POPULARITY
3 episodes with blue ridge public radio
8 episodes with blue ridge public radio
2 episodes with blue ridge public radio
2 episodes with blue ridge public radio
2 episodes with blue ridge public radio
2 episodes with blue ridge public radio
25 episodes with blue ridge public radio
3 episodes with blue ridge public radio
NPR and PBS stations are bracing for war with the incoming Trump administration. On this week's On the Media, the long history of efforts to save—and snuff out—public broadcasting. Plus, the role of public radio across the country, from keeping local governments in check to providing life-saving information during times of crisis.[01:00] Hosts Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger explore the history of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and break down the funding with Karen Everhart, managing editor of Current.[06:59] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, a member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, which oversees the Corporation For Public Broadcasting, on his decades-long fight with Republican lawmakers to keep NPR and PBS alive.[13:44] Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with Mike Gonzalez, a senior fellow at The Heritage Foundation, who authored a part of the foundation's Project 2025 chapter on ending CPB funding. [34:26] Hosts Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger on how public radio stations across the country work to hold local governments accountable, ft: Scott Franz of KUNC in Colorado, Matt Katz formerly of WNYC, and Lindsey Smith of Michigan Public.[00:00] Host Micah Loewinger takes a deep dive into the role of public radio during crises, ft: Tom Michael, founder of Marfa Public Radio and Laura Lee, news director for Blue Ridge Public Radio.[00:00] Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with Sage Smiley, news director at KYUK in Bethel, Alaska, to talk about the station's life-saving coverage of the Kuskokwim Ice Road in southwestern Alaska, and what the region would lose without public radio.Further reading:“End of CPB funding would affect stations of all sizes,” by Adam Ragusea“Is there any justification for continuing to ask taxpayers to fund NPR and PBS?” by Mike Gonzalez“Should New Jersey Democratic Officials Keep Jailing Immigrants for ICE?” by Matt Katz“A secret ballot system at Colorado's statehouse is quietly killing bills and raising transparency concerns,” by Scott Franz“Not Safe to Drink," a special radio series by Michigan Public“The Rock House Fire: 5 Years Later,” by Tom Michael On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.
In this episode, I'm reflecting on the storms—literal and metaphorical—that hit Asheville, and how they are shaping both me and my community. There's no sugarcoating it: resilience and courage aren't about being invincible. They're about finding the strength to carry on, even when uncertainty clouds every step. And in this uncertainty, I've learned that trust doesn't come easily. It's built slowly, through vulnerability, reflection, and sometimes painful realizations about what truly matters. It's okay not to have it all figured out. I sure don't. But that's where the beauty of growth comes in—messy, uncertain, and full of possibility. What's next? I'm not sure but thank you for being here with me. Blue Ridge Public Radio - https://www.bpr.org/ Appalachian Funder's Network - https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund Beloved Asheville (Asheville,NC) - https://belovedasheville.com/get-involved World Central Kitchen - https://wck.org/search/tag/north-carolina Operation Airdrop (Concord, NC) Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts - https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene Watch on Spotify & Youtube - https://youtu.be/OoAB8SK58wA Socials Sign Up for The Loop → https://bzcoaching.ck.page/ae98d50df3 Instagram: @thebzchannel Twitter: @thebzchannel LinkedIn: @nbzcoaching Produced by Shannon @ NovaPodcasts - www.novapodcasts.com
At least 12 people are dead in Florida after Hurricane Milton made landfall Wednesday night. The death toll is expected to rise as local officials assess the damage which has caused widespread flooding, left millions of people without power and compounded hardships for those recovering from Hurricane Helene, which hit two weeks ago. We get the latest and learn why so-called “supercharged hurricanes” are becoming more common. Guests: Porter Fox, author, “Category Five: Superstorms and the Warming Oceans That Feed Them” Gabriella Paul, reporter, WUSF (NPR affiliate in the greater Tampa Bay area) Gerard Albert III, Western North Carolina rural communities reporter, Blue Ridge Public Radio
*I totally meant SEPTEMBER not NOVEMBER. Shock brain... An update after the whirlwind that was last week. This episode is a bit different but, I wanted to share my story of what it was like living in Asheville those first few days after Hurricane Helene decimated our town. I am amazed by the resilience of these people and how this community has come together to support each other during this time. This is a raw and real episode. Thank you for being here. Blue Ridge Public Radio - https://www.bpr.org/ Appalachian Funder's Network - https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund Beloved Asheville (Asheville,NC) - https://belovedasheville.com/get-involved World Central Kitchen - https://wck.org/search/tag/north-carolina Operation Airdrop (Concord, NC) Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts - https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene Watch on Spotify & Youtube - https://youtu.be/OoAB8SK58wA LET'S CONNECT ON SOCIALS Sign Up for The Loop → https://bzcoaching.ck.page/ae98d50df3 Instagram: @thebzchannel Twitter: @thebzchannel LinkedIn: @nbzcoaching Produced by Shannon @ NovaPodcasts - www.novapodcasts.com
Hurricane Helene dumped nearly 30 inches of rain in parts of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. Communities are reeling from the devastation. We check-in with Lilly Knoepp at Blue Ridge Public Radio in western North Carolina.Also, a new book illustrates the tiny worlds of mountain critters, like a lizard that changes color.And White potters co-opted the African art of face jugs in the 1800s. A modern-day Black potter says his art can't be replicated.
On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly: Our Journalist Roundtable covers the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the southeastern US. We'll be joined by Lilly Knoepp of Blue Ridge Public Radio and Jeffrey Collins of the Associated Press. Also, on the program: The Valley Jazz Orchestra just released a new album “Vicious Fishes” for the first time in over 50 yearsSupport WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been over a week since hurricane Helene made landfall near the Florida panhandle. Along with Florida, there's been extensive damage in Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Georgia. At last count and time of recording at 10 a.m. Friday Oct 4, the death toll has exceeded 200 and is expected to increase. In this journalist roundtable, Lilly Knoepp of Blue Ridge Public Radio and Jeffrey Collins of the Associated Press appeared on The Spark to discuss their recent hurricane Helene coverage. “This disaster isn't unprecedented compared to others, is it's just not your traditional cleanup. It's just not making sure we get all the branches and trees that fell and, you know, repairing a pothole or two. I mean, like just the roads themselves. I mean, if you see some of the drone footage and everything. Like major highways, like U.S. highways look like trails. I mean, they look like primitive trails now because the, you know, the river just completely gouged them out. And then you won't not be able to even rebuild on top of where the original road was. So somebody is going to have to figure out if they need to if they can rebuild on the road or they can go somewhere other place. So yeah, I mean, the thing I've heard about cleanup is it's just not like it's going to be a week or two. We'll get all the debris out of there. Everything will start to get back. I mean, you're going to have to rebuild entire infrastructure like it never existed in the first place, “said Collins. Listen to the podcast to her more from the conversation. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our Reimagined Life: Empowering Me, You, and Us Seeking Happiness and Self Worth
In this episode of Our Reimagined Life, I share my personal experience with Hurricane Helene, which brought unexpected hurricane-force winds to our area. We lost power for several days, and while we were able to make things work with generators, I found myself reflecting on the devastation in surrounding communities. Seeing towns destroyed and hearing heart-wrenching stories of loss made me realize how much we take for granted. This episode is all about finding gratitude amidst chaos and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. Throughout the ordeal, I noticed two kinds of people—those who felt victimized and those who responded with compassion. Instead of complaining about our situation, I chose to focus on the small blessings: minor damage to our home, hot coffee, and the ability to find gas. I saw how much attitude matters, especially in hard times, and it reminded me that gratitude and compassion can transform even the most challenging situations. As we wrap up, I encourage everyone to find ways to help communities impacted by the storm. I'll include links to relief efforts in western North Carolina below. Also, our upcoming virtual workshop on decorating a Designer Christmas Tree will donate profits to these relief efforts. Remember, even in the darkest storms, we can be someone else's light. Stay strong, and thank you for joining me on this journey of finding gratitude in the storm. Until next time, here's to living a spirit-led life. I love you! Join the Christmas Tree Decorating Masterclass: https://southerncharmwreaths.com/christmas-tree-decorating-masterclass/ For a list of local verified relief groups, refer to the Blue Ridge Public Radio website here: https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene
Huge swaths of the Southeast are still digging out from Hurricane Helene after the storm made landfall Thursday night along Florida's gulf coast. As of late Sunday, more than 90 people were reported dead across six states. Tampa and western North Carolina saw some of the worst damage from the storm. Blue Ridge Public Radio reporter Gerard Albert III joins us to talk about rescue and recovery efforts around Asheville, N.C. Later in the show, Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters talks about the state of play in one of the most pivotal swing states in the upcoming election.And in headlines: Former President Donald Trump called Vice President Kamala Harris ‘mentally impaired' during a weekend rally, Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a Friday airstrike, and the International Longshoremen's Association and its tens of thousands of members are set to strike starting Tuesday.Show Notes:Resources help victims of Hurricane Helene –https://tinyurl.com/43ykrkucSubscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday
CNN reports on how multiple states in the southeastern U.S. are reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene. Blue Ridge Public Radio has put together a list of resources where you can help flood victims in North Carolina. Politico reports on a looming strike that could disrupt the economy just before the election. It’s mostly up to one fiery union leader, Harold Daggett. Caroline Kitchener, who covers abortion for the Washington Post, tells Apple News Conversation what post-Roe America looks like now — and how the election could change it. From Gaza to Lebanon, Netanyahu — not Biden — is setting the agenda in the Middle East, according to NBC News. USA Today looks a new report that found more than 10,000 books were banned in public schools nationwide in the last academic year. ‘Saturday Night Live’ returned for its 50th season with its take on the 2024 election. The Los Angeles Times has the details. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.
In North Carolina, communities are in crisis with roads closed, slowing the delivery of food, water and other desperately needed aid. The city of Asheville, in particular, has been devastated with flooded roads and loss of power essentially cutting the city off from any outside assistance. Amna Nawaz discussed the situation there with Gerard Albert III of Blue Ridge Public Radio. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
The remnants of Hurricane Helene have been wreaking havoc hundreds of miles away from where it made landfall in Florida three days ago. Western North Carolina is one of the hardest hit areas. John Yang speaks with Laura Hackett, a reporter for Blue Ridge Public Radio in Asheville, about what's happening in the region. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
This week, we're joined by Lilly Knoepp, regional reporter at Blue Ridge Public Radio in Western North Carolina. Boom and bust cycles for coal, timber and textiles are nothing new to Appalachia. Today we're seeing another industry struggle –local journalism. Some newspapers have scaled back or disappeared entirely, but journalism isn't dying. Journalists are adapting and some are reinventing what they do. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
We are kicking off Season 4 of It Still Lives with an interview from with art lover, gardener, and author Mignon Durham to talk about her passion project Devotion and how it helped her cope with the uncertainty we faced during 2020. Listen as Foxfire curator Kami Ahrens and Blue Ridge Public Radio regional reporter Lilly Knoepp talk with Mignon about her experiences in Appalachia and creating a space in our community that honors the culture here.
In this week's episode of Inside Appalachia we hear a roundup of some of our region's news, from recovery efforts in Kentucky following devastating tornadoes, to how infrastructure funding from Congress could benefit communities in Appalachia. We'll also hear from teenagers in Western North Carolina share poetry about how they see themselves and their identities. Communities Rally To Support Tornado Victims Parts of Kentucky, Tennessee and four other states are in recovery mode following deadly tornadoes last weekend that left a trail of devastation. Among the towns hardest hit was Bowling Green, Kentucky. In this episode we hear a story by WKYU's Lisa Autry about the impacts the tornado had on this community, and efforts to help those who are suffering. Jennifer Capps, executive director at American Red Cross of South Central Kentucky, said it's the worst local disaster she's seen in her career. Infrastructure Funding For Appalachia The bipartisan infrastructure bill that became law last month has billions of dollars in it for roads, bridges, airports and transit systems in the Ohio Valley. The law also addresses some of the region's other pressing needs. The $1 trillion infrastructure law has the potential to deliver big improvements to Appalachia. It will help reclaim abandoned mine sites, putting laid-off coal miners back to work. Children In Appalachia At High Risk Of Serious COVID The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect Appalachia, with case numbers on the rise yet again. That includes children who are being hospitalized with serious cases of the disease. As Corinne Boyer reports, children in Appalachia are at a higher risk of developing a serious case of COVID, because of a high rate of childhood obesity. Helping Teens Express Identity Through Poetry Writing Series Who am I? It's a question that teenagers wrestle with everywhere, as they discover their identities. In this episode we hear a series of stories, called Storycraft, produced by Blue Ridge Public Radio in Asheville. This summer, BPR teamed up with a nonprofit, Asheville Writers In The Schools and Community. Together, they hosted a series of workshops with teenagers and asked them the question: ‘Who Am I?' The teenagers wrote poems based on the prompt, and we hear three of these in this episode. Breonna Taylor's Life Honored In App Called ‘Breonna's Garden' We also learn about a media project that honors the life of Breonna Taylor, who was shot by Louisville police in March 2020. Artists designed a digital app to function as a space for Taylor's loved ones and community members to find solace. WFPL reporter Stephanie Wolf takes us into the augmented reality artwork, “Breonna's Garden.” Crystal Good Aims To Change Media Landscape Through ‘Black By God' Sometimes, spending time away from your home makes you fully appreciate how much you love it, despite its downsides. It also helps you to see a place where you can try to make a difference. That's what Crystal Good did. She's a writer and entrepreneur who grew up in West Virginia but recently spent about two years in California. Last month, she returned home with an ambition to change the state's media landscape. Good says she knows it's a gamble to launch a business in the midst of a pandemic, not to mention a media project at a time when newsrooms across the country are collapsing. But she feels like it's important, something she has to do.
Back in April, host Kami Ahrens was joined by Blue Ridge Public Radio reporter Lilly Knoepp on an interview with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian's first published author, Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle. Born and raised on the Qualla Boundary, Annette shares stories from her childhood at the foot of the Smokies. In fall 2020, Annette released her debut novel, Even As We Breathe, which explores the American culture during World War II from an indigenous perspective.
Asheville City Council held its annual retreat earlier this month at Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville. The whole event was open to the public, but only after a lawsuit that was filed by five media outlets - Mountain Xpress, Asheville Citizen-Times, Blue Ridge Public Radio, Carolina Public Press, and AVL Watchdog.
From a devastating impact on public health to lockdowns on the economy, the pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on North Carolina. In a special statewide broadcast, Charlotte Talks speaks with state health and education officials as we partner with North Carolina public radio stations WUNC in Chapel Hill, WFDD in Winston-Salem, WHQR in Wilmington and Blue Ridge Public Radio in Asheville.
Impolite conversations. Intimate connections. Important self-discoveries.
NPR's Student Podcast Challenge invites classrooms to put together a short podcast about any topic of interest and using simple tools - like the apps on your phone. It's a competition, but also a fun, collaborative learning experience - and a chan c e to hear your work on NPR and member stations. BPR is encouraging classrooms in WNC to participate, and we'll be answering your questions about audio storytelling. Send us an email or voice memo to voices@bpr.org . After the contest deadline of March 15, NPR hosts like Sam Sanders and Sarah Gonzalez will judge all the entrie s and winners will be announced in May. Now in i t s third year, the initiative primarily has youth in mind -- but it also aims to be a resource for teachers. NPR's Ed Team is hoping this round will serve educators looking for resources that will narrow the distance felt during pandemic learning. Blue Ridge Public Radio's Cass Herrington spoke with NPR's Steve Drummond about the value of getting students to open up in
BPR News Presents: 2020 Local Election Special, is a production of the Blue Ridge Public Radio news team. It's three segments include an interview with Buncombe County elections director Corinne Duncan , and portions of two candidate forums done on the BPR Facebook page - for Asheville City Council , and for North Carolina State House District 119 . (The BPR News Presents theme song is The Vibes by Audiobinger. Other music featured includes FAWM9 by Damon Boucher)
BPR News Presents: 2020 Local Election Special, is a production of the Blue Ridge Public Radio news team. It's three segments include an interview with Buncombe County elections director Corinne Duncan , and portions of two candidate forums done on the BPR Facebook page - for Asheville City Council , and for North Carolina State House District 119 . (The BPR News Presents theme song is The Vibes by Audiobinger. Other music featured includes FAWM9 by Damon Boucher)
North Carolina House of Representative's District 119 is one of the most competitive races in the state. It's also the most familiar race to voters in the three western counties that make up the district. For the past decade, 119 th district elections haven't just been a choice between parties, but between the same two men. For the fifth straight election, Democrat Joe Sam Queen and Republican Mike Clampitt are running against each other, with Queen holding the office this time. What is different about their 2020 faceoff is the pandemic. At a virtual town hall hosted by Blue Ridge Public Radio and Smoky Mountain News , Clampitt explained COVID-19 or not, he has kept the same path these last 10 years: "Priorities - are still the same with a few modifications. Those modifications would be, yes, we are in some hard times, the pandemic quote unquote. Businesses in North Carolina have been strung out because of some policies that have been evoked by our current governor," says Clampitt. For
On September 4 th and 5 th Blue Ridge Public Radio in partnership with Smoky Mountain News and Mountain Xpress held two forums with the major party candidates for the currently vacant seat in North Carolina's 11th Congressional district. Republican Madison Cawthorn and Democrat Moe Davis faced each other at Western Carolina University's Biltmore Park campus, and then again at the school's main campus in Cullowhee. Cory Vaillancourt of Smoky Mountain News and BPR moderated. Below is a condensed one-hour program the features portions of both forums. You can watch the full forums anytime on the BPR Facebook page . (The BPR News Presents theme song is The Vibes by Audiobinger)
On September 4 th and 5 th Blue Ridge Public Radio in partnership with Smoky Mountain News and Mountain Xpress held two forums with the major party candidates for the currently vacant seat in North Carolina's 11th Congressional district. Republican Madison Cawthorn and Democrat Moe Davis faced each other at Western Carolina University's Biltmore Park campus, and then again at the school's main campus in Cullowhee. Cory Vaillancourt of Smoky Mountain News and BPR moderated. Below is a condensed one-hour program the features portions of both forums. You can watch the full forums anytime on the BPR Facebook page . (The BPR News Presents theme song is The Vibes by Audiobinger)
Madison Cawthorn and Moe Davis debated for the first time Friday night - at an event organized by Blue Ridge Public Radio & Smoky Mountain News. I was panelist, and got to ask three questions. How did it go? Take a listen. Also, you can watch the entire debate here: Blue Ridge Public Radio - Best In The West: #NC11 Candidate Forum Subscribe for FREE: https://thepetekalinershow.com/get-the-podcast/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/petekalinershow Advertisers: https://thepetekalinershow.com/support-the-businesses-that-support-us/ Marketplace: https://thepetekalinershow.com/marketplace/ Twitter: @PeteKaliner Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/633836460739500/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/petekalinershow See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Get exclusive content here!: https://thepetekalinershow.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At this particular moment in history, we think it's vital that we give ourselves more time to listen to what's happening in Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachia. To do that, Blue Ridge Public Radio is launching a new program from its news department - BPR News Presents: The Porch . In our debut episode, we speak with Buncombe County elections director Corinne Duncan , Great Smoky Mountains National Park superintendent Cassius Cash , and the first Black principal in Macon County schools post-integration Shirley Parks . (The BPR News Presents theme is The Vibes by Audiobinger. Other music included in this episode includes I Care by Loyalty Freak Music)
North Carolina will be one of the state's that decides this fall's presidential election, plus which party controls the U.S. Senate. It also has one of the most watched gubernatorial elections in the U.S. this fall, plus every seat in the North Carolina General Assembly is on the ballot, all of the council state, seats on county commissions, city councils, town aldermen...you get the point. North Carolina is first in the country in this respect - it's the first state to mail out mail-in ballots that have been requested by voters. They go out Friday September 4 th , and because of the pandemic, requests for absentee mail-in ballots this year in North Carolina are more than 15 times greater than at this point four years ago. BPR's Matt Bush chatted over Zoom with Buncombe County elections director Corrine Duncan about all things mail-in ballot for the debut episode of Blue Ridge Public Radio's new program BPR News Presents: The Porch. You can hear it Friday morning September 4th at 9 a.m.,
At this particular moment in history, we think it's vital that we give ourselves more time to listen to what's happening in Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachia. To do that, Blue Ridge Public Radio is launching a new program from its news department - BPR News Presents: The Porch . In our debut episode, we speak with Buncombe County elections director Corinne Duncan , Great Smoky Mountains National Park superintendent Cassius Cash , and the first Black principal in Macon County schools post-integration Shirley Parks . (The BPR News Presents theme is The Vibes by Audiobinger. Other music included in this episode includes I Care by Loyalty Freak Music)
North Carolina will be one of the state's that decides this fall's presidential election, plus which party controls the U.S. Senate. It also has one of the most watched gubernatorial elections in the U.S. this fall, plus every seat in the North Carolina General Assembly is on the ballot, all of the council state, seats on county commissions, city councils, town aldermen...you get the point. North Carolina is first in the country in this respect - it's the first state to mail out mail-in ballots that have been requested by voters. They go out Friday September 4 th , and because of the pandemic, requests for absentee mail-in ballots this year in North Carolina are more than 15 times greater than at this point four years ago. BPR's Matt Bush chatted over Zoom with Buncombe County elections director Corrine Duncan about all things mail-in ballot for the debut episode of Blue Ridge Public Radio's new program BPR News Presents: The Porch. You can hear it Friday morning September 4th at 9 a.m.,
On Thursday July 23rd, Blue Ridge Public Radio hosted a live Zoom panel to discuss police funding in Asheville. BPR News Presents: A Conversation On Policing In Asheville, is hosted by BPR's Matt Peiken. His guests discussing the call to defund the Asheville police department include Robert Thomas of the Racial Justice Coalition, Zaria Abdulkarim of Democracy NC, retired UNC Asheville professor and founder of The State of Black Asheville report Dr. Dwight Mullen, local Fraternal Order of Police president Rondel Lance, and Buncombe County sheriff Quentin Miller. You can listen to an abridged one-hour version of the conversation above, or on both BPR Classic and BPR News Friday July 31st at 9 a.m. and Saturday August 1st at 3 p.m. The entire two-hour talk can be viewed on the BPR Facebook page. (Music featured includes The Vibes by Audiobinger)
On Thursday July 23rd, Blue Ridge Public Radio hosted a live Zoom panel to discuss police funding in Asheville. BPR News Presents: A Conversation On Policing In Asheville, is hosted by BPR's Matt Peiken. His guests discussing the call to defund the Asheville police department include Robert Thomas of the Racial Justice Coalition, Zaria Abdulkarim of Democracy NC, retired UNC Asheville professor and founder of The State of Black Asheville report Dr. Dwight Mullen, local Fraternal Order of Police president Rondel Lance, and Buncombe County sheriff Quentin Miller. You can listen to an abridged one-hour version of the conversation above, or on both BPR Classic and BPR News Friday July 31st at 9 a.m. and Saturday August 1st at 3 p.m. The entire two-hour talk can be viewed on the BPR Facebook page. (Music featured includes The Vibes by Audiobinger)
Cass Herrington is the host of Morning Edition on Blue Ridge Public Radio, and is a reporter covering immigrant communities in Western North Carolina. Her current work revolves around farming systems and how they are being impacted by Covid-19. She also helped found and cohost Skillet, a podcast about the intersection of food and memory. Jon talks with her about how producing a show about food has impacted the way she approaches her work as a journalist.
FIND THE LATEST COVID-19 CASE COUNT IN NORTH CAROLINA HERE . FOR ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS CLICK HERE . The North Carolina General Assembly is heading back to Raleigh on Tuesday to take up emergency legislation dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Blue Ridge Public Radio talked with one member of the Western North Carolina delegation: Republican Kevin Corbin represents North Carolina's four westernmost counties in the state house. He's a part of the state legislative COVID-19 taskforce. He had just gotten off another conference call when BPR spoke to him in Franklin. "Of course, we meet online. We use a program called WebEx - where we can see and hear everybody else," explains Corbin. Corbin says there are three subcommittees of the taskforce: education, government operations and finance. He hopes that this week they will pass bills to help with COVID relief for each of these sectors. "As we move forward, I think the negotiations will be good and they
Today some businesses in Georgia are now open after Governor Brian Kemp gave an executive order. Blue Ridge Public Radio talks to a Cherokee County official what this means for Western North Carolina. The town of Murphy lies at the very western end of North Carolina. The state lines of Georgia and Tennessee are less than 30 minutes away. Cherokee County Economic Development Director Paul Worley explains the geographic bowl made by mountain ranges in North Georgia, the Nantahala Gorge in North Carolina and another gorge in Tennessee, make Murphy a hub of economic activity. "We are the retail and workforce center for three counties in Georgia - Fanning, Towns and Union Counties; Polk County in Tennessee and Graham, Clay and Cherokee Counties in North Carolina," says Worley. This means that people across state lines are intertwined - personally and economically. Residents of both Cherokee County and North Georgia have tested positive for COVID-19, often being tested across stateliness.
Cherokee County has been one of the rural hotspots for COVID-19 in North Carolina. The lone hospital there - Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Murphy - cut back employee's hours because of the crisis. Blue Ridge Public Radio spoke with two doctors to see how the hospital is holding up in the face of the pandemic. Dr. Stephen Rubendall started working in Murphy just last week. He moved from Mitchell County, Georgia, where Rubendall says the COVID-19 spread is much different. "Where I was practicing is just south of Dougherty County in Georgia and they have had a remarkable number of cases per percentage of the population," says Rubendall. "I think it's just behind New York and some of the worst places in the world unfortunately." Right now, in Mitchell and Dougherty Counties, there are almost 2,000 COVID cases and over 100 deaths. Those counties are about six hours away from Cherokee County, North Carolina where he is now. There are about 20 cases and one death in there as reported
While much of BPR's coronavirus coverage is dedicated to updates from health and government officials, we are working to reach out to the community - including local restaurants. On Tuesday March 17, Governor Roy Cooper issued an Executive order closing sit-down Service at restaurants and bars across the state- which forced many to close. But some have been working to stay open including a sandwich shop down the street from the Blue Ridge Public Radio. BPR's Helen Chickering has been checking in..
On February 6th, Blue Ridge Public Radio held a forum with four candidates running for the Democratic nomination for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, which encompasses all of Western North Carolina. The forum includes Moe Davis, Gina Collias, Michael O'Shea, and Phillip Price. Steve Woodsmall is also running for the Democratic nomination, but was unable to attend the forum. Those who have not registered to vote yet will only be able to do so during the early voting period. The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is February 25th, and primary day is Tuesday March 3rd. Photo ID is not required to vote in the primary election. FORUM TIME CODES 1:21 - Opening Statements 9:19 - What is the biggest issue facing North Carolina's 11th Congressional District? 15:04 - The U.S. has seen an extended economic boom over the last decade, but the federal deficit has risen to record levels at the same time. Why do you think that is and what would you do about as a member of
On February 6th, Blue Ridge Public Radio held a forum with four candidates running for the Democratic nomination for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, which encompasses all of Western North Carolina. The forum includes Moe Davis, Gina Collias, Michael O'Shea, and Phillip Price. Steve Woodsmall is also running for the Democratic nomination, but was unable to attend the forum. Those who have not registered to vote yet will only be able to do so during the early voting period. The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is February 25th, and primary day is Tuesday March 3rd. Photo ID is not required to vote in the primary election. FORUM TIME CODES 1:21 - Opening Statements 9:19 - What is the biggest issue facing North Carolina's 11th Congressional District? 15:04 - The U.S. has seen an extended economic boom over the last decade, but the federal deficit has risen to record levels at the same time. Why do you think that is and what would you do about as a member of
On February 7th, Blue Ridge Public Radio held a forum with two candidates running for the Republican nomination for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, which encompasses all of Western North Carolina. All told, 11 candidates are running in the GOP primary. Each were invited to participate in two forums BPR held. This forum features two of them - Lynda Bennett and Joey Osborne. Early voting for the primary election in North Carolina runs until February 29th. Those who have not registered to vote yet will only be able to do so during the early voting period. The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is February 25th, and primary day is Tuesday March 3rd. Photo ID is not required to vote in the primary election. FORUM TIME CODES 1:22 - Opening Statements 6:00 - What is the biggest issue facing North Carolina's 11th Congressional District? 7:55 - The U.S. has seen an extended economic boom over the last decade, but the federal deficit has risen to record levels at the
On February 7th, Blue Ridge Public Radio held a forum with two candidates running for the Republican nomination for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, which encompasses all of Western North Carolina. All told, 11 candidates are running in the GOP primary. Each were invited to participate in two forums BPR held. This forum features two of them - Lynda Bennett and Joey Osborne. Early voting for the primary election in North Carolina runs until February 29th. Those who have not registered to vote yet will only be able to do so during the early voting period. The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is February 25th, and primary day is Tuesday March 3rd. Photo ID is not required to vote in the primary election. FORUM TIME CODES 1:22 - Opening Statements 6:00 - What is the biggest issue facing North Carolina's 11th Congressional District? 7:55 - The U.S. has seen an extended economic boom over the last decade, but the federal deficit has risen to record levels at the
On February 7 th Blue Ridge Public Radio held a forum with three candidates running for the Republican nomination for North Carolina's 11 th Congressional District, which encompasses all of Western North Carolina. All told, 11 candidates are running in the GOP primary. Each were invited to participate in two forums BPR held. This forum features three of them - Wayne King, Vance Patterson, and Albert Wiley. Early voting for the primary election in North Carolina runs until February 29 th . Those who have not registered to vote yet will only be able to do so during the early voting period. The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is February 25 th , and primary day is Tuesday March 3 rd . Photo ID is not required to vote in the primary election. FORUM TIME CODES 1:21 - Opening Statements 6:58 - What is the biggest issue facing North Carolina's 11th Congressional District? 11:33 - The U.S. has seen an extended economic boom over the last decade, but the federal deficit has risen
On February 7 th Blue Ridge Public Radio held a forum with three candidates running for the Republican nomination for North Carolina's 11 th Congressional District, which encompasses all of Western North Carolina. All told, 11 candidates are running in the GOP primary. Each were invited to participate in two forums BPR held. This forum features three of them - Wayne King, Vance Patterson, and Albert Wiley. Early voting for the primary election in North Carolina runs until February 29 th . Those who have not registered to vote yet will only be able to do so during the early voting period. The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is February 25 th , and primary day is Tuesday March 3 rd . Photo ID is not required to vote in the primary election. FORUM TIME CODES 1:21 - Opening Statements 6:58 - What is the biggest issue facing North Carolina's 11th Congressional District? 11:33 - The U.S. has seen an extended economic boom over the last decade, but the federal deficit has risen
On February 5 th, Blue Ridge Public Radio held a forum in its studios with the candidates running for the Democratic nomination for the North Carolina state senate seat for district 49, which covers central and western Buncombe County. Democrat Terry Van Duyn currently holds the seat, but is vacating it to run for lieutenant governor in 2020. Republican Bob Penland is running for his party's nomination unopposed. His opponent in the fall will be either Julie Mayfield, Ben Scales, or Travis Smith. Early voting for the primary election in North Carolina runs until February 29 th . Those who have not registered to vote yet will only be able to do so during the early voting period. The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is February 25 th , and primary day is Tuesday March 3 rd . And remember, voters do not need to show photo ID to vote in the primary election. TIME CODES FOR QUESTIONS AT FORUM 1:06 - Opening statements 7:34 - If elected, you will be headed to Raleigh during a
On February 5 th, Blue Ridge Public Radio held a forum in its studios with the candidates running for the Democratic nomination for the North Carolina state senate seat for district 49, which covers central and western Buncombe County. Democrat Terry Van Duyn currently holds the seat, but is vacating it to run for lieutenant governor in 2020. Republican Bob Penland is running for his party's nomination unopposed. His opponent in the fall will be either Julie Mayfield, Ben Scales, or Travis Smith. Early voting for the primary election in North Carolina runs until February 29 th . Those who have not registered to vote yet will only be able to do so during the early voting period. The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is February 25 th , and primary day is Tuesday March 3 rd . And remember, voters do not need to show photo ID to vote in the primary election. TIME CODES FOR QUESTIONS AT FORUM 1:06 - Opening statements 7:34 - If elected, you will be headed to Raleigh during a
This isn't another top-10 list. But in the spirit of looking back on 2019, we've cobbled together this sampler platter from among more than 60 stories Blue Ridge Public Radio produced in 2019 about regional artists and arts happenings.
Blue Ridge Public Radio's Lilly Knoepp sat down with North Carolina's Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green after she visited Western Carolina University writing students . Shelton Green talked about how she views her work as a part of Southern Literature, why poetry is important and where real change happens. Here are some key parts of the conversation. How people should be introduced: "I believe in the philosophy that what we keep, keeps us. So I ask people to introduce themselves by way of an object, a memory, a place or something special that they keep. And as we go around the room sharing that people start to hear their own stories inside of the other things that people are keeping." Tune in at about seven minutes to hear a story about Biscuitville, 'Make America Great Again' hats and Black History Month: "This story for me embodies what this work can be as the poet laureate, as an ambassador of literary arts across North Carolina. Meeting people where they are. Not being judgemental
This episode is Going Deep's 50th show! Well...at least this version of the show. John and Marcia started Going Deep when they were in West Lafayette, Indiana. In this episode, we trace how they made their way to Asheville, and look back at the guests and issues that have really stuck with them since Going Deep started coming out of Blue Ridge Public Radio's studios. (Music featured includes P Flunked Fun by Podington Bear)
Kitty Tsunami is surf-punk-garage-pop band in Asheville led by the couple Meg Caldwell and Tommy Tsunami. They spoke with Blue Ridge Public Radio as they released their debut full-length album, titled "Cosa Nostra." Kitty Tsunami shares the stage with local improvisational/atmospheric band Pink Mercury March 11 at the Mothlight to close out the Winter Music Series from the Asheville Area Arts Council and Asheville FM. Here, the couple tell a little about themselves and their music.
Here is the complete conversation between Darko Butorac, the new music director of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, and Blue Ridge Public Radio arts and culture producer Matt Peiken.
On Wednesday October 17th, Blue Ridge Public Radio and Mountain Xpress hosted a forum with the candidates for the District 2 seat on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Republican Glenda Weinert and Democrat Amanda Edwards are running for the seat being vacated by Democrat Ellen Frost, who declined to run for re-election. Early voting in North Carolina runs until November 3rd. You can find a polling place near you here . Election Day is November 6th. Those who did not register to vote by the October 12th deadline can still vote but only during the early voting period. They will not be able to vote on Election Day. 0:00 - Introduction 1:01 - Opening statements 4:47 - What would you do as county commissioner to help restore faith and trust in Buncombe County government following the Wanda Greene scandal? 7:39 - What do you think of what commissioners have done already in the aftermath of the Greene scandal? 10:51 - District 2 is one of the most closely divided election districts
On Wednesday October 17th, Blue Ridge Public Radio and Mountain Xpress hosted a forum with the candidates for the District 2 seat on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Republican Glenda Weinert and Democrat Amanda Edwards are running for the seat being vacated by Democrat Ellen Frost, who declined to run for re-election. Early voting in North Carolina runs until November 3rd. You can find a polling place near you here . Election Day is November 6th. Those who did not register to vote by the October 12th deadline can still vote but only during the early voting period. They will not be able to vote on Election Day. 0:00 - Introduction 1:01 - Opening statements 4:47 - What would you do as county commissioner to help restore faith and trust in Buncombe County government following the Wanda Greene scandal? 7:39 - What do you think of what commissioners have done already in the aftermath of the Greene scandal? 10:51 - District 2 is one of the most closely divided election districts
On Tuesday October 16th, Blue Ridge Public Radio and the Asheville Citizen-Times hosted a forum with the candidates for the District 3 seat on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Republican incumbent Robert Pressley and Democrat Donna Ensley took part in the forum. Pressley was first elected to the board in 2016. Early voting in North Carolina starts Wednesday October 17th and runs until November 3rd. You can find a polling place near you here . Election Day is November 6th. Those who did not register to vote by last week's deadline can still vote but only during the early voting period. They will not be able to vote on Election Day. 0:00 - Introduction 1:02 - Opening statements 5:39 - What will you do to restore faith and trust in Buncombe County government in the aftermath of the Wanda Greene scandal? 8:47 - How do you think commissioners have handled the aftermath and fallout from the scandal thus far? 11:35 - Recent reporting by the Citizen-Times shows that portions of
On Tuesday October 16th, Blue Ridge Public Radio and the Asheville Citizen-Times hosted a forum with the candidates for the District 3 seat on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Republican incumbent Robert Pressley and Democrat Donna Ensley took part in the forum. Pressley was first elected to the board in 2016. Early voting in North Carolina starts Wednesday October 17th and runs until November 3rd. You can find a polling place near you here . Election Day is November 6th. Those who did not register to vote by last week's deadline can still vote but only during the early voting period. They will not be able to vote on Election Day. 0:00 - Introduction 1:02 - Opening statements 5:39 - What will you do to restore faith and trust in Buncombe County government in the aftermath of the Wanda Greene scandal? 8:47 - How do you think commissioners have handled the aftermath and fallout from the scandal thus far? 11:35 - Recent reporting by the Citizen-Times shows that portions of
On Monday October 15th, Blue Ridge Public Radio and the Asheville Citizen-Times held a forum with the candidates running for Buncombe County sheriff. Democrat Quentin Miller, a 25-year veteran of the Asheville police force, and Republican Shad Higgins, a Weaverville business owner, participated. Libertarian Tracey DeBruhl did not respond to repeated invitations to participate. The winner of this election will replace Van Duncan, who decided to retire after serving three terms in office. Early voting in North Carolina starts Wednesday October 17th and runs until November 3rd. You can find a polling place near you here . Election Day is November 6th. Those who did not register to vote by last week's deadline can still vote but only during the early voting period. They will not be able to vote on Election Day. 0:00 - Introduction 1:06 - Opening statements 3:36 - With the Buncombe County jail routinely at near capacity, what if any reforms do you believe are necessary? 6:58 - In a climate
On Monday October 15th, Blue Ridge Public Radio and the Asheville Citizen-Times held a forum with the candidates running for Buncombe County sheriff. Democrat Quentin Miller, a 25-year veteran of the Asheville police force, and Republican Shad Higgins, a Weaverville business owner, participated. Libertarian Tracey DeBruhl did not respond to repeated invitations to participate. The winner of this election will replace Van Duncan, who decided to retire after serving three terms in office. Early voting in North Carolina starts Wednesday October 17th and runs until November 3rd. You can find a polling place near you here . Election Day is November 6th. Those who did not register to vote by last week's deadline can still vote but only during the early voting period. They will not be able to vote on Election Day. 0:00 - Introduction 1:06 - Opening statements 3:36 - With the Buncombe County jail routinely at near capacity, what if any reforms do you believe are necessary? 6:58 - In a climate
Reflections - The Waters & Harvey Show celebrates a full broadcast year on Blue Ridge Public Radio. The co-hosts pause to reflect what they've learned through their interviews of fascinating guests over the course of nearly three-dozen programs.
This week on the WUNCPolitics Podcast, a conversation with Jeremy Loeb, Morning Edition Host and reporter at Blue Ridge Public Radio.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
