An Asheville bear cub makes national news, the Tourists commemorate a major milestone, residents rally for a beloved farm and more.
Swannanoa library stays open, Montford North Star Academy closes and more
A library stays open, a school closes and more.
Year in Review: Drake Fowler on taking over The N.C. Arboretum and leading the organization through a natural disaster
“I did not expect to be faced with over 10,000 trees down on our property within the first 60 days of my tenure. But with the tireless efforts of our staff and with help from outside organizations, we were able to reopen parts of the arboretum to guests,” says Drake Fowler.
Western North Carolina mayors reflect on tumultuous 2024
WNC mayors weigh in on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene and other issues that shaped 2024 — and take a look ahead to 2025.
Lessons learned from families and child care providers following Helene
Helene impacted a vital part of infrastructure: child care. Providers and families share their work-arounds and what’s needed to reinforce an already fragile system.
Buncombe Democrats elect final county commissioner
In the crowded, fluorescent-lit basement of the Buncombe County Democratic Party headquarters in Oakley on Dec. 18, Democrats conducted the final election of 2024.
Banned books, Gaza protests and more
Woodfin westsiders fail in bid to leave town, Buncombe Schools ban a book, protesters come to City Council meeting and more.
Downtown patrols, new leadership and more
The sheriff adds downtown patrols, a new police chief takes office, an expensive bathroom causes controversy and more.
Year in Review: Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb discusses his first year on the job
“One tenet that I have relied upon throughout my career is the fact that relationships are the real currency of policing,” says Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb.
Parking standards curtail housing, advocates tell county commissioners
Housing advocates urged the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners to eliminate parking requirements to make housing easier and cheaper to build. They noted that affordable housing is a critical need in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.
From CPP: NC mountain housing woes headed for crisis, months after Helene
An already difficult housing market in Western North Carolina has grown worse due to Tropical Storm Helene. Slow relief, high rents, unlivable homes are driving homelessness in the region.
Council members raise concerns over slow distribution of funds for rental assistance
Asheville City Council approved relief grants for housing, businesses and emergency shelter. It also tabled updates to building codes to have more time to explore environmental impacts and the scope of the proposed changes.
NC storm relief dollars depend on political deal-making in DC, Raleigh
Carolina Public Press reported last month that the costs associated with Tropical Storm Helene exceeded $53 billion in North Carolina alone, although neither the state legislature nor the federal government has allocated enough money to pay for even half of the expenses up to this point.
The eastern hellbender may soon get federal protection
Before the hellbender can be listed officially as an endangered species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must open a 60-day public comment period, which began Dec. 13.
Downtown businesses compete for people’s choice award in holiday window display contest
Residents have until Tuesday, Dec. 31 to vote for their favorite display.
Nowhere to hide: Microplastics are polluting western North Carolina watersheds
Researchers discovered that roughly 90% of the microplastics were fibers, with three primary types of plastic present: polystyrene, polyamides and polyethylene. These plastics are used to make items such as sportswear and other types of clothing, takeout food containers, foam packaging and water bottles.
Amid despair, local churches find ways to rebuild community and hope
For some religious residents in Western North Carolina, Tropical Storm Helene not only left behind a trail of wreckage but also raised questions tied to their faith. Even still, churches across the region pulled together and found strength in their beliefs.
Buncombe County evictions march on post-Helene
Michael Coates chose to buy a generator to keep his insulin cold rather than pay rent. His landlord evicted him. Hundreds more fear they could face the same fate.
Asheville author urges more openness about religious beliefs and practices
Asheville author, educator and reverend Vicki Garlockshe believes that by ignoring people’s religious identities, we are missing connections that could strengthen our communities.
Student documents Christ School history in new book
Grey Edens, a Christ School senior from Charlotte, recently self-published a history of the Arden school based on a year of research.
Critics say outdated flood maps provide an inaccurate picture of future threats
FEMA says a quarter of all insurance claims for flood damage occur outside the 100-year floodplain — even though homeowners in those areas aren’t required to buy flood insurance and often don’t.