He hails from Chicago, though, “as a musician,” he said during his performance, “I always wanted to be big in Asheville. I love it here.”
Tag: North Carolina
Showing 22-42 of 157 results
In Photos: Donald Trump rally, protest
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made a campaign stop in Asheville on Monday, Sept. 12. Xpress captured the scene inside the rally and outside the U.S. Cellular Center. For more on voices from the rally check out Xpress‘ previous coverage.
Letter writer: Repeal N.C. certificate of need law
“These outdated laws severely limit the development of health care facilities such as ambulatory surgical centers and diagnostic imaging centers.”
Off the beaten track: Freight trains, freedom and the traveling culture
Americans love to celebrate the iconic “hobo” lifestyle, yet we’re often quick to stereotype or judge the modern-day iteration of the traveler. Despite the risk of legal repercussions and personal injury, contemporary traveling culture continues to attract people from all walks of life to the rails and the road in search of the next horizon.
Healthcare agencies, local officials celebrate opening of C3356 Comprehensive Care Center
More than two years in the making, partner agencies celebrated the C3356 Comprehensive Care Center’s official opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the evening of April 21.
Letter writer: Please send N.C. souvenirs for school project
“I would really appreciate it if you would send me a state map and some postcards, information or souvenirs on your wonderful state.”
Buncombe Commissioners consider moving ahead with property reappraisals
With a mostly empty agenda, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners should be in for a short meeting on the evening of Tuesday, March 1.
Smoke and mirrors: the death of tobacco in WNC
Few crops have been as central to North Carolina’s economy and culture — or as controversial — as tobacco. Historically, its high market value and the relative ease of growing it made tobacco a staple for many Western North Carolina farmers. As late as 2002, 1,995 mountain farms grew tobacco. The crop’s prevalence, however, was […]
Confronting history: “Our State, Our Stories” initiative calls for Civil War family narratives
In an effort to record the varied Civil War experiences passed down through N.C. familes, regional historians across the state are collecting narratives as part of the “Our State, Our Stories” Initiative. The stories gathered will be included in a new, state of the art North Carolina Civil War History Center in Fayetteville, scheduled to be completed by 2020.
Blood in the valley: The Shelton Laurel Massacre’s haunting legacy
“Will the America of the future — will this vast, rich Union ever realize what itself cost back there, after all?” – Walt Whitman In January 1863, at the height of the Civil War, Confederate soldiers of the 64th North Carolina Regiment, composed mostly of men from the western counties, marched into Shelton Laurel. Their […]
Letter writer: What do you love about North Carolina?
“It would be awesome if some of your readers could write a letter or postcard to me telling me what they love about the state of North Carolina.”
Of the people, for the people: artist Phil Blank exhibits illustrations from Dixie Be Damned
Inspired by Authors/activists Neal Shirley and Saralee Stafford’s book Dixie Be Damned, artist Phil Blank has created stunning visual representations of the hard-fought, often violent struggles of the disenfranchised throughout Southern history, from the coalfields of Tennessee to the anti-KKK partisan groups that roamed Robeson County, N.C., during Reconstruction.
Stirring the local political pot
Over the last few weeks, it seems as though many Asheville and Buncombe politicians are moving pieces in a bigger puzzle. From retirements to withdrawals, shifting boards to a run for state office — and 15 candidates running for Asheville City Council, a lot is happening these days in local politics.
Growing pains: Craft brewing comes of age
North Carolina has always had a complicated relationship with alcohol. However, alcohol has consistently been an economic driver in North Carolina, as it still is, with 130 craft breweries as of 2014 – the most of any Southern state. As the craft brewing industry in the region grows into a multimillion-dollar business, the desire to review the statutes and improve communication with state officials has come to the forefront.
Commissioner Holly Jones announces her bid for lieutenant governor
Buncombe County Commissioner Holly Jones announced today that she is entering the race for Lieutenant Governor. Jones, who has spent the last 14 years serving in local government, said she is running because of the General Assembly’s constant meddling in local affairs.
No place to go: Foster care system can’t keep pace with kids in need
As of March 31, there were 2,386 kids in foster care in the 28 western counties. While innovative agencies and evolving state standards are making strides in streamlining the system and reuniting families, the available resources can’t keep up with the growing numbers of children needing foster care.
Bottled lightning: Appalachian moonshining in the 21st century
Western North Carolina is now home to a growing number of craft distillers making legal moonshine. Blending traditional recipes with new technology and methods, these pioneers are bringing Appalachia’s most fabled and misunderstood product into the 21st century, changing cultural perceptions even as they adapt to shifting economic realities.
Poll names Craggy Gardens ‘the most beautiful place’ in North Carolina
A poll by Thrillist online magazine, which has previously named Asheville one of America’s most hipster cities and one of America’s best drinking cities — among others, has named Craggy Gardens, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina’s most beautiful place.
Update: To the brink and back: Opioid abuse and treatment in WNC
Amid escalating use and abuse of opioids nationwide, the number of local narcotics-related overdoses has increased rapidly in recent years. The drug naloxone can temporarily suspend those drugs’ effects, and the Asheville metropolitan area leads the state in confirmed cases of opioid overdose reversal, according to the N.C. Harm Reduction Coalition.
Letter writer: Proposed trade pact could affect local, regional and state level
“If passed, the TPP would affect North Carolina and every other state in our country at the local, regional and state level.”
Down the road: The future of Future I-26
Identifying the challenges facing the Future I-26 project is fairly straightforward; implementing the needed improvements is more complicated. So how does an ordinary highway become an interstate? And when might the stretch north of downtown Asheville make the interstate grade?
