The presentation highlights achievements, including progress on Council’s six key strategic priorities.
BCS grapples with fallout from federal litigation around sex discrimination regulations
At its meeting Sept. 5, the Buncombe County Board of Education unanimously (7-0) passed interim policies that broaden the school district’s interpretation of what constitutes a complaint as defined by Title IX, a federal law passed in 1972 that bars sex discrimination in education.
Decades at Xpress opened doors to community
Between an office downtown and tickets to local festivals and performances, long-time Xpress office manager enjoyed the best Asheville had to offer.
A behind-the-scenes look at Xpress’ weekly distribution
“[Distributing papers] is like putting gumballs in a jar,” Cindy Kunst explains. “Everyone has a different jar. My job is to spread the gumballs out over all the jars.”
Buncombe considers funding for more low-barrier shelter beds
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners reviewed $3.6 million in funding requests that would expand low-barrier homeless shelters, which do not require ID or sobriety, and are open 24/7.
Xpress’ long, strange 30-year trip
Contributing editor Peter Gregutt reflects on Xpress’ beginnings and its unlikely 30-year journey.
The Braver Angels organization hopes to teach voters how to bridge the partisan divide
Braver Angels mission is at once simple and daunting: To bridge the partisan divide in an effort to strengthen our democratic republic.
Publisher Jeff Fobes’ path to the Mountain Xpress
Jeff Fobes reflects on how his life led him to a 30-year career as a newspaper publisher, first of GreenLine, now the Mountain Xpress.
Residents weigh in on the future of transportation in WNC
The French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking public input for Elevate 2050, a federally mandated plan setting transportation priorities for the next 25 years in WNC.
From CPP: Nurses strike vote passes at Mission Hospital with 97% in favor
This vote has the potential to give the union much more leverage in its negotiations with HCA, the Tennessee-based for-profit hospital chain that acquired the hospital’s parent company, Mission Health, in 2019.
Local candidates see surge from presidential race
With Kamala Harris now at the top of the Democratic ticket, and former President Donald Trump’s recent rally in Asheville, local candidates and supporters discuss what impact, if any, the national race will have on local campaigns.
Council approves more time for Reparations Commission
Commission will receive city resources until February to continue plans to address harms from systematic racism.
TDA optimistic about fall tourism season
Asheville tourism held steady for the first half of 2024, with numbers expected to rise during leaf season.
Team works to protect ice-age era Roan Mountain ecosystem
Mountain-top berry bushes are pushing out the rare species. UNCA and SAHC are trying to push back.
On the Record: City Council candidate Kevan Frazier on cover songs, multifamily housing and grants
A native to Western North Carolina, Kevan Frazier says cheap rent is what initially drew many artists to the city. If elected to Asheville City Council, one of his top priorities will be to help find solutions to the current housing crisis as a way to assist residents, including those in the creative sector.
County to consider support for expanded broadband
Buncombe County was awarded the BellSouth Telecommunications Project in July, which could expand broadband access to nearly 1,000 new locations in rural parts of Buncombe County if approved by commissioners Tuesday, Sept. 3.
From CPP: Mission Hospital strike vote comes as pressure on HCA mounts
The strike decision comes as parent company HCA faces increased pressure over its management of Asheville hospital and others across Western North Carolina in the Mission Health chain.
Pride display drives Yancey County library out of regional system
The Yancey County Board of Commissioners voted June 28 to remove the Yancey County library from the regional library system. The potential impact on services is unknown.
From CPP: Smoky Mountain high. NC Cherokees place their bets on cannabis biz.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company made history on April 20 by opening the first dispensary in a state where cannabis is illegal on both the medical and recreational level.
County, school boards discuss priorities in unusual joint meeting
On Aug. 22, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners called a first-of-its-kind joint meeting within the Asheville City and Buncombe County boards of education to identify the three elected bodies’ shared purpose.
Council to hear presentation on completed Merrimon Avenue road diet
The Merrimon Avenue road diet began converting a portion of the roadway from four to three lanes in October 2022. Nearly two years later, and three months after the project’s completion, the N.C. Department of Transportation will present its findings to Asheville City Council.