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.
The owners of the music venue The Salvage Station are about to engage in the ultimate upcycling. They’re transforming an old paper recycling site into a new indoor music venue.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
The Salvage Station will rebuild in Asheville’s River Arts District
The music venue is slated to open at the former site of the Asheville Waste Paper Company.
www.bpr.org
November 26, 2025 at 3:28 PM
The owners of the music venue The Salvage Station are about to engage in the ultimate upcycling. They’re transforming an old paper recycling site into a new indoor music venue.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
Three Western North Carolina nonprofits will receive more than half a million dollars to help prepare houses and campers damaged by Hurricane Helene for winter weather.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
Nonprofits receive half a million in state funds to winterize homes as cold comes to WNC
The money will be used to make homes damaged by Hurricane Helene ready for the winter weather as they continue to be repaired.
www.bpr.org
November 25, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Three Western North Carolina nonprofits will receive more than half a million dollars to help prepare houses and campers damaged by Hurricane Helene for winter weather.
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
www.bpr.org/helene-recov...
Asheville’s Mission Hospital says it is no longer in immediate jeopardy, the most serious sanction a hospital can face. The move comes after state inspectors visited the hospital to investigate patient safety complaints earlier this month.
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...
Federal authorities remove Mission Hospital’s third ‘immediate jeopardy’ designation
Mission must still submit a plan for correction and go through another inspection by state surveyors in the coming months.
www.bpr.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Asheville’s Mission Hospital says it is no longer in immediate jeopardy, the most serious sanction a hospital can face. The move comes after state inspectors visited the hospital to investigate patient safety complaints earlier this month.
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...
www.bpr.org/health/2025-...
A 20-mile trail loop in Transylvania County now has a new name: Pisgah Passage.
The nonprofit Pisgah Conservancy said the name was selected out of nearly 300 entries in its “Name This Loop” contest over the summer.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
The nonprofit Pisgah Conservancy said the name was selected out of nearly 300 entries in its “Name This Loop” contest over the summer.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
‘Pisgah Passage:’ New name for Transylvania County trail selected from nearly 300 entries
The 20-mile trail connects Pisgah National Forest with Bracken Preserve and the City of Brevard.
www.bpr.org
November 24, 2025 at 7:56 PM
A 20-mile trail loop in Transylvania County now has a new name: Pisgah Passage.
The nonprofit Pisgah Conservancy said the name was selected out of nearly 300 entries in its “Name This Loop” contest over the summer.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
The nonprofit Pisgah Conservancy said the name was selected out of nearly 300 entries in its “Name This Loop” contest over the summer.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 205-page document to guide recovery from Hurricane Helene. The plan covers each of Buncombe’s six municipalities, along with unincorporated areas.
www.bpr.org/2025-11-19/b...
www.bpr.org/2025-11-19/b...
Buncombe OKs Helene Recovery Plan, funds parks and greenways
What you need to know from the Nov. 18 Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting
www.bpr.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:42 PM
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 205-page document to guide recovery from Hurricane Helene. The plan covers each of Buncombe’s six municipalities, along with unincorporated areas.
www.bpr.org/2025-11-19/b...
www.bpr.org/2025-11-19/b...
MountainTrue and the Center for Biological Diversity are suing the U.S. Forest Service because of unannounced logging near the Nolichucky River.
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
Lawsuit alleges Forest Service timber sale near the Nolichucky River may be illegal
After environmental groups sued, the Forest Service paused logging — for now
www.bpr.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:34 PM
MountainTrue and the Center for Biological Diversity are suing the U.S. Forest Service because of unannounced logging near the Nolichucky River.
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
www.bpr.org/climate-envi...
A conditional zoning amendment request for a housing proposal in Haw Creek was denied by Asheville City Council at Tuesday night’s meeting.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Asheville denies Haw Creek rezoning, issues statement on immigration enforcement
What you need to know from the Nov. 18 Asheville City Council meeting.
www.bpr.org
November 20, 2025 at 7:48 PM
A conditional zoning amendment request for a housing proposal in Haw Creek was denied by Asheville City Council at Tuesday night’s meeting.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
Pilots for Allegiant Airlines picketed outside Asheville Regional Airport on Tuesday to draw attention to what they say is a lack of progress on a new contract.
The demonstration at AVL was part of a nationwide picket across all 22 of Allegiant’s pilot bases.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
The demonstration at AVL was part of a nationwide picket across all 22 of Allegiant’s pilot bases.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
Allegiant pilots picket outside Asheville airport for better contract
The demonstration at AVL was part of a nationwide picket across all 22 of Allegiant’s pilot bases.
www.bpr.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Pilots for Allegiant Airlines picketed outside Asheville Regional Airport on Tuesday to draw attention to what they say is a lack of progress on a new contract.
The demonstration at AVL was part of a nationwide picket across all 22 of Allegiant’s pilot bases.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
The demonstration at AVL was part of a nationwide picket across all 22 of Allegiant’s pilot bases.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
THANK YOU John Oliver and team for highlighting BPR's work during Hurricane Helene on this week's episode of @lastweektonight.com! How far our little community has come in one year 💙
November 18, 2025 at 9:18 PM
THANK YOU John Oliver and team for highlighting BPR's work during Hurricane Helene on this week's episode of @lastweektonight.com! How far our little community has come in one year 💙
Western North Carolina residents marched Sunday afternoon in protest of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s operation in Charlotte over the weekend where at least 81 people were arrested.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
In Asheville, residents protest against border patrol agents operating in Charlotte
U.S. Customs and Border Protection started operations in Charlotte over the weekend. Western North Carolina residents hit the streets in downtown Asheville to protest.
www.bpr.org
November 17, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Western North Carolina residents marched Sunday afternoon in protest of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s operation in Charlotte over the weekend where at least 81 people were arrested.
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
www.bpr.org/politics-gov...
We are *almost* sold out of tickets for our Driven By Gratitude Car Raffle! Now is the time... get your tickets while you still can for a chance to win a brand-new Subaru in a beautiful shade of BPR blue!
(Technically "Day Break Blue Pearl," but we can pretend.)
www.bpr.org/announcement...
(Technically "Day Break Blue Pearl," but we can pretend.)
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 14, 2025 at 10:18 PM
We are *almost* sold out of tickets for our Driven By Gratitude Car Raffle! Now is the time... get your tickets while you still can for a chance to win a brand-new Subaru in a beautiful shade of BPR blue!
(Technically "Day Break Blue Pearl," but we can pretend.)
www.bpr.org/announcement...
(Technically "Day Break Blue Pearl," but we can pretend.)
www.bpr.org/announcement...
There’s a troll takeover happening across North Carolina. In the last month, a troupe of giant wooden trolls, created by Danish Artist Thomas Dambo, has been installed in Asheville, High Point, Charlotte and Raleigh.
www.bpr.org/arts-perform...
www.bpr.org/arts-perform...
Troll takeover: Giant wooden trolls land in Asheville, other NC cities
At the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, 'Trolls: A Field Study,' by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, features giant, whimsical, upcycled trolls.
www.bpr.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:02 PM
There’s a troll takeover happening across North Carolina. In the last month, a troupe of giant wooden trolls, created by Danish Artist Thomas Dambo, has been installed in Asheville, High Point, Charlotte and Raleigh.
www.bpr.org/arts-perform...
www.bpr.org/arts-perform...
Want to help strengthen BPR's relationship with the Western North Carolina? Got ideas for enhancing our programming and news coverage?
Apply today to join our CAB! Learn more and apply by November 30 below 👇
www.bpr.org/announcement...
Apply today to join our CAB! Learn more and apply by November 30 below 👇
www.bpr.org/announcement...
November 13, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Want to help strengthen BPR's relationship with the Western North Carolina? Got ideas for enhancing our programming and news coverage?
Apply today to join our CAB! Learn more and apply by November 30 below 👇
www.bpr.org/announcement...
Apply today to join our CAB! Learn more and apply by November 30 below 👇
www.bpr.org/announcement...
Chimney Rock will soon be home to a new rock-climbing area featuring some of the toughest climbs in North Carolina. It’s welcome news for one of the communities that was hardest hit by Hurricane Helene.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
Nonprofits purchase 16 acres for rock-climbing area in hard-hit Chimney Rock
The area has more than 50 different climbs — including a trio called The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
www.bpr.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Chimney Rock will soon be home to a new rock-climbing area featuring some of the toughest climbs in North Carolina. It’s welcome news for one of the communities that was hardest hit by Hurricane Helene.
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
www.bpr.org/growth-devel...
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:
www.bpr.org/announcement...
Our fall car raffle is in full gear, and tickets are going FAST.
Get yours today:
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 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...