Category: Views

The twisting tale of how the state legislature sold out our mountains for private gain, why it matters, and what you can do about it Above: a map of potential fracking areas in N.C., map courtesy of WNC Frack Free “We promised the people of…

Every city has illusions about its culture. Here’s a list of Asheville’s, because it’s time we started facing our myths Above: Hieronymus Bosch’s “The Conjuror,” with a crowd getting their pockets picked while they watch an illusionist perform. Asheville’s got its own magic, a spell…

Pay is terrible in Asheville because there’s often no real protection for workers’ rights. To fix that, this city needs unions. Above: The rights assured to all workers under federal law, a key part of what unions help to enforce. Asheville has a wage problem, and…

Readers and supporters, come visit the Asheville Blade’s booth at the Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival. We’ll have prizes, sign up subscribers and show our thanks for your support. Above: Your decidedly unphotogenic editor, taking a break from a weekend of journalism to set…

The annual topless “rally” is an overhyped farce. But the reaction from government and business leaders is far, far worse. Above: One of the topless rally attendees — and onlookers — at the 2011 event. Photo by Max Cooper. It’s that time again. Every year…

Next Tuesday, Aug. 26, the Asheville Blade will cover the next meeting of our local city council. Here’s an interesting — and often hilarious — account Max Cooper, who photographed the last meeting for the Blade, wrote about photographing our local government meetings. I covered…

I was kicked out of my studio in the Tannery, along with many other artists. There’s a better way for Asheville to treat its creatives. Above: The Tannery before its improvement by local artists, and after. Photo by Zen Sutherland. On July 12th I awoke…

Medicaid expansion will benefit tens of thousands of people, especially throughout WNC. The refusal to expand it threatens hospitals and families. Above: a doctor holds a sign supporting Medicaid expansion at a Moral Monday protest. Photo by Leslie Boyd. Imagine living in a place where…

For over a decade my family tried to make our lives in Asheville. But by this year, we simply couldn’t make it here anymore. Above: Downtown Asheville at night. Photo by Bill Rhodes. A few weeks ago, we ran a column by Noor Al-Sibai, a…

The truth about the decades-long fallout from racist government programs offers some harsh reminders — and important lessons for Asheville today. Above: The 1937 HOLC map for Asheville. The areas in red, most of them African-American, were designated “unsafe” for investment.  Over the past week,…