Keep Asheville Weird: Or is it too late?
Volume
29
/ Issue 43
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Max Cooper
Asheville’s creative community plays an important role in the city’s reputation. But with the high cost of living, and other economic challenges, how does Asheville maintain its quirky appeal?
arts
New series spotlights Wilma Dykeman’s novels
Led by expert speakers, the monthly talks at the West Asheville Library will examine the novels "The Tall Woman" (1962), "The Far Family" (1966) and "Return the Innocent Earth" (1973).Around Town: Grindfest gears up for Memorial Day Weekend
Grindfest AVL returns for three days in the River Arts District. Plus, Dirty Logic celebrates five years; Indigenous Writers' Workshop; and more.food
What’s new in food: A cafe, with cats
Feline fans can interact with cats while enjoying food and beverage in a new downtown cafe. Cats at Play Café brought in its first batch of adoptable cats May 15,…living
Experts tackle misunderstandings about Hep C treatment
In 2016, Maia Hughes decided to begin recovery after 13 years of substance abuse. But it wasn’t only substance use disorder she needed to address. She had also tested positive…news
Keep Asheville weird: Businesses try to maintain uniqueness amid city’s rapid growth
Small-business owners recognize that they not only add value but are a driving force behind the popularity of this quirky city.Doctor’s opioid work earns White House recognition
MAHEC physician gets invited to the White House for work to make it easier to get treatment for opioid abuse disorder.Staff shortage turns up heat for 911 operators
There’s usually not much time for breaks between calls to step outside or use the bathroom, so workers in the windowless, dark call center basically stay glued to their chairs.Buncombe unveils proposed budget with modest bump for schools
The $423.6 million general fund budget for fiscal year 2023-24, as presented by County Manager Avril Pinder during the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting May 16, represents a roughly…Asheville Schools board chooses new superintendent
Rick Cruz will start as the ACS chief July 1 after leaving his role as deputy superintendent for Houston Independent School District in Texas, where he worked in numerous roles…opinion
Letter: Keep on truckin’, Xpress
"Grateful for your consistently fine coverage of local news and events and particularly appreciative of all you do to support our vibrant arts community."Letter: Pondering upstream cost-share priorities
"Funds might cross lines that regulations can’t cross."Letter: Stop revolving door for homeless offenders
"Yes, get them housed and cared for and consider that as 'time served.' Stop the revolving door."Letter: First the world, then Asheville?
"According to Bill Branyon's channeling of Lord Robert Cecil, if we would just lay down our arms, peace would break out all over the world."The war years: A Jew in Asheville
"I rushed to the window in time to see one of my classmates from school throw a trash can through our front door, shouting 'Jew! Jew! Jew!'”Letter: Let’s not despair over EV batteries
"There are many brilliant minds in companies, universities and scientific agencies working diligently to bring us a new generation of batteries."Food for thought
Letter: Democracy is at stake in Supreme Court case
"The North Carolina legislature contends that the 'manner' implies that the legislature without state court interference can independently determine how districts are drawn, and in an election, how votes are…Letter: Add recycling stations and trash cans
"We need to have more transfer stations available for recycling. We also need more waste receptacles that are routinely serviced."Letter: Branyon channels revisionist history
"The bottom line is that it takes a very amateur historian to assert that the 'merchants of death' are the cause of war."Beer weak