WLOS News 13
Annual travel writers convention spotlights Haywood County
- Title
- Annual travel writers convention spotlights Haywood County
- Runtime
- 2:06
- Date posted
- 6 hours ago
- Description
- Over two years after Helene hit western North Carolina, Haywood County is getting a chance to showcase what the community has to offer and how far it's come by hosting the 70th annual Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) convention.
The annual convention has been hosted in areas across the world, such as Istanbul, Puerto Rico and New Zealand.
"Our annual convention has been held worldwide. We've been in destinations in Canada and across the United States," said Jason Frye, chair of the 2026 convention and travel writer for freelance print and broadcast. "We go where there are interesting stories to explore and interesting people to meet."
The 2026 annual convention marks the first time it's been held in North Carolina.
"It's really an exciting moment for us; we've had smaller meetings with our chapters geographically divided and our councils, which are sort of divided by subject matter, but we've not yet met with the whole group ...
- Title
- Black bear brawl!!!
- Runtime
- 0:31
- Date posted
- 12 hours ago
- Description
- Watch out, it's a bear brawl! Thank you to Stephanie McClellan for sharing this adorable video of bears playing. Got cute wildlife footage? Share it with us: https://wlos.com/chimein
#bears #wildlife #cute
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. We keep our audienc...
- Title
- Bear-feeding rule in Buncombe County could bring criminal penalties
- Runtime
- 2:33
- Date posted
- 12 hours ago
- Description
- Feeding black bears in Buncombe County could soon carry criminal consequences under an emergency rule approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as officials respond to hundreds of reported bear encounters and a growing number of bears entering homes.
The rule prohibits intentionally feeding black bears as well as leaving out food that attracts them. That could include unsecured trash and outdoor pet food.
Bird feeders are not automatically prohibited. However, they could fall under the rule if they attract bears that threaten human safety or cause property damage. Legal bait used for regulated hunting is treated similarly.
The commission says more than 40% of the human-bear interactions reported statewide occur in Buncombe County, primarily in Asheville, Black Mountain and Swannanoa.
READ MORE: https://wlos.com/news/local/new-bear-feeding-rule-buncombe-county-criminal-penalties-emergency-incidents-food-damage-injuri...
- Title
- GOP group redirects funds from Michael Whatley's Senate campaign in North Carolina
- Runtime
- 3:21
- Date posted
- 20 hours ago
- Description
- A major Republican super PAC is reportedly pulling back its advertising in North Carolina with just weeks to go before the midterm election.
The Senate Leadership Fund has already spent more than $30 million supporting Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley. But the group is reportedly shifting some of its resources to other competitive Senate races, including one in Kansas.
The move comes as Whatley continues to trail Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper in recent polling. In an interview Friday, Andy Jackson, a political expert and director at Civitas Center for Public Integrity at the John Locke Foundation, said the spending shift may be more a reflection of the race than the cause.
"This is not really the decisive factor. I think this is a reaction to this lack of movement on Whatley's part," Jackson said.
Jackson explained that outside groups have to consider their resources with so many competitive races happening across t...
- Title
- Friday Night Rivals: Enka vs. North Buncombe
- Runtime
- 3:28:56
- Date posted
- 21 hours ago
- Description
- Friday Night Rivals returns for its seventh game of the 2026 high school football season as Enka travels to North Buncombe!
Sponsored by Bojangles.
- Title
- Take The Power Back | Explosion of AI Data Centers Across the US
- Runtime
- 27:01
- Date posted
- 23 hours ago
- Description
- An explosion of data centers being constructed across the U.S. is moving forward amid growing opposition from communities.
The data centers fuel an increasingly digital way of life, including the rise of artificial intelligence, but many are concerned about their environmental impacts and how they might transform the cities and towns where they're built.
The National News Desk and Spotlight on America investigate the many factors at play, including national security and domestic energy concerns, as data centers sweep the nation.
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream...
- Title
- Area leaders look to make water system more resilient following Helene
- Runtime
- 2:15
- Date posted
- 1 day ago
- Description
- Area leaders are looking at plans to make the water system more resilient to storms, as Helene recovery continues two years later.
Full story:
https://wlos.com/news/local/asheville-water-system-helene-recovery-flood-resilience-natural-infrastructure-future-storms
#hurricanehelene #helenerecovery #helene #water #infrastructure
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
- Title
- Bear in Hendersonville tends to an itch
- Runtime
- 0:27
- Date posted
- 1 day ago
- Description
- This bear had one thing on its mind: scratch that itch. 🐻 Watch as it stops by a tree for a good scratch in Hendersonville, N.C.🌲
You can share your wildlife photos and videos through News 13's Chime In: https://wlos.com/chimein
#bears #wncbears #bearvideos #hendersonvillenc
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and t...
- Title
- Asheville's Smith-McDowell House: A witness to a changing America
- Runtime
- 3:12
- Date posted
- 1 day ago
- Description
- The story of America has always been a story of change, but what gives all that change meaning are the people and places that help us see the larger American story.
One of those places sits on a hill in Asheville in the middle of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical College campus. Built in 1840, the Smith-McDowell House has witnessed nearly two centuries of change.
“If you imagine, when you look out this door in the 1840s, you're going to see nothing but mountains, trees, logging, things like that,” says Leanne Johnson, Executive Director of the Asheville Museum of History.
When the house was built, it stood on several acres of land, far from the city Asheville would eventually become. The house was built by James Smith, an entrepreneur who saw opportunity in the growing mountain community and built a nearby bridge to help move livestock across the river.
According to Johnson, “Every pig, chicken, cow, turkey that came through ther...
- Title
- Friday Football Frenzy: Oct. 2, 2026
- Runtime
- 12:20
- Date posted
- 1 day ago
- Description
- Week 7 of Friday Football Frenzy is in the books!
Catch highlights from high school football action across the mountains, including Asheville’s 23-21 win over T.C. Roberson, Pisgah’s 28-27 victory over West Henderson, Franklin’s 42-33 win over Tuscola and Cherokee’s 57-21 victory over Hayesville. #news #sports #football
Check out more scores, photos and Friday night football coverage from across Western North Carolina.
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it dire...
- Title
- Travel writers convention spotlights Haywood County
- Runtime
- 1:14
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- Over two years after Helene hit western North Carolina, Haywood County is getting a chance to showcase what the community has to offer and how far it's come by hosting the 70th annual Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) convention.
The annual convention has been hosted in areas across the world, such as Istanbul, Puerto Rico and New Zealand.
"Our annual convention has been held worldwide. We've been in destinations in Canada and across the United States," said Jason Frye, chair of the 2026 convention and travel writer for freelance print and broadcast. "We go where there are interesting stories to explore and interesting people to meet."
The 2026 annual convention marks the first time it's been held in North Carolina.
READ MORE: https://wlos.com/news/local/70th-annual-convention-spotlights-haywood-county-helene-recovery-hurricane-society-american-travel-writers-western-north-carolina
#travel #writers #haywoodcounty<...
- Title
- New mural of Chimney Rock's history and recovery
- Runtime
- 3:02
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- If you happen to be coming into Chimney Rock from Bat Cave on US-64, the change in the area is obvious.
From the drastic shifts in the landscape post-Helene, to the businesses still working their way back, to the wandering goat who has adopted the town as its new home.
"Chimney Rock is a special place. It kinda gets ahold of you," Peter O'Leary said.
He would know. He opened Bubba O'Leary's General Store over 30 years ago.
"I was at another job at Chimney Rock Park and left there, and we decided we wanted to stay in Chimney Rock and didn't know what to do, so we said, 'Let's start a general store," O'Leary said.
He also happens to be the mayor of Chimney Rock.
As business owner and mayor, O'Leary's been at the center of the flurry of activity, which might be why he looked to someone else to take a big-picture approach to the new coat of paint going on the side of his general store.
"I don't paint...
- Title
- 100+ inmates remain on death row in North Carolina
- Runtime
- 2:41
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- North Carolina has one of the largest death row populations in the country, with 122 inmates awaiting execution, including two women. It's the fifth-largest death row population in the country.
The issue is drawing renewed attention following the botched execution of Tennessee death row inmate Christa Pike, who has been on death row since 1996.
So why does North Carolina have more than 100 people still awaiting execution?
Death penalty cases can take years, and sometimes decades, to work their way through the appeals process.
But North Carolina also faces another obstacle when it comes to carrying out executions. State law requires a physician or qualified medical professional to be present to monitor a lethal injection or requires a doctor to be on the premises.
At the same time, the North Carolina Medical Board has long maintained that physician participation in an execution is unethical. That puts state law and medical...
- Title
- Cornell University sexual assault investigation: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul & AG Letitia James
- Runtime
- 13:06
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James provide an update on the Cornell University sexual assault investigation.
https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/governor-hochul-pulls-tompkins-county-da-from-cornell-rape-case-nys-ag-takes-over
#cornell #investigation #newyork #letitiajames #kathyhochul #news
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area...
- Title
- Renewed criminal case Civil lawsuit prompts closer look at alleged Cornell fraternity assault
- Runtime
- 5:32
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- New York criminal law attorney Jonna Spilbor told The National News Desk the criminal and civil matters are “two totally separate tracks,” but said they are now likely to overlap because the district attorney has reopened the investigation and intends to present the case to a grand jury.
https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/civil-lawsuit-prompts-renewed-criminal-scrutiny-in-cornell-fraternity-assault-case-university-police-grand-jury-civil#
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
- Title
- News 13 Morning Minute for Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
- Runtime
- 0:54
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- There's a new N.C. Wildlife rule aimed a preventing human interaction with bears. Plus, ABCCM's Rev. Rogers announces his retirement. This is your News 13 Morning Minute for Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.
- Title
- The botched execution of Christa Pike
- Runtime
- 9:33
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Christa Pike is still alive as of Thursday afternoon and is in critical condition, her attorneys confirmed during a virtual press conference.
Read more: https://fox17.com/news/local/christa-pike-remains-alive-in-critical-condition-after-failed-execution-attorneys-say
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of western North Carolina and Upstate Sout...
- Title
- Helene recovery continues in Asheville's River Arts District
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- The River Arts District looks dramatically different from the scene left behind after Helene, but local business owners and community leaders say rebuilding is far from over.
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer joined local business owners and community leaders Wednesday to discuss the ongoing recovery and the challenges still facing businesses and residents following the storm.
The event included a tour of Asheville Cotton Mill Studios, where owner Jannette Montenegro showed those in attendance through the building and explained how her business rebuilt after being heavily damaged by Helene's flooding.
Montenegro and her family purchased the building in 2017. Before Helene, she described the Cotton Mill as a bustling part of the River Arts District.
Then the floodwaters came.
"I remember thinking I had been dropped into a scene out of 'The Walking Dead,'" Montenegro said.
After the water receded, Montenegro sai...
- Title
- Haywood County fills $2M water project gap
- Runtime
- 1:20
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Helene showed how critical it is to have a reliable water supply during a disaster. A new project in Haywood County aims to help provide a more reliable system county-wide.
"The interconnect goes both ways; [it] connects two separate water treatment plants into a county-wide emergency interconnect system," said Robert Hites, Haywood County water interconnect project coordinator.
During Helene, the County faced many issues, one being getting water to residents in both Canton and Clyde.
"If we can interconnect two million gallons a day, we can provide Canton with emergency water when they have damage to their water system or a drought or a fire, and the opposite is true. Canton can provide Waynesville with water if we have a catastrophic loss of water," Hites said.
Waynesville, which is already connected to Maggie Valley's water system, is known for having a strong water system, even helping Asheville out during Helene.
"I ...
- Title
- New changes and more underway for Asheville park
- Runtime
- 1:46
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Weaver Park is seeing some long-awaited changes after an $800,000 renovation left residents pushing for more.
Four new benches are now at the playground, power has been restored to the restrooms and scoreboard and a custom rubber ramp is on the way to improve playground accessibility, according to the city's project page. More upgrades are also planned for the ballfield, and the city said that work could begin starting Thursday, Oct. 1.
These changes follow concerns ranging from playground seating and accessibility to features used by North Asheville Little League. Asheville City Council member Bo Hess said he has been pressing other city officials to address these issues. As more plans for upgrades move forward, Hess said he is still trying to figure out what went wrong in the first place.
“We need to go further and we need a full accounting of where the money went, why the proper public engagement process was not followed, and making sure, aga...
- Title
- News 13 Morning Minute for Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2026
- Runtime
- 0:55
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Changes to SNAP and Medicaid benefits take effect today. Plus, expect hot weather once again today as October begins. This is your News 13 Morning Minute for Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
- Title
- Asheville City Schools join nationwide social media lawsuit
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Asheville City Schools has joined more than 2,000 school districts in a nationwide lawsuit against major social media companies, alleging platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube were designed to keep young people online and have contributed to a student mental health crisis.
The Asheville City Board of Education filed its case Sept. 17 in federal court in Northern California. The lawsuit seeks money for past, current and future expenses the district says are connected to increased student mental health needs.
The lawsuit names the companies behind the platforms and alleges features such as endless scrolling, constant notifications, weak age verification and limited parental controls help keep young users engaged. It alleges the platforms have contributed to anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and eating disorders among students.
Asheville City Schools Board Vice Chair Rebecca Strimer said the district joined after ...
- Title
- Fact-checking political ads in North Carolina
- Runtime
- 2:35
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- By now, you’ve probably seen plenty of political mudslinging as negative ads ramp up across western North Carolina TV and social media.
But who checks those claims before they hit the air?
No government agency pre-screens political advertisements for accuracy before they’re broadcast. Federal and state laws do require certain disclosures about who paid for political ads, but those requirements are different from fact-checking the claims made in the ads.
That means candidates and political groups often answer one ad with another — leaving voters to sort through the claims.
Ad falsely links Cooper to South Carolina murder
One of the ads currently airing in North Carolina targets former Gov. Roy Cooper, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.
The ad features Stephen Federico, whose daughter, Logan, was killed during a 2025 home invasion in Columbia, South Carolina.
“Logan was the most cari...
- Title
- Tourism tax dollars fund Buncombe County projects
- Runtime
- 1:46
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- More than $11.2 million in tourism tax revenue is going toward 10 projects across Buncombe County, including Helene recovery efforts and new and improved community spaces.
The funding comes through the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority's Legacy Investment from Tourism Fund, or LIFT Fund.
"What's really important about the Legacy Investment from Tourism Fund is that it is occupancy tax dollars that are paid by visitors that stay in hotels, vacation rentals, or bed and breakfasts. It is net new revenue that comes into our community that gets invested into our community for our quality of life," said Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville.
Isley said visitors contribute to the local economy through their spending and the taxes generated during their stays.
"I think it's really important when we think about visitors coming into our community that they bring revenue into local businesses, but they also bring tax reve...
- Title
- VP Vance speaks at Port Alpha in Brownsville
- Runtime
- 2:22
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- Vice President Vance joins Texas Governor Greg Abbott at the groundbreaking ceremony for Saronic Technologies’ Port Alpha manufacturing facility at the Port of Brownsville.
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. We keep our audience informed through local news, weather ...
- Title
- Celebrating Tammy Watford: A remarkable 33 years at News 13
- Runtime
- 3:37
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- After 33 years of telling the stories of western North Carolina, longtime News 13 anchor and reporter Tammy Watford is retiring.
Tammy joined News 13 in 1993 and became one of the most familiar faces at WLOS and a trusted presence for generations of viewers across western North Carolina. But Tammy's impact has always extended well beyond the anchor desk.
Through “Never Stop Learning,” she spent years visiting schools across the mountains, celebrating students and teachers, and sharing their stories with our viewers.
Two longtime News 13 photojournalists who traveled with Tammy on many of those visits remember what happened when the camera wasn't necessarily focused on her.
“I'll never forget, if we were in an elementary classroom, kindergarten classroom, if the teacher was busy elsewhere and we were focusing on a particular child and they needed help with something, needed help with a lesson, you would jump in and start helping ...
- Title
- Vice President Vance speaks at Saronic Technologies' Port Alpha groundbreaking
- Runtime
- 6:45
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- Vice President Vance joins Texas Governor Greg Abbott at the groundbreaking ceremony for Saronic Technologies’ Port Alpha manufacturing facility at the Port of Brownsville.
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. We keep our audience informed through local news, weather forecas...
- Title
- Asheville bear break-in: Wildlife officials urge residents to secure food
- Runtime
- 2:16
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- A black bear broke through an Asheville garage window to reach trash inside, with her cubs waiting nearby, according to video shared by a homeowner. Wildlife officials say food-driven encounters such as this can become more common as bears prepare for winter.
The video was recorded in a neighborhood on Faircrest Road. The homeowner said the bear appeared to be drawn to a trash can inside the garage.
Next-door neighbor Lisa Ringelspaugh-Ervine said it was not the first time bears had found food in the neighborhood.
"They got everything out of my freezer, ate what they could, took the rest with them, left a big mess, really, really big, nasty mess," Ringelspaugh-Ervine said.
Ashley Hobbs, BearWise coordinator for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said bears breaking into garages for trash, pet food, refrigerators and freezers are common calls in Asheville.
"A lot of people are shocked, but for me, from my pe...
- Title
- Buncombe County Commission candidates talk about local economy (FULL VIDEO)
- Runtime
- 28:55
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- Buncombe County Commissioner candidates participated in a forum focused on the local economy on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. Candidates include Al Whitesides, Lonnie Israel, Greg Parks, Anna Stearns, and Rob Stetson. Parks was unable to attend the forum due to being out of town.
#news #election
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area a...
- Title
- Asheville violent crime at lowest level in 5+ years: police
- Runtime
- 2:39
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- Violent crime in Asheville is at its lowest level in more than five years, according to new data from the Asheville Police Department.
APD reports 286 violent crime cases through the first eight months of 2026, which is 33% below the department's four-year average of 430 cases during the same period from 2021 through 2024. The numbers also show a continued decline compared with last year. APD reported 301 violent crime cases through the first eight months of 2025.
"The reality is our violent crime is down," said Asheville Police Chief Jackie Stepp, who was recently promoted from interim chief to chief after leading the department for most of the past year.
Firearm-related homicide investigations are also below the department's historical average.
Through Sept. 23, APD had recorded four firearm-related homicide cases in 2026. That is the same number reported for all of 2025 and 43% below the four-year average. Stepp said APD has been u...
- Title
- Asheville City Council candidates answer questions about local economy (FULL VIDEO)
- Runtime
- 41:10
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Candidates for Asheville City Council participated in a forum focused on the local economy on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. Drew Ball, Maggie Ullman, Jeffrey Burroughs, Keith Young, and Antanette Mosley attended. The moderator said Sheneika E. Smith did not respond to requests to participate. #news
Drew Ball is a current Buncombe County Commissioner running for Asheville City Council. As to why he’s not seeking re-election with the county, Ball said redistricting maps placed him in the same district as Commissioner Al Whitesides.
Jeffrey Burroughs is an artist, small business owner, and community advocate, known for their work revitalizing Asheville’s River Arts District, particularly in the wake of Helene.
Antanette Mosley is an attorney and the current Vice Mayor of Asheville. She chairs the Housing and Community Development Committee. She was appointed to city council in 2020, elected in 2022, and now seeking reelection.
Sheneika Sm...
- Title
- Asheville mayoral candidates talk about local economy (FULL VIDEO)
- Runtime
- 31:19
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Asheville mayoral candidates Mayor Esther Manheimer and City Council member Kim Roney participated in a candidate forum at the Diana Wortham Theater Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, focused on the local economy. These are the unedited questions and answers from that forum. #election #news #raw
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of west...
- Title
- Asheville's Outdoor Media Summit highlights Helene recovery
- Runtime
- 1:52
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Asheville's Outdoor Media Summit highlights Helene recovery and the impacts on tourism in the area.
Full story:
https://wlos.com/news/local/asheville-outdoor-media-summit-western-north-carolina-tourism-economy-helene-recovery
#hurricanehelene #helenerecovery #tourism #asheville
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Ashevi...
- Title
- News 13 Morning Minute for Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
- Runtime
- 1:00
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- We have new details on a deadly shooting that happened earlier this year on Biltmore Avenue. Plus, the new Asheville police chief talks about the department's priorities as she takes on her new role. This is your News 13 Morning Minute for Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.
- Title
- North Carolina black bear breaks through garage door window in search of food
- Runtime
- 0:29
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- WATCH: A homeowner in Asheville, North Carolina, caught a mama black bear breaking the glass window of her garage door to get access to trash inside. Read the full story and what the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission had to say: https://bit.ly/4z4tn8h
- Title
- Eliada Home's annual corn maze, its biggest fundraiser, takes form
- Runtime
- 2:49
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Eliada Home's largest fundraiser each year is its annual corn maze for the fall. It is now taking shape as the crop is growing into the form of the maze. For the full story, go to this link: https://wlos.com/community/carolina-moment/eliada-homes-corn-maze-grows-annual-fundraiser-community-tradition-asheville-nonprofit-crop-soil-field-fall-autumn-families
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
- Title
- Asheville's new police chief, Jackie Stepp, outlines priorities
- Runtime
- 2:45
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- After being named Asheville’s new police chief, Jackie Stepp is outlining her priorities for the department in her first sit-down interview since officially taking the job. #news #safety #crime
Stepp was named Asheville's permanent police chief on Sept. 24 following a national search. She had served as interim chief for the previous 10 months.
Stepp has been with the Asheville Police Department since 2005 and has served in several roles, including deputy chief, captain, lieutenant and sergeant.
Stepp: Past year was 'unprecedented'
Looking back at her time as interim chief, Stepp says the department faced an unusually difficult year.
"This last year in particular has really been an unprecedented year," Stepp said.
She pointed to two large shooting incidents in the community and four officer-involved shootings during that time.
At the same time, Stepp said officers continued working to reduce cri...
- Title
- Elk encounter caught on camera. What Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitors should know
- Runtime
- 2:07
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Elk have been a major tourist draw to western North Carolina ever since their reintroduction to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2001. This is especially true during the fall season when leaves change color and draw even more visitors to the park.
The change of season is also the start of elk mating season, also known as “the rut.” During this time, bulls (male elk) become more aggressive amid increased human-elk encounters.
A recent social media video shows an interaction between a man and an elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The video shows a man getting within 25 yards of a bull elk, a distance the National Park Service says is as close as those encountering elk should ever be.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center officials confirmed the incident to News 13.
"There was a guy that got entirely too close to a bull elk. They're in rut right now, so they're very aggressive, and they're territorial, so the elk was defendin...
- Title
- Jackie Stepp outlines priorities as Asheville's police chief (FULL INTERVIEW)
- Runtime
- 9:54
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- After being named Asheville’s new police chief, Jackie Stepp is outlining her priorities for the department in her first sit-down interview since officially taking the job. #news
Stepp was named Asheville's permanent police chief on Sept. 24 following a national search. She had served as interim chief for the previous 10 months.
Stepp has been with the Asheville Police Department since 2005 and has served in several roles, including deputy chief, captain, lieutenant and sergeant.
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/...
- Title
- NOAA unveils new flood mapping tech
- Runtime
- 0:30
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- New technology from NOAA can not only better communicate flood risks, but more importantly, help visualize them, as well. The newer models, called Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM), will allow for a much better idea of what to expect the next time it floods.
- Title
- News 13 Morning Minute for Monday, Sept. 28, 2026
- Runtime
- 0:55
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Gov. Stein was in WNC on Sunday, marking 2 years since Helene devastated the area. Plus, we have a taste of fall weather today with slightly cooler temperatures. This is your News 13 Morning Minute for Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.
- Title
- Daughter remembers her mother who disappeared 2 years ago during Helene
- Runtime
- 1:18
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Two years after Helene devastated western North Carolina, five people who disappeared during the storm remain missing, including Kim Ashby.
Ashby’s daughter shares what the past two years have been like, the closure a death certificate has brought and what she wants the community to know as recovery continues.
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the...
- Title
- Daughter remembers her mother who disappeared 2 years ago during Helene
- Runtime
- 9:15
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Two years after Helene devastated western North Carolina, five people who disappeared during the storm remain missing, including Kim Ashby.
Ashby’s daughter shares what the past two years have been like, the closure a death certificate has brought and what she wants the community to know as recovery continues.
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the...
- Title
- Breaking down leaf season in western N.C.
- Runtime
- 1:17
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Jason Boyer provides more details on when to expect peak color-changing leaf season in western North Carolina.
#fall #weather #driving
MORE: https://wlos.com/newsletter-daily/western-north-carolina-weather-cooldown-fall-cold-front-temperatures-rain
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of western North Carolina and Up...
- Title
- Helene rainfall data reveals radar gaps
- Runtime
- 2:41
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- “We’ve known for a long time that we have radar holes in the mountains, gaps in radar coverage, especially at low levels,” said Christopher Godfrey, professor and chair of Atmospheric Sciences at UNC Asheville.
UNC Asheville researchers are now using rainfall data from Helene to measure how those gaps affect weather radar estimates across Western North Carolina.
Helene’s unusually high rainfall totals gave researchers a clearer comparison between radar estimates and rain gauges.
Much of Western North Carolina is monitored by radar in Greer, South Carolina. Radar scans at several elevations. Mountains can block the lowest beam. The beam also rises farther above the ground as it travels away from the radar. Both factors can limit how well precipitation near the surface is sampled in the mountains.
At several mountain locations studied so far, radar estimated about 20% to 33% less precipitation than nearby gauges.
At...
- Title
- Family still searching for 2 Helene victims
- Runtime
- 5:27
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- Nearly two years after Helene devastated western North Carolina, 48-year-old Anna Wiebe of Burnsville still lives with the unanswered questions surrounding the deaths of four members of her family.
Wiebe had helped her family leave war-torn Ukraine and come to North Carolina for a safer life. Instead, they were caught in catastrophic flooding along the South Toe River in Yancey County on Sept. 27, 2024.
The bodies of Wiebe’s mother, Tetyana Novitnia, and her 13-year-old nephew, Yevhenii Segen, have never been found.
Wiebe’s sister, Anastasiia Novitnia Segen, 42, and brother-in-law, Dmytro Segen, were recovered in the days following Helene.
"It’s hard enough when somebody you love dies from illness," said Anna. "But when four members of your family go missing and two of them still not found it makes it even harder."
Wiebe, who is originally from Ukraine, married Ryan Wiebe, who had roots in western North Carolina. Th...
- Title
- Lawmaker visits Helene-damaged horse sanctuary
- Runtime
- 3:37
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- A News 13 investigation that ended with a direct invitation brought a western North Carolina lawmaker to a Candler horse sanctuary still dealing with damage from Helene.
Last month, Missed Path Sanctuary co-owner Marc DiFrancia challenged state Rep. Brian Turner to visit the property and see the damage for himself.
"I would love Brian Turner to come out here and see this with his own eyes," DiFrancia said during the original investigation, "and explain to me why this didn't matter."
The invitation was passed along to Turner. He agreed to come. This week, Turner arrived at the sanctuary, shook hands with DiFrancia and co-owner Mike Cooper, and began a tour of the property.
"Good to meet you, Brian. Thanks for coming," Cooper said.
"Yeah, absolutely," Turner responded.
Seeing the damage firsthand
DiFrancia and Cooper had spent nearly two years trying to explain the damage through applications, phone calls...
- Title
- Helene flooding in 2024
- Runtime
- 0:06
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- Here’s a look at Helene flooding back in 2024 on the South Toe River in Yancey County. This video was shot from a Wiebe family member’s front porch.
Nearly two years after the storm devastated western North Carolina, 48-year-old Anna Wiebe of Burnsville still lives with the unanswered questions surrounding the deaths of four family members.
The bodies of Wiebe’s mother, Tetyana Novitnia, and her 13-year-old nephew, Yevhenii Segen, have not been found.
MORE: https://wlos.com/news/local/helene-missing-family-burnsville-western-flooding-debris-sheriff-yancey-county-damage-trailer-south-toe-river-north-carolina-ukraine
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?su...
- Title
- Secretary of State Rubio to target those who engage in or facilitate birth tourism
- Runtime
- 2:35
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Yet another target in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown is what he refers to as "birth tourism," when pregnant women from outside the United States travel to give birth in this country.
Under the 14th Amendment, their babies are then given U.S. citizenship.
_______________
Follow WLOS on social media:
WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/
WLOS ABC 13 News on X: https://x.com/WLOS_13
WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13
Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
--
WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of weste...
- Title
- Friday Night Rivals: Blacksburg vs. Landrum
- Runtime
- 3:29:05
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Friday Night Rivals is back tonight as Blacksburg travels to Landrum! Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. (NOTE: The stream may go to black during commercial breaks.)
WATCH: https://bit.ly/3TkHOpG
