WLOS News 13
Asheville plans heat safety steps for July 4th festivities
- Title
- Asheville plans heat safety steps for July 4th festivities
- Runtime
- 2:18
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- With dangerous heat expected across western North Carolina this Fourth of July, organizers in Asheville and Buncombe County are taking extra precautions to help people celebrate safely.
The Asheville Downtown Association's Independence Day Block Party will once again take over the South Slope on Saturday, July 4. Restaurants, breweries and other venues will open at 12 p.m., with live music and activities beginning at 3 p.m. and continuing until 10 p.m.
Executive Director Hayden Plemmons encourages visitors to spend time inside South Slope businesses during the hottest part of the day.
"We encourage people to show those businesses some love during the day," Plemmons said.
When the street festival begins, organizers will have several ways for people to stay cool, including cooling stations with free cold water, misters and fans. Additional free water, misters and fans will also be available at the main stage in Asheville Yards.
- Title
- One year passes as anniversary of Texas Hill Country Flood disaster approaches
- Runtime
- 35:17
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Nearly one year after the devastating July 4 flooding that claimed the lives of 25 campers and two counselors at Camp Mystic, the Texas Hill Country camp has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.
The filing comes as the camp faces mounting legal, financial, and regulatory pressure following the disaster along the Guadalupe River. Camp Mystic has been under increasing scrutiny since the July 4 flood, which also killed the camp’s owner, Richard Eastland.
RELATED: State investigators issue final Camp Mystic report detailing failures during July 4 flood
Camp Mystic listed its debt at more than $10 million, according to the filing made in federal bankruptcy court in Houston.
“Bankruptcy will not stop all responsible parties from being held accountable,” Paul Yetter, a lawyer who represents multiple families of campers and counselors who died at Camp Mystic, said in a statement. “These innocent girls deserve justice.”
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- Title
- Mental healthcare expansion at detention facility
- Runtime
- 2:40
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The Buncombe County Detention Facility has launched a new partnership with correctional healthcare provider Wellpath in a move that officials say will improve mental health care, increase nursing staff and enhance safety inside the jail.
The partnership officially took effect July 1, with Wellpath replacing the facility's previous healthcare provider under a two-year contract that runs through June 30, 2028.
Sheriff Quentin Miller said the new provider is better equipped to meet the growing healthcare needs of the jail population, particularly detainees experiencing mental illness.
"We have like 234 people that have been labeled, if you will, with mental health issues, and so this provides us opportunity to work with someone who has the staff to help us meet those needs," Sheriff Miller said.
According to the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, Wellpath is contracted to provide 26.8 full-time equivalent healthcare positions. Officials s...
- Title
- Waynesville's social district
- Runtime
- 1:44
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- After years of working toward creating a social district, the Town of Waynesville's town council voted on Tuesday, June 23, to officially establish one.
At a town council meeting, Beth Gilmore, Executive Director of the Downtown Waynesville Commission (DWC), presented a new social district plan to the council, which was passed.
"Just a few months ago, the DWC decided to reinitiate that process and come back to council with a new request. This time our request was for social district three days of the week, our initial request we were asking for social district seven days a week," Gilmore said.
The days were shortened to Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Previously, the town has relied on temporary social districts for events like the Ice Block Party. The boundary line for where people can have alcoholic beverages during the temporary social district only included a portion of Main Street from after the Haywood County Co...
- Title
- Asheville tourism before July 4
- Runtime
- 2:07
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Businesses across Asheville are preparing for a busy Fourth of July weekend as the city welcomes an influx of visitors during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Local restaurants, shops and tour companies say they are already seeing increased foot traffic ahead of the holiday, a trend they expect to continue through the weekend.
"Sales are up, definitely compared to last year. We're up about 30% from last year," said Jennifer Lauzon, owner of LaZoom Tours.
"Fourth of July is a really popular time for people to be traveling, and we'll see that here in Asheville with visitors coming in," said Erin Leonard, vice president of communications with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce.
While business owners welcome the crowds, some say the city is still working toward full recovery following Helene.
"We're still about 20% down from pre-Helene numbers, but that's a little bit to be expected because Asheville's still in r...
- Title
- Did Alaska receive the saddest display at the Great American State Fair
- Runtime
- 1:08
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Security will be tighter than ever for this year’s Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall as federal officials prepare for hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to attend one of the nation’s largest Independence Day events.
View the gallery here: https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/america-250-gallery-great-american-state-fair-booths-who-participated-which-states-did-not-show-national-mall-donald-trump-red-blue-administration-july-4-celebration-activities?photo=1
Read about the Great American Fair: https://news4sanantonio.com/news/nation-world/fourth-of-july-national-mall-washington-dc-security-national-special-event-nsse-secret-service-america-250-fireworks-homeland-fbi-law-enforcement-checkpoints-screening-trump-no-threats
#greatamericanfair #fourthofjuly #4thofjulycelebration #alaska #unitedstates #washingtondc
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- Title
- Vehicle sought as Swannanoa death investigated as a homicide
- Runtime
- 1:25
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The death of a man found badly injured along U.S. 70 (Swannanoa) in June is being investigated as a homicide, and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is now asking for the public’s help identifying a vehicle and its driver. #news #nc
At around 11 p.m. on June 8, the sheriff’s office responded to a call reported as a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at 1916 U.S. Highway 70 in Swannanoa.
At the scene, deputies and first responders found Saeid Mohammad Khoshnoud, 71, lying in the road with serious injuries. Deputies said Khoshnoud was taken to Mission Hospital, where he died.
Although the sheriff’s office said the circumstances surrounding Khoshnoud’s death and how he died are part of a pending criminal investigation and could not be shared, it said, “Information our Detectives received after the autopsy is not consistent with a vehicle versus pedestrian death.”
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- Title
- New correctional healthcare provider in western NC
- Runtime
- 0:49
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The Buncombe County Detention Facility has launched a new partnership with correctional healthcare provider Wellpath in a move that officials say will improve mental health care, increase nursing staff and enhance safety inside the jail.
The partnership officially took effect July 1, with Wellpath replacing the facility's previous healthcare provider under a two-year contract that runs through June 30, 2028.
Sheriff Quentin Miller said the new provider is better equipped to meet the growing healthcare needs of the jail population, particularly detainees experiencing mental illness.
"We have like 234 people that have been labeled, if you will, with mental health issues, and so this provides us opportunity to work with someone who has the staff to help us meet those needs," Sheriff Miller said.
According to the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, Wellpath is contracted to provide 26.8 full-time equivalent healthcare positions. Officials s...
- Title
- Asheville Salvation Army to pause services
- Runtime
- 2:51
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- For the first time in nearly 50 years, on October 1, The Salvation Army Center of Hope is pausing services at its downtown Asheville location on 204 Haywood Street.
The change means some of the 65 residents that the organization shelters every night could have nowhere else to go.
For some of the residents it shelters, The Salvation Army is far more than just a place to stay.
“If it was not for this place, I would be on the streets,” said Jason Caldwell. “They have helped me get my doctor, my SSI started back, they have helped us get housing, they have helped us get job placement.”
The Salvation Army has also been a place for Caldwell to turn to in one of his life’s darkest moments.
“I lost my mother here recently and I was completely lost,” he said.
But when the organization pauses its services at its downtown location on October 1, Caldwell and more than 60 others will have to find somewhere el...
- Title
- News 13 Morning Minute for Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Runtime
- 1:17
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- A teenager accused in the homicides of 3 of her family members will be tried as an adult. The ruling came Wednesday during the teenager's first in-person court appearance. This is your News 13 Morning Minute for Thursday, July 2, 2026.
- Title
- Economic worry after Quartz Corp closure
- Runtime
- 2:25
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- A Quartz Corp facility in Spruce Pine is closing indefinitely, affecting between 20 and 30 employees and raising concerns among some downtown business owners about the potential economic impact.
The company announced it is indefinitely closing its facility on Altapass Highway as it consolidates production to stabilize operations. Quartz Corp said affected employees can apply for positions at its other facilities in the area.
The company manufactures high-purity quartz used to make semiconductors, solar panels and fiber-optic cables.
Some local business owners say they're worried the closure could ripple through the small Mitchell County community.
"It, of course, has a very negative effect on small businesses in a town of this size," said Stephanie Medford at Spruce Pine Florists.
For businesses like Spruce Pine Florists, the concern ranges from employees losing their jobs to how reduced spending could affect downtown bus...
- Title
- Teen charged with murder makes first court appearance
- Runtime
- 1:46
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Star Grant, the 17-year-old accused of killing her mother, adoptive father and grandmother at their Fairview home, was brought into a Buncombe County Superior Court room on July 1 for her first in-person hearing in the case.
Doug Edwards, Grant's defense attorney, was with Grant as bailiffs walked her in.
A grand jury indicted Grant and 28-year-old Devan Loving on first-degree murder charges in the deaths of Grant's parents and grandmother on June 2, 2026. These indictments were handed down nearly a month after investigators say the three victims were shot and stabbed inside their home in Fairview.
"The hearing today is procedural," Edwards told News 13. "She will be served with indictments."
Wednesday's hearing lasted less than ten minutes. Both Grant and Loving will appear in court next in September.
Grant's grandmother and mother to the homicide victim, Kim Grant, were in the courtroom to watch the hearing.
- Title
- President Trump travels to North Dakota on new Air Force One plane
- Runtime
- 27:00
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- President Trump departs Joint Base Andrews en route Bismarck Municipal Airport.
Read more: https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now
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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 forecasts, traffic updates, notices of community events, sports and entertainment pr...
- Title
- Protesting turns to proposal atop the Empire State Building
- Runtime
- 1:28
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Protesters scaled the Empire State Building with a banner that reads "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace."
READ MORE HEADLINES: https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now
#protestors #empirestatebuilding #newyork #proposal
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WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. We ke...
- Title
- Trump boards Freedom 250 train
- Runtime
- 7:44
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- President Donald Trump boards the Freedom250 Train en route to the Medora Welcome Ceremony.
READ MORE: https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/president-trump-visits-madora-north-dakota-to-tour-new-theodore-roosevelt-presidential-library-americas-250th-birthday-july-4-qatar-jet-air-force-one-boeing-747-midwest-mount-rushmore
#freedom250 #trump #fourthofjuly #july4th #freedomtrain
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- Title
- Protesters scale Empire State Building
- Runtime
- 34:22
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Protesters scaled the Empire State Building with a banner that reads "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace."
READ MORE HEADLINES: https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now
#protestors #empirestatebuilding #newyork #proposal
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WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. We keep our ...
- Title
- Hottest days yet to come for western NC #northcarolina #asheville #heatwave
- Runtime
- 1:33
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- A heat wave is hitting the mountains of western North Carolina this week and is bringing Weather Warn Days ahead, including on the Fourth of July.
MORE: https://wlos.com/news/local/extreme-heat-brings-weather-warn-days-this-week-including-on-the-fourth-of-july-stroke-water-hydrated-temperatures-independence-day-near-record-skywatch-forecast-meteorologists
#northcarolina #asheville #heatwave
- Title
- Teen accused of killing parents, grandmother makes first in-person court appearance
- Runtime
- 0:37
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- BREAKING: Star Grant, the 17-year-old accused of killing her mother, adoptive father and grandmother at their Fairview home, was brought into a Buncombe County Superior Court room on July 1 for her first in-person hearing in the case.
Doug Edwards, Grant's defense attorney, was with Grant as bailiffs walked her in.
A grand jury indicted Grant and 28-year-old Devan Loving on first-degree murder charges in the deaths of Grant's parents and grandmother on June 2, 2026. These indictments were handed down nearly a month after investigators say the three victims were shot and stabbed inside their home in Fairview.
DETAILS: https://bit.ly/4eSUdb3
- Title
- 2 people climb to top of Empire State Building
- Runtime
- 0:42
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- WATCH: Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City, where they appeared to get engaged. #news #newyork
Aerial video showed the two individuals standing atop the building's mast on Wednesday after they unfurled a giant banner calling for peace, prompting a large emergency response and an investigation into how they gained access to the landmark's spire.
The banner, which was black with white lettering, read, "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace."
The message on the banner echoed a quote often attributed to musician Jimi Hendrix, though it has also been credited to 19th-century British Prime Minister William Gladstone.
Video captured the moments when the people, who appeared to be a man and a woman, appeared to get engaged while they were perched on the ledge of the building.
https://bit.ly/4v89tHe
- Title
- Mama bear and cub playing together
- Runtime
- 0:40
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Happy Wildlife Wednesday! Check out this adorable video of a mama bear and her cub exploring and playing together in Arden, N.C. Thanks to Kathleen Day for sharing.
#cute #wildlife #wildlifewednesday #bear
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WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. We keep our a...
- Title
- Redevelopment could turn flooded Asheville property into housing project
- Runtime
- 2:29
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- A site along Swannanoa River Road heavily damaged by flooding from Helene could soon be redeveloped into a large apartment complex.
The former Hajoca property, once home to multiple commercial retail stores, is now being considered for a 549-unit apartment development, according to proposal documents submitted to the City of Asheville. Local leaders say the project could help ease housing pressures across Asheville and western North Carolina.
"Land of Sky did a report that indicated we need 30,000 more housing units," said Nathan Ramsey with Land of Sky.
Ramsey says the Land of Sky Regional Council provides assistance to support the region's local governments, but does not have any say in the process of approval for developments or government decisions. But officials also say demand remains especially high for affordable housing.
"For housing that average working people can afford, someone working most jobs in our community, somebody ...
- Title
- News 13 Morning Minute for Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Lawmakers are addressing teacher pay in the latest budget proposal, and Team USA takes the field tonight, hoping to advance to the Round of 16 in World Cup soccer action. This is your News 13 Morning Minute for Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
- Title
- WNC reacts to Supreme Court ruling on transgender athletes
- Runtime
- 2:53
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Local reactions to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling allowing states to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports are falling hard on both sides of the debate.
The issue has been hotly contested for years, and Tuesday's decision drew both celebration and disappointment across western North Carolina.
"I feel almost like somebody who chooses to be out and visible for those kids who feel they can't be visible," said Marc Eden.
Eden has lived as a transgender man for 40 years. He transitioned at age 21 and is now 61. He said he's concerned the ruling is part of a broader effort to strip away protections for transgender people.
"The bigger picture shows me a society that's kind of being duped or driven into removing rights from trans individuals," Eden said.
"It starts with the bathroom bill, and before you know it, it's illegal to be [transgender]," he added.
State Rep. Mark Pless (R-Haywood) vi...
- Title
- House GOP priorities ahead of SCOTUS birthright citizenship ruling
- Runtime
- 33:50
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- House Republican Leadership holds a press conference following their meeting.
READ MORE HEADLINES: https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now
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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 forecasts, traffic updates, notices of community events, sports and enterta...
- Title
- Congress pushes mandatory flu shots for US military after outbreak
- Runtime
- 12:25
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Two members of Congress are proposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would require all U.S. service members to receive influenza vaccinations following the recent flu outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Read more: https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/mandatory-military-vaccinations-proposed-in-response-to-lackland-flu-outbreak-outbreak-has-been-localized-basic-training-wing-castro-said
#texasnews #congress #hegseth #joaquincastro #vaccines #flu #lacklandafb
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- Title
- Texas Rep. Castro says Republican majority has rejected amendment to vaccinate service members
- Runtime
- 0:48
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Two members of Congress are proposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would require all U.S. service members to receive influenza vaccinations following the recent flu outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Read more: https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/mandatory-military-vaccinations-proposed-in-response-to-lackland-flu-outbreak-outbreak-has-been-localized-basic-training-wing-castro-said
#texasnews #congress #hegseth #joaquincastro #vaccines #flu #lacklandafb
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- Title
- Mandatory military vaccinations proposed in response to military base flu outbreak in Texas
- Runtime
- 0:46
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Two members of Congress are proposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would require all U.S. service members to receive influenza vaccinations following the recent flu outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Read more: https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/mandatory-military-vaccinations-proposed-in-response-to-lackland-flu-outbreak-outbreak-has-been-localized-basic-training-wing-castro-said
#texasnews #congress #hegseth #joaquincastro #vaccines #flu #lacklandafb
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- Title
- Morning Minute: June 30, 2026
- Runtime
- 1:11
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- I-26 will close overnight for work on the ongoing highway widening project, and hot weather prompts Weather Warn Days later this week. This is your Morning Minute for June 30, 2026. #news #asheville
- Title
- Sheriff speaks after North Carolina jail taken over by inmates
- Runtime
- 6:01
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- An eastern North Carolina jail has been cleared by state and federal authorities after inmates seized control of the facility and took two guards hostage early Monday, June 29.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) said in a 1:47 p.m. press release that all staff and inmates are safe and accounted for, adding that those who were injured have received treatment.
The situation began after inmates at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center assaulted on-duty guards and gained control of parts of the building, according to the SBI. At the time of the takeover, 88 inmates and three guards were inside the facility.
Soon after the incident began, the SBI said one guard was able to escape, while two other guards were taken hostage.
At around 9:30 a.m., the SBI said negotiations led to the safe release of 18 inmates and the two guards who were held hostage. About 20 minutes later, a “large group” of inmates was also rel...
- Title
- Community reacts after woman's remains found buried in WNC
- Runtime
- 2:42
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- A 25-year-old man is charged with murder after Rutherford County investigators found buried human remains on a property in Rutherfordton.
The suspect, Jaydakis Hamilton, was already in custody on unrelated charges before being charged with the homicide.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office has identified the remains as 30-year-old Jordan Wishon, who investigators say was reported missing by people who knew her. The sheriff's office later announced that investigators conducted multiple searches from Friday into Saturday, ultimately locating Wishon's remains buried on a property along Pebblestone Lane.
A neighbor named William Evans said he had heard a body had been found, but did not know the circumstances. Evans recognized Wishon after the sheriff's office released her photo.
"I'd pass her when I'd go to the mailbox, and she'd be coming up," he said.
A family friend, Glen Overhulser, confirmed that Wishon lived at the h...
- Title
- How to stay safe during a heat wave
- Runtime
- 1:13
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The warmest air of the year is coming to western North Carolina this week, with Wednesday-Friday being Weather Warn Days due to the heat.
Here are some tips to stay cool and signs that the heat is getting to you.
#news #weather #heat
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WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of western North Carolina and Upstate South C...
- Title
- Domestic violence shelter coming to Jackson County, NC
- Runtime
- 1:45
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- For over a decade, Jackson County has relied on neighboring counties for help when it came to serving those facing interpersonal violence, but now that is changing.
The Center for Domestic Peace (CDP) is opening its new shelter within the next couple of months, hoping to aid those in need. In 2025 alone, the CDP helped over 350 people facing interpersonal violence, with 45 seeking emergency shelter.
"Now having this emergency shelter is going to be a great asset to us, the Center for Domestic Peace, as well as the clients that we serve here in Jackson County in being able to provide a comfortable, safe space for folks who are actively fleeing an interpersonal violence situation," said Thom Brooks, executive director of CDP.
This is the first shelter in the county in 15 years, with the project beginning three years ago in 2022.
"We can accommodate up to 27 people comfortably in the shelter, and that includes families, because we know that oft...
- Title
- Temperatures climb into the 90s in western North Carolina
- Runtime
- 1:57
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Temperatures are climbing across western North Carolina this week, with highs expected to reach into the 90s in some mountain communities.
As the heat settles in, doctors are urging people to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, especially those who work or spend long hours outdoors.
For construction crews, avoiding the heat is not an option.
"We're from 7 o'clock to 4 o'clock in the sun. Outside all day," said Josh Drummond with Jade Mountain Builders.
Instead, crews are adjusting their schedules to reduce time spent working during the hottest parts of the day.
"We just start a little earlier so we can try and get more work done in the cooler hours of the day, before it gets too hot. I think especially as we start to get closer to these 90-degree-plus days. I think that's going to be one of our main strategies," Drummond said.
Hydration and frequent breaks are also part of the routine, practices...
- Title
- Western NC pool still closed post-Helene
- Runtime
- 0:45
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Hendersonville and Henderson County, for the second summer in a row, have no public pool open for families.
Helene damage forced the closure of the lone pool that operated in the county, owned and funded by Hendersonville. It’s located at Patton Park off State Road 25 about 2 miles north of downtown Hendersonville.
Hendersonville City Manager John Connet said the city continues to wait for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval of funds to rebuild and upgrade the 50-year-old pool. Connet said it will likely be at least 2028 before a pool is built.
He said the project will be the most expensive capital park project in the town’s history, costing around $20 million. The FEMA application is requesting nearly $18 million.
“That pool was always like a summer fun activity to do with kids,” said Hendersonville resident Nohemi Peralta.
Peralta has lived in Hendersonville for 20 years. She’s very disappointe...
- Title
- Inmates take over eastern North Carolina jail
- Runtime
- 1:23
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone M. Ruffin provided an update after inmates at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center overpowered a guard and took control of the facility earlier Monday morning. The situation has since ended, according to the SBI. #news #northcarolina
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WLOS ABC 13 News ser...
- Title
- New sunscreen ingredient could improve skin protection in the U.S.
- Runtime
- 3:48
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- For the first time in over 20 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an active sunscreen ingredient called bemotrizinol (BEMT) - a move skin health experts said could improve sun protection and encourage more usage. #new #sun #healthcare
Beacon Dermatology’s founder said this comes at a perfect time where he is seeing more patients coming into his office after returning from high UV vacations with signs of skin cancer. He said he expects products with this ingredient to change people’s habits.
“It’s really exciting because patients and people don’t want to wear sunscreen if it feels gross,” dermatologist Dr. Michael Raines said. “If it feels good on their skin, they’re [people] more apt to actually use it.”
He said some patients avoid sunscreen because of concerns about heaviness or the white cast often associated with mineral formulations.
“The Casper the friendly ghost look, it might work for us olde...
- Title
- Fundraiser supports sisters who survived Helene
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Nearly two years after Helene swept away their Fairview home, two sisters whose remarkable survival story captured the attention of western North Carolina are still working to rebuild their lives.
On Sunday, community members gathered at Sleep On It Mattress Outlet & Gallery in Arden to raise money for Jackie Fenstermacher, 74, and Cynthia Dunn, 75 — known by many as the "Mattress Sisters." The duo survived Helene by floating downstream on a mattress.
"The house got ripped to shreds," Fenstermacher recalled. "And I pushed [Cynthia] on the mattress, got the dog, and we held on for dear life."
The sisters and their dog survived for two days stranded along Flat Creek before they were rescued.
"Because we had to sit on this log for days trying to hang on to each other," Fenstermacher said. "And I got a couple of water bottles that floated by. We put the little dog in a Tupperware container that floated by."
Although ...
- Title
- Western NC weaver rebuilds after Helene
- Runtime
- 2:44
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- When Helene's floodwaters tore through Marshall nearly 21 months ago, Shirley Chambliss lost nearly everything in her weaving studio.
"We were on the roof when the rain came," Chambliss said. "We didn't have a clue."
She watched as floodwaters destroyed buildings and carried away decades of materials, tools and supplies.
"There wasn't even a safety pin left," she said. "Fifty years' worth of yarn was gone."
In the aftermath, Chambliss found comfort in the support of her community.
"The generosity of people has been incredible," she said. "Friends and neighbors couldn't do enough to help."
Despite the loss, Chambliss remains dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional fiber arts. Working alongside Maia Surdam and PAGE, a local youth organization, she continues introducing young people to weaving through hands-on workshops.
"We brought high school girls into the weaving studio, where they chos...
- Title
- Residents push for protected lanes, safer crossings as Hendersonville updates bike network
- Runtime
- 2:11
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The City of Hendersonville is developing a new biking infrastructure plan called Bike Hendo, which is supposed to make the city safer, more connected and more bike-friendly.
The city hosted a community meeting about the plan on Thursday.
"We’re asking folks to give us feedback on a variety of things related to destinations they would like to safely bike to and access routes, areas where improvements are needed to be able to do that," said Matthew Manley, the Long-Range Planning Manager.
Lots of cyclists stopped by to learn about the city’s goals and provide input. News 13 spoke with some of them to learn what they want to see come out of the city’s updated bicycle infrastructure plan.
"Protected bike lanes are the most secure forms of infrastructure. They make roads safer for cars and for cyclists," said Joey Burnett.
Joey and Rhea Burnett both say they would like to see more bike-friendly access to destinations.
- Title
- White House ramps up nuclear power push as AI driven energy demand surges
- Runtime
- 2:07
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- As energy demand surges nationwide — driven in part by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence — the White House is stepping up its push for nuclear power, including both large reactors and smaller, modular designs. Demand and power consumption are expected to keep rising as tech companies build more infrastructure to support the artificial intelligence boom.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright promoted the Trump administration’s efforts to advance nuclear power technologies this week as officials and industry race to meet that growing demand.
“The beating heart of the nuclear industry will always be here in Idaho, but these technologies will thrive around our country and change the future of our country,” Wright said Thursday.
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- Title
- Asheville police increase enforcement
- Runtime
- 2:39
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Asheville police are stepping up enforcement downtown after complaints from business owners, residents and visitors about quality-of-life concerns and the impacts on local businesses.
Two months after the Asheville Police Department's "Downtown Plan" began, officials say they are seeing changes in both police presence and enforcement as the department evaluates its impact.
According to APD, since April, officers have increased their presence in multiple ways. They say the goal is not only to make more arrests, but also to connect people in crisis with the appropriate resources.
Some business owners say they are already noticing a difference.
"They're talking to people. They're not to be just a deterrent force but as a friendly force as well. So it's been really, really helpful for that," said Paddy Collins, owner of Asheville Forager.
The "Downtown Plan" combines increased foot and bike patrols with coordination between p...
- Title
- Trampoline bears
- Runtime
- 1:04
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Just bear-ly following the rules... and perhaps reaching the trampoline's weight limit? 😂
A mama bear joined her cub for some bouncy trampoline fun in Asheville! 🐻
#bearfamily #Asheville #nature #trampolinefun #momandcub
Share your wildlife photos and videos with News 13 through our Chime In: https://wlos.com/chimein
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For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com
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Email us: news@wlos.com
Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340
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WLOS ABC 13...
- Title
- Roy Cooper brings 'Make Stuff Cost Less' tour to Asheville, targets health costs, tariffs
- Runtime
- 2:12
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Former North Carolina Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper brought his “Make Stuff Cost Less” tour to Asheville on Friday, focusing on what he said are plans to make life more affordable for North Carolinians.
The event was held at the Buncombe County Democratic Party headquarters, where a packed room of supporters listened as Cooper talked about lowering health care costs and addressing the impact of tariffs.
Cooper highlighted his time as governor, saying his administration helped wipe away $6.5 billion in health care debt for people across the state. He said those efforts are now at risk under the current administration.
He also criticized tariffs, saying they are putting pressure on farmers and small businesses.
“Take back its [the legislative branch's] constitutional authority on trade and tariffs, on declaration of war, on budgetary matters,” Cooper said. “We need to elect people who do that — people who car...
- Title
- Museum of the Cherokee People reclaims its history, identity through Cherokee voices
- Runtime
- 3:09
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- For generations, the story of the Cherokee people has often been told by outsiders. At the Museum of the Cherokee People, they are working to change that by ensuring Cherokee history, culture and identity are presented through Cherokee voices.
Located on the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina, the museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Cherokee people. Museum leaders say part of their mission is to correct misconceptions and reclaim a narrative that has frequently been shaped by others.
"For hundreds of years, historians have told our story for us, and so now we're telling our story for ourselves," said Shana Bushyhead Condill, executive director at the museum.
Founded in 1948, the museum was established in part to attract tourism and generate income for the Cherokee community. In its early years, exhibits sometimes incorporated popular but inaccurate stereotypes of Native Americans, including teepees and headdress...
- Title
- Kayakers urged to wait, contain excitement as Taylor's Wave nears completion
- Runtime
- 1:23
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- As the Taylor's Wave project in Woodfin progresses, Woodfin Town Manager Shannon Tuch is encouraging kayakers and paddlers to contain their excitement for when the project officially opens later this year.
The first part of the two-piece project opened earlier this year with water flowing over the wave structure that generates the standing wave.
A video sent to News 13, shown below, shows nearly 20 kayakers on the wave, which town officials are advising against since the second part of the project is currently under construction.
"We understand the enthusiasm, and we're really happy that people are excited about it, but out of an abundance of caution, we really want people to try and temper their enthusiasm and just wait for the project to be done," Tuch said.
The active construction site and potential hazards are the main concerns for kayakers wanting to use the artificial wave.
"We have equipment. We have, there's debri...
- Title
- Madison County mulls future of historic courthouse as plans move forward for new building
- Runtime
- 2:15
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Madison County is moving forward with plans for a new courthouse, while the future of Marshall's historic courthouse remains undecided.
Built in 1907, the courthouse has long served as a centerpiece of downtown Marshall. Helene damaged the building heavily, so it has remained closed since the storm.
As the town continues its recovery, business owners and residents say they hope the historic building can play a role in attracting visitors and supporting economic growth.
"There’s an opportunity to bring in foot traffic from outside of Marshall, from Asheville, from Waynesville, from Weaverville into Marshall to help bring those dollars into Marshall, which is going to help us continue to rebuild," Full Moon Tea Company owner Katie McDonald said.
Community members say the courthouse could serve a new purpose while preserving its place in the town's history.
"It’d be nice to see something like an event center or even just...
- Title
- 911 call before 3 bodies found in WNC home
- Runtime
- 3:36
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Buncombe County has released a 911 call from a family member, alerting that multiple people living in a Fairview home were unaccounted for.
"The sheriff’s office did make a drive-by to see if anyone was at home, but no one came to the door and there were two cars parked outside, but all of their phones are off and you can’t get ahold of anyone," the family member who called 911 said.
The 911 caller said three of their family members had been missing for two weeks.
As News 13 previously reported, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office was called to 18 Ashworth Drive in Fairview on May 7, where they found three people dead inside: Travis Eugene Grant, 41, Kimberly Michelle Grant, 42, and Sharon Harwood Grant, 66.
Buncombe County deputies charged now 17-year-old girl Star Grant and 28-year-old Devan Loving with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the shooting and stabbing deaths of Star...
- Title
- 'Spending about $600 a month': Rising caregiving costs strain family budgets
- Runtime
- 2:13
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Caregiving costs are putting growing financial pressure on families, with some saying they are forced to cut work hours or leave jobs just to manage care at home.
At Aeroflow Health, a local medical equipment supplier company, shipments are constantly moving in and out as medical supplies are delivered to caregivers who rely on them every day. The company says rising costs are stretching many families’ budgets.
"My mom is now living with the most advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease, and so I'm responsible for feeding her, giving her every sip of water, changing her, moving her so that she can get as much engagement as possible," Jessica Guthrie, a caregiver, said.
Guthrie says the cost adds up every month.
"Buying supplies like bed pads, briefs, catheters, wipes, gloves, all of that has increased in terms of the monthly cost, and so I'm spending about $600 a month on basic supplies," Guthrie said.
A new Aeroflow surv...
- Title
- Two women, 40 years, one lasting legacy: Asheville honors Urban Trail founders
- Runtime
- 2:09
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Two women who helped preserve downtown Asheville’s rich and storied history are being remembered with the legacy they left behind, an Urban Trail walking tour more than 2 miles long.
Asheville residents Grace Pless and Leslie Anderson launched the Urban Trail project more than 40 years ago.
But both women died within the last year and a half, so on Wednesday, June 24, a group of volunteers held a ceremony to celebrate the pioneers. It was held along the downtown walking trail, made up of 33 stations marking monuments and moments in time.
“We have such a rich history here. So many folks came to town who were guests of the Vanderbilts way back when, many of those talented artists or others, stayed in Asheville,” said Amy Fleming, daughter of founder Grace Pless.
The plaques are also meant to memorialize some of the city’s trailblazers.
“I think it’s cool, the first female doctor went to school in Asheville, and ...
- Title
- Henderson County's only public pool closed for second summer after Helene
- Runtime
- 3:45
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Hendersonville and Henderson County, for the second summer in a row, have no public pool open for families.
Helene damage forced the closure of the lone pool that operated in the county, owned and funded by Hendersonville. It’s located at Patton Park off State Road 25 about 2 miles north of downtown Hendersonville.
Hendersonville City Manager John Connet said the city continues to wait for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval of funds to rebuild and upgrade the 50-year-old pool. Connet said it will likely be at least 2028 before a pool is built.
He said the project will be the most expensive capital park project in the town’s history, costing around $20 million. The FEMA application is requesting nearly $18 million.
“That pool was always like a summer fun activity to do with kids,” said Hendersonville resident Nohemi Peralta.
Peralta has lived in Hendersonville for 20 years. She’s very disappointe...
