Barber visits Asheville to ‘re-energize’ progressiv­es after election defeat

Barely a week after Democratic candidates suffered a statewide beating at the polls, Moral Monday leader Rev. William Barber will deliver a Nov. 13 pep talk to progressives in Asheville. Organizers of the event are touting it as an opportunity to “re-energize as Dr. Barber contextualizes the recent election,” according to a Facebook post promoting […]

A deeper dive into the Democratic blue: Analysis of Buncombe Commission­, NC House elections

Despite rightward-streaming state and federal political currents, Buncombe County stood out on election night as a small sea of Democratic blue. In several important local races, Democratic candidates toppled Republican incumbents or maintained their positions of power. Here’s a look at some of those key local races, with an analysis of what happened and the consequences going forward.

Local North Carolina Senate candidates wrangle over issues

Candidates hoping to represent Western North Carolina in the state Senate debated Oct. 16 at UNC Asheville, highlighting differences on a range of issues, from education and the economy to the environment. Here’s a look at the candidates and their views. District 49 In the District 49 race, Democratic Sen. Terry Van Duyn and Republican Mark Crawford are vying […]

Statehouse candidates debate: Ramsey vs. Ager

There wasn’t much tension between Nathan Ramsey  and John Ager at the Council of Independent Business Owners’s early-morning debate, Friday, Aug. 29 perhaps because of a personal history. “John’s my neighbor,” said Ramsey. “I’ve known John since I was probably about two years old.” Not only are the two candidates personal acquaintances, both grew up in the […]

Details: The public hearing on fracking in WNC

Concerned or excited about the prospect of increased oil and gas development in Western North Carolina? The North Carolina Mining and Energy Commission has scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 12 in Cullowhee and welcomes your feedback on proposed rules that could help pave the way for hydraulic fracturing – also known as ‘fracking’ – […]