In recognition of Bat Week, an international celebration that runs through Halloween, Xpress looks at the scary situation for Western North Carolina’s flying mammals. White nose syndrome and climate change together pose big threats to local bat populations.
arts
Stephanie Perkins celebrates film adaptation and new horror novel
The Asheville-based author discusses her first film adaptation and the process of writing her second horror novel.Q&A: Tadd McDivitt, occult researcher, storyteller extraordinaire
McDivitt shares his theories of the supernatural and his work as a guide for Haunted Asheville.Around Town: The Montford Moppets bring screams, thrills and laughs with horror film series
The Horror Anthology film series returns. Plus: A new book spotlights two ghostly WNC tales; "Dark Corners" podcast wraps up third season; and more!food
Takeaway is here to stay
Like every small town and big city in America, Asheville faced unprecedented challenges when COVID-19 turned the entire restaurant industry upside down, sending many to a takeout-only model that required…White Zombie 5K returns, Cold Mountain turns 25
Two very different yet beloved events are back, along with a new study that gauges the area brewing industry's economic impact.What’s new in food: Indian market opens in West Asheville
Radha Indian Grocers opens in West Asheville. Plus: Cane Creek Valley Farm launches Farm Kitchen; Halloween festivities planned at numerous eateries; and plenty more!living
Threats challenge local bat populations
White nose syndrome, a fungal disease first seen in Western North Carolina in 2011, has reduced some local bat populations by as much as 95%. And climate change poses a…MAHEC program supports expectant mothers struggling with addiction
When Elizabeth learned that she was pregnant, she cried tears of joy. “I heard his heartbeat, and that was it,” she says. (Xpress is using her middle name to protect…news
Asheville Archives: Halloween celebrations return after the 1918 influenza
In 1918, city officials prohibited Halloween due to influenza. A year later, Asheville residents were eager to celebrate.Memorial Stadium improvements excite soccer community
Planned improvements to Memorial Stadium, located just east of the Asheville Tourists' McCormick Field, include new artificial turf with improved drainage, new stormwater infrastructure, the installation of sidewalks and access…Formerly homeless residents discuss path toward self-sufficiency
To move clients from reliance on shelters and services to self-sufficiency, homeless advocates say, community support and permanent affordable housing are key — and their lack is the main barrier…Buncombe EMS seeks $2.5M boost amid slow response times
A combination of increased demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic and low staffing levels has led to emergency response times well above national standards, said Rafael Baptista, the county's director…opinion
Letter: Thanks for Meadow Road fix
"That curve of Meadow Road near the Norfolk Southern railroad entrance is so nice to drive on now!"Letter: Where are government’s priorities?
"I would like to know why North Carolina, Buncombe County and the city of Asheville don’t help people with disabilities."Letter: Ullman offers qualifications and experience
"In my years as a reporter, a Council member and a city voter, I've not seen a more qualified and experienced entrant to the Asheville political scene."WNC Scary Stories: What happened at Helen’s Bridge
"So some friends and I drove up there for a little spooky fun, and I turned the car off."WNC Scary Stories: Do spirits still roam the Old Kentucky Home?
Was it a house of death and tumult or a peaceful place? Tom Muir, historic site manager at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, considers the Old Kentucky Home during its heyday…WNC Scary Stories: Passing by the cemetery
"As we approached the curve at the cemetery on the hill at the Baptist church, imagine my surprise ..."Letter: Choose Sierra Club endorsees in Woodfin
"Woodfin town commissioner candidates Eric Edgerton, Jim McAllister and Hazel Thornton are endorsed by the Sierra Club and committed to open government practices and protecting our environment in Woodfin."WNC Scary Stories: A mysterious entrance
"After that night, many times we would be sitting in the same room and suddenly smell a waft of perfume, as if someone just walked by."Letter: Vote for good government in Woodfin
"I would respectfully encourage everyone to cast your votes for Hazel Thornton, Jim McAllister and Eric Edgerton. Each of them seems to share my philosophy of good government."WNC Scary Stories: A presence in the forest
"After seven months on a mountain, a lot of the forest’s sounds become normal. Not this night."WNC Scary Stories: A visit to Zealandia Mansion
"Fifty years ago, when I was a teenager, two carloads of us went up to the Zealandia Mansion to see the legendary ghost."WNC Scary Stories: Heavy history haunts the Smith-McDowell House Museum
Docents and visitors alike report unease inside the basement of the Smith-McDowell House Museum, notes its Public Programs Director, Trevor Freeman.