New Stories
Historian Timothy Silver investigates a Yancey County culture clash turned fatal
Timothy Silver’s new book, Death in Briar Bottom: The True Story of Hippies, Mountain Lawmen, and the Search for Justice in the Early 1970s, is a gripping investigative history. He will read from it at two free events: at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville, Sunday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. (preregister online), and at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, Monday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m.
Lead detected in seven schools after Asheville water didn’t undergo mitigation process for several weeks
Chandler and Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, medical director for Buncombe County’s Department of Health & Human Services, repeatedly stressed that students were not exposed to lead in drinking water.
Restaurants need potable water to operate, but at what cost?
Requiring a hefty up-front financial investment and ongoing rental and service fees, alternate water options are beyond the reach of many Asheville food and beverage businesses.
Smart Bets: Caverns of Gold
The compilation album — a fundraiser to support Beloved Asheville’s post-Helene relief work — features songs from 279 local, regional and international artists with connections to WNC.
Warren Haynes releases new album, organizes Helene benefit
On the heels of a new album release and with 2024 Christmas Jam canceled, the Asheville native is coordinating a Nov. 24 all-star concert at Madison Square Garden to benefit storm recovery in Western North Carolina.
Poet Clint Bowman’s latest collection explores modern-day life in Appalachia
Whereas interstates and nature dominate the first two sections of “If Lost,” the third and final portion, “Don’t Be Afraid,” weaves the collection together through its more direct meditations on death, regret and moments of connection.
Smart Bets: The Palmist of Marshall
All proceeds from the romance story set in Marshall will support storm recovery efforts in Madison County
Council approves $16 million for Helene recovery
The city is expecting all costs to be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Buncombe air quality post-Helene has not been affected greatly by dust, but smoke risk rises, agency says
“What we’re particularly concerned about is the fine particles from open burning that we expect we’re going to see more of,” AB Air Quality Agency Director Ashley Featherstone said.
Wellness roundup: Emergency trauma team helps parents, children process Helene
Group brings international experience to help Waldorf school families process post-Tropical Storm Helene through music, art and dance.
Asheville City school board delays decision on staff bonuses for post-Helene volunteer work
Unsure of exactly how much it would cost, the Asheville City Board of Education voted 7-0 Nov. 12 to table a decision on bonus payment for nearly 200 district staff members who volunteered their time in the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
Smart Bets: Oral history exhibit
The new mini exhibit, “In the Spotlight: How Older Adults in Western North Carolina Serve their Communities,” runs through Feb. 1, 2025, at the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center.
What’s new in food: Restaurants begin to reopen post-Helene
Asheville Independent Restaurants is supporting local food and beverage businesses through the transition. Also this week: Chef-made, take-home Thanksgiving meals; holiday bake sales; donate a local turkey; dining out for Project HOPE in Hendersonville and more local food news.
Women in Business: Sustainable and creative
“I don’t think you should have to sacrifice whimsical patterns, color and structure to dress easier on the environment,” says Megan Authement, owner of Clad.
FEMA to start working with homeowners in flood zones on buyouts of destroyed homes
Local homeowners who lost their homes or sustained serious damage in Helene’s floodwaters can begin applying to a federal program that may buy the home outright, or pay to have it elevated or rebuilt at a higher level.