Asheville Community Theatre’s annual “Project Runway”-esque show pivots will be livestreamed on Aug. 8.
New Stories
Cottage food businesses offer creative ways to connect with community
“We saw immediately that popcorn seemed to become a comfort food with parents sending it to their kids, friends to friends, companies to staff working remotely,” says Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn owner Ginger Frank.
Smart Bets: Inspirational Cragmont Community Ancestors
Regina Lynch-Hudson’s four new short films are available to view via the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center’s website.
Eleanor Underhill returns with new solo album
Eleanor Underhill’s 2018 solo debut, “Navigate the Madness,” made plain her desire to expand her musical vision to encompass a wider view. But even that eclectic collection of songs might not prepare listeners for the great creative leap forward that is her newest record, “Land of the Living.”
WNC colleges and universities return to in-person classes
While Asheville and Buncombe County K-12 schools are planning to start the academic year with heavy reliance on remote learning due to COVID-19, the area’s colleges and universities are taking a more aggressive approach in returning to campus. Western North Carolina’s higher learning institutions are bringing back students from across the state and around the country.
Letter: Put people first before reopening schools
“Please listen to health experts, parents and teachers before opening our schools.”
Letter: Share power, respect and resources with Black Asheville
“In our plan to build generational wealth for Black Ashevilleans, we can look at direct compensation for families and descendants with history in Asheville.”
Religious leaders tackle systemic racism
Many religious leaders in Western North Carolina are using the pulpit to call for racial justice. For some, the message predates the killing of George Floyd; for others, the issue is a new and delicate topic.
Local church leader challenges congregation about its racial assumptions, 1941
Between 1930-70, some local churches joined in participation of the annual “Race Relations Sunday” sermon held each February.
Outdoor enthusiasts navigate murky waters of pandemic recreation
Jennifer Pharr Davis, owner of Asheville-based Blue Ridge Hiking Company, says there’s a simple reason behind the pent-up demand for outdoor recreation: In a world where many activities are either unsafe or unavailable, going for a hike is very appealing.
Acoustic Asheville: Michael Glabicki and Dirk Miller
The Rusted Root bandmates perform a pair of songs at The Grey Eagle.
Letter: Events that haunt us forever
“Today, we’re living a lingering tragedy from a viral pathogen. There are things we can do to save ourselves and those around us.”
Former Commissioner Frost to plead guilty on fraud charge
According to a factual basis document filed on July 30 with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Ellen Frost will likely admit to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program fraud, for which the maximum prison term is five years. Frost’s court date is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 17.
Buncombe takes up reparations, racism resolutions Aug. 4
After the city of Asheville enjoyed widespread national and international press for adopting a resolution in support of reparations for the Black community on July 14, Buncombe County may be next in line.
Council adopts 2020-21 operating budget with three months of funding
The Asheville Police Department is still fully funded — at least through September. On July 30, Asheville City Council voted 5-2 to adopt an annual operating budget that will allocate three months of funding for the operation of essential services, including the APD.