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New Stories
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WNC grapples with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Since January of this year, Buncombe County has received 104 reports of Lyme, says Buncombe County spokesperson Stacey Wood. Of those, 19 have been confirmed cases, five met the definition for suspect or probable cases and 23 are currently under investigation.
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Confusion abounds in Buncombe about what trash can be recycled. Here’s why.
Most Buncombe County residents, and most Americans, assume that anything with a little triangular recycling symbol on it is recyclable. But that’s not the case.
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Local theater companies respond to the loss of UNCA’s drama department
UNCA faculty and local theater professionals believe the department’s loss will have lasting effects.
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Buncombe residents use millions of recyclable plastic bags a year; nearly all end up in landfills, Watchdog finds
“Based on national numbers, we think there are about 132 million plastic shopping bags [used] per year within Buncombe County,” said Anna Alsobrook, the French Broad watershed science and policy manager at MountainTrue.
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County greenlights proposed redesign of West Asheville school
A new EMS base and library could be coming to the corner of Haywood Road and Interstate 240 in West Asheville if the county can figure out how to pay for its plans on land owned by Asheville City Schools.
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Asheville makers ensure dogs get their share of farm-to-table fare
From raw foods to baked treats, some local entrepreneurs’ offerings are seriously going to the dogs.
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Hundreds rally at to support nurses in contract battle
The rally was part of a push from the union to pressure HCA, a for-profit that purchased Mission in 2019, for better working conditions. The event was the latest in a long line of actions by local and state officials against the company.
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Montford North Star Academy merges with Asheville Middle School
After the Asheville City Board of Education decided to consolidate the district’s two middle schools for the 2024-25 school year, the families of Montford North Star Academy students were left with a choice: Send their children to Asheville Middle School or leave the district.
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Voting in North Carolina in 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
North Carolina voters looking to either register to vote or cast their ballots in the 2024 general election are navigating new requirements and election rule changes. Carolina Public Press put together a list of frequently asked questions to help voters with this process.
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Playbill picks: August local theater highlights
A musical, a comedy and a courtroom drama lead the way this month.
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In photos: AVLFest 2024
The multivenue gathering included hundreds of local and touring acts, with headlining performances by Papadosio and Washed Out — both of which drew massive crowds.
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Around town: Venture Shakespeare presents ‘Hamlet’
Venture Shakespeare performs Hamlet, Warren Wilson hosts a puppet festival, Blue Ridge Public Radio revamps its programming and more!
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What’s new in food: Haywood Famous brings Cuban coffee and sober nightlife to West Asheville
The new Haywood Road coffeehouse aims to provide an alcohol-free space for community connection. Also in this week’s food news: a dinner series from Storm Rhum chef Jay Medford, a summer cocktail collaboration at Nine Mile, new wine and cider releases and more.
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Letter: Long-term shelter cats deserve a second chance
“Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue in Fletcher provides shelter and care to animals in need, and some animals take longer to rehome than others.”
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Letter: General Assembly should let cities take action on plastic
“Cities such as Durham and Asheville were exploring bans or fees on plastic bags to address local waste management challenges and reduce environmental impact.”