Under the new system, similar to that employed by the national Living Wage For Us campaign, businesses could remain in the Living Wage Program if they agreed to an $18 hourly minimum wage and “committed annual increases” toward a $20.10 wage rate.
New Stories
Health checkup: Loneliness and connection
Alan Muskrat, founder of No Taste Like Home, discusses the ways loneliness fuels addictions, the importance of community and seeking peace within one’s own body.
Public Montessori school to open in August
Mountain City Public Montessori is projected to open for kindergarten through 6th grade in August.
Health checkup: An integrative approach to medicine
Sara Mills, owner of Acupuncture Center of Asheville, discusses the importance of combining Chinese medicine and Western medicine.
Beer Scout: Leveller joins Weaverville brewery scene
Andrew Zinn and Sally Anne Morgan have launched Weaverville’s third brewery.
Health checkup: Taking advantage of city offerings
Wayne Simmons, operations manager for Asheville Parks & Recreation, speaks about health and wellness programs that the city offers, the benefits of physical activity and his favorite ways to stray in shape.
From Asheville Watchdog: What are the odds of a casino in Asheville?
North Carolina can support as many as nine Las Vegas-style casinos with gambling throughout the state, including one in the Asheville area, according to a report commissioned by the General Assembly.
Around Town: Side House Records opens for Asheville musicians
Asheville’s Side House Records wants to make recording a pleasant experience for local musicians. Plus, Henderson County author imagines strange doings in Flat Rock, two Asheville historic buildings get protected and the Asheville Symphony presents a renowned pianist.
What’s new in food: DJ’s Pickles opens shop at WNC Farmers Market
Chef Donald Paleno expands his pickle business with a lunch counter at the WNC Farmers Market. Also: House of Brandstracts makes edible CBD glitter; inaugural ice festival scheduled in Maggie Valley; and more!
Dr. William Hathaway marks one year at MAHEC
Hathaway spoke to Xpress about having an impact on the community’s health care, how the opioid epidemic affected him as a cardiologist and his excitement over becoming a grandparent.
Letter: Let’s discuss principles for land use and development
“In our letter, we listed the following nine principles we have formulated for local land use devoted to economic development in Western North Carolina.”
Letter: Story fails to highlight UNCA’s strengths
“I am convinced that the story is extremely biased and has neglected to highlight many positive aspects of the school by not giving equal air time to students, teachers and administrators who are proud of many aspects of the school and also committed to addressing its shortcomings.”
Letter: Downtown salon break-in shatters sense of security
“Like many who depend on Asheville and business owners to keep their doors open, I want to continue to support local businesses. At the same time, who wants to risk danger to meet basic needs?”
Council to consider reparations commission audit request Jan. 24
The reparations commission unanimously approved a recommendation for the city of Asheville and Buncombe County to “stop further harm” to the Black community by “ceasing the repetition of institutional processes that lead to racially disparate outcomes.” The audit is meant to ensure that such harms have actually ceased and that local governments are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Letter: Where is help for people with disabilities?
“They waste money instead of building sidewalks on every state and city road.”