Category: Views

Fully-treated water returns amid serious concerns about lead and a dangerous push “back to normal” from city hall. Asheville’s long-neglected water system was smashed by Helene and the resulting crises are still unfolding. What’s going on, what we know and what you can do about…

Far-right Zionists, with long records of open bigotry and harassment, claim they were attacked by an ‘antisemitic mob’ at a bookfair event. They’re not telling the truth Above: Monica Buckley and David Moritz, in images from videos they posted shortly after disrupting a Palestinian history…

The Asheville Blade marks our tenth year with a summer subscriber drive so we can bring y’all more hard-hitting journalism and sharp perspectives. Plus: Gentry Tears mugs Above: Asheville Blade subscriber rewards including a ‘thank you’ letter, a bumper sticker and a ‘Gentry Tears’ mug…

This month marks the tenth anniversary of the Blade’s launch. Our co-op offers our thanks to our supporters and this statement about where we’ve been as well as the path ahead Above: The skyline of part of downtown Asheville by night. Photo by Max Cooper…

Despite deceptions from city hall, locals remain strongly against the downtown Business Improvement District as it heads to a final vote Above: The Asheville Chamber of Commerce headquarters. Despite recent claims to the contrary, the proposed Business Improvement District is still set to give them…

Once again a fight over firefighter pay reveals the callousness and corruption at the heart of how Asheville city hall spends the public’s money Above: City hall by night. File photo by Max Cooper Readers, this marks the 18th year in a row that I’ve…

City hall and the chamber portray a Business Improvement District as inevitable. But a broad array of locals are fighting back against this gentrifying power grab Above: A sign against the BID in the window of Sow True Seed, one of many independent spaces opposing…

Corruption. Harassment. Surveillance. Business Improvement Districts are gentrification on steroids, with a horrific record around the country. Now one is on its way to Asheville. It must be stopped. Graphic by Matilda Bliss If you’ve tuned in to local media or received one of their…

Thanks to Duke Law’s First Amendment Clinic and local attorneys, our journalists are appealing their convictions for doing their jobs while covering a 2021 police crackdown Above: Asheville police begin their sweep of the homeless camp and protest at Aston Park on Dec. 25, 2021.…

Asheville city council lets Islamophobia and racism run amok as they refuse to even consider a ceasefire resolution and treat a broad community movement with open contempt Above: Asheville city hall in the dark. File photo by Max Cooper Blade reporter Matilda Bliss contributed to…