Crime · Buncombe County
A homicide investigation is underway in Arden, North Carolina, after two men were found dead with gunshot wounds early Saturday morning. Deputies responded to a call on Pine Needle Drive near the Henderson County line just before 12:30 a.m. on Oct. 24. The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division is working to identify the shooter and circumstances, while victim identities await proper notification.
Crime · Buncombe County
The North Carolina Highway Patrol released new details regarding a wrong-way crash on Interstate 26 near Long Shoals Road that killed Jimmy Brooks of Leicester and injured his brother. Investigators stated that Bradley Lanier drove his Tesla against traffic before striking the Honda head-on, with troopers believing Lanier was under the influence at the time. Brooks worked for the Buncombe County Metropolitan Sewerage District, where colleagues described him as a dependable employee and dedicated family caretaker. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials expecting additional information soon.
Local Politics · Asheville, NC
Nova, an Asheville-area drag queen, alleges that a political attack ad targeting Democratic Congressional candidate Jamie Ager was fabricated using artificial intelligence. The ad, produced by Republican candidate Jennifer Balkcom’s campaign, depicts Ager with drag performers in a scenario Nova states never occurred and for which she was not contacted. Nova has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Balkcom’s campaign, which confirmed paying for the ad but declined further comment. The controversy highlights concerns about AI-generated political messaging in North Carolina, where no current law mandates disclosure of such use.
