BPR friends, fans and Members -- we want to hear from you! Share what you value about Blue Ridge Public Radio and why you support BPR by calling our Testimonial Line at (828) 210-4822. Include your thoughts in a brief message, along with your name and location, and we may including your comments on air or on our digital plaforms. More than 50 Members have sent us voicemails so far, including this one from Sustaining Member and longtime BPR supporter Nancy Vest of Marshall. Love BPR's inspiring

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein this week joined three other state attorney s general in calling for a single $48 billion dollar settlement with five major pharmaceutical companies for their role in the opioid epidemic. All 50 U.S. states would receive money under the proposed settlement. Here are some reactions to the deal from rural leaders in Western North Carolina: In the Haywood County Health Department warehouse, Jesse Lee Dunlap takes stoc k of supplies. The NC Harm Reduction

This past weekend a controversial evangelist made an appearance in Asheville, but as expected, there were plenty of demonstrators there to greet him. Franklin Graham’s Decision America Tar Heel State tour drew thousands to the U.S. Cellular Center on Sunday, but it also drew a number of protestors who don’t agree with how Graham – son of the late Rev. Billy Graham – mixes his politics with his preaching. One was Shelby native Morris Davis. “I believe in separation of church and state, but if the

NPR’s Michel Martin , weekend host of All Things Considered, will be at Diana Wortham Theatre at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7 to host Going There: When Your Hometown Gets Hot as part of the national touring series NPR Presents Michel Martin: Going There. NPR and NPR Member station WCQS are collaborating on this unique live event to talk about what happens when the place you live suddenly becomes fashionable. Tickets for the event have sold out, but there will be a live stream of the event you can

NPR’s Michel Martin , weekend host of All Things Considered, will be at Diana Wortham Theatre at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7 to host Going There: When Your Hometown Gets Hot as part of the national touring series NPR Presents Michel Martin: Going There. NPR and NPR Member station WCQS are collaborating on this unique live event to talk about what happens when the place you live suddenly becomes fashionable. Chefs, brewers, artists and outdoor enthusiasts are flocking to Asheville, putting the city

The winner of the 4th Annual WCQS Ticket to Ride Summer Raffle is Mark Medlin of Weaverville! Mark will choose between a new Audi A3, VW TDI Golf SportWagen or VW Convertible Bug from Harmony Motors . Thanks to everyone who entered the 4th Annual Ticket to Ride Summer Raffle ! Proceeds from the raffle support the programming you value. You are all winners to us. We'll post pictures of Mark claiming his prize soon. See previous winners See official rules Contest void where prohibited. Must be 18

Carl Kasell, the official scorekeeper for the NPR News Quiz Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me anchored newscast on NPR for thirty years. The North Carolina native's voice can also be heard on hundreds of answering machines across the country. WCQS reporter Greta Johnsen spoke with Kasell recently about living in the South, waking up early to deliver the news on Morning Edition, and not taking life too seriously.