Federal statistics puncture myths about Asheville’s wages, which are staying stagnant, rising slowly or even declining in key sectors as the cost of living sharply increases Above: The skyline of downtown Asheville. Photo by Max Cooper. Every May, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics releases…

The city manager tries to put the brake on living wage increases, Council wrestles with short-term rentals and a split vote on a new development as local government heads into a tense summer Above: City manager Gary Jackson, file photo by Max Cooper As summer…

[IMPORTANT: additional evidence and research has revealed that the figure identified as Isaac Dickson in this piece was instead Roosevelt bodyguard Frank Tyree. For more on this correction, see here.] Recently found images of legendary African-American leader Isaac Dickson with Theodore Roosevelt shed new light…

Locals resent the hotel boom because it represents and furthers the worst aspects of today’s Asheville. What’s behind the anger, and what it means Above: The BB&T building, future site of an ‘upper-upscale hotel’ First it was “upscale,” then “boutique” and “luxury.” Now we have “upper-upscale.”…

Local groups rally around labor, public housing, immigrants’ rights, fair wages and more to mark May Day in a changing Asheville Above: A red flag flies above the crowd gathered at Asheville’s May Day rally as protesters listen to speakers talk about labor and social…

Council runs into multiple demanding situations, including the housing crisis and a public irate about the actions of a power giant, in a packed meeting Above: Asheville City Council member Gordon Smith. File photo by Max Cooper As our longtime readers know, our Council reports…

A deeper look at short-term rentals and how, in the hands of the wealthy, they will hollow out our city — something that’s already happened around the country Above: Part of the Carolina Lane/Chicken Alley area, where some former apartments have been turned into short-term…

Locals gather to mark the end of slavery in Asheville and educate about oft-forgotten history at a site that’s still the topic of debate and controversy today Above: local activist and poet DeWayne Barton speaks at the From Slavery to Freedom teach-in and event. Photo by…

Council moves forward with ‘minor’ fee changes — and ending the downtown fare free bus zone — sparking a debate about transparency Above: a sign on South French Broad Avenue noting the boundary of the city’s fare free bus zone. Asheville City Council’s April 14…

With little discussion or transparency, Asheville City Council moved this week to end downtown’s fare free transit zone, an important aid for some citizens. That needs to change, and any changes to the zone deserve a full public discussion Above: The fare free zone in…