🌱 Educators Demand Wage Increase + Stabbing Suspect Pleads Guilty

Hello there, Asheville! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy with a shower. High: 56 Low: 41.

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Here are the top three stories today in Asheville:

1. Educators, parents, students, and community allies from Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools participated in a rally on Monday to request an immediate wage increase from the Asheville City Schools Board of Education, Buncombe County Schools Board of Education, and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. A recent report showed that the 2023 living wage in Buncombe County is now $20.10, and yet staff in the Buncombe County school district make about $16. Educators and allies said that an urgent wage increase is needed to help with ongoing staffing issues which has impacted students' abilities to get to school and learn. (WLOSWLOSWLOS)
2. Officials from the Buncombe County District Attorney's Office reported that Todd Housel, who was charged with stabbing to death one person in Asheville in 2020, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Housel stabbed Michael Hirt, 66, of Asheville on Jun. 15, 2020, on Patton Avenue. As a result of his trial, Housel was sentenced to 20-25 years in prison and ordered to pay $1,870 in restitution to help pay for the victim's burial. (Fox Carolina)
3. The Asheville Police Department reported a fatal accident on Monday a little after midnight on the 230 block of Ferncliff Park Drive. Scott Luis Blanc Jr., 28, was driving south on the road when his car ran off the street and into a tree; he reportedly died at the scene. Officials are currently investigating the incident and have asked anyone with information to contact them. (WYFF 4)

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Today in Asheville:

• Shut Up & Write!® Asheville At Green Sage Café South (10:00 AM)
• World Water Day Celebration 2023 At Appalachian Mountain Brewery (5:00 PM)
• Fringe Festival Artists Pop Ups Party At Tyger Tyger Gallery (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you're looking for a new place to call home, this is for you! Check out this roundup of real estate properties that have recently hit the market in and around the Asheville area. (Asheville Patch)
• The City of Asheville is seeking your feedback. Officials are considering different ways to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags and expanded polystyrene food containers. Fill out this short survey before Sunday, Apr. 30. (The City of Asheville)
• Kevin Bacon recently made a stop at the Asheville Music Academy. While he was visiting, he signed multiple guitars and graciously donated them to the academy. (Fox Carolina)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. I'll see you soon!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!