Asheville City Council approved relief grants for housing, businesses and emergency shelter. It also tabled updates to building codes to have more time to explore environmental impacts and the scope of the proposed changes.
New Stories
Letter: Challenges are crushing small-business owners
“These businesses are not only the lifeblood of our character and economy, these are personal livelihoods of not only the owners but all the employees.”
NC storm relief dollars depend on political deal-making in DC, Raleigh
Carolina Public Press reported last month that the costs associated with Tropical Storm Helene exceeded $53 billion in North Carolina alone, although neither the state legislature nor the federal government has allocated enough money to pay for even half of the expenses up to this point.
The eastern hellbender may soon get federal protection
Before the hellbender can be listed officially as an endangered species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must open a 60-day public comment period, which began Dec. 13.
Downtown businesses compete for people’s choice award in holiday window display contest
Residents have until Tuesday, Dec. 31 to vote for their favorite display.
Nowhere to hide: Microplastics are polluting western North Carolina watersheds
Researchers discovered that roughly 90% of the microplastics were fibers, with three primary types of plastic present: polystyrene, polyamides and polyethylene. These plastics are used to make items such as sportswear and other types of clothing, takeout food containers, foam packaging and water bottles.
Smart Bets: Merry & Bright Acoustic Christmas Concert
Singer Peggy Ratusz teams up with a quartet of acoustic musicians for the Dec. 18 show at White Horse Black Mountain.
Amid despair, local churches find ways to rebuild community and hope
For some religious residents in Western North Carolina, Tropical Storm Helene not only left behind a trail of wreckage but also raised questions tied to their faith. Even still, churches across the region pulled together and found strength in their beliefs.
Smart Bets: Acoustic Fire
Designed as a fundraiser for storm recovery efforts, the compilation album features acoustic tracks from more than 50 musicians.
Historic Biltmore Village church to rebuild after first-time flooding
The Cathedral of All Souls maps its future after Tropical Storm Helene left destruction in its wake.
Aromatherapy company to convert former church into a wellness sanctuary
ADORAtherapy, a mood-boosting aromatherapy company, plans to convert a former church in Woodfin into the brand’s production center, co-working space and community hub for wellness workshops.
Buncombe County evictions march on post-Helene
Michael Coates chose to buy a generator to keep his insulin cold rather than pay rent. His landlord evicted him. Hundreds more fear they could face the same fate.
Asheville author urges more openness about religious beliefs and practices
Asheville author, educator and reverend Vicki Garlockshe believes that by ignoring people’s religious identities, we are missing connections that could strengthen our communities.
Student documents Christ School history in new book
Grey Edens, a Christ School senior from Charlotte, recently self-published a history of the Arden school based on a year of research.
Critics say outdated flood maps provide an inaccurate picture of future threats
FEMA says a quarter of all insurance claims for flood damage occur outside the 100-year floodplain — even though homeowners in those areas aren’t required to buy flood insurance and often don’t.