The Asheville Blade
@avlblade.bsky.social
Sharp journalism, analysis and perspectives without fear. Leftist news co-op based in Asheville.
Read our work at: https://ashevilleblade.com
Support us and subscribe at: https://patreon.com/AvlBlade
Background photo by Max Cooper
Read our work at: https://ashevilleblade.com
Support us and subscribe at: https://patreon.com/AvlBlade
Background photo by Max Cooper
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Last month's marketing blitz depicted post-Helene Asheville as happy, fully recovered and ready to welcome rich tourists.
Nothing could be further from the truth: Asheville is still a disaster zone.
The first part of our new series, The Crisis After the Crisis. ashevilleblade.com?p=5349 #avlnews
Nothing could be further from the truth: Asheville is still a disaster zone.
The first part of our new series, The Crisis After the Crisis. ashevilleblade.com?p=5349 #avlnews
While solid public health data's been difficult to come by the last few weeks, it's now clear that covid risks in the Asheville area have declined to SUBSTANTIAL, down from High.
We may be out of this wave entirely in a week or two, but we're not there yet. Risks remain very real. #avlnews
We may be out of this wave entirely in a week or two, but we're not there yet. Risks remain very real. #avlnews
November 11, 2025 at 10:41 PM
While solid public health data's been difficult to come by the last few weeks, it's now clear that covid risks in the Asheville area have declined to SUBSTANTIAL, down from High.
We may be out of this wave entirely in a week or two, but we're not there yet. Risks remain very real. #avlnews
We may be out of this wave entirely in a week or two, but we're not there yet. Risks remain very real. #avlnews
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
You can support @transnews.network here: transnews.network/upgrade
Or @avlblade.bsky.social here: patreon.com/AvlBlade
Both worker-run news orgs with all trans journalists.
Or @avlblade.bsky.social here: patreon.com/AvlBlade
Both worker-run news orgs with all trans journalists.
You should absolutely pay for good journalism.
The NYT is barely journalism at all -- it's largely right-wing billionaire propaganda and slop.
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The NYT is barely journalism at all -- it's largely right-wing billionaire propaganda and slop.
If you need to hate-read something, use Remove Paywall.
Cancel your subscription to the NYT and spend that money on actual journalism.
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Remove Paywall, free online paywall remover. Get access to articles without having to pay or login. Works on Bloomberg and hundreds more.
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November 6, 2025 at 2:17 PM
You can support @transnews.network here: transnews.network/upgrade
Or @avlblade.bsky.social here: patreon.com/AvlBlade
Both worker-run news orgs with all trans journalists.
Or @avlblade.bsky.social here: patreon.com/AvlBlade
Both worker-run news orgs with all trans journalists.
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Our latest A Word About Our City segment, in collaboration with Asheville Community News on @ashevillefm.bsky.social, is out.
@davidforbes.bsky.social lays out the story of the mayor personally thanking Kristi Noem, and how it fits a long history of #avlgov appeasing fascists #avlnews
@davidforbes.bsky.social lays out the story of the mayor personally thanking Kristi Noem, and how it fits a long history of #avlgov appeasing fascists #avlnews
A Word About Our City: The Mayor's Thanking Kristi Noem | The Asheville Blade
Get more from The Asheville Blade on Patreon
www.patreon.com
October 22, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Our latest A Word About Our City segment, in collaboration with Asheville Community News on @ashevillefm.bsky.social, is out.
@davidforbes.bsky.social lays out the story of the mayor personally thanking Kristi Noem, and how it fits a long history of #avlgov appeasing fascists #avlnews
@davidforbes.bsky.social lays out the story of the mayor personally thanking Kristi Noem, and how it fits a long history of #avlgov appeasing fascists #avlnews
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Hey y'all Matilda is a dear friend, comrade and fellow @avlblade.bsky.social journalist. She really needs a vehicle, soon, to make it through the winter. Please share and support as you can.
On Monday I learned that my transmission died. This comes not even six months into pouring thousands of dollars into keeping my truck running (as no single repair exceeded its value). Considering its age it makes zero sense to pay for repairs. Here’s the link gofund.me/d18e5e1a8
Donate to Support Matilda in Securing Safe Transportation, organized by Matilda Bliss
I am a trans woman living in the most dangerous city for pedestrians in … Matilda Bliss needs your support for Support Matilda in Securing Safe Transportation
Gofund.me
October 29, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Hey y'all Matilda is a dear friend, comrade and fellow @avlblade.bsky.social journalist. She really needs a vehicle, soon, to make it through the winter. Please share and support as you can.
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Last month's marketing blitz depicted post-Helene Asheville as happy, fully recovered and ready to welcome rich tourists.
Nothing could be further from the truth: Asheville is still a disaster zone.
The first part of our new series, The Crisis After the Crisis. ashevilleblade.com?p=5349 #avlnews
Nothing could be further from the truth: Asheville is still a disaster zone.
The first part of our new series, The Crisis After the Crisis. ashevilleblade.com?p=5349 #avlnews
October 28, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Last month's marketing blitz depicted post-Helene Asheville as happy, fully recovered and ready to welcome rich tourists.
Nothing could be further from the truth: Asheville is still a disaster zone.
The first part of our new series, The Crisis After the Crisis. ashevilleblade.com?p=5349 #avlnews
Nothing could be further from the truth: Asheville is still a disaster zone.
The first part of our new series, The Crisis After the Crisis. ashevilleblade.com?p=5349 #avlnews
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Meeting adjourned.
To support @avlblade.bsky.social journalism, including this live coverage, subscribe: patreon.com/AvlBlade
Or donate: paypal.me/AshevilleBlade
As always, our hope's in people, not governments.
To support @avlblade.bsky.social journalism, including this live coverage, subscribe: patreon.com/AvlBlade
Or donate: paypal.me/AshevilleBlade
As always, our hope's in people, not governments.
Get more from The Asheville Blade on Patreon
creating hard-hitting journalism
patreon.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Meeting adjourned.
To support @avlblade.bsky.social journalism, including this live coverage, subscribe: patreon.com/AvlBlade
Or donate: paypal.me/AshevilleBlade
As always, our hope's in people, not governments.
To support @avlblade.bsky.social journalism, including this live coverage, subscribe: patreon.com/AvlBlade
Or donate: paypal.me/AshevilleBlade
As always, our hope's in people, not governments.
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Asheville city hall's silence about — and indeed, active collaboration with — the fascist federal government is sickening.
Mayor Esther Manheimer recently personally thanked Kristi Noem: www.patreon.com/posts/word-a... #avlgov
Mayor Esther Manheimer recently personally thanked Kristi Noem: www.patreon.com/posts/word-a... #avlgov
A Word About Our City: The Mayor's Thanking Kristi Noem | The Asheville Blade
Get more from The Asheville Blade on Patreon
www.patreon.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Asheville city hall's silence about — and indeed, active collaboration with — the fascist federal government is sickening.
Mayor Esther Manheimer recently personally thanked Kristi Noem: www.patreon.com/posts/word-a... #avlgov
Mayor Esther Manheimer recently personally thanked Kristi Noem: www.patreon.com/posts/word-a... #avlgov
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
"Nothing will change here today, I know. But I warn you: when they finally come, as they will, the only people I will care about are my family, my community and the people beside me." Please decide which side you're on.
Asheville city council is dead silent. #avlgov
Asheville city council is dead silent. #avlgov
October 28, 2025 at 10:22 PM
"Nothing will change here today, I know. But I warn you: when they finally come, as they will, the only people I will care about are my family, my community and the people beside me." Please decide which side you're on.
Asheville city council is dead silent. #avlgov
Asheville city council is dead silent. #avlgov
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Liberals y'all, not just will they not take their own side in an argument, they'll take their enemy's. On to the ensuing comments.
Speaker pointing out Jediael Amaya-Sanchez abducted by ICE agents near city hall, #avlgov doing nothing. "I don't know what you're doing." I am working with community.
Speaker pointing out Jediael Amaya-Sanchez abducted by ICE agents near city hall, #avlgov doing nothing. "I don't know what you're doing." I am working with community.
October 28, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Liberals y'all, not just will they not take their own side in an argument, they'll take their enemy's. On to the ensuing comments.
Speaker pointing out Jediael Amaya-Sanchez abducted by ICE agents near city hall, #avlgov doing nothing. "I don't know what you're doing." I am working with community.
Speaker pointing out Jediael Amaya-Sanchez abducted by ICE agents near city hall, #avlgov doing nothing. "I don't know what you're doing." I am working with community.
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
On to open public comment.
Nina Tovish: "look forward with great interest to seeing how this structure works."
Tovish was a member of the citizen working group that proposed making boards more transparent and #avlgov completely ignored and steamrolled. She won't even criticize them for doing so.
Nina Tovish: "look forward with great interest to seeing how this structure works."
Tovish was a member of the citizen working group that proposed making boards more transparent and #avlgov completely ignored and steamrolled. She won't even criticize them for doing so.
October 28, 2025 at 10:15 PM
On to open public comment.
Nina Tovish: "look forward with great interest to seeing how this structure works."
Tovish was a member of the citizen working group that proposed making boards more transparent and #avlgov completely ignored and steamrolled. She won't even criticize them for doing so.
Nina Tovish: "look forward with great interest to seeing how this structure works."
Tovish was a member of the citizen working group that proposed making boards more transparent and #avlgov completely ignored and steamrolled. She won't even criticize them for doing so.
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Notably no public housing residents applied for one of the boards, which reflects one of the realities here: why apply for a board where one will have no voice and face retaliation from Asheville city hall for any dissent or criticism? #avlgov
October 28, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Notably no public housing residents applied for one of the boards, which reflects one of the realities here: why apply for a board where one will have no voice and face retaliation from Asheville city hall for any dissent or criticism? #avlgov
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Especially as locals are not doing well in the aftermath of Helene. Plenty are pretty angry.
Council's are calling the "Helene recovery" boards "super boards" but they're a facade. The members are not key, as any sincere community members that make it through will get sidelined/ignored by #avlgov
Council's are calling the "Helene recovery" boards "super boards" but they're a facade. The members are not key, as any sincere community members that make it through will get sidelined/ignored by #avlgov
October 28, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Especially as locals are not doing well in the aftermath of Helene. Plenty are pretty angry.
Council's are calling the "Helene recovery" boards "super boards" but they're a facade. The members are not key, as any sincere community members that make it through will get sidelined/ignored by #avlgov
Council's are calling the "Helene recovery" boards "super boards" but they're a facade. The members are not key, as any sincere community members that make it through will get sidelined/ignored by #avlgov
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
City boards were fairly mild, but occasionally they'd dissent on things like the crackdowns on the homeless or hotels going up everywhere and for Asheville city hall that was unacceptable. So they used Helene as an excuse to shut them down and dismantle them www.patreon.com/posts/city-h... #avlgov
City hall puts local boards on the chopping block to further clamp down on dissent | The Asheville Blade
Get more from The Asheville Blade on Patreon
www.patreon.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:03 PM
City boards were fairly mild, but occasionally they'd dissent on things like the crackdowns on the homeless or hotels going up everywhere and for Asheville city hall that was unacceptable. So they used Helene as an excuse to shut them down and dismantle them www.patreon.com/posts/city-h... #avlgov
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Thanks Matilda. We're on to the appointments for the "Helene recovery" boards. They're a rubber stamp to stifle dissent, part of a power grab by city hall dismantling local boards in the wake of Helene #avlgov
Handing things over to @davidforbes.bsky.social to cover what is likely the rest of the meeting.
Thanks for supporting the @avlblade.bsky.social . Show you support with a subscription to our patreon below
Or make a one time donation at paypal.me/AshevilleBlade
Or share our work!
#avlgov
Thanks for supporting the @avlblade.bsky.social . Show you support with a subscription to our patreon below
Or make a one time donation at paypal.me/AshevilleBlade
Or share our work!
#avlgov
Get more from The Asheville Blade on Patreon
creating hard-hitting journalism
patreon.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Thanks Matilda. We're on to the appointments for the "Helene recovery" boards. They're a rubber stamp to stifle dissent, part of a power grab by city hall dismantling local boards in the wake of Helene #avlgov
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Abundant evidence, yet again, that noise ordinances are tools of gentrification. Tourism industry and #avlgov are rushing to do whatever they can to revive the extractive, neighborhood wrecking tourism industry that has seen a major drop since Helene left a trail of destruction locally.
October 28, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Abundant evidence, yet again, that noise ordinances are tools of gentrification. Tourism industry and #avlgov are rushing to do whatever they can to revive the extractive, neighborhood wrecking tourism industry that has seen a major drop since Helene left a trail of destruction locally.
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Asheville city manager Debra Campbell brings in over $270,000 a year from the public coffers and has repeatedly refused to pay firefighters enough to cover the bills #avlgov
Capital projects update to start. Capital projects staff sucks up by quoting Debra Campbell at the start of the presentation.
Campbell, on the other hand, has staunchly refused to fund rental aid, instead prioritizing funds for big businesses and the tourism industry #avlgov
Campbell, on the other hand, has staunchly refused to fund rental aid, instead prioritizing funds for big businesses and the tourism industry #avlgov
October 28, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Asheville city manager Debra Campbell brings in over $270,000 a year from the public coffers and has repeatedly refused to pay firefighters enough to cover the bills #avlgov
This passed by a single vote at the last meeting after historically Black neighborhood groups opposed the measure and that Asheville city hall, yet again, ignored their concerns #avlgov
Onto second reading of changes to noise ordinance to benefit the tourism industry at the expense of BIPOC locals who have been asking for more flexibility around the noise ordinance for years #avlgov
October 28, 2025 at 9:51 PM
This passed by a single vote at the last meeting after historically Black neighborhood groups opposed the measure and that Asheville city hall, yet again, ignored their concerns #avlgov
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Councilmember Kim Roney brings up community development block grant survey. Food security was a popular item in those results. Brings up food stamps ending on November 1st.
City Manager Debra Campbell dances around naming any specifics in her reply concerning inclusion in projects funding #avlgov
City Manager Debra Campbell dances around naming any specifics in her reply concerning inclusion in projects funding #avlgov
October 28, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Councilmember Kim Roney brings up community development block grant survey. Food security was a popular item in those results. Brings up food stamps ending on November 1st.
City Manager Debra Campbell dances around naming any specifics in her reply concerning inclusion in projects funding #avlgov
City Manager Debra Campbell dances around naming any specifics in her reply concerning inclusion in projects funding #avlgov
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Predictably, the new fire station in the diverse Oakley neighborhood will include a police substation.
No one ever says, "Fuck the fire department."
They do say "fuck the police" and sometimes burn down their stations. Combining the two in one building is the equivalent of a human shield #avlgov
No one ever says, "Fuck the fire department."
They do say "fuck the police" and sometimes burn down their stations. Combining the two in one building is the equivalent of a human shield #avlgov
October 28, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Predictably, the new fire station in the diverse Oakley neighborhood will include a police substation.
No one ever says, "Fuck the fire department."
They do say "fuck the police" and sometimes burn down their stations. Combining the two in one building is the equivalent of a human shield #avlgov
No one ever says, "Fuck the fire department."
They do say "fuck the police" and sometimes burn down their stations. Combining the two in one building is the equivalent of a human shield #avlgov
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Capital projects update to start. Capital projects staff sucks up by quoting Debra Campbell at the start of the presentation.
Campbell, on the other hand, has staunchly refused to fund rental aid, instead prioritizing funds for big businesses and the tourism industry #avlgov
Campbell, on the other hand, has staunchly refused to fund rental aid, instead prioritizing funds for big businesses and the tourism industry #avlgov
October 28, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Capital projects update to start. Capital projects staff sucks up by quoting Debra Campbell at the start of the presentation.
Campbell, on the other hand, has staunchly refused to fund rental aid, instead prioritizing funds for big businesses and the tourism industry #avlgov
Campbell, on the other hand, has staunchly refused to fund rental aid, instead prioritizing funds for big businesses and the tourism industry #avlgov
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
October 28, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Asheville city council meeting starts at 5. @matildabliss.bsky.social and @davidforbes.bsky.social will cover live.
Main item second reading of push to allow more noise in center of the city, over the objection of community groups from historically Black neighborhoods. #avlgov #avlnews
Main item second reading of push to allow more noise in center of the city, over the objection of community groups from historically Black neighborhoods. #avlgov #avlnews
October 28, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Asheville city council meeting starts at 5. @matildabliss.bsky.social and @davidforbes.bsky.social will cover live.
Main item second reading of push to allow more noise in center of the city, over the objection of community groups from historically Black neighborhoods. #avlgov #avlnews
Main item second reading of push to allow more noise in center of the city, over the objection of community groups from historically Black neighborhoods. #avlgov #avlnews
Last month's marketing blitz depicted post-Helene Asheville as happy, fully recovered and ready to welcome rich tourists.
Nothing could be further from the truth: Asheville is still a disaster zone.
The first part of our new series, The Crisis After the Crisis. ashevilleblade.com?p=5349 #avlnews
Nothing could be further from the truth: Asheville is still a disaster zone.
The first part of our new series, The Crisis After the Crisis. ashevilleblade.com?p=5349 #avlnews
October 28, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Last month's marketing blitz depicted post-Helene Asheville as happy, fully recovered and ready to welcome rich tourists.
Nothing could be further from the truth: Asheville is still a disaster zone.
The first part of our new series, The Crisis After the Crisis. ashevilleblade.com?p=5349 #avlnews
Nothing could be further from the truth: Asheville is still a disaster zone.
The first part of our new series, The Crisis After the Crisis. ashevilleblade.com?p=5349 #avlnews
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Matilda's a longtime Blade journalist who does amazing work and has faced police persecution for her reporting. Like a lot of working class transfems, she needs a vehicle to make ends meet.
Please share and help out as you can.
Please share and help out as you can.
On Monday I learned that my transmission died. This comes not even six months into pouring thousands of dollars into keeping my truck running (as no single repair exceeded its value). Considering its age it makes zero sense to pay for repairs. Here’s the link gofund.me/d18e5e1a8
Donate to Support Matilda in Securing Safe Transportation, organized by Matilda Bliss
I am a trans woman living in the most dangerous city for pedestrians in … Matilda Bliss needs your support for Support Matilda in Securing Safe Transportation
Gofund.me
October 24, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Matilda's a longtime Blade journalist who does amazing work and has faced police persecution for her reporting. Like a lot of working class transfems, she needs a vehicle to make ends meet.
Please share and help out as you can.
Please share and help out as you can.
Reposted by The Asheville Blade
Hey y'all, please help Matilda — a dear friend, @avlblade.bsky.social colleague and all-around amazing person — get a vehicle after her truck died.
She's a working class transfem who needs transportation to make ends meet. Please share this and support as you can.
She's a working class transfem who needs transportation to make ends meet. Please share this and support as you can.
On Monday I learned that my transmission died. This comes not even six months into pouring thousands of dollars into keeping my truck running (as no single repair exceeded its value). Considering its age it makes zero sense to pay for repairs. Here’s the link gofund.me/d18e5e1a8
Donate to Support Matilda in Securing Safe Transportation, organized by Matilda Bliss
I am a trans woman living in the most dangerous city for pedestrians in … Matilda Bliss needs your support for Support Matilda in Securing Safe Transportation
Gofund.me
October 26, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Hey y'all, please help Matilda — a dear friend, @avlblade.bsky.social colleague and all-around amazing person — get a vehicle after her truck died.
She's a working class transfem who needs transportation to make ends meet. Please share this and support as you can.
She's a working class transfem who needs transportation to make ends meet. Please share this and support as you can.