The Lee Walker Heights overhaul is one of the largest housing deals in Asheville’s history. It just took a major step forward, as the city also cut a deal with Duke. A look at the complicated history of power, poverty and race behind the project…

Asheville’s City Attorney has consistently taken stances against basic government transparency. It’s time for Council, and the people, to demand better of a major public servant Above: Asheville City Attorney Robin Currin. File photo by Max Cooper. Recent events in Asheville have turned an eye,…

Hall Fletcher families grapple with a lack of transparency and democracy in a city school restructuring that threatens to make issues of segregation even worse Above: Hall Fletcher families, teachers and staff gather on Feb. 2 to offer proposals for restructuring their school. Photo by…

The sweeping effects of HB2, the local response and a look at how Asheville and North Carolina got to this point Above: Opponents of HB2 gather on March 24 to express their opposition to the bill. Photos by Bill Rhodes. It was a windy, grey afternoon…

We put your questions on a range of topics to candidates in the key Buncombe County Commissioner primaries. These officials oversee major services affecting 250,000 locals. Now, get out there and vote. It’s voting time, readers. Last week we tried to clear up some mis-impressions…

The voter ID mess, court battles and rapidly-changing legislation have left voters — especially new voters — with a lot of questions. Here’s what to know as you go to the polls Early voting for the March 15 primary started today. While the ongoing court…

With several competitive primaries for the key county commissioner races, we’re seeking your ideas about what to ask the candidates Hello readers, it’s that time again. With a major primary election coming up, the Blade‘s hard at work crafting questions for candidates all across the…

Transit comes under major scrutiny as activists push for an end to evening hour cuts, the box is banned, questions are raised and, yes, another hotel comes before Council Above: Asheville City Council member Keith Young. File photo by Max Cooper. Welcome back, readers. After…

The future of Asheville’s downtown is in the balance. It’s time to have a much broader discussion about what that future should look like Above: downtown Asheville by night. Photo by Max Cooper Downtown Asheville never really leaves the news. It’s not just the seat…

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,…