ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Here’s a look at the top local news stories from 828newsNOW this week.
President in Buncombe County, locals respond: Buncombe County locals and others gathered before noon Friday, Jan. 24, to watch President Donald J. Trump’s motorcade roll through the hurricane-ravaged town of Swannanoa. READ MORE
Asheville water tests mostly clean, report shows: If you’re an Asheville Water Resources Department customer, you know the problems the system has faced in recent years — the most recent being when Tropical Storm Helene decimated the transmission lines at North Fork Reservoir. READ MORE
Concert for Carolina raised $24.5 million for recovery – then what?: Out of all of the charity drives, benefit shows and donation hubs that have come to the aid of Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the sold-out Concert for Carolina may have been the highest profile. READ MORE
Four Asheville chefs nominated for 35th annual James Beard Award semifinals: Asheville has become a city revered for its food. Four local restaurants are the latest to be recognized for their contributions to making the city a bustling foodie scene. READ MORE
It has begun: 6 planets align, 7th to join the parade soon: A major planetary alignment is lighting the night sky. Six planets — Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune – are visible now. In late February, they will be joined by Mercury in a rare seven-planet alignment. READ MORE
Flu causes visitor restrictions at Asheville area hospitals: There have been at least 50 influenza-associated deaths in North Carolina so far this season, according to the latest numbers on the state’s Detailed Respiratory Virus Surveillance Dashboard. READ MORE
Valentine’s week job fair heading to WNC Ag Center, seeking employers: The destruction from Hurricane Helene led to many across Western North Carolina losing their jobs. A Valentine’s week career fair is here to help. READ MORE
Tips to help seniors combat the winter blues: This time of year holds a promise of new beginnings. However, it’s also a time when the region may experience some of the coldest temperatures of the year, limiting travel and reducing social interaction. READ MORE
The Whale warms up West Asheville with weekend winter festival: Whale whale, what do we have here? The Whale Craft Beer Collective is hosting a winter festival this weekend at their West Asheville location. READ MORE
Crawl over to the WNC Agricultural Center for Repticon this weekend: Owners and enthusiasts for all things scaly and slimy, rejoice: Repticon is coming to Western North Carolina. READ MORE
West Village Market stocked with all your Veganuary needs: Halfway through the first month of the new year, many of us might be checking off our New Year’s resolutions and doing our best to stay on track. Whether you’ve committed to taking more steps in nature or eating less animal products, now is a good time to reassess your goals. READ MORE
Buncombe County pulls almost $4.7 million from schools: Buncombe County commissioners on Tuesday voted to cut the budget for Asheville City and Buncombe County school districts by almost $4.7 million. READ MORE
Annual short film fest playing for free at Pack Library, snacks included: One of the many events that was impacted by Hurricane Helene in Asheville was the annual screening of the Manhattan Short Film Festival. Months later, the festival has come back to town. READ MORE
Asheville Pizza files response to Orange Peel’s Rabbit Rabbit lawsuit: Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company has filed a response to the lawsuit The Orange Peel levied against them earlier this month. READ MORE
Annual homelessness survey set for next week in Asheville: The city has faced significant challenges regarding its unhoused population, an issue that has grown over the years. READ MORE
City surveys residents for priorities in Helene recovery: What should the city’s priorities be as it recovers from the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene? READ MORE
A beginner’s guide to CBD, CBN and THC: A growing number of consumers are turning to products derived from cannabis plants to treat an array of conditions. READ MORE
FEMA temporary housing extended and expanded: Newly inaugurated North Carolina Governor Josh Stein began his term by lending a hand to those affected by Tropical Storm Helene by extending and expanding housing options for those who lost their homes. READ MORE
Several inches of snow reported around Asheville: The snowfall may have tapered off, but the Asheville area remained sunny and cold Monday morning. READ MORE
Students released, ‘situation stable’ at McDowell High School following shooter report: Following a 911 call reporting an active shooter at McDowell High School this morning, students were released from McDowell High School and West McDowell Middle School at 10 a.m. READ MORE