It wasn’t all bad. Just most of it.
(HUMOR) Xpressers Almanac: What’s ahead for 2025?
What will be the top 10 baby names for Asheville in 2025? What new slogans will the city employ to attract tourists? What is first-time Asheville City Council member Bo Hess’ top goals for the year? See Xpress’ bold predictions on these questions and more!
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 preparedness, resilience and equitable recovery strategies in our governance.”
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.
UNCA slashes programs, reparations commission seeks extension and more
The county wrestles with short-term rental rules, a local college cuts programs, he reparations commission needs more time 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.
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.
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 staff and with help from outside organizations, we were able to reopen parts of the arboretum to guests,” says Drake Fowler.
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.
Lessons learned from families and child care providers following Helene
Helene impacted a vital part of infrastructure: child care. Providers and families share their work-arounds and what’s needed to reinforce an already fragile system.
Buncombe Democrats elect final county commissioner
In the crowded, fluorescent-lit basement of the Buncombe County Democratic Party headquarters in Oakley on Dec. 18, Democrats conducted the final election of 2024.
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.