Carmela Caruso

Asheville

Reporter and Writer at Freelance

Contributor at Voice of America (VOA)

Contributor at Mountain Xpress

Freelance Reporter @VOAnews @MXnews - Available for assignments - Views my own

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Articles

Months after Helene, WNC’s food insecurity crisis perists

Feb 7, 2025 | mountainx.com | Carmela Caruso

Though much of Western North Carolina was without water, power and cell service in the days after Tropical Storm Helene, staff at many area nonprofits and restaurants were hard at work finding ways to get food out to the community. In the midst of the disaster, the need was clear and urgent. But food insecurity was at crisis levels in WNC even before Helene, say local hunger-fighting organizations.
Displaced: Grassroots organizers fight for Swannanoa residents

Jan 29, 2025 | mountainx.com | Kay West |Carmela Caruso |Brionna Dallara |Justin McGuire

Displaced: Grassroots organizers fight for Swannanoa residents Volume / Issue January 29, 2025 Cover Design Credit: Scott Southwick and Caleb Johnson Cover Photography Credit: Caleb Johnson Like many rural places in Western North Carolina, the Swannanoa community is scattered around hollers and dead-end roads. Because of this, people in each neighborhood had unique experiences of Tropical Storm Helene — whether they were near forested slopes off Bee Tree Road or in riverside complexes within...
Commission votes to reduce school funding despite pleas

Jan 23, 2025 | mountainx.com | Carmela Caruso

Commission votes to reduce school funding despite pleas COLD FACTS: Despite protesters outside the Buncombe County administration building, commissioners voted Jan. 21 to cut education budgets. Photo by Carmela Caruso Just before the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners’ Jan.
Freestyle: 23 Skidoo launches rhyme-writing series for kids

Jan 15, 2025 | mountainx.com | Kay West |Greg Parlier |Carmela Caruso

Freestyle: 23 Skidoo launches rhyme-writing series for kids Volume / Issue January 15, 2025 Cover Design Credit: Scott Southwick Cover Photography Credit: Courtesy of Secret Agent 23 Skidoo With his new youth rhyme-writ- ing program, Imaginarium: Flip the Script!, Asheville-based, Grammy Award-winning children’s hip-hop artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo will use classic rite-of-passage elements as a framework for both learning and healing. Playfulness, silliness and, of course, music, are all...
12-step group helps smokers overcome nicotine addiction

Jan 10, 2025 | mountainx.com | Carmela Caruso

12-step group helps smokers overcome nicotine addiction CLEARING THE AIR: A new 12-step group in Asheville puts smoking in its crosshairs. Photo by Carmela Caruso “Smoking was my first love,” says Laura Marie, who lit her first cigarette at age 15. Despite seeing the effects of smoking up close — her grandmother died of emphysema, and her sister died of lung cancer — Laura Marie just couldn’t quit.
New county commissioner sworn in

Jan 8, 2025 | mountainx.com | Carmela Caruso

New county commissioner sworn in NEW ROLE: Drew Ball, left, is sworn in by attorney Anna Stearns of Black Mountain as family members look on. Photo by Carmela Caruso At its regular meeting Jan. 7, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed Drew Ball to serve as District 3 commissioner. The Buncombe County Democratic Party elected Ball to the seat in December to replace Amanda Edwards, who was elected board chair Nov. 5.
Parking standards curtail housing, advocates tell County Commissioners

Dec 18, 2024 | mountainx.com | Carmela Caruso

Thanks for reading through to the end…We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall. We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost.
Finding the Light Within: Churches help rebuild communities and restore faith

Dec 10, 2024 | mountainx.com | Kay West |Edwin Arnaudin |Brook Bolen |Carmela Caruso

Finding the Light Within: Churches help rebuild communities and restore faith Volume / Issue December 11, 2024 Cover Design Credit: Scott Southwick Cover Photography Credit: Caleb Johnson For some religious residents in Western North Carolina, Tropical Storm Helene not only left behind a trail of wreckage but also raised questions tied to their faith. Religious leaders say that such reactions are normal during a period of crisis. Furthermore, they note, many congregants have leaned into their...
The Big Crafty offers artists warmth and support in a challenging holiday season

Dec 4, 2024 | mountainx.com | Carmela Caruso

For Justin Rabuck, like many in Western North Carolina, the weeks after Tropical Storm Helene were filled with uncertainty. Rabuck, co-founder of The Big Crafty, Asheville’s biannual craft show, didn’t know if the December event would even be possible. Logistics were an issue — without electricity, internet or running water The Crafty couldn’t happen.
Commissioners swearing-in makes history

Dec 3, 2024 | mountainx.com | Carmela Caruso

Commissioners swearing-in makes history WIDE SUPPORT: New Commissioner Jennifer Horton is sworn in Dec. 2 surrounded by family members. Photo by Carmela Caruso A historic Buncombe County Board of Commissioners was sworn in Dec. 2 during its regular meeting. Amanda Edwards claimed her seat as chair, replacing Brownie Newman who did not seek reelection. Edwards won 60% of the vote over former sheriff Van Duncan in the Nov. 5 election.