Flooding on the edge of the River Arts District of Asheville in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene on Sept. 27, 2024.
Welcome to DKos Asheville
EST 2/13/2011
This space appears each weekend to share links to news and opinion from Asheville and Western North Carolina. The floor is open for comment and discussion. Wishing all a good day from this still beautiful part of the world.
“Daily Kos fights for a progressive America by empowering its community and allies with information and tools to directly impact the political process.”
This week’s edition is dedicated to bringing you links to local news stories about tropical storm (by the time it arrived) Helene. A grateful shoutout to hazey for the diary about a Washington Post story (paywall) that mentioned me entertaining people downtown who were in line for fresh water.
Veteran busker Randall Thompson was greeting people while juggling a set of blue, red and yellow balls.
“I thought they needed me to bring smiles,” the 73-year-old said. “I keep telling kids they can’t get water unless they juggle.”
My efforts were so appreciated that I have continued through the week, both downtown, and throughout the area. I will be going out again today after some more chainsaw work in my neighborhood.
Some of the following stories have amazing drone footage of our terribly bruised, battered and torn corner of the world. Our resilience is strong, our hope is high and our broken hearts are, well, broken.
I received a text this morning from Buncombe County State Representative (D) Lindsey Prather. She asked what needs I am seeing in the community. This was my response.
Thanks for this. From what I'm seeing on the ground, one of the biggest threats we are facing is the MAGA misinformation campaign. Not sure how we address this, but it is important that we do. The amount of lies I'm overhearing from people in line at stores or mingling around distribution centers is mind boggling. Thanks again, be safe. Randall, Asheville.
I hope the following stories offer fresh insights into what we are seeing here.
I am supporting a variety of friends and neighbors as well as individuals while I’m out and about. I’ve found that a single $20 goes a long way to lift spirits and fill immediate needs. Many ATMs are unavailable, and many open stores are operating on cash only. So if you want to help, I’ll spread it around as I see fit. Thank you. Venmo @Randall-Thompson-44
I won’t be around today to reply to questions or comments. Hopefully some DK locals will stop by to fill in for me. I’ll try to check in from time to time throughout the day. Wishing you all the best.
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