Kerr Country residents say public alerts were sporadic, inconsistent as floods struck

By Paul Flahive

Published July 10, 2025 at 5:17 AM EDT

Residents say Kerr County's use of mass alerts was sporadic and inconsistent as floods hit. Local officials have not answered questions about when and how they utilized the system in place since 2009.

Paul Flahive

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

This week in science: a comet, plastic-eating bugs, and how altitude changes smell

Emily Kwong

Emily Kwong and Regina Barber of NPR's Short Wave talk about a comet visiting from interstellar space, caterpillars that eat and break down plastic, and how animals' sense of smell varies by altitude.
Pope Leo XIV calls on Catholics to see the urgency of protecting the environment

Claire Giangrave

The Vatican has released a new liturgy for the Mass reflecting concern for the environment, offering prayers, readings and hymns that highlight the church's responsibility to protect the Earth.
Brazil's president fires back at Trump's 50% tariff threat

Carrie Kahn

Brazil's President Lula is firing back at Trump's 50% tariff threat — saying Brazil is ready to match any U.S. import taxes, dollar for dollar.
ICE crackdowns are making some fear showing up for work

Darian Woods

The Trump administration's crackdowns on immigrants is causing a profound change in the labor force right now. Today on the show: are immigrants still showing up for work?
James Gunn's 'Superman' movie is corny. Which is why it gets Superman right

Glen Weldon

Every era gets the Superman it needs. James Gunn's version — sincere, inspiring and idealistic — will make you want to cheer.