Category: Views

Asheville’s bus system needs real support to help thousands of locals. But the city’s proposed budget puts money to top-level staff and policing rather than the needs of the public. That must change Above: Part of the map of Asheville’s bus system, which thousands of…

Rolled and Roasted’s history of blatant transphobia, mistreatment of workers and unsafe conditions lie behind a supposed local business success story Above: A Haywood Street billboard advertising Rolled and Roasted alongside other local businesses. Showing how deep the rot runs in multiple businesses in town,…

Beyond the glamour of Asheville’s name and the millions spent on PR lies an industry that is anything but natural or generous. As more locals are underpaid and pushed out, we must delve into the history of Asheville elites’ obsession with tourism, its ties to…

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…

Fascists recently doxed Asheville activists in an attempt to intimidate them. But the community is refusing to back down, and want locals to know how they can help support the fight against violent bigotry Above: signs at an anti-fascist demonstration in September 2017 that prevented…

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…

Rather than a progressive place with an innovative approach to substance use, Asheville has created a culture that exacerbates the overdose crisis. An inside look at how a city zoning crackdown can cost locals their health and lives Above: A pro-harm reduction message painted on…

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 return of a state plan to gerrymander city elections and break black voting power gets a surprising boost from a Democratic senator — and sets the stage for a major civil rights fight Above: A map of gerrymandered Asheville City Council election districts in…

City Attorney Robin Currin’s far-right legal views have played a key role in halting progressive change. Now she’s resigning. A look at the damage she did, and what might happen next Above: Asheville City Attorney Robin Currin, file photo by Max Cooper The announcement came…