New Stories
(HUMOR) Xpressers almanac: What will 2022 bring?
Will Madison Cawthorn greet WNC with “Hello, Cleveland!” after completely losing track of his district? Will the Asheville’s reparations end up as a lifetime supply of CBD products to take the edge off structural racism? Xpress staffers offer their humorous takes on the year ahead.
Charles George VA leads virtual reality use for veterans
Caitlin Rawlins, innovation specialist for the Western North Carolina Veteran Affairs Health Care System, remembers vividly the first time that a patient at the Charles George Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center long-term care facility used virtual reality. “She had cognitive impairment, a history of needing stays on our inpatient psychiatric ward because of agitation […]
Letter: Vindicated that idiotic kitchen ban lifted
“What a totally moronic waste of tax dollars and what an amazing example of bureaucratic stupidity.”
Buncombe continues mask mandate amid record COVID spread
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners members unanimously voted Jan. 4 to extend the county’s indoor mask mandate through Wednesday, Feb. 16. The extended mask requirement does not contain any language regarding enforcement, nor does it specify the type of face covering that residents should wear, despite health experts saying cloth masks are insufficient against the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Local author examines Western North Carolina’s violent past
In her latest book, Murder in the Mountains: Historic True Crime in Western North Carolina, local author Nadia Dean examines 10 deadly crimes from the region’s past.
Weaverville reconsiders water treatment expansion plan
A proposed doubling of Weaverville’s water treatment capacity has met with cost concerns from town officials and environmental worries from some local residents.
Asheville comedians address important local issues
From superheroes to architectural fantasies, these Asheville comedians thrive when put on the spot.
(HUMOR) Beer Scout: Hi-Wire announces lunar location
The circus-themed suds slinger goes where no brewery has gone before and a beloved Fairview personality gets a shot at stardom.
Q&A with Robert Bennett of Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
The COVID-19 pandemic shook up life for Robert Bennett when his job as a mechanical engineer disappeared — not that he was mad about it. “I didn’t like engineering; I just fell back on my degree,” the UNC Charlotte graduate recalls. Instead, he seized the opportunity to turn his gig hosting Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia, […]
Letter: Boost the readability of Xpress
“I understand that fewer pages cost less to produce, but how many more pages would it take to use 11-point copy that is much easier to read?”
Around Town: Local workshops teach shoemaking skills
An award-winning shoemaker will offer a series of shoemaking workshops. Plus, the Center for Craft celebrates Cherokee basketmaking, Pink Dog Creative highlights nine artists and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian hires new staffers.
What’s new in food: Faux Lox Foods launches in Asheville
Vegans and vegetarians craving a lox bagel now have options thanks to Faux Lox Foods. Also: television personality Samantha Brown visits Asheville; Metro Wines hosts its latest tasting; and more!
Letter: Get on board and get vaccinated
“God has gifted humans with the knowledge, the ability and the science to help prevent the spread of infections, as well as COVID.”
Pisgah wildlife education hub to close after flood damage
When Tropical Depression Fred tore through Western North Carolina in August, among the casualties was the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s executive board has moved to close and demolish the facility, replacing it with an expansion to the adjacent Bobby N. Setzer Fish Hatchery.
N.C. House vacancies pave way for new faces in 2022
The planned retirements of Reps. John Ager, Susan Fisher and Brian Turner — all three multi-term Democratic members of the N.C. House from Buncombe County — mean the county’s state-level representation is set for a big shift in the upcoming election.
Letter: We must stand together to repair historical wrongs
“To prevent our community from continuing to fail our Black youths, white parents should demand that barriers to opportunities for Black youths are removed, and policies are implemented with an intentional focus on racial equity.”