“Caught in the middle, our small farmers struggle to balance wages with prices the market will bear, while treating workers fairly.”
Step up now to save Buncombe County’s farmland
“Faced with significant development pressures, we must do what we can to protect some of the region’s natural habitat and biodiversity, as well as our most productive farmland.”
Beat a retreat: City Council doubles down on plan to meet behind closed doors
In a change from previous City Council practice, and in opposition to advice provided by a UNC School of Government expert on open meetings, Asheville City Council plans to go ahead with a closed-door meeting devoted to “strengthening personal relationships, teamwork and communication required to do meaningful work together” on Wednesday, March 31.
P&W deal makes mockery of Peace Day proclamation
“We must ask ourselves, ‘What are we sowing in our community and in our world for generations to come?’ Will we build our economy on poison?”
What it means to date — and not date — in Asheville right now
“What’s not funny, however, is the suggestion that anyone has a right to sex, tangential to a partner who desires to have it with them, particularly during a pandemic.”
How much has Asheville really changed? The Gospel According to Jerry
“I remember when the old passenger rail depot, now a restaurant, had a segregated waiting room.”
Can repurposing the Vance Monument help heal the divide in Asheville?
“We cannot avoid the hidden phantom side effects of the desecration of the monument, held so dear by so many.”
Local restaurants and their employees’ lives are being destroyed by government mandates
“Hospitality and culinary professionals are being mandated and regulated out of business for the sake of optics and at the senseless sacrifice of hardworking people and their families.”
High anxiety: Welcome to Buncombe County’s new mascot
“Our plane is intended to ‘rule the skies until 2070.’”
Submit student art, writing for 2021 Kids Issue
Xpress is now accepting submissions for the 2021 Kids Issue! The theme: “My Great Idea.” Deadline is Friday, Jan. 29.
(HUMOR) What I’ve learned about dating in Asheville during a pandemic
“Dating is hard in general. Dating during pandemic? Even harder. Dating during a pandemic in Asheville? Wut?”
Xpress announces changes for 2021
From our publisher: “As 2021 dawns, we need to adjust our operations in anticipation of what’s shaping up to be another challenging year. Our focus and commitment must be on positioning Mountain Xpress to continue serving the Western North Carolina community and preserving our ability to rebound when business conditions ease.”
In 2020, readers sounded off about politics, COVID-19, race and more
“What issues did Xpress readers feel passionate enough about to write letters to the editor or commentaries during a year that promises to go down in history?”
UPDATED: Xpress seeks student art, writing for 2021 Kids Issue
It’s time for local K-12 students to shine! The theme for Xpress’ 2021 Kids Issue is “My Great Idea.” Deadline to submit art and writing for possible publication is Friday, Jan. 29.
Casting the first stone: The Gospel According to Jerry
“If we follow that logic, though, shouldn’t we also tear down Vance Elementary School rather than merely renaming it?”
VoteAVL strives to make voting information more relevant and accessible
“VoteAVL is an Asheville-focused campaign that seeks to inspire and inform groups that have faced barriers to voting.”
Patriotism or bigotry? The Gospel According to Jerry
“You cannot practice racism and bigotry and still call yourself a ‘patriot.'”
Support local election coverage
With the contest for Asheville City Council taking place for the first time alongside a presidential election, the risk of local issues getting lost in the shuffle has grown. Add in a pandemic, misinformation spreading on social media and questions about the security and validity of election results — clearly, our independent and free local election coverage is more important than ever before.
Start planning now for November vote
“But whatever you decide, please don’t let anything stop you from voting!”
Local money matters: A look inside Xpress’ books
As local advertisers cope with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, we’re projecting a $700,000 revenue decrease this year, compared with last year. In response, we’ve been developing new sources of revenue, improving efficiencies and cutting expenses. This is our 2020 midyear report.
This time it’s different? The Gospel According to Jerry
“I could give you a litany of racial injustice incidents that I’ve personally observed over the years.”