[This candidate response contains violent transphobia. While the Blade does not weigh in on how individuals should vote, we are completely against bigotry from any candidate of any stripe or party. Blatant prejudice has no place here or anywhere else.] Name: Jordan Burchette Profession: Manager at Best Buy Metals in

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 battle about congressional boundaries still

After Charlotte passes extensive LGBT protections, it’s a matter of question if Asheville City Council will do the same in the near future Above: A pride flag flies from City Hall in 2014 after a federal court struck down the state’s ban on equal marriage. Photo by Max Cooper. On Monday

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 county. Specifically, we’re looking to

Over its two-day retreat, Asheville City Council set some goals, split on affordable housing, clashed with staff and set the stage for some interesting times ahead Above: the goals of Council members and staff during part of their annual retreat Every year, Asheville City Council has a retreat. Despite 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 weathering the aftermath of a

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 of government or the location

A divided Council decides on a ‘McKibbon standard’ for new hotels, approving an overhaul of one of downtown’s most notorious buildings Above: Council member Gordon Smith. File photo by Max Cooper. After the hibernation of the holidays, city politics sprang back to life again on Jan. 12 as Asheville City Council

Despite misinformation and outright lies, you have a legal right to talk about how much you’re paid. Given Asheville’s catastrophically low wages, it’s time for this culture of silence to end Above: Tupelo Honey’s downtown location. Last year, following wage cuts for support staff at the booming chain, workers launched

With the support of our readers, the Asheville Blade did a lot in 2015 and helped change our city for the better. We aim to do even more this year Above: Fireworks outside City Hall. Photo by Bill Rhodes As winter (finally) arrives, Ashevillians shake off the holidays and the