Wake Up, Asheville!
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Catch up on all the Asheville news every weekday morning. Our newscast podcast draws stories from across the local news media landscape to keep you in-the-know in under four minutes.
Monday, Nov. 3: Early Voting Record + Council Candidates on Transit + Max Patch Makeover
#302
Today at 10:00 AM
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Early voting record set in Buncombe County, as nearly 100K cast ballotsAsheville City Council candidates push forward on public transitSecond suspect charged in fatal Arden shooting caseFederal charges mark escalation in battle over North Carolinaâs forestsPopular Madison Co. hiking spot Max Patch to get bathrooms, more parkingFriday, Oct. 30: Record Early-Voting Turnout + Tourism Growth + Religion Debate in Schools
#301
Last Friday at 9:00 AM
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Nearly 80K participate in early voting, setting county recordAsheville tourism sees year-over-year growth in SeptemberReligion sparks ongoing debate between public school advocates and Christian groupAs Helene recovery needs persist, survivors find support at church dinnerAshevilleâs first AVL Unpaved trail opens at Azalea ParkThursday, Oct. 29: Despite Flood Risks, Apartments Approved + Guilty, Then Arrested + Mason-Dixon Map
#300
Last Thursday at 9:00 AM
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Divided Council approves 252 apartments in Sweeten Creek floodplainBruce Haddock pleaded guilty. The next day, another arrest in AshevilleMaggie Burleson retires as Asheville's city clerk, successor starts Nov. 1.Opinion: City should reopen more of Carrier Park, which has become an eyesoreHistoric Mason-Dixon Line Map going up for auction in AshevilleWednesday, Oct. 28: Candidates on AI Surveillance + ACA Bullying Lawsuit + Homelessness in West AVL
#299
Last Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Asheville City Council candidates weigh in on police surveillance toolsBuncombe candidates debate use of surveillance techLawsuit: Bullies created AI images of student, and ACA allowed itWest Asheville residents raise concerns over homelessnessSidewalks proposed for Patton Avenue, Smokey Park HighwayTuesday, Oct. 27: City Manager Forecasts Cuts + Lockdowns at Several Schools + NC's Democratic Tilt
#298
Last Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Asheville manager forecasts cuts in next year's 'challenging' budgetProperty tax amendment leaves key questions unanswered as WNC voters also weigh bondsArden break-in prompts lockdowns at several schools Opinion: Republican greed will backfire in NC's midterm electionsOpinion: City should reopen more of Carrier Park, which has become an eyesoreMonday, Oct. 26: Wrong-Way Driver Fatal Crash + Candidate Flock Stances + AI-Made Attack Ad Blasted
#297
10/26/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Wrong-way driver charged after fatal I-26 crashAsheville candidates largely reject 'surveillance' camerasAsheville drag queen says attack ad that falsely links her to Jamie Ager was made with AIState audit flags improperly authorized spending by UNCA employeesPublic asked to lend voice to North Buncombe River Parks projectFriday, Oct. 23: FEMA Changes Raise Questions + Sibelco Funding Boost + Absentee Ballots Rejected
#296
10/23/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
FEMA changes raise questions for WNCâs Helene recoveryHungry bears keep breaking into Asheville homes. This rule could helpSibelco signs letter of intent for up to $56M in funding21 Buncombe absentee ballots rejected over unsealed envelopesAsheville home prices level off as market shiftsThursday, Oct. 22: Commissions Oppose Tax Limits + HCA vs. NC DA + Car Break-ins Rising
#295
10/22/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Buncombe County commissioners oppose property tax amendment limiting local tax increases7 years after Mission deal, HCA disputes state's authority to enforce purchase agreementAsheville car break-ins rise 24%, most cases involved unlocked vehiclesUnaffiliated voters become majority force in Haywood County; early voting ahead of 2022SNAP: Food pantries, nonprofits seeing greater demand amid changes to programWednesday, Oct. 21: APD Responds to Flock Questions + Climate vs. Farmers + Taylor's Wave Opens
#294
10/21/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Asheville police respond to questions on Flock, Axon auditAbsentee ballot request deadline approaching for Buncombe County voters$4.1M bridge project begins near WNC Nature CenterHurricanes only one of the beasts farmers battle in ongoing climate warTaylorâs Wave opens on French Broad RiverTuesday, Oct. 20: More Post-Helene Support + Bear-Feeding Ban + Challenges for Late-Night Food
#293
10/20/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
North Carolina receives $873 million for repairsBuncombe County bear-feeding ban takes effectAshevilleâs 524-unit apartment plan raises flood safety concernsGreat Smoky Cannabis Company offers blueprint for NC legalizationAsheville restaurants weigh later hours, as demand increases for late-night mealsMonday, Oct. 19: VP Vance in Hendersonville + Lower No Kings Turnout + Enka Trail Project Dead
#292
10/19/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
JD Vance to rally Republicans in Western North CarolinaOrganizers stress early voting at the latest No Kings demonstrationFive-sentence "audit" raises questions on Asheville police tech useHard-fought Asheville mayorâs race pits diplomat against dissenterAfter 12 years of planning, Enka trail project is deadFriday, Oct. 16: Mayoral Race By Issues + Questions Over APD Surveillance + New Workforce Program
#291
10/16/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Asheville mayoral race: Where Manheimer and Roney standFive-sentence "audit" raises questions on Asheville police tech useAsheville leaders develop new workforce program to help residents find jobsMadison Co. authorizes funds for Phase 4 of its Public Service ComplexAsheville performing arts center could open in 2035Thursday, Oct. 15: Costco Approved + Boost to House Homeless + Look at NC Supreme Court Race
#290
10/15/2026
 Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Asheville City Council unanimously approves CostcoAsheville accepts $6M grant to prevent homelessnessNC Supreme Court race tests Helene recovery rights, judicial independenceAsheville City Board of Education approves extension on superintendent contractHaywood County Arts Council finds permanent home on Waynesville's Main StreetWednesday, Oct. 14: Early Voting Begins + Huge Warren Wilson Donation + Uncovered Artifiact in Canton
#289
10/14/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Buncombe County early voting begins Oct. 15Pisgah Legal among three aid groups suing over lawmakersâ funding redirectionSwannanoa flooding concerns persist as NCDOT reviews drains$11 million gift will transform Warren Wilson's Science programUnique artifact revealed during demolition of Canton paper millTuesday, Oct. 13: Sixth Pedestrian Fatality + Complaints at Christian College + Untreated Wastewater Spills
#288
10/13/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Asheville pedestrian dies after being hit by SUV, sixth in 2026UNC System requests investigation of Christian college near Black MountainFederal hemp restrictions poised to upend NCâs $3.2 billion industryBuncombe, Henderson counties report untreated wastewater discharged into riverNC has found a temporary placement for Dolly the bear. So where is she?Monday, Oct. 12: Remants of Hurricane Isaias + Costco Traffic + Asheville Schools Board Races
#287
10/12/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Isaias brought record rain, along with flooding and landslidesCostco traffic study projects 12,000 daily tripsWho's running for the Asheville City Schools board in 2026?See where your county sits on scale of local property taxesStink bug surge? Your questions, some answersFriday, Oct. 9: Hurricane Isaias Flooding Threat + Axon Contract Talk Delayed + Costco Proposal to Council
#286
10/09/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Hurricane Isaias presents rain, flooding risk for Western North CarolinaBuncombe pulls Axon Fusus contract item for added surveillance debate detailsPVC pipes swept away by Helene flooding still dominate river cleanupAsheville Costco advances after unanimous zoning recommendationAsheville plans ADA sidewalk upgrades on Lexington Avenue between Woodfin and WalnutThursday, Oct. 8: Affordable Housing Rules Change + Deaf Community Storm Recovery + Graveyard Fields Trail
#285
10/08/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Buncombe County changes affordable housing rulesFor the Deaf community, storm recovery comes with extra challengesWorking Wheels distributes 46 cars to WNC residents who lost theirs in HeleneWhat North Carolinaâs economic recovery plan says about the artsNew trail at Graveyard Fields to improve access for restoration, rescuesWednesday, Oct. 7: Pedestrian Hit in AVL + Parkway Almost Fully Reopened + Henderson Home Buyouts
#284
10/07/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Pedestrian seriously injured in Patton Avenue crashBlue Ridge Parkway now just 11 miles shy of being fully reopened after Helene99% oppose Roadless Rule elimination. It may happen anywayHenderson County homeowners begin Helene buyout process after FEMA approvalHelene dam destruction brings conservation winTuesday, Oct. 6: Third Shooting Suspect Charged + NC-115 Race Closeup + Metro Mobility Struggles
#283
10/06/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Third suspect charged in Ashevilleâs Atkinson Street shootingNC House 115 candidates split on taxes, school vouchersStaffing shortfalls challenge Metro Mobility systemTrust for Public Land and Town of Mars Hill Permanently Protect 137 Acres on Bailey MountainOpinion: Affordability may lose in planned Haw Creek developmentMonday, Oct. 5: Bears Feeding Ban + Homelessness in West AVL + Hearing on Costco Zoning
#282
10/05/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
State approves emergency ban on feeding bears in Buncombe CountyWhat's happening with $4.7M in homelessness prevention funds?West Asheville homelessness concerns grow along Haywood RoadBuncombe sheriff hopefuls spar over jail staffing, mental healthAsheville Costco heads to key zoning hearingFriday, Oct. 2: TDA Awards $11M + Competing 'Mountain Values' Ads + Voucher Change Hikes Housing Costs Hikes
#281
10/02/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Buncombe TDA awards $11.2M to tourism-related projects, including RAD Creative CampusNC-11 candidates offer competing âmountain valuesâ in unique adsThree Western NC county election officials promoted conspiracy theories about the 2020 outcome and Jan. 6 riotAsheville housing voucher change will raise costs for some familiesWest Asheville outreach program connects people without homes to housingThursday, Oct. 1: Post-Helene Quality of Life + Tourism Ups/Downs + Craggy Mountains Designation
#280
10/01/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Can North Carolina restore quality of life for the regionâs workers?Tourism officials see stronger fall taking shape after rough AugustAsheville's new police chief takes helm in 'unprecedented' yearPush to make Craggy Mountains a national scenic area could get boostTroll exhibit at North Carolina Arboretum drew record crowds, brought $6.3M to AshevilleWednesday, Sept. 30: APD Cleared in Fatal Shooting + Housing Authority Overpayments + I-26 Connector Traffic
#279
09/30/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
APD Officers Cleared of Charges in Justified Use of Deadly Defensive ForceAsheville chief says deadly July shooting is linked to five othersAsheville's housing authority overpaid landlords for almost 2 yearsFire management debate on Blue Ridge Parkway highlights targeted home clearingI-26 Connector traffic: Ways around Asheville backupsTuesday, Sept. 29: Referenda Redux + Post-Helene Water Needs + Unfunded Childcare Needs
#278
09/29/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Voters approved $70M in bonds in 2022. Why is Buncombe County asking again?EPA says $706M has been awarded, but Helene water project needs remainNew plan maps WNCâs economic future after HeleneWhy haven't any childcare providers received federal funds yet?Jennifer Reed to be Buncombe Schools' 2nd-ever woman superintendentMonday, Sept. 28: A newscast devoted to stories marking Hurricane Helene's two-year anniversary
#277
09/28/2026
Today's Asheville newscast is connected to yesterday's two-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene. Here are the stories referenced:
Two years after Helene, Buncombe housing recovery continues amid buyouts and Swannanoa resilience effortsTwo years after Hurricane Helene: housing, jobs, roads and water rebuild progressRecords show Helene recovery czar Michael Whatley had scant contact with FEMA, state, countiesUNC Asheville study uses Helene rainfall to quantify mountain radar gapsCanton seeks post-Helene future after Pactiv mill closure and Pigeon River floodsFriday, Sept. 21: Stepp Permanent APD Chief + Antitrust Lawsuit Blocked + Post-Helene Cooperation
#276
09/25/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
City of Asheville names permanent police chiefAntitrust lawsuit against Mission, HCA hits roadblockBehind the scenes, American Flood Coalition bridges WNCâs partisan divideFilling the gaps after Helene. Volunteer groups have stepped upBishop William Barber brings voter mobilization tour to AshevilleThursday, Sept. 24: Property Tax Cap + Homelessness Assistance + 2-Year Helene Assessments
#275
09/24/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Critics say NC's property tax amendment could do more harm than goodCouncil holds public hearing on amendments to its $4.7M homelessness assistance programWNC wildlife faces âunnatural disturbanceâ after HeleneAfter Helene, some challenges remain despite economic improvementsBiltmore Village is focused on the futureWednesday, Sept. 23: Another UNCA Enrollment Drop + Inside 'Save Dolly' Campaign + Candidates Forum
#274
09/23/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
How UNC-Asheville Plans to Attract More Students After Another Enrollment DropHow Asheville's 'No Rent for Slumlords' ordinance could help rentersInside the campaign to save 'Dolly' the Asheville bear from euthanasiaAnswer Man: Is Isis Music Hall still for sale?Candidate Forum to bring candidates and community together around local economyTuesday, Sept. 22: Certificate of Need Law Scrutiny + Microtransit Talk + New RAD Arts Facility?
#273
09/22/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Effectiveness of NC certificate-of-need law meant as healthcare guardrail in doubtCan 'microtransit' help Asheville's buses run better?Rescued food from PGA TOUR event will provide 8,000 meals throughout WNC.RAD Creative Campus: $15-20 million Asheville arts facility in developmentUNC Asheville renews partnership with Asheville Botanical Garden for 50 yearsMonday, Sept. 21: Two Years After Helene + Wanted Teen Surrenders + Small Plane Crashes
#272
09/21/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Two years after Helene, recovery remains unfinished across WNCHeleneâs $214 million toll on North Carolina forestsTeenager wanted in Asheville shootings surrendersCity partners with PEAK as charter schoolâs grade slides to âDâSmall plane crashes in Arden, injuring 2Friday, Sept. 18: About Closed Meetings + Bear Reprieve + UNCA Woods Go Batty
#271
09/18/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
How Asheville City Council hopefuls would handle transparency and votesBuncombe commissioners talk bear response, disaster dollarsMama bear that entered a north Asheville house wonât be euthanized, says woman who launched campaign to save herEndangered bats are using UNCA woods, researchers sayAsheville's bike, pedestrian data could shape future transportation projectsThursday, Sept. 17: Edwards Files Complaint + Absentee Ballot Warning + Silver-Line Cleanup
#270
09/17/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Rep. Chuck Edwards files complaint against House ethics panel over misconduct probeBuncombe election officials warn voters about absentee ballot changesNeeded hospital beds across NC delayed by industry appealsBuncombe board slams state over funding snub for affordable housingSilver-Line owner to fund next phase of French Broad cleanupWednesday, Sept. 16: Flat Iron Fire + Montford Traffic + Community College Funding
#269
09/16/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Fire causes damage but no injuries at Flat Iron Building?Hill Street closure sends drivers into Montford, adding neighborhood trafficPublic school advocates concerned about stateâs future tax rates and who controls themImpacts of NCâs new community college funding modelBlack Mountain rejects 4-foot floodplain standardTuesday, Sept. 15: Costco Redux + Deaverview Mountain Park + Vacant White Duck Fire
#268
09/15/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Costco resubmits Asheville Enka Commerce Park plans including fuel station and tire centerBuncombe County to take next step on Deaverview Mountain parkFire gutted White Duck Taco Shop in Asheville River Arts District; cause under investigationActivists urge Costa Farms to improve heat protections for nursery workersAnswer Man: When will Pisgah View State Park open?Monday, Sept. 14: HCA CEO Speaks + Manheimer vs Roney Exchange + State Amendments on Ballot
#267
09/14/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
HCA CEO Sam Hazen: Mission must âearnâ community trustManheimer and Roney trade barbs on transparency, community input, and homelessness at CIBO forumNC 2026 ballot: photo ID, 3.5% income tax cap, property levy limits, local bondsBuncombe school board delays staffing and athletics amid funding uncertaintyMarshall rejects age limit for unsupervised minors in town parksFriday, Sept. 11: Students' Report Card + Rent Ordinance Enforceable? + Flock on Parkway
#266
09/11/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Asheville City Schools top NC averages but Black-white achievement gap persistsEdwards bill would fine hospitals $10,000 a day for repeat safety violationsHow enforceable is Asheville's new 'No Rent for Slumlords' ordinance?City of Asheville to pay $11M, contractors $1M in fatal crash settlementFlock cameras on Blue Ridge Parkway: traffic count, not license plate trackingThursday, Sept. 10: Rent Collection Ban + Rewriting Development Rules + Bear Policies
#265
09/10/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Asheville bars landlords from collecting rent on unsafe homesCity council paying to rewrite development rulesAsheville council takes new look at bear conflictsBrevard Police withdraw ALPR camera proposal after community feedbackOpinion: Four takeaways from Edwards' censureWednesday, Sept. 9: Buncombe Schools Job Cuts? + Apartment Supply Surges + Perceptions of NC Labor/Business
#264
09/09/2026
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:
Buncombe County Schools weighs eliminating 118 positions amid budget shortfallFrom gap to âglutâ: Asheville apartment supply surgesOmni Grove Park Inn administrator arrested for alleged Nevada probation violationAshevilleâs resilient plan for Gashes Creek Bridge rebuild after HeleneNorth Carolina ranks best for business economy, dead last for workersTuesday, Sept. 8: Pratt & Whitney Promises + Deaverview Development + Craggy Prison Land Future
#263
09/08/2026
Today's Asheville newscast includes these stories:
Pratt & Whitney has received millions in incentives and exceeded employment promisesAsheville considers plan to redevelop Deaverview with HACA, PEAK AcademyTown of Woodfin seeks say in future of Craggy prison propertyForest Service declines public meeting on Wilson Creek ICE operationAbsentee by-mail voting begins in NC