The New Normal
Volume
26
/ Issue 39
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Brent Brown
A routine trip to the grocery store has become a tightrope nowadays for both customers and workers. In this era of COVID-19, Xpress looks at how local stores and shoppers are approaching face masks and other protective measures.
arts
Sarah Siskind releases a new album, embraces change
The Brevard-based singer/songwriter discusses her latest work and new ways to connect with music lovers.Local stage actors adjust while theaters are closed
If there’s one profession that’s built to weather the various consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, local actor Scott Treadway believes it’s his.New Floating Action album seeks to lift people’s spirits
Black Mountain-based musician Seth Kauffman discusses his latest record.food
Carolina Beer Guy: Breweries turn to home delivery during pandemic
With taprooms closed and critical draft accounts on hold, many area breweries are bringing beer directly to customers' doorsteps.Asheville’s independent restaurants weigh their options
The owners of WNC's independent restaurants have faced the complex question of whether to shutter entirely or devise a transition to takeout.New initiative connects local farmers with residents facing food insecurity
The We Give a Share Program helps both small farms and local families struggling to put food on the table.news
Oakley residents plant seeds of community resilience
Since late March, Michael Stratton, his wife, Amanda, and a small, hardworking steering committee have managed to transform a 4,000-square-foot grassy field near Fairview Road into 15 neat garden beds,…Kimberly Hunter weaves strong community webs through cooperative development
“I’m trying to convene people who care in a way that will help the folks who are being left out, because there’s a high percentage of our friends and neighbors…Retailers, shoppers face new safety rules
While many local residents laud efforts to ensure safety for shoppers and employees at retail stores that remain open — among them grocers, drug stores and hardware retailers — others…Wellness in brief: Community showers health workers with food, supplies
Staffers at Mission Hospital have recently been feeling the love from all corners of the community, with restaurants delivering meals around the clock, schools and businesses manufacturing personal protective equipment…Asheville Archives: How wishful thinking helped spread the 1918 influenza
Throughout November 1918, local health officials and residents continued their efforts to contain the spread of influenza. But as December neared, the city seemed eager to get back to business…WNC celebrates socially distant Earth Day
“This COVID-19 crisis is a crisis for many of us and for us as a society, but it’s also an opportunity because it gives us a chance, a very rare…Asheville wrestles with grim COVID-19 budget projections
“This could be a catastrophic change in revenue year over year,” said Mayor Esther Manheimer about projections for fiscal year 2021. “Before we start spending new money, I want to…opinion
Letter: A costly auto insurance caveat
"I just want to say that if you have only the legal minimum liability insurance, this could be you. Spring for collision to be covered in the case of such…Letter: People who are incarcerated, not ‘inmates’
"As a community, we should band together to support our vulnerable members, such as those who are currently incarcerated. This can start by using appropriate language to address them and…Letter: Washington’s aggressive actions have local effects
"We are all impacted by the decisions made by the clowns in D.C. to fund weapons, bombers, drones and other instruments of war instead of providing universal health care, hospital…Letter: Ending homelessness via St. Joseph’s campus?
"I’m certain I can't be the first to wonder why the St. Joe’s campus side of Mission Hospital couldn’t become a resource for housing hundreds of people just like that?!"Letter: About those downtown trees
"It does seem odd that the trees were removed from spots that homeless people cool off at or take shelter to wait for the bus."Letter: In defense of tourism-based businesses
"When it is safe, I hope the tourists come back in droves to help put our friends and families back to work."Spell coronavirus backward
Molton's weekly weirdnessLetter: Another side to Pond Road development story
"We trade an isolated E. coli spike into a polluted, imperiled stream for the destruction of a watershed."COVIDtown Crier: April 22, 2020
Formerly outdated courting rituals see a rise in popularity and local construction crews dish on their new projects.Not sitting well