Recently, social media swirled with reports that a Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train had derailed.

A memorial to the incarcerated laborers that built the railroad into Western North Carolina in the late 1800's will be dedicated this weekend - culminating an effort by historians and community leaders to bring attention to a crucial piece of history in the region that had long been ignored or forgotten.

North Carolina lawmakers hope to have redistricting completed by the end of this month. There are plenty of proposed maps floating about right now, but Western Carolina University Dr. Chris Cooper urges people not to overreact to any of them - because the only map that matters is the final one.

The last decade saw significant population growth in Asheville. But that didn’t lead to similar growth in the city of the principle driver of climate change.

Western Carolina University is looking for feedback as the school updates its future land use plan. This year’s student population at Western Carolina University surpassed the predictions which estimated there would be just over 11,000 students in the year 2023. Mike Beyers is chief financial officer of the school. “As we work on this update we don’t plan to project the growth to be quite as great over last 8 years. We expect it to slow a bit,” said Beyers. The Cullowhee campus of Western

People in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties impacted by the flood can apply for assistance. Here's more info to sign up for one-time funds to buy food. In August, Tropical Storm Fred caused flood waters to rise across the region damaging businesses and homes. Many families continue to rebuild, from their floorboards to their pantries. Those folks can get funds for food this week explains Haywood County Emergency Services spokesperson Allison Richmond. “This is a chance to stock up. It

In their last episode , John and Marcia only scratched the surface about mental health in sports. They go deeper in this show, and they bring in an expert to help - sports social worker Natalie Graves of Chicago. (Music featured includes Steppin' In by Podington Bear)

Earlier this month, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Tribal Council upheld its ban on same-sex marriage . BPR looked into how widespread these bans are in Native American Tribal governments across the United States:

Several health departments and vaccine providers across Western North Carolina are rolling out the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot to people 65 and older and others now eligible . Buncombe , Henderson , and Haywood Jackson , Madison , and McDowell counties are among those offering the booster shot. Meantime, there are lots of questions about just who is qualified to get the extra dose.

BPR is launching several new programs this Sunday including a show centered on the voices and stories of Appalachia. BPR spoke with the hosts of Inside Appalachia ahead of this weekend’s debut: Lilly Knoepp: I’m Lilly Knoepp, the regional reporter for Blue Ridge Public Radio. I’m here with West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s show Inside Appalachia and hosts Mason Adams and Caitlin Tan. We are so excited that BPR is going to air your award-winning show very soon. Thanks so much for being here