville where a two-bedroom apartment can be rented for under $1,000.
But the cheap rent comes at a cost for some residents, who say leaky pipes and festering mold are harming their health.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
But the cheap rent comes at a cost for some residents, who say leaky pipes and festering mold are harming their health.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
More federal relief money is heading to state agencies and Western North Carolina counties to repay millions spent making emergency repairs after Hurricane Helene.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
FEMA’s latest $155M for Helene recovery will repay NCDOT, local governments
The bulk of the money will go towards reimbursing state emergency road and bridge work and millions are county governments as well.
www.bpr.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
More federal relief money is heading to state agencies and Western North Carolina counties to repay millions spent making emergency repairs after Hurricane Helene.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Today marks the 39th day of the federal government shutdown. It’s the longest shutdown in U.S. history. And its impact is widespread, affecting everything from federal benefits to national parks.
November 7, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Today marks the 39th day of the federal government shutdown. It’s the longest shutdown in U.S. history. And its impact is widespread, affecting everything from federal benefits to national parks.
North Carolina has joined eleven other states in a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, alleging that the agencies are withholding $17.5 million in grants over “unlawful terms.”
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
North Carolina files lawsuit against FEMA over $17.5 million in withheld grants
The FEMA money is crucial for many states, including North Carolina, in funding emergency equipment. It also supports the salaries of personnel who step in to assist with natural disasters and other e...
www.bpr.org
November 6, 2025 at 8:08 PM
North Carolina has joined eleven other states in a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, alleging that the agencies are withholding $17.5 million in grants over “unlawful terms.”
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Buncombe County saw higher municipal election turnout Tuesday than it did two years ago, with about 23% of eligible voters casting ballots in Weaverville and Woodfin.
Below are the unofficial winners of each race, listed by county.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Below are the unofficial winners of each race, listed by county.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Western North Carolina 2025 municipal election results: Buncombe sees high turnout
Elections took place in cities and towns across the region on Tuesday.
www.bpr.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Buncombe County saw higher municipal election turnout Tuesday than it did two years ago, with about 23% of eligible voters casting ballots in Weaverville and Woodfin.
Below are the unofficial winners of each race, listed by county.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Below are the unofficial winners of each race, listed by county.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
The North Carolina Agromedicine Institute received a more than $292,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to support farm communities impacted by Helene.
www.bpr.org/2025-10-31/u...
www.bpr.org/2025-10-31/u...
Federal grant aims to help give Helene-impacted farmers mental health support
The USDA gave a North Carolina organization more than $292,000 in grant funding to expand its mental health services for farm communities devastated by Helene.
www.bpr.org
November 4, 2025 at 6:15 PM
The North Carolina Agromedicine Institute received a more than $292,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to support farm communities impacted by Helene.
www.bpr.org/2025-10-31/u...
www.bpr.org/2025-10-31/u...
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remain open through Jan. 4, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, thanks to a partnership between Tennessee’s state government and seven local entities.
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
As government shutdown drags on, locals pay to keep Great Smokies open through early January
Local and state government organizations in Tennessee are paying $80,000 a week to keep the park open through Jan. 4.
www.bpr.org
November 3, 2025 at 10:32 PM
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remain open through Jan. 4, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, thanks to a partnership between Tennessee’s state government and seven local entities.
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
Back by popular demand: BPR’s 2025 Driven by Gratitude Car Raffle starts today! 🚗
Tickets for our summer raffle sold out in record time. Now it's back, thanks to one incredibly generous listener who gifted BPR a 2025 Subaru Forester!
Learn more and enter to win:
www.bpr.org/announcement...
Tickets for our summer raffle sold out in record time. Now it's back, thanks to one incredibly generous listener who gifted BPR a 2025 Subaru Forester!
Learn more and enter to win:
www.bpr.org/announcement...
Driven by Gratitude: Enter BPR’s 2025 Car Raffle to support public media
Back by popular demand, BPR’s second car raffle of 2025 offers you another chance to win a Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid.
www.bpr.org
November 3, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Back by popular demand: BPR’s 2025 Driven by Gratitude Car Raffle starts today! 🚗
Tickets for our summer raffle sold out in record time. Now it's back, thanks to one incredibly generous listener who gifted BPR a 2025 Subaru Forester!
Learn more and enter to win:
www.bpr.org/announcement...
Tickets for our summer raffle sold out in record time. Now it's back, thanks to one incredibly generous listener who gifted BPR a 2025 Subaru Forester!
Learn more and enter to win:
www.bpr.org/announcement...
As next week’s municipal elections approach, many voters in Hot Springs, North Carolina find themselves worried about both old problems and new ones that have arisen since Hurricane Helene.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Hot Springs local elections reveal a town in recovery, fearful of being left behind
In a public forum last week, residents peppered local candidates for the Board of Aldermen with questions about Helene, housing, and local infrastructure.
www.bpr.org
October 31, 2025 at 7:08 PM
As next week’s municipal elections approach, many voters in Hot Springs, North Carolina find themselves worried about both old problems and new ones that have arisen since Hurricane Helene.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Just kidding, we'd never scare you like that. 🎃
Trick or treat yourself to reliable, fact-based news by making a frightfully wonderful donation to BPR today:
donate.bpr.org/bpr/donate
Trick or treat yourself to reliable, fact-based news by making a frightfully wonderful donation to BPR today:
donate.bpr.org/bpr/donate
October 31, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Just kidding, we'd never scare you like that. 🎃
Trick or treat yourself to reliable, fact-based news by making a frightfully wonderful donation to BPR today:
donate.bpr.org/bpr/donate
Trick or treat yourself to reliable, fact-based news by making a frightfully wonderful donation to BPR today:
donate.bpr.org/bpr/donate
Growth is an issue throughout most of Western North Carolina. But it ranks especially high on residents’ minds in Weaverville.
Next week’s municipal election marks a key moment for the town as it faces some big decisions about its future.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
Next week’s municipal election marks a key moment for the town as it faces some big decisions about its future.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
With Weaverville on cusp of unprecedented growth, candidates share their vision for future
The Buncombe County town of about 5,000 has seen its population double in the last 25 years — and it’s expected to double again in the next three.
www.bpr.org
October 30, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Growth is an issue throughout most of Western North Carolina. But it ranks especially high on residents’ minds in Weaverville.
Next week’s municipal election marks a key moment for the town as it faces some big decisions about its future.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
Next week’s municipal election marks a key moment for the town as it faces some big decisions about its future.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
Got an old car, truck, or boat you don’t need anymore? Donate it to BPR! Your vehicle supports the news and music you love — plus, towing is free, and your gift may even be tax deductible.
Learn more on our website: www.bpr.org/vehicle-dona...
Learn more on our website: www.bpr.org/vehicle-dona...
October 30, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Got an old car, truck, or boat you don’t need anymore? Donate it to BPR! Your vehicle supports the news and music you love — plus, towing is free, and your gift may even be tax deductible.
Learn more on our website: www.bpr.org/vehicle-dona...
Learn more on our website: www.bpr.org/vehicle-dona...
More recovery money is heading to Western North Carolina to help residents impacted by Helene.
Gov. Josh Stein announced on Friday that the U.S. Department of Labor has released the final $4M portion of a $10M federal grant to help local residents get back to work.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
Gov. Josh Stein announced on Friday that the U.S. Department of Labor has released the final $4M portion of a $10M federal grant to help local residents get back to work.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
$4 million in additional workforce grants are on their way to WNC, Stein says
The funds, which are part of the Dislocated Worker Grant Program, had been delayed amid the federal government shutdown.
www.bpr.org
October 29, 2025 at 9:16 PM
More recovery money is heading to Western North Carolina to help residents impacted by Helene.
Gov. Josh Stein announced on Friday that the U.S. Department of Labor has released the final $4M portion of a $10M federal grant to help local residents get back to work.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
Gov. Josh Stein announced on Friday that the U.S. Department of Labor has released the final $4M portion of a $10M federal grant to help local residents get back to work.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
N.C. food banks are bracing for a surge in demand as federal nutrition benefits begin to run dry on Friday.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps feed about 1.4M residents each month. The federal government shutdown means benefits for November are suspended.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps feed about 1.4M residents each month. The federal government shutdown means benefits for November are suspended.
NC officials warn federal food aid programs will be suspended within days
www.bpr.org
October 28, 2025 at 3:25 PM
N.C. food banks are bracing for a surge in demand as federal nutrition benefits begin to run dry on Friday.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps feed about 1.4M residents each month. The federal government shutdown means benefits for November are suspended.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps feed about 1.4M residents each month. The federal government shutdown means benefits for November are suspended.
At Marshall High Studios in the town of Marshall, a local artist started a new community writing project earlier this year, giving residents a space to reflect on and share their experiences from Hurricane Helene a year ago.
www.bpr.org/arts-perform...
www.bpr.org/arts-perform...
Marshall artist’s project hopes to help residents heal a year after Helene
A local Marshall artist is holding a community writing project at Marshall High Studios, giving residents a space to reflect on and share their experiences from Hurricane Helene a year ago. The projec...
www.bpr.org
October 27, 2025 at 6:04 PM
At Marshall High Studios in the town of Marshall, a local artist started a new community writing project earlier this year, giving residents a space to reflect on and share their experiences from Hurricane Helene a year ago.
www.bpr.org/arts-perform...
www.bpr.org/arts-perform...
“'I remember feeling like we were all so connected,' she says of that time. 'Our job was to figure out how to get people what they needed in these little pockets of information we could deliver.'”
October 27, 2025 at 5:17 PM
“'I remember feeling like we were all so connected,' she says of that time. 'Our job was to figure out how to get people what they needed in these little pockets of information we could deliver.'”
Nearly a month into the federal government shutdown, logging is ongoing in the country’s national forests.
Some advocates worry that the unusual circumstances could mean less oversight over logging in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Some advocates worry that the unusual circumstances could mean less oversight over logging in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
'Keeping the lights on.' On Blue Ridge public lands, a complicated and unusual federal shutdown
Local governments are paying out of pocket for park reopenings - and logging continues in National Forests
www.bpr.org
October 24, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Nearly a month into the federal government shutdown, logging is ongoing in the country’s national forests.
Some advocates worry that the unusual circumstances could mean less oversight over logging in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Some advocates worry that the unusual circumstances could mean less oversight over logging in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Reposted by Blue Ridge Public Radio
Revisiting our days of Helene... in Asheville...with @blueridgepublic.bsky.social and Helen Chickering.
On Air After Helene | Our State
Left without power, cell service, or Internet for weeks after Helene, western North Carolinians turned to a reliable source for vital information: radio.
www.ourstate.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Revisiting our days of Helene... in Asheville...with @blueridgepublic.bsky.social and Helen Chickering.
North Carolina has a new Congressional map, barring likely legal challenges.
The N.C. House of Representatives voted in favor of a new map that shifts about 500K people in eastern N.C. to give the GOP an advantage in the 1st District.
www.bpr.org/2025-10-22/n...
The N.C. House of Representatives voted in favor of a new map that shifts about 500K people in eastern N.C. to give the GOP an advantage in the 1st District.
www.bpr.org/2025-10-22/n...
NC Republicans pass new Congressional map. It's meant to help them pick up a seat.
The N.C. House of Representatives voted to approve the new map Wednesday. It redraws the state's 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts to give Republicans a clear advantage in both seats.
www.bpr.org
October 23, 2025 at 5:58 PM
North Carolina has a new Congressional map, barring likely legal challenges.
The N.C. House of Representatives voted in favor of a new map that shifts about 500K people in eastern N.C. to give the GOP an advantage in the 1st District.
www.bpr.org/2025-10-22/n...
The N.C. House of Representatives voted in favor of a new map that shifts about 500K people in eastern N.C. to give the GOP an advantage in the 1st District.
www.bpr.org/2025-10-22/n...
We're hiring! BPR is looking for our next Account Executive, responsible for fundraising through the sale of all BPR's broadcast and digital marketing products.
Learn more and apply ⤵️
my.career.place/static/jobs/...
Learn more and apply ⤵️
my.career.place/static/jobs/...
Business Sponsorship Account Executive (Sales)
Blue Ridge Public Radio (BPR), the nonprofit public media company of Western North Carolina, is searching for a Business Sponsorship Account Executive. The Account Executive is responsible for fundrai...
my.career.place
October 23, 2025 at 1:10 PM
We're hiring! BPR is looking for our next Account Executive, responsible for fundraising through the sale of all BPR's broadcast and digital marketing products.
Learn more and apply ⤵️
my.career.place/static/jobs/...
Learn more and apply ⤵️
my.career.place/static/jobs/...
A proposed new Congressional map continued to work through the General Assembly on Tuesday, even as dozens of Democrats took the chance to decry its impact on Black voters in northeastern North Carolina.
www.bpr.org/2025-10-21/n...
www.bpr.org/2025-10-21/n...
NC Congressional map proposal continues to advance, as Democrats decry impact in northeastern NC
The Senate formally passed the new map Tuesday, and it started to make its way through the state House of Representatives.
www.bpr.org
October 22, 2025 at 4:37 PM
A proposed new Congressional map continued to work through the General Assembly on Tuesday, even as dozens of Democrats took the chance to decry its impact on Black voters in northeastern North Carolina.
www.bpr.org/2025-10-21/n...
www.bpr.org/2025-10-21/n...
As reported by The Asheville Watchdog: Mission Hospital should again be put in immediate jeopardy, the worst sanction a hospital can face, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has recommended.
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...
Mission Hospital faces new immediate jeopardy recommendation as state agency flags major safety risks
Sanction would be third for hospital since HCA purchase in 2019
www.bpr.org
October 20, 2025 at 6:42 PM
As reported by The Asheville Watchdog: Mission Hospital should again be put in immediate jeopardy, the worst sanction a hospital can face, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has recommended.
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...