Study Finds Red Wolves are a Distinct Species

Red wolves are a genetically distinct species, according to a study published in late March by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Congress ordered the genetic testing because of claims that red wolves were no longer a distinct species due to their interbreeding with coyotes. This study settles the debate that red wolves, considered critically endangered, are a unique species and can be listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The only habitat for red wolves in the wild is on the Albemarle Peninsula in Eastern North Carolina, home to less than 30 wolves. In 2018, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a plan to reduce the wolves’ protected habitat by nearly 90 percent. This plan was blocked by a federal judge in November 2018, along with a proposal that would have allowed people to kill the wolves outside of their preserves.

Despite the small amount of wild wolves, there are over 200 red wolves in captivity around the country. A litter of six pups was born in Durham, N.C., on Earth Day. — By Jen Kirby

After 20 years, Letcher County prison proposal is still alive, though obstacles remain

A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.

Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Erwin, Tennessee. Photo by Abby Hassler

The Washout and Rebuild

For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.