AltWeeklies Wire
Resurrecting Western North Carolina's Oldest African-American Cemeterynew

A revitalized volunteer push is underway to rescue Western North Carolina’s oldest known African-American cemetery from the ravages of neglect and obscurity. The effort includes a new website that features an interactive map of the cemetery and a digital guide to each of its graves.
Mountain Xpress |
Jake Frankel |
09-04-2014 |
Race & Class
Are Tiny Homes the Next Big Thing?new
The blogosphere is abuzz these days with romantic visions of picturesque miniature dwellings. And a growing number of local advocates say the “tiny home movement” could help achieve a wealth of positive outcomes, from environmental efficiencies to enhanced affordability. Amid the swelling interest, however, many hurdles remain.
Mountain Xpress |
Jake Frankel |
07-15-2014 |
Housing & Development
Rampant Poaching Threatens Ginseng's Survivalnew

With wild ginseng root fetching upward of $800 a pound, untold numbers of poachers have taken to local forests, overwhelming meager law enforcement resources and leaving the plant's survival in doubt.
Mountain Xpress |
Jake Frankel |
09-04-2013 |
Environment
Tags: North Carolina
Bought & Sold: Forgotten Documents Highlight Slave Historynew

Tucked away on dusty courthouse shelves across the South, long-forgotten documents record the names of countless African-Americans whose forced labor was a cornerstone of the region's economy.
Mountain Xpress |
Jake Frankel |
04-16-2013 |
Race & Class