Campaign season sees a profusion of forums for Asheville City Council candidates and the public. A local photographer gives a look at one forum in her area, and what the candidates said Above: Five Asheville City Council candidates — Rich Lee, Lindsey Simerly, Julie Mayfield, Keith Young and Brian Haynes

Ashevillians played an important role fighting for marriage equality throughout the region and country. When the Supreme Court decision came down last month, they gathered to celebrate and rally. Above: Pride flags wave in Pack Square on June 26 as locals gather in a rally organized  to celebrate the Supreme

Last night, hundreds gathered in downtown to protest the Ferguson grand jury decision. Here are images from photographer Max Cooper of that protest and vigil. Above: Vigil attendees in front of the Vance Monument last night. Photo by Max Cooper. Last night, a quickly organized rally saw hundreds gather in downtown Asheville

This week locals gathered for Transgender Day of Remembrance. Local photographer Ezra Campbell captured these images of Thursday night’s vigil. Above: A vigil attendee lights a candle near Vance monument to memorialize lives lost due to transphobia. This Thursday was Transgender Day of Remembrance, with an annual vigil and march

Next Tuesday, Aug. 26, the Asheville Blade will cover the next meeting of our local city council. Here’s an interesting — and often hilarious — account Max Cooper, who photographed the last meeting for the Blade, wrote about photographing our local government meetings. I covered public meetings once or twice

Local photographer Zen Sutherland sends a before/after image to highlight the contributions — and plight — of artists in the River Arts District. The studios here were recently shut down by the city of Asheville, citing a lack of maintenance, code violations and safety concerns. — At the southern tip