New Stories
Some local schools reject COVID advice from health officials
Xpress has identified at least seven local K-12 institutions that are not requiring all students to wear masks as recommended by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services StrongSchoolsNC toolkit and county public health leaders. Some have rejected other coronavirus measures as well, including isolating individuals with COVID-19 and recommending vaccinations.
Rocky Horror Music Show pays tribute to cult classic
The all-star lineup of Asheville musicians features members of Dr. Bacon, Natural Born Leaders, Modern Strangers, Andrew Thelston Band and more.
Q&A with Katherine de Vos Devine, a lawyer who ‘speaks artist’
Originally from North Carolina, Katherine de Vos Devine found herself uprooted at a young age when her father moved the family to New York City for a new job. In many ways, this transplant shaped Devine’s life. “I grew up in a diverse and bohemian apartment building, surrounded by actors, dancers, artists and elderly Ziegfeld […]
Women hit their stride in Asheville’s brewing and distilling industries
“Our industry is traditionally very white and very male,” says Cristina Hall Ackley, co-owner of Ginger’s Revenge on Riverside Drive. But that hasn’t stopped local women from succeeding in Asheville’s brewing and distilling industries.
130 Charlotte St. development clears Council
The development will include 186 residential units, along with roughly 4,500 square feet of commercial and retail space, approximately 230 parking spaces in an underground garage and six parking spaces on East Chestnut Street.
Asheville works to partner with women- and minority-owned businesses
The city’s Minority or Woman Business Enterprise Certification, a process that officially went into effect on Jan. 1, is designed to help entrepreneurs build their businesses and get more opportunities for government contracts.
Green in brief: Isaac Dickson solar system goes online
Six years in the making, a 300 kilowatt-hour solar array at Asheville’s Isaac Dickson Elementary School was officially dedicated Sept. 24. The $428,000 project is expected to save the school over $1.3 million in utilities costs over its 30-year operational lifespan.
Letter: Flaw in salary argument for Pratt & Whitney plant
“One flaw about the salary workers can expect for putting time and effort into a job at this plant will hurt them and those who depend on them.”
Around Town: Queer Girls Literary Reading moves to Rabbit, Rabbit
The Queer Girls Literary Reading moves to Rabbit, Rabbit. Plus: railroad laborers are honored at Andrews Geyser; the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to downtown Asheville; and more!
What’s new in food: Gallivant coffee shop opens in Woodfin
A new coffee shop opens just north of Asheville. Plus, Ay Caramba debuts on Merrimon Avenue; Early Girl plans for two additional locations; and more!
Faith in Arts Institute explores religious thought in creative work
The inaugural Faith in Arts Institute, a four-day gathering, explores how the religious beliefs of individual artists impact their creative process and the projects they pursue.
Overcoming obstacles: The Gospel According to Jerry
“Hopefully, all the dedication, caring, support and love nurtured by the Arthur Edington Center will help these wonderful youngsters survive the racism, crime, drugs and poverty that they encounter almost daily and go on to become professionals, businesspeople and/or social and community workers.”
Letter: Don’t spend millions on low-barrier shelter
“Spending $1 million to $2 million to construct a site on city-owned property and using the rest for the rescue of existing organizations would seem to me a far better allocation of the rescue funds!”
Q&A with Ruth Pittard of the ‘LOVE’ Project
UPDATE, 10/13/21: This piece was updated to state that Pittard attended college in the 1960s and has built a net-zero home. On Wednesdays for the last three years, a few friends stand silently on the busiest corner in Black Mountain holding signs that say “LOVE.” They aren’t affiliated with any religion or political organization. They simply […]
Letter: Homeward Bound’s approach to homelessness shows results
“One of our clients who was the most arrested person in Asheville prior to engaging with us at Woodfin now has an 83% decrease in law enforcement interaction.”