Suppose you’re trying to cross a busy intersection: Most of us simply approach the crosswalk, push the button and wait till the signal says it’s safe. Now imagine what it would be like to tackle that same task from a wheelchair. What if the button is just out of reach? Or if there’s not enough […]
New Stories
Video premiere: “Canadian Goose” by Sophia Corinne
The Wild Array lead singer debuts her solo project with this straightforward yet memorable video.
COVID relief, free tuition help defray college costs
It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing belts to tighten. But even at the best of times, the cost of a higher education can be out of reach for many. While college costs in Western North Carolina are generally lower than the nationwide average of $35,720 per year, according to EducationData.org, sticker shock […]
Street performers contemplate their future in Asheville
Local buskers chat with Xpress about the current challenges they face in Asheville. From the pandemic to robbery, life as a street artist isn’t always an upbeat song.
Census data paves way for WNC redistricting
The N.C. General Assembly must take census results into account as members create new voting district boundaries that reflect the state’s population growth and follow strict legal criteria. Western North Carolina’s state Senate and U.S. House districts are both likely to see changes for the 2022 election cycle.
Green in brief: Ecusta Trail land purchase complete
On Aug. 12, a subsidiary of nonprofit Conserving Carolina completed the $7.8 million purchase of the currently unused Ecusta rail line, stretching 19 miles between Hendersonville and Brevard, from the Blue Ridge Southern Railroad.
Mixed-use development could come to Ferry Road
While the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners did not make a formal commitment to any plan for the 137-acre site, several members expressed a desire for denser development focused on housing.
MerleFest adapts with fall gathering
After being canceled in 2020, the revered music fest returns to Wilkes Community College, Sept. 16-19.
Citizen guide to land development coming in January
As part of the Local News Ideas-to-Action Series, the Virginia-based national media nonprofit American Press Institute awarded Xpress a $9,300 grant to create a guide to local government decision-making for land development. The guide will cover the stages of review that projects face on their way from concept to final approval, what aspects are considered at each step and what avenues exist for public input.
Strength in Pride Project empowers LGBTQ+ community
Local photographer Lauren Merrell discusses her latest project and its impact on her life and those of others.
Letter: A message from the heavens about Asheville
“One way or another, the Great Being in the Sky will persuade people, mostly Floridians, that Asheville isn’t the haven they once expected.”
Local rally responds to Texas abortion ban
Amid signs reading “My body, my choice, my right” and chants of “We won’t go back!”, supporters of reproductive rights gathered at Pack Square on Sept. 6 as a local response to Senate Bill 8, a ban in Texas on abortions of pregnancies of more than about six weeks. The Speakout for Reproductive Freedom, organized […]
What’s new in food: Benne on Eagle welcomes new chef
Benne on Eagle hires a new chef, We Give a Share welcomes an executive director, the Getaway fries fish on the river and more local food news.
Around Town: Paved Paradise music pop-up stops at Archetype Brewing
Paved Paradise music pop-up stops at Archetype Brewing. Plus, blu29 showcases underrepresented artists, North Carolina honors Rafael Guastavino, and the Blue Ridge Orchestra marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Local incentives aim to boost COVID-19 vaccinations
On June 26, just over two months ago, Buncombe County recorded just one new case of COVID-19. The county’s coronavirus state of emergency had ended earlier that month, and just 16 people were hospitalized due to the disease across Western North Carolina. As of Aug. 18, the emergency is back. WNC hospitals are caring for […]
Letter: Legislation would help working parents, businesses and kids
“HB 574 is a piece of legislation that would allow us to begin treating child care as essential infrastructure.”