Local Elmer Reynoso faces deportation as ICE increases raids on families and communities. Now, locals are rallying to get him back with his family Above: Bruno Hinojosa speaks at a June 20 press conference and rally in front of the federal building in downtown Asheville, calling for ICE to stop

Asheville’s boards and commissions have a lot of power and shape the whole city. But despite increased interest, they remain whiter, wealthier and more male than the city they represent Above: City Hall by night, photo by Max Cooper This is a collaborative project between the Blade and the Asheville Citizen-Times, investigating the make-up and

Due to two major lawsuits, there’s a second primary tomorrow for key state Supreme Court and congressional races. Here’s where to vote and what it means Yes, fellow Ashevillians, we’ve been here before. Our state primary was March 15, after all, with people weighing in on races from the President

From Airbnb to city boards, too much of our politics focuses on property owners, but renters are half the city’s population. It’s time to listen to them seriously. City Hall under renovation. Photo by Bill Rhodes. If you haven’t heard, Airbnb and its ilk are back in the news, as

Asheville’s City Attorney has consistently taken stances against basic government transparency. It’s time for Council, and the people, to demand better of a major public servant Above: Asheville City Attorney Robin Currin. File photo by Max Cooper. Recent events in Asheville have turned an eye, for a moment, towards an

WNC is Sanders territory, local upsets, the repulse of the far-right and more on what the happened in Tuesday’s primaries Above: Statewide election results map showing the precincts won by Bernie Sanders in beige and the ones won by Hillary Clinton in red. With long lines (due to both interest

We put your questions on a range of topics to candidates in the key Buncombe County Commissioner primaries. These officials oversee major services affecting 250,000 locals. Now, get out there and vote. It’s voting time, readers. Last week we tried to clear up some mis-impressions about voting in Asheville by

Name: Scott Bissinger Profession: Retired Chief Deputy, Buncombe County In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am a career public servant wishing to continue to lead and contribute in my community. General questions These questions are

Name: Isaac Coleman Profession: Retired In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Progressive Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am running to bring a different approach to the crisis issues and to be the first African-American to serve on the Buncombe County Commission.

Name: Gordon Smith Profession: Child and Family Therapist In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Democratic Party In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: Buncombe County is one of the best places on earth, and we the people of Buncombe County deserve to have our