Coalition of lawmakers, health care professionals call on staffing increases at Mission
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A group of elected officials and medical professionals will hold a press conference on Sept. 15, 2025, calling on Mission Hospital to increase staffing levels and "provide more information about multiple deaths this summer." Health care coalition press conference. According to a press release...
‘It’s amazing’: Visitors flock to Craggy Gardens area after key section of parkway reopens
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Visitors are making their way to Craggy Gardens after hearing that a reopened stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway restores access to the area. Cyclists were already on the route Monday morning, where milepost 382 in Asheville to milepost 355.3 at the Ridge Junction Overlook has just reopened.
ReGroup WNC springs into action for Beacon Village residents
Jon Neumann has spent plenty of time in Beacon Village since Tropical Storm Helene. One of several friends, who in an effort to assist victims of the natural disaster with crucial repairs and remodeling projects, established ReGroup WNC, his work through the nonprofit organization has taken him to the small Swannanoa...
Stronger Ecosystems After Helene: Land Recovery Series
We have come far in our recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, and we are working towards creating stronger, healthier ecosystems. From replanting trees and stabilizing soil to managing invasive species, thoughtful land recovery helps protect homes, waterways, and wildlife while enhancing our region’s natural beauty....
No charges filed after social media video shows group hitting, kicking man in the...
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A video posted on social media that shows a group of five people punching and kicking a man on the street was shared many times online and also shared with the Asheville Police Department. Police said in a Sept. 15 email to News 13 that...
Tanger Outlets Asheville unleashes fun for all with new dog park and kids play...
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Tanger Outlets Asheville unleashed fun for people and pets alike with the grand opening of their new dog park and kids' play area on Saturday, Sept. 13. The dog park offers green space for pups to play, complete with shaded seating for pet owners and...
Swannanoa produce stand remains closed 1 year after Helene, owner says he’s retiring
SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — A local produce stand in Swannanoa is still sitting empty, nearly one year after Hurricane Helene. The family-owned shop, known as Ledford's Produce, says they are not opening back up. Owner David Ledford opened Ledford's Produce over 20 years ago; He started the business in...
Opinion: Tenure of APD’s Chief Lamb makes a good argument for hiring internally
Sign up for free email updates from The Watchdog. You’ll be notified whenever we publish our latest award-winning investigative reporting, John Boyle’s Answer Man and Opinion columns, Tom Fiedler’s Democracy Watch, and more!. It’s no secret the Asheville Police Department has had a little trouble when it...
Opinion: UNCA’s elimination of liberal arts courses is drastic cut to Humanities Program
Starting in Fall 2025, UNC Asheville’s Core Curriculum does not include any required courses from the Humanities Program for the first time in over six decades. As the two most recent directors of this program, we wanted to bear witness to the Program that until now served as the heart of UNCA’s Core Curriculum. In...
Hardware store returning to Swannanoa nearly a year after Helene
SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Nearly a year after Tropical Storm Helene destroyed key businesses in Swannanoa, one of the community’s biggest needs is on its way back. Peter and Beth Ballhaussen, owners of Town Hardware and General Store in Black Mountain, announced plans Saturday to open a new hardware store in...
