Wake Up, Asheville!
Matt Peiken
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.
Episodes
Friday, Oct. 16: Mayoral Race By Issues + Questions Over APD Surveillance + New Workforce Program
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 2035
Thursday, Oct. 15: Costco Approved + Boost to House Homeless + Look at NC Supreme Court Race
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 Street
Wednesday, Oct. 14: Early Voting Begins + Huge Warren Wilson Donation + Uncovered Artifiact in Canton
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Buncombe County early voting begins Oct. 15Pisgah Legal among three aid groups suing over lawmakers’ 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 mill
Tuesday, Oct. 13: Sixth Pedestrian Fatality + Complaints at Christian College + Untreated Wastewater Spills
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 NC’s $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
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 answers
Friday, Oct. 9: Hurricane Isaias Flooding Threat + Axon Contract Talk Delayed + Costco Proposal to Council
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 Walnut
Thursday, Oct. 8: Affordable Housing Rules Change + Deaf Community Storm Recovery + Graveyard Fields Trail
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 Carolina’s economic recovery plan says about the artsNew trail at Graveyard Fields to improve access for restoration, rescues
Wednesday, Oct. 7: Pedestrian Hit in AVL + Parkway Almost Fully Reopened + Henderson Home Buyouts
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 win
Tuesday, Oct. 6: Third Shooting Suspect Charged + NC-115 Race Closeup + Metro Mobility Struggles
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Third suspect charged in Asheville’s 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 development
Monday, Oct. 5: Bears Feeding Ban + Homelessness in West AVL + Hearing on Costco Zoning
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 hearing
Friday, Oct. 2: TDA Awards $11M + Competing 'Mountain Values' Ads + Voucher Change Hikes Housing Costs Hikes
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Buncombe TDA awards $11.2M to tourism-related projects, including RAD Creative CampusNC-11 candidates offer competing ‘mountain values’ 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 housing
Thursday, Oct. 1: Post-Helene Quality of Life + Tourism Ups/Downs + Craggy Mountains Designation
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Can North Carolina restore quality of life for the region’s 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 Asheville
Wednesday, Sept. 30: APD Cleared in Fatal Shooting + Housing Authority Overpayments + I-26 Connector Traffic
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 backups
Tuesday, Sept. 29: Referenda Redux + Post-Helene Water Needs + Unfunded Childcare Needs
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 WNC’s economic future after HeleneWhy haven't any childcare providers received federal funds yet?Jennifer Reed to be Buncombe Schools' 2nd-ever woman superintendent
Monday, Sept. 28: A newscast devoted to stories marking Hurricane Helene's two-year anniversary
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 floods
Friday, Sept. 21: Stepp Permanent APD Chief + Antitrust Lawsuit Blocked + Post-Helene Cooperation
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 WNC’s partisan divideFilling the gaps after Helene. Volunteer groups have stepped upBishop William Barber brings voter mobilization tour to Asheville
Thursday, Sept. 24: Property Tax Cap + Homelessness Assistance + 2-Year Helene Assessments
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 ‘unnatural disturbance’ after HeleneAfter Helene, some challenges remain despite economic improvementsBiltmore Village is focused on the future
Wednesday, Sept. 23: Another UNCA Enrollment Drop + Inside 'Save Dolly' Campaign + Candidates Forum
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 economy
Tuesday, Sept. 22: Certificate of Need Law Scrutiny + Microtransit Talk + New RAD Arts Facility?
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 years
Monday, Sept. 21: Two Years After Helene + Wanted Teen Surrenders + Small Plane Crashes
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Two years after Helene, recovery remains unfinished across WNCHelene’s $214 million toll on North Carolina forestsTeenager wanted in Asheville shootings surrendersCity partners with PEAK as charter school’s grade slides to ‘D’Small plane crashes in Arden, injuring 2
Friday, Sept. 18: About Closed Meetings + Bear Reprieve + UNCA Woods Go Batty
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 won’t 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 projects
Thursday, Sept. 17: Edwards Files Complaint + Absentee Ballot Warning + Silver-Line Cleanup
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 cleanup
Wednesday, Sept. 16: Flat Iron Fire + Montford Traffic + Community College Funding
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 state’s future tax rates and who controls themImpacts of NC’s new community college funding modelBlack Mountain rejects 4-foot floodplain standard
Tuesday, Sept. 15: Costco Redux + Deaverview Mountain Park + Vacant White Duck Fire
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
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:HCA CEO Sam Hazen: Mission must ‘earn’ 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 parks
Friday, Sept. 11: Students' Report Card + Rent Ordinance Enforceable? + Flock on Parkway
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 tracking
Thursday, Sept. 10: Rent Collection Ban + Rewriting Development Rules + Bear Policies
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' censure
Wednesday, Sept. 9: Buncombe Schools Job Cuts? + Apartment Supply Surges + Perceptions of NC Labor/Business
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Buncombe County Schools weighs eliminating 118 positions amid budget shortfallFrom gap to ‘glut’: Asheville apartment supply surgesOmni Grove Park Inn administrator arrested for alleged Nevada probation violationAsheville’s resilient plan for Gashes Creek Bridge rebuild after HeleneNorth Carolina ranks best for business economy, dead last for workers
Tuesday, Sept. 8: Pratt & Whitney Promises + Deaverview Development + Craggy Prison Land Future
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
SPECIAL: Jane Kramer navigates heart and history with 'Moon & Mother'
As a Labor Day bonus episode, I'm giving you my conversation with Asheville singer-songwriter Jane Kramer, which posted last week on my arts-focused platform, See Hear. I'll be back with your daily newscast Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Friday, Sept. 4: Buncombe Seeks $24 Million + Childcare Expansion + Pardee Raising Presence
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Buncombe County seeks $24 million for parks repairs, affordable housingNC announces $20 million to expand childcare in storm recovery areasI-40 rebuild in Pigeon River Gorge now $2.8BSwannanoa residents raise culvert concerns after repeated floodingPardee emerging from Mission’s shadow
Thursday, Sept. 3: Competing Recovery Narratives + Third County Jail Death + Bear Cubs Relocated
Today's Asheville newscast includes these stories:Rival Helene recovery narratives competed as Asheville hosted G20 summitThird Buncombe County jail death in 2026 under SBI reviewTwo bear cubs relocated as NC wildlife officials try to capture mother behind home break-insAger campaign fueled by 7,000 individual donationsAsheville Young Professionals hosts candidate event at Governor’s Western residence
Wednesday, Sept. 2: Edwards Censure + Measles in WNC + Rebuilding Asheville Muni Golf
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:House censors Chuck Edwards after ethics probeMeasles exposure warning for Asheville and Hendersonville locationsWingstop workers return after Asheville strike; demand safety, dignity and higher payAsheville Municipal Golf Course front nine rebuild after Tropical Storm HeleneThe Politics of Dissent: NC Supreme Court justice Anita Earls
Tuesday, Sept. 1: G20 Potential and Criticism + Roadless Rule Rollback + UNCA Millennial Campus
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Regional business leaders say G20 in Asheville will boost recovery investment, workforce, tourismDemonstrators point to Helene recovery funding shortfall amid G20 summitAsheville Salvation Army Center of Hope may close after funding gapEnvironmental, forest advocates raise concerns over proposed rollback of Roadless RuleOpinion: UNC Asheville chancellor praises community input on Millennial Campus
Monday, Aug. 31: G20 Summit Protests + Housing Strategies + Symphony to the Rescue
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Protesters criticize G20 as Helene recovery lags for workers and displaced residentsAsheville updates zoning to allow duplexes, larger ADUs and fewer parking minimumsMore than a refuge: Safe Shelter builds community in West AshevilleWeaver Park renovation sparks Little League, neighbor complaints over dugouts and playgroundAsheville Symphony launches PLAY and expands Youth Symphony tuition aid for students
Friday, Aug. 28: Edwards Defends Gifts + Fatal Police Shooting + Plan to Boost UNCA Enrollment
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Chuck Edwards defends poetry and gifts as not sexual misconductAsheville police fatally shoot knife-armed man after break-in callJury convicts Asheville woman in property fraud casePrivate equity-backed buyer could raise Asheville mobile home lot rent to $850 from $350UNC Asheville unveils plan aiming for 3,200 students by 2030
Thursday, Aug. 27: Zero Flocks Given + Transit Plan Delay + Bike Safety Zones
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Asheville Council ends Flock Safety contract immediately, removes 11 license plate camerasAsheville City Council delays transit plan, hears concerns about ADU changesBuncombe County requests community input on 10 county sidewalk projectBoards approve Lennie's Law creating Bicycle Safety Zones to boost bike safetyArtsAVL releases creative economy snapshots for 28 WNC counties
Wednesday, Aug. 26: County Property Tax Bills + G20 in Asheville + Unified Parks Recovery Design
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Buncombe County 2026 property tax bills due Jan. 5 payment plans reliefG20 finance meetings in Asheville bring spending and debate over Hurricane Helene aidStein announces $69M for western NC affordable rentals, $53M workforce homeownershipAsheville unveils unified Azalea Parks and Infrastructure recovery design after HeleneNC voters trust local elections more than national, poll shows
Tuesday, Aug. 25: APD Defends Flock + 3-Way Stop Sting + Park Signs Under Fed Review
Today's newscast references these stories:License plate readers provide critical leads in double homicide, APD saysNew three-way stop — and police enforcement there — has some drivers riled upUSDA official says Helene recovery in WNC could take 25 yearsLeela Livis was a mama's girl. Now she's at center of alleged poisoning caseLeaked NPS records flag WNC park signs for review
Monday, Aug. 24: Mission Control + Bus System Dependents + Mild Earthquake
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Public hearing: 'Mission Hospital should not get one more bed'City Council delays fixes to 'broken' bus systemNC Elections Board votes to allow early voting on WCU campusMagnitude 2.0 earthquake recorded Sunday near WeavervilleUNC Asheville undergraduates helped find Achilles’ heel in drug-resistant staph
Friday, Aug. 21: Pervasive Surveillance + Hospital Beds Skirmish + LEAF Garroted
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Ending Flock wouldn’t end Asheville’s license plate surveillance92 new hospital beds up for grabs amid anger at HCA, distrust of state regulatorsEarth Fare says Westgate shops will continue operating for ‘years’ despite UNC Health saleRoadless no more? Feds eye rule change in areas of national forestsLeaf Global Arts ceasing operations over financial challenges
Thursday, Aug. 20: Flock Off? + Parkway Debris Removal + G20 Summit Headed to AVL
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Asheville mayor calls for vote to terminate Flock camera contract1,500+ petition urges NPS to scale back Helene debris removal on Blue Ridge ParkwayGlobal finance leaders to descend on Asheville for G20 summitBear injures resident after entering unlocked home in north Buncombe CountyNew Asheville festival to celebrate historic neighborhoods
Wednesday, Aug. 19: Duplexes, In-Law Suites + ART Redesign Backlash + Auditorium Repairs
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Asheville considers zoning changes for more by-right duplexes and larger in-law suitesAsheville pauses ART transit redesign after backlashBuncombe releases first pedestrian plan for unincorporated areasBus driver shortage as Madison County Schools starts with shrinking routesCity fixes Thomas Wolfe Auditorium leaks, plans plaster and paint repairs
Tuesday, Aug. 18: Ager's Strategy + Buncombe Tourism Dollars + Canton Mayor's Rising Star
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:'Strategy is still the same': Jamie Ager after GOP opponent changeBuncombe visitor spending dips as Helene recovery lingersHelene funds, KOA rezoning top Buncombe County agendaHenderson County farmland push as $25 million open space bond nears voteCanton Mayor Zeb Smathers steering town's recovery since paper mill closure
Monday, Aug. 17: Low-Income Housing Scrutiny + Municipal Bonds + I-26, Bus Service Impacts
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Model for low-income housing faces scrutiny after shootingsNew campaign launches ahead of $70M Buncombe County bond voteRepublican Sen. Warren Daniel disappointed Buncombe raised property tax after appraisal freezeI-26 Connector project: 3rd-generation Burton Street resident shares concernAsheville resident fears losing bus service under proposed ART changes
Friday, Aug. 14: Candidates Talk, Learn in Shiloh + One Year After Goodwill Fire + Flock Cams in Madison
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Asheville municipal candidates discuss seniors, displacement, Helene recovery at Shiloh forumShiloh residents want Asheville growth without losing their neighborhoodGoodwill and Malvern Hills neighbors report improved security one year after Patton Avenue fireResidents question Madison County Flock license plate cameras and potential data misuseNCDOT says flooding on Weaverville Road involves failing drainage on private property
Thursday, Aug. 13: Race of Underdogs + Hospital Monopolies + Conservationists vs. Forest Service
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Analysis: In District 11, it's now Underdog v. UnderdogHospital monopolies raise prices, with Mission Hospital Asheville charging double knee surgery costsBuncombe voters to decide $70M affordable housing, open space bondsThe Park Service is removing trees downed by Helene. Conservationists are asking them to stopAsheville High history teacher Tracey Barrett named North Carolina History Teacher of the Year
Wednesday, Aug. 12: Orchestra Program's Final Note + Pedestrian Plan + Mountaineer Inn Sign
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Despite protests, board vote ends in tie, cutting Asheville City Schools’ orchestra program Asheville veterans housing to rebuild with $32 million and FEMA aidAsheville zoning panel supports more duplexes and ADUs, removes parking requirementsCommunity invited to review priority projects for Buncombe County Pedestrian PlanPreservation efforts continue for Mountaineer Inn's iconic neon signs
Tuesday, Aug. 11: Balkcom Replaced Edwards on Ballot + AVL Schools Cut Orchestra + Tunnel Road Cleanup
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:Republicans choose Balkcom to replace Rep. Chuck Edwards on November ballotAsheville City Schools cancels its orchestra program amid community outcryTunnel Road cleanup fosters connection between community members and the unhoused137-acre land preservation project boosts recreation opportunities in Mars HillDebate over proposed 524 apartments near Swannanoa River amid flood concerns
Monday, Aug. 10: New 'Crucial' Evidence + AVL Schools Controversy + AT Section Reopens
Today's Asheville newscast references these stories:New evidence in Asheville shooting investigation analyzed by FBIControversy is a constant at Asheville Schools; now, so is the superintendentUNC Asheville professors receive NIH grant to combat drug-resistant bacteriaImpact Health part of transforming healthcare in Western NCAppalachian Trail section reopens after Hurricane Helene damage and repairs