What’s going on with the water
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…
The ‘mob attack’ that wasn’t
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…
Asheville still says ‘No’ to the BID
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…
The cops have drones and firefighters can’t pay the rent
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…
Fighting the BID
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…
COVID WAVE ALERT — November 26
Sadly, Asheville’s long covid wave continues to hit our communities. Here’s our regular alerts on what’s going on and what we can do to keep each other safe Graphic by Matilda Bliss You can support the Blade‘s covid alerts — and everything else we do…
Stop the BID
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…
Hate and cowardice in city hall
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…
The realtor dark money group backing Tod Leaven
A shadowy, pro-airbnb front group for the real estate industry is bankrolling Asheville city council candidate Tod Leaven’s ad blitz. Here’s who they are and what they’re looking to get in return Above: Mailers supporting Tod Leaven, paid for by the ‘Neighbors Helping North Carolina’…
The mayor vs. the First Amendment
Rules made up on the spot. Vague restrictions only enforced against critics. As calls for a ceasefire in Gaza grow Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and city council become increasingly vindictive in curtailing public comment they don’t like Above: Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. File photo by…
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