People who work on the issue in Western North Carolina agree that period poverty is more widespread than it may seem due to the cultural stigmas of both poverty and menstruation. And financial issues wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic have made menstrual hygiene products even more inaccessible for many.
What’s new in food: The Pot Stirred prepares for grand opening
The Pot Stirred, a new CBD cafe, prepares for its launch. Plus: Elevated Kava Lounge opens in West Asheville; Valentine’s Day events; and more!
What’s new in food: Franny’s Farmacy South Slope grand opening
Franny’s Farmacy continues its expansion. Plus: Cultivated Community Dinner Series launches latest Spring Series; Asheville Truffle Experience returns; and plenty more!
From CPP: Tight timeline for challenge to Cawthorn’s eligibility to run
Process and legal questions about involvement in Jan. 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol abound in legal challenge to candidacy of U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn.
From CPP: Forest Service unveils long-awaited plan for WNC
The U.S. Forest Service offered four alternative management plans for the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests in 2020. It has decided to go with a fifth alternative.
What’s new in food: Asheville Independent Restaurant Association hires new executive director
Asheville Independent Restaurant Association hire Kim Murray, co-owner of Creekside Taphouse, as its new executive director. Plus: Asheville Tea Co. offers Dry January recipes; MANNA FoodBank announces new chief executive officer; and plenty more!
Local handling of COVID vaccine troubles breeds medical mistrust
Many Western North Carolina residents who spoke with Xpress say they shared their negative responses after COVID-19 vaccination with health providers. But they also say their concerns have been minimized or ignored, driving a lack of trust about the vaccines and the broader medical establishment.
Q&A with Jazmin Whitmore, owner of plus size consignment shop More to Love
Jazmin Whitmore always enjoyed fashion, yet struggled to afford buying clothes. As a plus-size woman, finding items in her size was also frustrating. It’s a struggle familiar to many women. According to a study on clothing size standards published in 2016, the average American woman is size 16 to 18. However, too many brands have been […]
From CPP: How support for protecting Nolichucky River collapsed
Advocates say community members voiced concerns with no factual basis about federal Wild and Scenic designation for river in Yancey and Mitchell counties.
From CPP: The struggle over protecting the Nolichucky River
NC groups initially united behind a federal designation to protect a stretch of the Nolichucky River. But fears voiced in Tennessee put a snag in those plans.
Weaverville reconsiders water treatment expansion plan
A proposed doubling of Weaverville’s water treatment capacity has met with cost concerns from town officials and environmental worries from some local residents.
What’s new in food: Faux Lox Foods launches in Asheville
Vegans and vegetarians craving a lox bagel now have options thanks to Faux Lox Foods. Also: television personality Samantha Brown visits Asheville; Metro Wines hosts its latest tasting; and more!
Year in Review: Community members discuss 2021 health concerns
While COVID-19 may have dominated WNC’s psyche in 2021, it was by no means the only health and wellness story Xpress told. Opioid abuse, mental health and self-care also emerged as major themes from the year.
Year in Review: Asheville chefs and restaurateurs reflect on another unusual year
What was 2021 like for local chefs and food entrepreneurs? Xpress caught up with a few to get their take on another challenging year.
Council OKs Ramada proposal despite transparency concerns
With only Antanette Mosley opposed, Asheville City Council members voted Dec. 14 to approve the conversion of an East Asheville Ramada Inn into permanent supportive housing for at least 100 homeless residents — a project first floated to the public less than two weeks earlier.
Gun safety measures seek to reduce suicides
Patti Best describes her youngest son, Jared Best, as thoughtful, talented and highly intelligent. Following his older brother into the Army, Jared served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan before returning home to Haywood County in 2014. However, the toll of combat and the physical harm caused by close contact with explosive devices left Jared with […]
What’s new in food: LaRumba Restaurant Latino brings the party to East Asheville
LaRumba Restaurant Latino now open in East Asheville. Plus: Hashi Hana brings back ramen; baker Heidi Bass announces launch of a brick-and-mortar; and plenty more!
Off-year elections shake up local municipalities
Western North Carolina bustled with electoral intrigue in 2021. From Woodfin, Asheville’s neighbor to the north, to the Jackson County seat of Sylva in the west, challengers bested incumbents in many nonpartisan town council and commission races.
What’s new in food: Little Chango Hispanic Craft Kitchen opens on Coxe Avenue
Caribbean-inspired dishes are on the menu at Little Chango Hispanic Craft Kitchen. Plus: El Gallo lands new ownership; Buxton Hall BBQ is still accepting holiday pie orders; and plenty more!
Q&A with Joseph Jamison, United Way equity and network specialist
“One of the biggest challenges students face is a lack of voice in a lot of decision-making within our schools and the community at large,” Jamison explains. “For example, debates over masks or virtual over in-person learning. We’ve all heard a lot of loud adult voices at the table, but I think most people would be hard-pressed to recall a news clip or an article where they heard what students thought about those decisions.”
From CPP: Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest Plan nears completion
Groups in Western North Carolina are continuing their projects while the U.S. Forest Service finalizes its choices for the comprehensive 20-year plan.