ASHEVILLE, NC
Discussing MX election coverage with WPVM’s Mark Lieberman
Three Xpress reporters joined WPVM 103.7 FM radio host Mark Lieberman for a chat about our primary election coverage — among other topics — on May 15.
Police accountability and transparency focus of City Council meeting
Amid calls for increased public access to policing data, Asheville City Council left the city’s volunteer board dedicated to hearing residents’ concerns about law enforcement in place for now. At the same time, the elected officials noted many vacancies on the Citizens Police Advisory Committee and signaled their longterm intent to dissolve the body once the newly forming Human Relations Commission has gotten up and running.
Primary winners respond to election results
The primary election on May 8 produced a combination of expected and surprising victories. We talk to some of the local winners.
WNC House of Representatives primary results finalize fall battles
N.C.’s tenth and eleventh congressional district primary results finalize fall races with McHenry and Meadows maneuvering to defend their seats.
2018 Buncombe County primary election results wrap up race for some, boost others into general
With the hard-fought primary now behind them, some Buncombe County candidates can breathe a sigh of relief, while for others the hard work is only beginning.
Mission Health sale, policing top conversation at CIBO breakfast meeting
Mission Health President and CEO Dr. Ron Paulus sees system expansion through mergers as a nearly inevitable survival tactic in the current healthcare environment. “There are many leaders — not me, but Mayo Clinic and others — that believe within 25 years, there will be maybe four or five health systems in the U.S.,” he said.
ICE raids shine spotlight on Henderson County’s 287(g) program
Henderson is the only WNC county that takes part in the federal government’s 287(g) program, which enlists local law enforcement personnel to help implement federal immigration law. That participation has become an issue in the race for Henderson County Sheriff.
Five Democrats vie to advance to general election for Buncombe sheriff
Buncombe County Democrats are picking their choice for a new sheriff in the primary election on May 8. The five Democratic candidates have differing takes on how to shape the next iteration of the office. And though they find common ground on topics from drugs to community engagement, competition is fierce as they vie for […]
Williams and Scales replay fight for Buncombe DA title
If this year’s primary race for Buncombe County district attorney seems a bit familiar, that could be because it’s happened before. After then-defense attorney Todd Williams upset six-term officeholder Ron Moore in the 2014 Democratic primary (with no Republicans or Libertarians competing), Ben Scales collected nearly 8,000 signatures to get on the general election ballot […]
2018 Primary Voter Guide: Q&A with candidates for local, national offices
In preparation for the May primary, Xpress sent questions to candidates fighting for their party’s nomination for various local and national offices. Read their responses here.
Asheville students protest gun violence at downtown rally
Several hundred students from Asheville-area schools gathered in front of the Vance Monument before marching to Pack Square Park on Friday, April 20, in protest of gun violence and support of gun law reform. The rally, organized by student leaders from Odyssey High School, was part of a nationwide student walkout on the anniversary of […]
Candidates for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, District 2
Since the state legislature divided the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners into election districts in the run-up to the 2012 election, races in District 2 have been tight. That first districted year, there were races for both seats, one for a two-year term and one for a four-year term, so the top two finishers in […]
Early voting for May 8 primary starts today
Early voting for the May 8 primary in Buncombe County begins Thursday, April 19 and will extend through Saturday, May 5. Voters in Buncombe County can cast a ballot at one of eight sites.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby proposes plan to break partisan deadlock
The Asheville chapter of a national environmental group is pushing a plan it believes can win bipartisan support for combating climate change.
County board will consider improvements to internal financial policies
Just days after former county manager Wanda Greene and her son were indicted on federal charges related to the misuse of public funds, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will consider an overhaul on Tuesday, April 10, of the county’s financial accountability policies.
Retiring Buncombe Sheriff Van Duncan reflects on his tenure, the state of policing
As Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan prepares to leave the post he’s held for the past 12 years, he spoke with Xpress to reflect on the current state of policing, his time in office and the legacy he’ll leave behind.
Hendersonville mounts strong showing against gun violence
Hendersonville students and residents turned out for the city’s March for Our Lives on March 24, lending their activism to events held elsewhere in Western North Carolina and around the country.
Thousands march against gun violence in Asheville
As marchers took to the streets across the country to protest gun violence on March 24, thousands gathered in Asheville to remember the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Lakeland, Fla. and to call for change.
Council boots city manager, announces police reforms
City Council discussed police reforms during a work session on March 20 and ousted longtime City Manager Gary Jackson, who was about nine months away from retirement.
Asheville City Council, Buncombe Commissioners discuss racial equity, development in joint meeting
2018’s annual joint meeting of Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners highlighted issues of racial equity, police use-of-force and zoning conflicts affecting Buncombe residents.