Not All Rainbows: Small-town activists share stories behind local Pride festivals
- Volume 30
- / Issue 48
Cover Design Credit:
Photo courtesy of Todd Carter
Cover Photography Credit:
Scott Southwick
Asheville’s Pride celebration draws thousands of visitors each year. But elsewhere in Western North Carolina, Pride events are more nascent. Small town organizers discuss the inspiration and challenges behind launching these events.
arts
Kenneth Eggert embraces music’s mysteries in new book
The book gives the educator somewhere to put thoughts and ideas he’s typically unable to express in the context of a music theory course.Best Medicine: It’s time for Asheville to create its own Charlotte the stingray drama
Sure, Charlotte the stringray of Hendersonville fame may not be pregnant after all, but that isn't stopping local comedians from dreaming up other unusual animal scenarios to rival Charlotte's popularity.Theater review: ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ at Flat Rock Playhouse
Despite many theatergoers’ familiarity with the Oscar-nominated film — and possibly Stephen King’s source novella — the story proves surprisingly captivating on stage.Around town: Local painter featured on PBS exhibits new collection
Local artist featured on PBS, Brevard hosts Fourth of July, Mountain Gateway Museum explores voting rights, and more!
food
What’s new in food: BattleCat brings more coffee options to East Asheville
The West Asheville coffee shop introduces a new location on Tunnel Road in the Beverly Hills neighborhood. Also in this week's local food news: A long-closed restaurant reopens at Mount…
living
Gardening with Xpress: Soil bacteria and nutrients ensure successful bean plants
Taking a few simple steps this summer, from seeds to soil tests, will prevent potential issues in growing green beans.
news
Green Roundup: Landowners along Ecusta Trail win $5M claim against federal government
After several years of litigation, a recent court ruling has required the federal government to pay over $5 million to 164 landowners along the proposed 19.4-mile Ecusta Trail. Compensation to…Small town activists share stories behind local Pride festivals
Pride events in smaller towns foster community, support homegrown talent and highlight local services, such as gender-affirming health care.Glenda Weinert brings variety of experience to county school board
From child care centers to colleges, Glenda Weinert’s education experience has influenced students young and old. But it's her business expertise and political leadership as former chair of the Buncombe…Buncombe County debuts new mobile health RV
Services on the mobile health unit include rapid testing for HIV and hepatitis C; gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis testing; vaccinations; distribution of COVID-19 tests; tests for fentanyl and xylazine; Narcan,…Reparations Commission wrestles with legal questions around recommendations
Commission member MZ Yehudah cut right to the point at a recent meeting of the Community Reparations Commission. “Are reparations for Black Asheville legally defensible?” The answer, according to city…County passes 2024-25 budget, property tax increase
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 on June 18 to approve a $440 million general fund budget for fiscal year 2024-25. Chair Brownie Newman said the decision to…
opinion
Letter: Protecting our farming values
"I ask our representative, Chuck Edwards, to vote against any Farm Bill that stops states and voters from making laws to regulate agricultural products."Letter: Mourning loss of UNCA drama program
"As good stewards of our state educational system, the Board of Governors understands that a wise manager helps an important but struggling program by adding resources rather than taking them…Letter: Banish gridlock gremlins with electric vehicle hub
"Imagine this: Parking your car in a spacious, hassle-free parking lot of pervious concrete (with well-landscaped islands of trees and foliage), boarding a cozy electric shuttle and in minutes, you’re whisked…The astonishing world of forest fungi
"But for all the botanical diversity these mountains are renowned for, there are roughly twice as many known species of local fungi as there are plants."A taxing situation
Letter: Cartoon hits pyramidion on the head
"Although the cartoon was in jest, it is a good example of an easier and much less costly solution to the taxpayers."Letter: A disturbing turn of events for UNCA
"One suggestion would be for our legislature to stop handing out vouchers for private school attendance and focus on adequately funding public schools and universities."Gang colors
