An important public service announcement to the citizens of Asheville about the strange, potentially lethal creatures migrating to our land Above: peeling ‘wayfinding’ sign for tourists heading downtown, 2010. Photo © Jason Sandford. Used with permission. Dear citizens of Asheville, Due to the synergistic factors of anthropogenic climate change and Good

In a time of growing demand, calls for reform and uncertain budgets, the Asheville Transit Committee sets some priorities for where the cash will go Above: The Asheville Transit Committee gathers for its Jan. 6 meeting, around one of those photographically vexing projectors city meeting rooms have in abundance. —

There’s a major debate about the future of Asheville’s public housing. Here’s a regularly updated account of what’s happening and why it matters. Above: a 1964 booklet from the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville touting “urban renewal” programs. The devastating impact of that program continues to cast a

A look at how the Asheville Blade came to be, what we did in 2014 and a thank you to the community that’s made it possible. Above: Fireworks outside City Hall. Photo by Bill Rhodes. I initially hesitated about writing this post. For all that I love my profession, journalism

As ongoing protests raise the issue of racial injustice and police violence, dismantling racism here will take a harder look within Above: Protesters gather in downtown Asheville after a grand jury refused to indict an NYPC officer for the killing of Eric Garner. Photo by Max Cooper. Cities across the

For years, city government has claimed to pay a living wage. But there’s a big exception that leaves some city workers making far less Above: Lauren Bacchus, in front of the U.S. Cellular Center box office where she worked. Along with 139 other city employees, Bacchus did not make a living

Some useful resources for Ashevillians fighting wage theft, discrimination, safety problems and violations of their legal rights in the workplace Above: Some of the rights guaranteed employees under federal law. Along with the holiday shopping spree, wages and working conditions are a topic of no small debate in Asheville right

Routs, truces, clashing views and more as Council closes out its year with the latest chapter in the development wars Above: the future sites of the River Mill Lofts and Hazel Mill Roads projects, on the city’s development maps. Historically, few things pack Asheville City Council chambers like fights over

While law enforcement sees local turmoil and national scrutiny, Asheville’s police advisory board gives staff an earful about the need for public oversight Above: Several members of the Citizens Police Advisory Board gather with city staff around tables in a training room for their Dec. 2 meeting. Clockwise from top:

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