As part of Xpress’ Kids Issue, we speak Emery Fischer-Schmidt, a senior at Asheville High School and a section leader for the school band.
New Stories
Hannah Kaminer cultivates community on new album
The Asheville-based singer-songwriter’s latest collection addresses community, a loss of faith and the city’s rapidly changing identity.
Montford North Star Academy to close and consolidate with Asheville Middle
Anger, fear and tears came spilling out of a tense Asheville City Board of Education meeting March 11 after the school board voted 5-2 to close Montford North Star Academy and send its students to Asheville Middle School next school year. Board members Liza Kelly and James Carter dissented.
Food and beverage workers union eyes future growth
Asheville Food and Beverage United seeks to interrupt “the abusive culture that just keeps being perpetuated,’” explains Jen Hampton, the union’s lead organizer. Her work in the service industry spanned over 30 years, with the last 16 in Asheville.
Playbill picks: March local theater highlights
The supernatural, Greek gods and small-town personalities grace area stages this month.
What’s new in food: Culinary celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day
Where to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with food; a pop-up at Stay Glazed Donuts; the AVL Food Series kicks off; and more.
Around town: New mural encourages residents to ‘take a deep breath’
The Booth Fairy Project’s new mural in West Asheville; a bluegrass swing band debuts; a Zoom program on the historic rumbling mountains of Hickory Nut Gorge; and more.
Letter: Ripple effects of BCS book ban
“Reading here about the new Buncombe County Schools board book ban, I might run for the board instead of the Soil and Water Conservation District in opposition and also to represent childless residents against the parental ‘rights’ dictatorship of sociobiological ideocracy.”
Letter: Silence on Gaza request bodes ill for democracy
“For our city leaders to remain unresponsive when asked for a third time to consider the resolution does not bode well for democratic governance or for public participation in it.”
Letter: Profile doesn’t tell story of parks ban
“D. Tyrell McGirt, profiled for his efforts as director of Parks & Recreation, is also currently one of several defendants in a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina that alleges unconstitutional restriction of access to parks.”
Letter: Congress must save internet discount program
“Unbelievably, Congress is about to end a program lowering costs for millions of us, making life that much more expensive.”
Letter: Please keep the Swannanoa Library open
“Our Swannanoa Library is a place where our children and many other children have discovered the joy of learning.”
Letter: Rethink placement of disturbing window art
“I understand and respect artistic freedom and expression; however, I have to ask what the intent is of putting this on public display in our community?”
Swannanoa Library to remain open amid community outcry
The Swannanoa Library will remain open after an unexpected vote by Buncombe County commissioners on March 7 that reversed a previous decision to close the library branch.