In This Together: Remembering 2024
Volume
31
/ Issue 20
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
iStock
Over the past three months, the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene has impacted daily life in Western North Carolina and dominated local headlines. At times, the storm’s effects have made it difficult to recall what life was like prior to its devastating arrival. But as you’ll see in Xpress’ 2024 Year in Review, our city and region experienced plenty of accomplishments over the previous 12 months. And our community has also faced its fair share of hurdles — both pre- and post-Helene.
arts
Year in Review: Track of the Month Club
A month-by-month look back at the year in local music.Year in Review: Celebrating 50 years of theater
"When planning our 50th season, the SART team wanted to pay tribute not only to our foundations within Mars Hill University but also to SART's evolution into the exceptional professional…Smart Bets: Thomas Wolfe Memorial reopens
After sustaining damage from a fallen tree during Tropical Storm Helene, the historic home and museum is once again open to the public.Smart Bets: Cat Clyde benefit album
Recorded outside of Asheville in July, the album raises money to support the work of Black Mountain nonprofit Bounty & Soul.Year in Review: A conversation about the creative sector with Katie Cornell of ArtsAVL
"The outpouring of local and national support for our local artists and arts organizations has been amazing," says Katie Cornell, executive director of ArtsAVL.Smart Bets: Story Parlor presents Good Grief!
The Dec. 20 event features stories, poetry and music from four local creatives.Smart Bets: Papadosio’s Holidosio at Third Room
The brand-new Wall Street digital gallery and music venue will host Papadosio's jamtronic holiday celebration Dec. 19-21.food
Year in Review: Talking heirloom corn and equity with Luis Martinez
"We view our fellow restaurant owners as allies — whether by sharing advice, participating in local events or rallying around causes that uplift our community," says Luis Martinez, CEO of…Year in Review: Karis Roberts talks beer collaborations and other brewery-focused initiatives, post-Helene
After Tropical Storm Helene, the Asheville Brewers Alliance "pivoted from growth and expansion to recovery, community support and ensuring that Asheville's craft beer industry can bounce back stronger," says Karis…Greet 2025 with recipes and updates from Asheville restaurant and bar owners
Choose your own DIY new year's food and drink adventure with recipes from the talents behind DayTrip, Haywood Famous, The Market Place and Master BBQ.What’s new in food: Cookies for a Cause
Local bakers team up to kick off a sweet fundraising initiative on Dec. 20. Also in this week's food news: Potential New Boyfriend opens in West Asheville, Mabel Bakery launches…living
Year in Review: Jason Mogen on the essential role the North Asheville Tailgate Market plays in nurturing the community
"Our market is home to so many, built on the connections our vendors make with the North Asheville community," says Jason Mogen, executive director of the North Asheville Tailgate Market.news
Elected officials get sworn in, J.D. Vance visits Fairview and more
The first Black woman to serve as a Buncombe County Commissioner gets sworn in, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance some to Fairview and more.Voters go to the polls, Helene aftermath continues and more
Voters headed to the polls in local, state and national elections, Asheville (finally) lifts its boil-water advisory, RADFest 1.0 brings hope and more.Year in Review: A conversation with Mayor Esther Manheimer
The mayor discusses ongoing recovery efforts, the housing crisis and what it was like to survey the region with President Joe Biden.Community steps up in wake of Helene’s devastation
Western North Carolina reacts the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.Year in Review: A conversation with Asheville City Council member Roberto ‘Bo’ Hess
"Helene reshaped my understanding of the responsibilities inherent in my role as a member of Asheville City Council," says Bo Hess. "This devastating event has underscored the critical importance of…Tim Walz visits Salvage Station, the onset of Helene and more
Democratic vice presidential Tim Walz comes to town, the county fires longtime property tax assessor and Tropical Storm Helene devastates the region.Year in review: Four priorities for the Asheville Fire Department
Fire Chief Mike Cayse discusses his first year with the Asheville Fire Department.Donald Trump comes to Asheville, Xpress turns 30 and more
Former (and future) President Donald Trump drew thousands to a local rally, Xpress celebrates three decades, Bite Me festival debuts and more.BID vote sparks backlash, taxes go up and more
A new business improvement district sparks controversy, TDA cuts funding for the Sports Commission and two local governments raise taxes.A buyer for Canton’s paper mill, the end of Salvage Station and more
A buyer steps up for Canton's shuttered paper mill, Highland Brewing Co. turns 30, Salvage Station call its quits and more.‘Selfie Bear’ goes viral, McCormick Field marks 100 years and more
An Asheville bear cub makes national news, the Tourists commemorate a major milestone, residents rally for a beloved farm and more.Swannanoa library stays open, Montford North Star Academy closes and more
A library stays open, a school closes and more.Year in Review: Drake Fowler on taking over The N.C. Arboretum and leading the organization through a natural disaster
"I did not expect to be faced with over 10,000 trees down on our property within the first 60 days of my tenure. But with the tireless efforts of our…Western North Carolina mayors reflect on tumultuous 2024
WNC mayors weigh in on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene and other issues that shaped 2024 — and take a look ahead to 2025.Banned books, Gaza protests and more
Woodfin westsiders fail in bid to leave town, Buncombe Schools ban a book, protesters come to City Council meeting and more.Downtown patrols, new leadership and more
The sheriff adds downtown patrols, a new police chief takes office, an expensive bathroom causes controversy and more.Year in Review: Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb discusses his first year on the job
"One tenet that I have relied upon throughout my career is the fact that relationships are the real currency of policing," says Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb.Council members raise concerns over slow distribution of funds for rental assistance
Asheville City Council approved relief grants for housing, businesses and emergency shelter. It also tabled updates to building codes to have more time to explore environmental impacts and the scope…ACS swears-in first fully elected board, selects new chair
The Asheville City Board of Education voted 4-2 at its Dec. 9 meeting to provide bonuses to employees who volunteered in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.opinion
To tow the truth
Downtown carols
Letter: Athletic facilities must be rebuilt or relocated
"This city has got to get its priorities in order and invest in its residents."Year in Review: Readers weighed in on development, health care, UNCA and more
The letters to the editor, commentaries and online comments published in Xpress over 2024 yield insights into readers' concerns that hit close to home.Letter: Now is the time to rest and heal
"Now is the time to heal, to go into winter so we can emerge, knowing and resilient and not defeated."Letter: Shop local and divest from Israel’s violence
"Year-round, choose to boycott companies that do business with Israel and support local artisans and small businesses trying to survive in the hurricane's aftermath."
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