“In both public forums and private conversations, we’ve seen Maggie lean into difficult topics, proceeding with kindness, integrity, openness and realism.”
New Stories
Letter: Roney and Fletcher will prioritize equity, people and planet
“In this election cycle, two of the most progressive candidates are not Democrats and have no party affiliation. They are mayoral candidate Kim Roney and City Council candidate Andrew Fletcher.”
Letter: Acebo will be tireless advocate for our schools and kids
“Pepi has been a strong voice for special-needs students, for closing the achievement gap, raising teacher pay and expanding enrollment to balance the budget.”
Council to consider historic designation of Walton Street Pool
The nearly 75-year-old facility was identified as a potential historic resource through the city’s African American Heritage Research Survey.
From Facebook to faceoff: The bumpy road to shaping local politics
Administrators from local social media groups talk about the challenges inherent in their freewheeling, ongoing public conversations. Opinions vary on how much that rough-and-tumble interferes with achieving posters’ goals.
Buncombe taking steps to make tax values more equitable
The county plans to spend $844,000 on new tax assessment initiatives over this fiscal year and the next. Actions include asking Buncombe residents to report improvements to their homes, buying software to double-check the valuations county staffers give to homes and reaching out to residents to help them challenge their property tax values.
What is the quintessential WNC dish?
Does Asheville have its own version of Knoxville, Tenn.’s revered steamed hoagie? One reporter aims to find out.
Artists, building owners assess rising studio rates and the future of the RAD
Artists in the River Arts District contend with the rising cost of studio space caused by inflation, property tax increases and maintenance costs associated with older buildings.
2022 General Election Voter Guide
In preparation for the 2022 general election of Tuesday, Nov. 8, Xpress sent questions to all candidates in contested local races representing Buncombe County voters. Responses from candidates for the N.C. General Assembly, Buncombe County-level races, Asheville city government and local school boards are all collected here.
Familiar tunes performed in costumes ring in the Halloween season
With Halloween approaching, local music venues host a variety of holiday-appropriate acts — costumes and all.
Asheville’s Code Purple program began Oct. 15
Code Purple will have nearly 100 beds available for emergency overnight shelter for Asheville’s unhoused population when the temperature is freezing or below. The program will also operate for two additional months in the winter and spring of 2022-23.
Letter: Edwards is committed to educators
“Having worked as a teacher in North Carolina since 1997, I can state without hesitation that we need county leaders who support us and recognize the challenges that we face.”
From CPP: Rural N.C. residents struggle to connect with doctors virtually
Across the entire state, an estimated 4 million North Carolinians don’t have access to reliable broadband service. This particularly affects rural residents, many of whom live in communities that tend to suffer most from a lower supply of health professionals.
Around Town: The Orange Peel hosts Halloween-themed mock beauty pageant
The Orange Peel celebrate Halloween with a mock beauty pageant. Plus, Indigenous artists will create murals in downtown Asheville, Mills River hosts its first movie night and Black Mountain honors Roberta Flack.
What’s new in food: Diwali lights up Asheville
On Monday, Oct. 24, a number of Asheville’s most prominent Indian restaurants will honor Diwali with food specials. Also: Dalton’s Distillery is hosting a chili dog eating contest; Turntable Supper returns; and more!