Rewards! Gift subscriptions! Journalism! All that and more as the Blade launches its winter fund drive so we can keep bringing you the independent journalism our city deserves Season’s greetings, readers. Since our founding last year, the Asheville Blade has brought in-depth journalism, hard-hitting investigations,…

A recently-unveiled collection of photos reveals a new look at black and working class Asheville in the 20th century, and adds a major chapter to the city’s history Above: Photo of an Asheville congregation. All photos from the Isaiah Rice collection, D.H. Ramsey UNCA Special Collection.…

Three new Council members are sworn in, a vice mayor is chosen, unity is proclaimed and the mayor’s father leads a sing-along Above: the new Council, seated on the dais. From left: Brian Haynes, Gordon Smith, Vice mayor Gwen Wisler, Mayor Esther Manheimer, Cecil Bothwell,…

With a new Council on the way, here’s a look at Asheville’s government, what it does and how you can change it Above: City Hall by night, photo by Max Cooper. Today three new Asheville City Council members — Keith Young, Brian Haynes and Julie…

For too long the city has neglected the Walton Street park and pool, a place of history and community. It’s time to change that Three months ago, the Southside Community Advisory Board started a petition to save the Walton Street Park/Pool in an effort to…

AirBnB and its ilk (some of them at least) are back before Council as it tries to nail down rules for homestays and three members have their final meeting Above: Vice Mayor Marc Hunt. File photo by Max Cooper. When Asheville City Council members took…

A fight over development in Shiloh, a new pact with the chamber and new terms for a major Block project in a packed Council meeting Above: Council member Gordon Smith. File photo by Max Cooper. Welcome back, readers. My apologies for the delay. The venerable,…

In the weeks between two citywide elections, local government still continued on with some important steps. Here’s what happened over at City Council Above: Mayor Esther Manheimer. File photo by Max Cooper. Asheville elections are interesting beasts. There’s a long primary season, with candidates usually…

Behind the results of election night upsets, the most closely-fought race Asheville’s seen in many years and the beginning of an era of conflict Above: Campaign signs outside the Board of Elections during early voting. Well, that was interesting. In a few hours last night,…

In-depth interviews, questionnaires and more information about every candidate in our closely-fought election for three important Asheville City Council seats Above: City Hall under renovation. Photo by Bill Rhodes A hard-fought primary narrowed the field of Asheville City Council candidates from 15 to six (and…