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Letter: Our border crisis affects us locally
“North Carolina is locally sustained by migrant workers, from agriculture to the many other jobs they contribute, yet their lives here and those arriving to enter through our borders crisis still face continued personal crisis hardships on our soil.”

Cold Mountain Music Festival’s unplugged nature is a feature, not a bug
Launched in 2017 as a fundraiser for the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, Cold Mountain Music Festival returns Saturday, June 4, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Buncombe approves $17 minimum wage for county staff
The move comes after a two-year long examination of employee compensation across 16 other government agencies comparable to Buncombe County

Letter: Take a closer look at ‘freedom’ claim
“Cataldo Perrone, spokesperson for Pratt & Whitney, was quoted in the Mountain Xpress as saying, ‘The military aircraft we power are engaged in defensive operations designed to help defend freedom around the world.’ I think we need to take a closer look at that claim.”

Local author celebrates new trilogy
Author S.E. Chandler discusses her decision to self-publish and the recent success of her new trilogy.

Local musicians double down on their craft after working with famous artists
Zach Cooper, Debrissa McKinney and Seth Kauffman discuss their experiences with well-known musicians.

Local nonprofits talk climate impacts
Uncertainty is a fact of life at nonprofits, especially with regard to funding. But local organizations are increasingly attuned to another uncertainty: how to prepare for the consequences that climate change will have on their work.

Waste reduction and smart design help extend landfill life
Landfills tend to fall in the “out of sight, out of mind” category — unless you’re living next to one. But Buncombe County’s recent move to prepare additional landfill space for both construction and municipal debris is a reminder that such facilities have a finite life.

WNC primary elections 2022 live coverage
Watch this space for the latest 2022 primary election results for Western North Carolina and commentary from the Mountain Xpress news team. The post will be updated regularly throughout the evening.

Around Town: Black Wall Street AVL teams with Wilma Dykeman Legacy for birthday bash
Black Wall Street AVL and the Wilma Dykeman Legacy will mark Dykeman’s 102nd birthday. Plus, a local author publishes a psychological thriller, a pioneering women’s rights advocate is honored and a film remembers presbyterian ministers who fought for civil rights.

What’s new in food: Finch to open in Biltmore Village
Finch Gourmet Market & Wine Bar opens in Biltmore Village. Plus: Pop Bubble Tea prepares for grand opening in North Asheville; Howdy Homemade Ice Cream launches in Arden; and plenty more!

Mental health nonprofit sees funding lag
For the uninsured and underinsured, local mental health nonprofits are filling the gap, but they struggle with funding.

Letter: Sharps disposal should be easier
“I have never seen a nurse in a medical facility lack the appropriate sharps container in which to dispose of a used needle or syringe. Why aren’t there more locations in which to dispose of them outside of medical facilities? “

Local nonprofits poised to start accepting cryptocurrencies
In the world of philanthropy, digital currencies are all the rage. “Don’t leave your donors hanging without an option to donate cryptocurrency,” the National Council of Nonprofits urges on its website. The Chronicle of Philanthropy sells a digital collection titled Accepting Gifts in Cryptocurrency: What You Need to Know. Other respected groups and experts also […]

Why I volunteer: Roberta Birkin on Brother Wolf
Local resident Roberta Birkin reflects on her volunteer work with Brother Wolf.