Jessica Wakeman
Writer + editor
Asheville, North Carolina-based reporter and editor with over 19 years experience covering politics, culture and health, with a solutions journalism focus. Reach me at jessica dot wakeman at gmail dot com.
theassemblync.com
‘Of Course People are Yelling’: Rep. Chuck Edwards Faces Protesters at Asheville Town Hall
At a raucous town hall on March 14, Rep. Chuck Edwards told constituents he supports abolishing the U.S. Department of Education and defunding USAID, believes Elon Musk has “brought a lot of smart people” to the federal government, and can get behind “a deal” with Ukraine to “recoup” the cost of U.S. military support.
theassemblync.com
FEMA Extends Temporary Hotel Stays, But Not Without Widespread Confusion
Even Helene survivors who’ve benefited from FEMA programs feel exhausted by the effort that’s gone into making phone calls and navigating red tape.
Rolling Stone
‘Put Your Head Down, Help Each Other Out’: Inside Asheville’s Helene Response
Helene’s destruction and the need for immediate response has activated a community long considered to be so-called blue dot in a red sea to provide care for their neighbors while they wait for aid to arrive.
The Guardian
Hurricane Helene Destroyed Asheville’s Flourishing Arts Community. Can They Rebuild What Was Lost?
The River Arts District attracted artists with cheap rents. With buildings flattened, the community fears a land grab.
patreon.com
How Choire Sicha Is Steering Style in a Crisis
The man behind the curtain of the New York Times’s most innovative section emerged fully formed from the Internet. But the Style section's reputation for lightness is running up against our chaotic moment.
Bustle
The Women Of Democratic Socialism Prove The Movement Isn't Just A Bunch Of Sexist White Guys
Meet the young women joining the Democratic Socialist movement in the wake of the 2016 election.
Glamour
Men Who Scream at Work Aren't "Passionate." They're Abusive.
The toxic effect of verbal harassment in the office.
Mountain Xpress
Neighborhood Backlash Derails North Asheville Emergency Shelter
Misinformation, inadequate communication and unsubstantiated fears have scuttled plans to offer temporary shelter for homeless people at a North Asheville church.
The Guardian
‘They Regress’: Kids Struggle Without School and Structure After Helene
Asheville families cope as experts say learning disruptions caused by hurricane can set children back for years.
Inc.
After Helene, This North Carolina Business Took Instagram by Storm
How East Fork Pottery navigated hurricane Helene.
Mountain Xpress
NC's 12-week Abortion Ban Adds Layers of Red Tape
North Carolina's SB 20, which went into effect July 1, 2023, bans most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy. In the case of rape or incest, abortion is allowed up to 20 weeks.
Mountain Xpress
The Plight of Asheville's Unhoused Population and Their Pets
Randy Tucker has a shadow, and her name is Star. Tucker is one of hundreds of people in Asheville with no fixed address. He and Star live in his van, which has a mattress for him and a large crate in the back for her.
Rolling Stone
Virtual Brothels: How Teledildonics Is Revolutionizing Sex Work
Customers can experience cam girls like never before.
Fast Company
How Do You Run a Restaurant with No Water? These Asheville Chefs Figured It Out
Owners are getting creative about how to bring potable water into their restaurants — and strategizing about preparing for future emergencies.
Mountain Xpress
UNC Lab Assists with Local Drug Checking
Last year, Sunrise began participating in a nationwide drug-checking program. The nonprofit collects substances or drug paraphernalia samples from people who use drugs and want them checked, then anonymously mails them to a UNC Chapel Hill laboratory.