A report released today by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of the Inspector General strongly criticizes the agency’s response to contamination at the former CTS of Asheville site. The report asserts that while testing standards were followed, limited oversight, along with poor record-keeping and communication, harmed the effort and failed to communicate the hazards to the public.
May 11 marked an appearance of that rarest of creatures: a short Asheville City Council meeting. The reason was basketball. Officials from the Southern Conference tournament have approached Asheville about using the Civic Center as a location, and Council members were heading off to mingle with them at the Norah Jones concert. The result was […]
On the evening of March 12, more than 200 people streamed up Montford Avenue and down Cumberland before entering downtown on Lexington and eventually gathering around the Vance Monument. "We're here!": Marchers went through the streets of Montford before thronging around the Vance Monument during the May 12 march against LGBT violence. Photos by Jonathan […]
The Grove Arcade is struggling to make payments on renovation debts to city, despite nearly $1 million received per year in rents, the city of Asheville’s Planning and Economic Development Committee learned today at its May 18 meeting. City Council member Jan Davis said that the city would, in his opinion, have to help the Arcade with its debt. The committee passed the decision on to City Council.
A hotly contested campaign for the Republican nomination in the 11th District congressional race came to an end last night, as Dan Eichenbaum conceded to Jeff Miller in an announcement to his supporters.
The Asheville Police Department is searching for a suspect in Thursday’s robbery of the First Citizens’ Bank on Merrimon Avenue.
In response to a series of alleged assaults on LGBT individuals, a march is planned this evening from Montford into downtown. Here’s what’s behind the protest.
More than 5,000 people board the Asheville Transit System's 21 buses every day except Sundays, when the buses don't run. A one-way ride on any of the 24 routes costs $1 (a monthly pass offering unlimited trips is $20), and ridership has been increasing since 2003. In Transit: Transit Planning Manager Mariate Echeverry at the […]
The mood at Asheville Brewing Co. was absolutely raucous on primary night, as Patsy Keever hugged supporters. Incumbent no more: Rep. Bruce Goforth, a four-term incumbent and Democratic whip, after his defeat by challenger Patsy Keever in the May 4 primary. Photos by Jonathan Welch "You won!" someone told her. "We won!" she shouted back. […]
In response to a series of alleged attacks on LGBT individuals in the Montford area, a protest march will take place on Wednesday, May 12, at 6 p.m. "This peaceful, permitted demonstration is in response to recent alleged hate crimes against LGBTQ residents.," an announcement from organizer Samantha Soper reads. "Violence of any sort is […]
At tonight’s meeting, Asheville City Council continued its deliberations over next year’s budget and held public hearings on a number of annexations. Here’s Xpress Senior News Reporter David Forbes’ report, compiled from his live twitter-based coverage.
Tomorrow may see that rarest of all creatures come to Asheville: a short City Council meeting, as it begins early (4 p.m.) and has a short agenda, so Council members can meet with Southern Conference Basketball Tournament decision-makers. Before that, Council has to vote on a series of annexations and unveil next year’s budget.
Last Saturday, May Day, a vandalism spree in downtown Asheville left several buildings damaged, including a number of local businesses. The ensuing reaction from just about every faction of the community was anger and confusion. That’s justified; the hysteria some are spreading is not.
Of the 11 people charged in last Saturday’s vandalism spree, all but two have been released. Much of the damage is repaired, while the Asheville Police Department continues its investigation.
Asheville City Council April 27 meeting Council bans smoking in parks Bus service ramped up Budget shortfall mostly closed Among the many strategies Asheville has embraced to balance next year's budget is cutting aid to local groups. Part of that approach — requiring event organizers to pay a greater share of the costs — loomed […]
It's early Monday morning, and some 20 to 30 people stand clustered in front of the Eblen-Kimmel Charities, an off-white building tucked back near the West Asheville Sam's Club and the state lottery office. They are male and female, young and old, of differing ethnicities and races. Some carry purses or water bottles; others clasp […]
During Tim Johnson's ultimately successful 2009 bid for vice chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, controversy arose over a domestic-violence conviction involving his ex-wife. Johnson, who was then the Buncombe County GOP chair, produced a statement purportedly from his ex supporting his candidacy. Now, however, Ofelia Felix-Johnson says she never made that endorsement and […]
Chuck Palahniuk made his name with twisted, minimalist novels like Fight Club and Choke (both of which made it to the big screen, with Fight Club becoming a cult classic). Name-dropping: Ashevilleans will be able to say they've seen author/cult figure Chuck Palahniuk. His newest book, Tell-All is a look into a wicked, viciously funny […]
With a low turnout (12.2 percent in Buncombe) voters spoke in today’s primary elections.
This afternoon, a judge raised the bonds of 11 suspects arrested in the May 1 vandalism spree in downtown Asheville. The 11 also face felony charges of incitement to riot, felony conspiracy and injury to building, fence or wall.
Police have arrested 11 people — including two Asheville residents — for vandalism to several businesses and cars last night. Two of the alleged vandals have connections with anarchist groups, but at this time, it’s not clear what the message or protest was behind their actions.
