Local panel tackles freedom to dissent and proposed police oversight

The harm caused by Tasers, the conduct of local law enforcement—especially in African-American communities—and the possible creation of a citizen’s oversight board were all topics of sometimes heated discussion at an ACLU-sponsored forum on dissent held Sept. 27. The forum, at UNCA’s Highsmith Center, turned out a crowd of some 150 people. The American Civil […]

Chain reaction

Development always seems to be controversial in Asheville, and with City Council elections looming, that goes double. One particularly hot topic is whether to allow chain stores and “big-box” retailers downtown. The anti-chain gang: City Council candidate Elaine Lite, who’s proposed banning or limiting chain stores in downtown. photos by jonathan welch Candidate Elaine Lite […]

And the judges are …

The final list of judges has been announced for the 2007 Asheville Film Festival. The panel includes actors Harry Anderson and Robby Benson, director/writer/producer Don Mancini and film critics Felicia Feaster of Atlanta’s Creative Loafing, Larry Toppman of the Charlotte Observer, Sam Watson of the Johnson City Press and Xpress’ own Ken Hanke.

Know your rights: ACLU, local groups sponsor forum on dissent

In response to several recent controversial incidents involving free speech, protests and law enforcement, the local chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union, along with some 20 other groups, are sponsoring a forum on “How to Exercise Your Right to Dissent.” “We’ve had a rash of incidents lately, from the Sheriff’s deputy arresting the Kuhns […]

Digital citizenshi­p

Not so long ago, paying parking tickets or fees or getting permits from the city of Asheville or Buncombe County involved a trip (or two) downtown. But increasingly, that’s not the case, thanks to the extensive “e-gov” functions now available on both the city and county Web sites. Asheville 2.0: City of Asheville IT Services […]