Mountain Xpress

Mountain Xpress Independent, community-focused journalism since 1994. Free print edition available each Wednesday

01/11/2026

Community members continue to protest the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, who was shot by a federal agent.

After closing at the end of October, Echo Mountain Recording is making a surprise return in 2026. On Dec. 30, longtime s...
01/09/2026

After closing at the end of October, Echo Mountain Recording is making a surprise return in 2026. On Dec. 30, longtime studio manager Jessica Tomasin announced that she had purchased the studio and that it would reopen Sunday, Feb. 1.

According to a press release, Tomasin acquired the studio’s brand and equipment from founder Steve Wilmans. 

“I have spent nearly 20 years building this studio alongside our staff and community,” Tomasin says. “Letting it disappear did not feel right. This place matters to people, and I was determined to find a way to keep it alive.”

See link in bio for more.

01/09/2026

For additional coverage on tonight's "From Asheville to Minneapolis Stop Ice Terror" rally, go to mountainx.com.

Community members have convened at Pack Square to protest the killing of Nicole Renee Good, a 37-year-old Minnesota resi...
01/08/2026

Community members have convened at Pack Square to protest the killing of Nicole Renee Good, a 37-year-old Minnesota resident, who was shot by a federal agent on Jan. 7.

The Trump administration has defended the shooting, calling it self-defense. Minnesota officials dispute federal accounts.

In a press release from Rev. Claudia Jiménez of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, she wrote:

"We gather to grieve, peacefully protest and demand accountability. We show up to say no to the criminalization of immigrants and state violence being normalized in our country. Our UU faith calls us to honor the worth and dignity of all. We value and recognize our interdependence with each other."

DK Wesley was sworn in as Asheville’s new city manager today by Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Grant. Wesley was joined...
01/08/2026

DK Wesley was sworn in as Asheville’s new city manager today by Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Grant. Wesley was joined by her daughter, Mari, and her mother, Mary. Photos by Brionna Dallara

As Swannanoa enters a new year of rebuilding, local residents and nonprofits such as Swannanoa Communities Together are ...
01/06/2026

As Swannanoa enters a new year of rebuilding, local residents and nonprofits such as Swannanoa Communities Together are considering long-term recovery strategies and ways to continue meeting the community’s ongoing needs.

In this issue, you'll also find:

Should public dollars fund private schools?

Echo Mountain Recording to reopen next month

Buncombe County’s new Helene recovery officer outlines plans, priorities

Sparrow Smith releases debut solo album

What books will Buncombe County Schools ban in 2026? How will Weaverville officials finally resolve noise complaints abo...
12/31/2025

What books will Buncombe County Schools ban in 2026? How will Weaverville officials finally resolve noise complaints about its pickleball courts? What clever protest signs will Asheville residents create to oppose the new federal law that bans most THC products? The Xpressers Almanac offers predictions for these pressing matters and more.

Here are some other stories you'll find in this week's 100% fake news Humor Issue:

- Asheville singles respond to national ranking with measured outrage and supercute handmade signs

- Not coming to a theater near you: The UNCA Forest Massacre

- An advice column on breast deflation and other issues associated with motherhood

Towns across Western North Carolina continued to deal with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene in 2025, but the year ...
12/23/2025

Towns across Western North Carolina continued to deal with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene in 2025, but the year was about more than that.

In Fletcher, officials launched a new farmers market. Brevard broke ground on an affordable apartment complex and continued work on wastewater treatment upgrades. In Canton, town leaders focused on attracting young families and developing economic opportunities while navigating the 2023 closure of the the Pactiv Evergreen paper mill.

As the year comes to an end, Xpress spoke with the mayors of these three municipalities about key issues that shaped 2025, as well as their plans for WNC in 2026.

Grab this week's Year in Review for more!

Do you remember what month the wildfires struck McDowell County? Or how about when the surprise hailstorm rained down on...
12/16/2025

Do you remember what month the wildfires struck McDowell County? Or how about when the surprise hailstorm rained down on Asheville? Do you recall when the town of Marshall celebrated its post-Tropical Storm Helene reopening? Do you realize the number of times community members organized and demonstrated in the streets? In this week’s paper, join us as we revisit some of the key local events, initiatives, milestones and oddities that defined 2025.

Cold windy days like these are great for staying in and catching up on the latest local news.
12/14/2025

Cold windy days like these are great for staying in and catching up on the latest local news.

We are excited to introduce a new illustrated feature -- 5 Things to Know About Asheville City Council -- courtesy of Am...
12/10/2025

We are excited to introduce a new illustrated feature -- 5 Things to Know About Asheville City Council -- courtesy of Ameena Batada.

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Our mission is to build community and strengthen democracy by serving an active, thoughtful readership at the local level -- where the impact of citizen action is the greatest.

Since 1994, Mountain Xpress has been an active partner in growing Asheville from a sleepy, boarded-up mountain town to the booming mecca for small business, tourism, arts, culture, and innovative thought that it has become. Throughout that evolution, Xpress has been committed to covering what matters most locally and serving as a vibrant platform for the dialogue and idea exchange that keeps this community thriving.