The chief, the crash and the cover-up

In the summer of 2023 the APD broke their own rules to cover up a car crash involving then-police chief…

Our city is worth fighting for

On grief, kindness, rage and why we have to fight for the communities we love in the times we face…

‘Abolish ICE’

A large anti-deportation protest sweeps through downtown, and signals local opposition to escalating fascism Above: Flags and signs held by…

COVID WAVE ALERT — April 22

Sadly, Asheville’s long covid wave continues to hit our communities. Here’s our regular alerts on what’s going on and what…

‘The White Man’s Family Council’

The giant 1920s-era murals in City Hall are drenched in an ugly racist history, depicting a mythical all-white Appalachia and a glorification of genocide. It’s time for them to go. Above: ‘The White Man’s Family Council’ (yes, that is actually its name), the Clifford Addams…

Lawyers and backrooms

Despite claims of a new era of transparency, the selection of one of Asheville’s most powerful jobs — city attorney — is being decided behind closed doors, with no public input and few clear answers Above: A binder of city attorney candidates and a confidentiality…

Journalism for the holidays

Gift subscriptions! Awesome stuff from great local places! A chance to keep local journalism fighting into the next year! All this and more as the Blade thanks our readers for their support Yes readers, it’s that time of year again. The Blade relies on the…

The election question

Will there be a city election next year? Will it use racist gerrymanders pushed by the state? Will City Hall fight back? What happens if they don’t? A look at the big questions looming over local politics. Above: City Hall by night. Photo by Max…

Exit Hooper

Facing growing public pressure, Asheville’s police chief finally heads for the exit. A look at the damaging legacy of the city’s most-despised public official — and what a way forward might look like Above: Outgoing Asheville Police Department Chief Tammy Hooper. File photo by Max…

Buncombe County Commissioner election guide

The Blade asks the hard questions about corruption charges, the A-B Tech cash, rural development, ending de facto segregation, trans rights and more. One candidate responds. It is, as you’ve all probably heard by this point, a particularly important election season. But while state and…

Buncombe County Commissioner District 2 candidate questionnaire: Amanda Edwards

Name: Amanda Edwards Profession: Executive (oversees administration, programs, and strategic plan) In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Lifelong Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: To put my county management and executive public service skills to work to…

Stand on ceremony

Strange applause, another broken promise on policing and massive blind spots mark a dismaying turn in City Hall Above: Asheville City Council, file photo by Max Cooper As one, all seven Asheville City Council members marked the opening of their Sept. 25 meeting by rising…

The Tally: Aug. 28 and Sept. 11 Asheville City Council meetings

A breaking transit system, an attempt to sweep the Rush attack under the rug, an early start to budget battles, land use wrangling and the public comment that wasn’t Above: Pictures taken by bus drivers of a major oil leak on an Asheville transit system…

The Tally: July 24 Asheville City Council meeting

In a new feature focusing on the tally of Asheville City Council’s latest doings, we look at a bus system overhaul, a grassroots push for community space and the ongoing battle over policing and racism Above: A map of proposed overhauls to Asheville’s bus system.…

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