“I think and truly believe it is a travesty that so much of the funds from the occupancy tax are rerouted to advertising for more tourism!”
New Stories
New Black-owned businesses populate The Block
Over the past year, the addition of such Black-owned businesses as the Noir Collective collaborative shop, Jawbreaking fashion store, Asheville Iridescence Yoga and Sole82 sneaker boutique has suggested a renaissance for the former Black Wall Street. Yet in a rapidly changing city where obstacles for minority entrepreneurs remain rampant, sustaining that growth could prove challenging.
From CPP: Communities struggle with meth outside spotlight of opioid crisis
Increase in methamphetamine use in Western North Carolina affects the region’s “misery index,” even if the death rate is lower than that of opioids.
Ryan “RnB” Barber, Julia Sanders and Powder Horns release new albums
The recent collections include R&B/hip-hop originals, Springsteen covers and pulsing rock ‘n’ roll.
Buncombe sets $300 cap on homeowner grants
Residents who have owned their primary residence for at least five years and make no more than 80% of the area median income — $60,100 for a family of four — could apply for aid to cover property tax increases starting Sunday, Aug. 1.
Community paramedicine program addresses opiod overdoses
Buncombe County experienced a 147% increase in overdose deaths between 2015 and 2017, the most recent period for which data is available from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. According to Emergency Services, Buncombe averages six-to-eight deaths monthly from probable overdoses.
Letter: Beasley is a sincere and discerning leader
“She has been a public defender, a District Court judge, the first African American woman to lead the N.C. Supreme Court and the only candidate who has won statewide in North Carolina — twice.”
Daniel Crupi begins work as Asheville Symphony executive director
A graduate of Notre Dame and UNC Greensboro, Daniel Crupi recently brought innovative programming to the Santa Fe Symphony.
Local governments nix remote public comment
In Asheville and Buncombe County, the return to in-person government meetings has also meant a return to in-person public comment — and the end of live remote comment, despite there being no technological obstacle to continuing the practice. The decision has drawn concern from citizens who say it reduces their ability for civic participation.
Letter: Thumbs-up for attention to local issues
“Substantial opinion letters such as those in your June 23 issue are why I’ll turn first to the Xpress in Asheville or Bill Moss’ Lightning in Hendersonville for thoughtful attention to local issues.”
Green in brief: New website shares WNC landslide risks
According to the N.C. Climate Science Report prepared by N.C. State University’s Asheville-based N.C. Institute for Climate Studies and other experts, the area will likely experience more landslides in the coming years due to climate change.
Around town: New gallery launches in Mars Hill
Mars Landing Galleries opens in Mars Hill. Plus: Yolanda Rabun takes the stage after a hiatus, Shindig on the Green returns and summer workshops for writers begin.
What’s new in food: New coffee delivery service launches in Asheville
Day ToDaily delivers hot and cold beverages to downtown coffee enthusiasts. Also: Baba Nahm and Bear’s Smokehouse join forces, a local chef is featured on a National Geographic cooking series and more local food news.
Letter: Are activist welcome wagons the solution?
“What activists need to organize is partisan welcome wagons and moving vans to welcome allies to vote for mayors to fund abortions to reduce school tax and housing demand. …”
Letter: Clamp down on noisy vehicles
“I’d love to see the police stop some of these drivers and issue tickets for violating the noise ordinance.”