A Splendid Failure – In Part 2 of a conversation with historian Steven Nash, we delve into the rise of the KKK and how politics was realigned in Western North Carolina during Reconstruction, which W.E.B. DuBois called “a splendid failure.” Dr. Nash’s new book is Reconstruction’s Ragged Edge: The Politics of Postwar Life in the Southern Mountains.

A Life of Trail Blazing – Part 1 - Alfred J. Whitesides, Jr. has trail blazed across his entire life, from high school civil rights activist, banker, community leader, and now Buncombe County’s first African American Commissioner. Mr. Whitesides is also an accomplished storyteller. In this conversation, he reflects on his early days in Asheville.

The North Carolina General Assembly has been adjourned for almost two weeks. Dozens of bills passed by lawmakers in the final days of this year’s session await a signature from Governor Roy Cooper before becoming law. Some affect drivers in the state. During driver’s education classes, students would learn what to do when pulled over by law enforcement under a measure that passed both branches of the general assembly unanimously. Specifically, prospective motorists would learn what actions they

The town of Highlands recently ended its recycling program. But recycling is still happening in the town thanks to some local businesses – who have donated what they’ve taken in to an international artist whose creating his latest project in a prominent place in town.

The head of Buncombe County’s Republican Party wants to debate. He’ll even put some money up for it. Dr. Carl Mumpower says he’ll debate anyone, as long as there’s some kind of structure and rules for the discourse. And to sweeten the pot, he’ll make a $100 contribution to charity for each debate that happens. “We’re getting a little too complacent with personal attacks and animosity and aggressive politics. And I was trying to think of a positive way to approach that", Mumpower says. Face to

A local community college is going for gold. The five member culinary team from A-B Tech in Asheville won its tenth regional title and is now competing for the national honor.

The FBI arrested seven Cherokee residents last month following an investigation into marriage fraud, and authorities are still looking for four others they allege were involved. BPR’s Davin Eldridge has more…

A new book looking at North Carolina's job market shows that it's growing, but so to is the divide between high and low paying jobs.

Infighting in political parties is nothing new. But Haywood County Republicans have taken it to a new level with a so-called 'disloyalty' resolution targeting certain members of the party. Smoky Mountain News reporter Corey Vaillancourt joined BPR's Matt Bush in studio to discuss the latest. They also looked at similar but far less dramatic infighting with Haywood County Democrats, and the history of the word 'disloyal' in politics.

The need for safety between buyers and sellers on websites like Craigslist is essential. But it’s not always guaranteed. One Western North Carolina town is on a quest to provide that safety.