Grace Powers.JPEG

Grace Powers

City Editor, AVLtoday

Grace is based in Asheville, NC and started with AVLtoday in April 2023. Before joining 6AM City, she wrote for Music Daily and worked in digital marketing. In her free time, you’ll find Grace working on jigsaw puzzles, testing new recipes, or exploring the outdoors with her friends and family.

Close up of black bear cub's face
Travel and Outdoors
Bear cub from viral video gets released back into the wild
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission determined the “selfie bear” was fit to survive on her own and released her in a remote area of WNC.
November 21, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
A bartender pours a drink at Tiki Easy Bar's Sippin' Santa holiday pop-up
Culture
Get into the spirits of the season with these holiday pop-up bars
Gather your crew to enjoy some fa-la-la-la-libations at these holiday pop-up bars around Asheville.
November 21, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
Crews pick up Hurricane Helene storm debris in Asheville
City
Hurricane Helene, Nov. 18-21: Updates + need-to-know information
This article is being updated daily to include information shared at Buncombe County community briefings.
November 20, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
AVLtoday_asheville_skyline_landscape
City
Buncombe County Commissioners allocate funding for rental assistance
Commissioners approved $1.5 million for Helene Relief, including rental assistance — plus, learn how to apply for rental assistance from Eblen Charities, who has partnered with the City of Asheville to distribute funds.
November 20, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
A boxed set of the Classic Hot Chocolate collection with a mug of hot chocolate on the right side.
Food
French Broad Chocolate makes Oprah’s Favorite Things 2024 List
The local chocolate company was lauded by the media icon for its Classic Hot Chocolate Collection.
November 18, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
north fork.png
City
Asheville’s boil water notice lifted
At this morning’s Buncombe County briefing, Water Resources Department spokesperson Clay Chandler announced that the boil water notice has been lifted.
November 18, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
AVLtoday_helene_flooding
Hurricane Helene, Nov. 12-15: Updates + need-to-know information
This article is being updated daily to include information shared at Buncombe County community briefings.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
kitten-adoption-fostering-more-asheville-nc-avltoday
Nonprofits
5 nonprofit jobs available in the Asheville area
If you’re looking for work and want to make a difference in the nonprofit sector, here are five organizations hiring right now in the Asheville area.
November 14, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "AVLtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
AVLtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 50+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
the front of asheville city hall with trees
City
Local election results: Bo Hess joins City Council + GO bonds approved
See how residents voted in this year’s general election, according to unofficial results.
November 6, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
A hand holds up an I Voted sticker from Buncombe County 2024
City
Your guide to voting in the 2024 general election in Buncombe County
Election Day is almost here and the storm necessitated a few changes to the voting plan — if you haven’t visited the polls yet, make sure you know how to cast your ballot.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
fema avl .png
City
Hurricane Helene, Oct. 28-31: Updates + need-to-know information
This article is being updated daily to include information shared at Buncombe County community briefings.
October 31, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
RAD soft opening.png
Arts
RAD’s soft opening slated for the weekend of Nov. 9
In a celebration of resiliency, RADFest1.0 will showcase open studios, galleries, and the work of displaced artists along Roberts Street, Clingman Avenue, Artful Way, and part of Depot Street.
October 29, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
vigil avl.png
City
Free parking, volunteering for kids + support groups: Answers to four reader questions
We’re answering questions about Helene recovery that readers have submitted through our recent survey.
October 28, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
AVLtoday_north_fork_reservoir
City
Hurricane Helene, Oct. 21-25: Updates + need-to-know information
This article is being updated daily to include information shared at Buncombe County community briefings.
October 25, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
AVLtoday_rocky's_hot_chicken_shack_asheville
Food
Asheville restaurants that are open after Helene
Although many restaurants and bars have become inoperable while we wait for resources to come back online, these local spots have been able to reopen their doors.
October 25, 2024
 · 
Molly Wilson
stay strong wnc.png
Culture
Your stories of community in the aftermath of Helene
Our readers have shared a few of the stories of support and hope that have kept them going during these unprecedented times.
October 23, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
AVLtoday_fema_hurricane_helene
City
Hurricane Helene, Oct. 14-18: Updates + need-to-know information
This article is being updated daily to include information shared at Buncombe County news briefings.
October 18, 2024
 · 
Molly Wilson
volunteer efforts helene avl.png
Volunteer
Local volunteer opportunities to support recovery from Hurricane Helene
Get involved with these volunteer opportunities to help the community rebuild.
October 15, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
Appalachian wildlife refuge donations.png
Nonprofits
Lend a helping hand to these Asheville nonprofits after Helene
In the face of overwhelming crisis, the nonprofits of Asheville have stepped up to ceaselessly and steadfastly serve our community — but they can’t do it without your help.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Molly Wilson
AVLtoday_water_distribution_buncombe_county
City
Hurricane Helene, Oct. 7-13: Updates + need-to-know information
This article is being updated daily to include information shared at Buncombe County news briefings.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Cat George
Volunteers remove supplies from a truck for Hurricane Helene fundraiser recovery
Culture
Show your support through these local post-Helene fundraisers
As many businesses face increased need after the storm, campaigns have arisen to cover everything from essentials for the community to employees’ livelihoods — here’s a guide on where to give.
October 13, 2024
 · 
Molly Wilson
donations highland.png
Culture
Mental health resources to support recovery from Hurricane Helene
From group listening sessions to pro bono referrals to national resources, here are some ways to support your mental health as WNC recovers from the storm.
October 9, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
buncombe county voting sticker.png
City
Buncombe County Board of Elections shares new early voting plan
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, here’s the revised plan for where you can cast your ballot during the early voting period.
October 9, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
Blurred background of a parking lot with an "I voted" sticker.
City
Changes to election planning in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene
During Buncombe County’s Oct. 7 briefing, Election Services director Corinne Duncan assured the community that “Buncombe County will vote,” offering information on creating a modified voting plan.
October 7, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
Screenshot 2024-09-26 at 2.51.03 PM.png
City
County urges Fletcher and Biltmore Village residents to self-evacuate, warning of “historic flooding”
The NWS has compared the potential impacts to Asheville’s 1916 floods, urging residents along the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers to evacuate.
September 26, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
Screenshot 2024-09-25 at 4.54.27 PM.png
City
Buncombe County declares state of emergency as WNC prepares for Hurricane Helene
Know where to get the latest updates on Helene and tips on preparing and staying safe.
September 25, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
ymi cultural center.png
City
YMI Cultural Center reopens alongside Goombay Festival relaunch
After two years of renovations, the YMI Cultural Center reopens with facility upgrades and Goombay Festival on the horizon this weekend.
September 25, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
Fall-foliage-AVL-Sept-2022
Travel and Outdoors
Predicting fall color in Asheville
Hues may be starting to change in high-elevation areas, but warm weather could stunt the fall color show.
September 23, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
pumpkin patch.png
Play
Plan ahead for fall events in Asheville
Make the most of the season with this list of the best local events and activities happening this fall.
September 19, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
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