Local Politics · Asheville, NC
An Asheville drag queen known as Nova says her likeness was used without permission in an AI-generated political ad paid for by the National Republican Congressional Committee and approved by Republican NC-11 candidate Jennifer Balkcom. The ad depicts Nova dancing with Democratic candidate Jamie Ager, whom she says she has never met. Nova sent a cease-and-desist letter to Balkcom's campaign, and attorney Mike Tadych said misappropriation claims are possible but political ads enjoy strong First Amendment protection. North Carolina has no law requiring political advertisements to disclose AI-generated content, according to Western Carolina University political science chair Dr. Chris Cooper.
Community News · Asheville, NC
Nicholas "Nick" Papanastasiou, 66, co-founder and longtime owner of East Village Grille, died after a single-car crash on Sunday, Oct. 25, shortly before 1 p.m. Police said he suffered a medical emergency while driving west in the 900 block of Tunnel Road, left the roadway, struck a light pole, and came to rest down an embankment. He was transported to Mission Hospital, where he later died. The restaurant posted on social media that it "lost a legend." An investigation is underway.
Crime · Asheville, NC
Asheville police are asking the public for help identifying a suspect who allegedly robbed a business at gunpoint in the 400 block of Haywood Road just after 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Investigators said the man entered the store, brought items to the checkout counter, then pulled out a gun and demanded money. The suspect is described as a bearded Black man wearing a blue hoodie with a Spider-Man face that reads "Friendly Neighborhood Crime Watch." Anyone with information can contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110, use the TIP2APD smartphone app, or text TIP2APD to 847411.
