2020: The Great Catastrophe

Stephanie Hickling Beckman, Danielle Dror, Sekou Coleman and Bruce “Akitchitay” Carlino look back on 2020.

The three EPs were recorded at Cat’s Claw studio and feature brothers Mike Johnson and Jack Victor.

In her latest book, "We Gather Together: A Nation Divided, a President in Turmoil, and a Historic Campaign to Embrace Gratitude and Grace," author Denise Kiernan examines the history of…

Co-founders Mark Goodwin and Harrison Fahrer discuss their vision for West Asheville's newest brewery, which is slated for a Feb. 2021 opening.

Five Asheville restaurateurs answer four questions on the state of their industry.

In June, Ruth Pike-Elliot gave birth to her son, Ollie. She and her wife, Bren, have worked hard to stay safe while celebrating the life of their newborn son with…

In the spring, Gloria Pincu and her husband, Daniel, tested positive for COVID-19. Both were hospitalized; tragically, only Gloria survived.

Roy Parvin and his wife, Janet, relocated to Asheville in May. Roy's reflection on the move sparked some controversy with Xpress readers.

COVID-19 continues to impact church services. But the Rev. L.C. Ray is optimistic things will improve in 2021.

As the year comes to an end, Xpress asked a handful of local historians to reflect on who from Asheville’s past would have been best suited to manage the many…

Former Xpress managing editor Jon Elliston shares his recap of key developments in 2020’s local media landscape.

For many environmental organizations across Western North Carolina, COVID-19 fell like a lightning-struck tree across the path to progress. But like an intrepid hiker, WNC’s activists and organizers have bushwhacked…

It’s time to celebrate the creativity of our community’s response to the pandemic, even as we acknowledge the pain, uncertainty and loss that surely still lie ahead. Community members weigh…

The Xpress advertising team has a unique window into the region's small-business community. After nine months of local economic turmoil, advertising representatives David Furr, Sara Brecht and Tiff Wagner reflect…

Xpress Assistant Editor Daniel Walton and local community figures discuss how the year's events have accelerated many of the issues that were already facing Western North Carolina.

With 2021 on the horizon, Xpress spoke with several additional community leaders to discuss how residents and local officials responded to this year’s call for racial justice and what actions…

Xpress contributor Mark Barrett unpacks the surprisingly static results to emerge from a politically tumultuous year in Western North Carolina.

To position the WNC for future growth, the region must look to emerging markets, customer bases and supply chains, state economic development leaders shared during a round table discussion with…

Buncombe County logged $53 million in room sales for October, the latest month for which data is available. The figure represents a 6% increase over the $50 million in sales…

"Imagine my shock and utter dismay to find two full-page ads for cigarettes."

"The families, staff and supportive community of Asheville Primary School feel that the decision to sell the building at 441 Haywood Road and redistribute the programs currently housed there to…

"What issues did Xpress readers feel passionate enough about to write letters to the editor or commentaries during a year that promises to go down in history?"

"Yet here we have a vaccine policy that rewards seniors while those at risk in our retail, restaurant and service sectors are told they have to wait."