“The light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter, and I have no doubt that the RAD will emerge more resilient and vibrant than ever,” says Jeffrey Burroughs, president of the River Arts District Association (RADA).
From CPP: Mission Health drama continues with accusations of ‘profit over patients’
The hospital continues to provide care, even as its every move is scrutinized by an independent monitor that ensures the health system remains in compliance with the 2019 purchase agreement between HCA and Mission Health.
Firehouse Hub coalition to guide long-term recovery in Barnardsville
A coalition of people in Buncombe County’s rural Barnardsville community is looking at ways to help the area’s long-term recovery from Tropical Storm Helene.
Asheville City Council OKs plan for $225M in disaster recovery funds
Asheville City Council approved a final plan on how to spend $225 million in disaster recovery funds at its April 8 meeting. Also at the meeting, water fee increases were approved, a BID steering committee was ok’d and more concerns over I-26 Connector were raised by the public.
In photos: Thousands gathered at Pack Square Park for ‘Hands Off’ demonstration
According to national reports, an estimated 1,400 similar protests are taking place across the country.
Sustaining community: Local student shares tips for making a positive impact on the environment
As part of Xpress’ Sustainability series, we speak with Anna Plocica, a senior at A.C. Reynolds High School and the co-president of the Environmental Club.
Golden Agers: Law and music — and one man’s passions for both
For Alan Graf, both law and music are more than passions — they’re tools for activism, ways to spark change in the world around him.
Local author pens memoir about his life as a Hare Krishna
“One of the major misconceptions about Hare Krishna is that it’s a cult and it’s totally controlled by certain gurus,” says local author Rishi Waterman. “That’s not the fact.”
Tourism survey shows shift in residents’ attitudes
Several tourism and hospitality representatives noted that maintaining the positive sentiment that some residents feel, however, may prove challenging as Asheville continues to recover and visitors begin returning to the city.
Future wildfires will likely be more severe, county warns
Ryan Cole, Buncombe County Emergency Management assistant director, said that while some fallen trees left by Helene are not dried out enough to be considered a fire hazard, the accumulation of debris over the next several years will increase the likelihood of more intense fire seasons.
Sustaining community: Rev. Dusty Black on the role of faith, post-Helene
“After the storm, my heart turned to Psalm 70,” says Rev. Dusty Black. “The psalmist is pleading with God for victory over his enemies, as well as praying that the Lord would be worshipped.”
2025 PIT count shows increase in unsheltered homelessness
The latest data also reveals increases in people who are chronically homeless (meaning they have lived without a fixed address for over 12 months) and people who self-identified as having a severe mental health condition or substance use disorder.
City may assume storm-damaged properties
The Asheville City Council voted March 25 to authorize the city to assume ownership of 31 storm-damaged buildings and turn their lots into green space under a FEMA program.
Henderson County sheriff addresses ICE misconceptions
Amid rumors around the country of mass immigration raids, Sheriff Lowell Griffin says it’s unlikely that level of enforcement will happen within Henderson County.
Back in the Day: The water of my youth
Robert McGee reflects on his childhood days in Marshall and the powerful hold the French Broad River still has on him.
Back in the Day: Strolling through downtown in the early 1960s
Deborah Austin revisits her childhood adventures in Riceville and downtown Asheville.
Beyond the Dais: The music, laughter and leaky diapers of Kim Roney’s youth
As part of Xpress‘ annual Kids Issue series, we reached out to the members of Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners to share their childhood recollections. Council member Kim Roney shares her tales.
School crossing guards share their stories
Two longtime crossing guards share the personal joys of working with kids and their strategies for conducting traffic in the school zone.
Beyond the Dais: The infamously bad dance moves of Commissioner Parker Sloan’s youth
As part of Xpress‘ annual Kids Issue series, we reached out to the members of Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners to share their childhood recollections. Buncombe County Commissioner Parker Sloan shares his tales.
Annual State of Downtown event talks BID, grants and plans for generating revenue
After nearly 40 downtown retailers, restaurants and offices closed or relocated in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, business leaders and government officials met at the annual State of Downtown event to discuss ways to revive the central business district.
Beyond the Dais: Sheneika Smith on youthful pranks
As part of Xpress‘ annual Kids Issue series, we reached out to the members of Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners to share their childhood recollections. Council member Sheneika Smith shares her tales.
