A new business improvement district sparks controversy, TDA cuts funding for the Sports Commission and two local governments raise taxes.
New Stories
Year in Review: Celebrating 50 years of theater
“When planning our 50th season, the SART team wanted to pay tribute not only to our foundations within Mars Hill University but also to SART’s evolution into the exceptional professional theater that it is today,” says Jack Womack, the theater’s PR director.
Smart Bets: Thomas Wolfe Memorial reopens
After sustaining damage from a fallen tree during Tropical Storm Helene, the historic home and museum is once again open to the public.
Year in Review: Readers weighed in on development, health care, UNCA and more
The letters to the editor, commentaries and online comments published in Xpress over 2024 yield insights into readers’ concerns that hit close to home.
A buyer for Canton’s paper mill, the end of Salvage Station and more
A buyer steps up for Canton’s shuttered paper mill, Highland Brewing Co. turns 30, Salvage Station call its quits and more.
Letter: Now is the time to rest and heal
“Now is the time to heal, to go into winter so we can emerge, knowing and resilient and not defeated.”
Year in Review: Jason Mogen on the essential role the North Asheville Tailgate Market plays in nurturing the community
“Our market is home to so many, built on the connections our vendors make with the North Asheville community,” says Jason Mogen, executive director of the North Asheville Tailgate Market.
‘Selfie Bear’ goes viral, McCormick Field marks 100 years and more
An Asheville bear cub makes national news, the Tourists commemorate a major milestone, residents rally for a beloved farm and more.
Year in Review: Karis Roberts talks beer collaborations and other brewery-focused initiatives, post-Helene
After Tropical Storm Helene, the Asheville Brewers Alliance “pivoted from growth and expansion to recovery, community support and ensuring that Asheville’s craft beer industry can bounce back stronger,” says Karis Roberts, the organization’s executive director.
Smart Bets: Cat Clyde benefit album
Recorded outside of Asheville in July, the album raises money to support the work of Black Mountain nonprofit Bounty & Soul.
Letter: Shop local and divest from Israel’s violence
“Year-round, choose to boycott companies that do business with Israel and support local artisans and small businesses trying to survive in the hurricane’s aftermath.”
Swannanoa library stays open, Montford North Star Academy closes and more
A library stays open, a school closes and more.
Greet 2025 with recipes and updates from Asheville restaurant and bar owners
Choose your own DIY new year’s food and drink adventure with recipes from the talents behind DayTrip, Haywood Famous, The Market Place and Master BBQ.
Year in Review: Drake Fowler on taking over The N.C. Arboretum and leading the organization through a natural disaster
“I did not expect to be faced with over 10,000 trees down on our property within the first 60 days of my tenure. But with the tireless efforts of our staff and with help from outside organizations, we were able to reopen parts of the arboretum to guests,” says Drake Fowler.
Western North Carolina mayors reflect on tumultuous 2024
WNC mayors weigh in on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene and other issues that shaped 2024 — and take a look ahead to 2025.
Lessons learned from families and child care providers following Helene
Helene impacted a vital part of infrastructure: child care. Providers and families share their work-arounds and what’s needed to reinforce an already fragile system.