Carolina Public Press; Artists, advocates, community members shine spotlight on incarceration

From Carolina Public Press: ASHEVILLE – Sharing facts and figures, art and emotions and calls to action, the nearly 100 people crowded into a small room at the Burton Street Community Center last Thursday discussed the effect incarceration has on families and communities. The event, sponsored by UNC Asheville and Asheville Writers in the Schools, […]

Nature Photography Weekend registration opens April 1

Full announcement from Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation: Online registration begins April 1 for Grandfather Mountain’s annual Nature Photography Weekend, a stimulating workshop for photographers planned for May 30-June 1. The annual event features presentations from five renowned photographers, spectacular shooting opportunities on the Mountain and a friendly but competitive photo contest. The 2014 speakers are: […]

Asheville City Council preview: dueling futures

As a renewed push to move the Interstate 26 connector forward continues, Asheville City Council gets its turn on Tuesday, March 25, to consider a joint resolution seeking to make the long-delayed highway overhaul a reality, even as a number of community groups vocally oppose the plan. Council will also consider what to do with vacant property on Haywood Street across from the Basilica of St. Lawrence, another contentious issue.

Clean Energy for Us free energy audit March 26

Announcement from Clean Energy For US: Free Energy Audit Clean Energy For Us — Buncombe campaign Save money and reduce pollution! Sign up now through March 31, 2014 www.CleanEnergyFor.Us In partnership with Western North Carolina Alliance, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Self-Help Credit Union Informational Workshop March 26, 6-7:30 p.m. The Millroom 66 Asheland Ave. […]

Carolina Public Press: agency denies abortion politics played role in suspending abortion clinic

From Carolina Public Press: Carolina Public Press’ recent report on state government documents regarding last summer’s suspension of Femcare, Western North Carolina’s only abortion clinic, drew a response from the state’s Department of Health and Human Services yesterday. In it, a DHHS spokesperson again denied that political motives were behind the suspension. The March 13 […]

Citizen-Times: Asheville looking at vacation rentals

From the Asheville Citizen-Times: ASHEVILLE — Listings for short-term vacation rentals in some of the city’s nicest neighborhoods entice renters with terms like “convenient,” “a quiet and peaceful escape” and “one of Asheville’s most prestigious locations.” They don’t include a phrase that is less inviting, but at least as true: “May violate city rules.” Dozens […]

Asheville City Council member Gordon Smith endorses Veronika Gunter for N.C. Senate

Full announcement from Asheville City Council member Gordon Smith: City Councilman Gordon Smith endorsed NC Senate candidate Veronika Gunter today with these words, “Veronika Gunter is a woman who can carry forward the legacy of the late Sen. Martin Nesbitt. Veronika’s tenacity, intelligence, charm, and strategic thinking are exactly the characteristics we need to continue […]

Designing frameworks­: Council readies for legislatur­e’s return

Last year, relations between the North Carolina General Assembly and the city of Asheville were marked by hostility, public wars of words and even a lawsuit. At a special meeting yesterday, March 18, however, multiple Asheville City Council members expressed a desire to improve things this year, even though looming legislation could cost the city further revenue. They also signed off on efforts to better coordinate the city’s own lobbying efforts in Raleigh.

Femcare statement: we’ll shift abortion services to Planned Parenthood

Statement from Femcare: Recognizing the political challenges in today’s environment, Femcare has been in conversation with Planned Parenthood for several months. Both parties want to ensure that women in Western North Carolina have strong, long-term access to full GYN health options, including abortion. With that mutual goal in mind, in the coming year Femcare will […]