Art Pope protesters will picket Weaverville Roses this afternoon to draw attention to wages

Full announcement from North Carolina AFL-CIO: (WEAVERVILLE, NC) – On December 15, 2013 at 3:00 PM, local residents will hold an informational picket outside the Roses on Weaver Blvd. in Weaverville as part of the NC NAACP and Forward Together Movement’s Art Pope informational picket campaign. They will hand out information on Budget Director and […]

Report shines light on Asheville’­s hunger, homelessne­ss problems

Last week, the U.S. Conference of Mayors released an in-depth report examining the hunger and homelessness situations in 25 cities across the country, including Asheville. The report found that the city has serious issues with low wages, unaffordable housing, poverty, and the number of domestic violence survivors who end up homeless. Increases in homelessness are modest, but more families are homeless. The report also highlighted some local organizations doing “exemplary” work on the issues but predicted that coming social service cuts could make the situations on both fronts more dire.

Bob Moog foundation archives expand with major gift from UNC-Greensboro

Full announcement from the Bob Moog Foundation: ASHEVILLE, N.C., Dec. 13, 2013 — The Music Department of the University of UNC-Greensboro has given The Bob Moog Foundation a collection of vintage synthesizer hardware and other equipment. The gift, which will be on permanent loan at the Foundation, was announced today by the Foundation’s executive director […]

Mission Hospitals receives advanced certification for primary stroke center

From Mission Hospitals: Asheville, N.C. (Dec. 9, 2013) ˆ Mission Hospital has been recognized by The Joint Commission for meeting the national organization’s standards for Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification. The advanced certification, awarded in conjunction with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, signifies that Mission Hospital’s stroke program meets critical elements of […]

Lower lead requirements for drinking water plumbing materials start in January

From the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources: RALEIGH – Starting Jan. 4, new drinking water plumbing fixtures installed or repaired in drinking water systems or newly installed in homes must meet federal requirements for lower lead content. Plumbing contractors and consumers should check for proper certification marks on the product or manufacturer’s […]

City of Asheville: Mayor-elect Manheimer attends Harvard conference for newly-elected mayors

From the city of Asheville: Discussions and information at a conference held at Harvard University will yield invaluable resources for Asheville to tap into as it moves into the future, says the city’s Mayor-Elect Esther Manheimer. Manheimer is one of 20 incoming mayors from around the United States attending Harvard University’s Institute of Politics beginning […]

Asheville City Council preview: swearing-in, a vice mayor and apartments

The new Asheville City Council and mayor take office next Tuesday, Dec. 10, at a swearing-in before the regular meeting. Council was facing a vote on a controversial development, but it’s likely that will be delayed, though there’s still decisions on a new vice mayor, an apartment project and an overhaul of oversight in the River Arts District.

News and Observer: ALEC documents show strong ties to N.C. lawmakers

From The News and Observer: A business-backed, limited-government group that counts House Speaker Thom Tillis as a leader is exerting increasing influence in North Carolina, according to newly disclosed records. The American Legislative Exchange Council counted 54 out of 170 North Carolina lawmakers as members through June, or roughly one-third of the General Assembly. The […]

Gov. McCrory releases statement on passing of Nelson Mandela

From the office of Gov. Pat McCrory: Raleigh, N.C. – Governor Pat McCrory released the following statement on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela: “The world has lost a champion for the cause of freedom,” said Governor McCrory. “President Mandela’s strength in leading South Africa out of apartheid was only exceeded by […]

Environmental activists claim 300 locals ready to get arrested if Keystone XL passes

Full announcement from Pledge of Resistance: Over three hundred people in WNC have signed a pledge to engage in nonviolent arrestible actions if President Obama approves the Keystone XL pipeline. This is part of the national Pledge of Resistance campaign organized by Rainforest Action Network, CREDO and the Other 98%, in which over 75,000 people […]