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

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

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

Ashevillians speak out on what what they’re willing to take at Council’s last meeting of the year, and a time of conflict draws closer Above: Asheville City Council member Julie Mayfield. File photo by Max Cooper. When the new Asheville City Council first met on Dec. 1, it was a

What’s the big deal about the I-26 project? It’s huge, incredibly controversial and could have major impacts — perhaps devastating ones – on Asheville for decades to come Above: This postcard of the Smokey Park Bridge from the 1960s shows sidewalks on both sides of the bridge with connections on the

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. Used with permission. Isaiah Rice