Latest Asheville News

'Scandal' cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina

Nov. 01, 2024 15:11 PM EDT

The cast of ABC's hit political drama “Scandal” may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as “Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on...

Boil water advisories can be confusing. Here are some safety tips from experts

Oct. 31, 2024 13:43 PM EDT

As a mother of two, Robin Funsten knows it’s impossible to bathe her 2-year-old without getting water in the toddler's mouth. But she's never had to worry about that until recently. A month after deadly Hurricane Helene devastated the U.S. Southeast, Funsten and more than 100,000...

In Asheville, high school seniors make key life choices under the stress of Helene recovery

Oct. 25, 2024 00:14 AM EDT

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — On a recent Friday, Ari Cohen and three friends — all seniors at Asheville High School — gathered to play UNO inside his house, next to a pile of bottled water in his living room. It had been weeks since they and thousands of other students had been...

HomeTrust Bancshares: Q3 Earnings Snapshot

Oct. 24, 2024 08:38 AM EDT

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — HomeTrust Bancshares Inc. (HTBI) on Thursday reported net income of $13.1 million in its third quarter. The Asheville, North Carolina-based bank said it had earnings of 76 cents per share. The holding company for...

A hurricane's historic destruction hasn't stopped North Carolina election workers and voters

Oct. 23, 2024 13:11 PM EDT

HOT SPRINGS, N.C. (AP) — About three weeks after Hurricane Helene pummeled western North Carolina, the Hot Springs Community Center was still caked in mud. A paper sign hung on the door warning visitors to use “extreme caution” until the building could be inspected. The reason for the damage...

North Carolina county surrounding Asheville overcounted Helene deaths by as many as 30, sheriff says

Oct. 22, 2024 17:19 PM EDT

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina county that is home to Asheville overcounted deaths caused by Helene by as many as 30, according to a statement Tuesday from its sheriff’s office and data from the state, significantly reducing the death toll from the historic storm. ...

What to know about Biltmore Estate reopening after Hurricane Helene

Oct. 21, 2024 13:31 PM EDT

North Carolina's Biltmore Estate will soon reopen after being forced to close when floodwaters pushed by Hurricane Helene devastated the area. The popular tourist destination announced over the weekend that they plan to open and “celebrate the joy of the holiday season” on Nov....

In Helene's and Milton's wake, faith-based disaster relief groups prepare for the long haul

Oct. 19, 2024 10:33 AM EDT

(RNS) — This past Sunday, worshippers returned to Biltmore Church, a megachurch in Asheville, North Carolina, for the first time in person after Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina. It was bittersweet, said Bruce Frank, the church’s pastor. People were glad to be together, even as many...

Battleground North Carolina sees strong early voting, despite obstacles created by Helene

Oct. 17, 2024 18:28 PM EDT

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Turnout for early in-person voting started strong Thursday in the presidential battleground of North Carolina, including in mountainous areas where Hurricane Helene destroyed property and upended lives but apparently did not dampen a fierce desire to participate in...

After hurricane, with no running water, residents organize to meet a basic need

Oct. 17, 2024 12:09 PM EDT

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — It takes water to flush a toilet and tens of thousands of North Carolinians have been without it since Hurricane Helene ripped through the state three weeks ago. When Lark Frazier went around asking her Asheville neighbors how they were doing as far as water to flush,...