Asheville Local Frequency: Crime, Healthcare Concerns, and Community Events

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Thursday, August 14th, 2025. We start today with a check on the weather, which looks unsettled across Asheville. Expect passing showers through the morning with highs around 83 degrees before it cools down a touch tonight, perfect for those evening strolls or catching live music downtown. Heading into the weekend, look for similar warm weather and a few more scattered showers, so maybe pack a light rain jacket if you’re out exploring the city. Topping local headlines today, Asheville police are asking for the public’s help in finding a suspect in a weekend shooting on Future Drive. Authorities have charged Deshawn Lamar Perry, age 32, after a fight turned violent early Sunday. The victim sustained five non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and was treated at Mission Hospital. Perry is still at large and considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, don’t approach—call 911 immediately. There’s also been renewed scrutiny on Mission Hospital’s emergency care after a tragic incident where a patient died waiting for help in a hospital bathroom. Investigations found the patient waited nearly half an hour despite staff passing by. The hospital has been found in violation of emergency care regulations, sparking community conversations about healthcare oversight and access here in western North Carolina. Meanwhile, the Asheville Holiday Parade, nearly 80 years strong downtown, is in limbo this year. After last year’s parade was canceled due to Tropical Storm Helene and replaced by a Holiday Jamboree, some city leaders were surprised to find that another parade wasn’t in the budget. The Downtown Association is reconsidering after pushback, so stay tuned for updates—local traditions may be getting a refresh. Looking for things to do? Asheville is buzzing tonight. The Orange Peel brings rock energy with The Jesus Casino taking the stage at 8 o’clock. If comedy and music are more your thing, head to Third Room downtown, where Dennett and Papajay are performing, doors open at nine. And for families, remember, it’s the last few weeks before school starts. Asheville City Schools’ summer meals program continues this week, and there’s a free school supply giveaway for local families in need. On the literary front, local author Christine D. Page is celebrating the launch of her new book, All Hallows’ Eve, with a reading and conversation downtown. Expect a kid-friendly spooky adventure and a little Asheville history all in one, but do make sure to register to guarantee your seat. In other happenings, around Western North Carolina you can hop over to Tweetsie Railroad for the Day Out with Thomas event today—a treat for families looking to make the most of those last summer days. And in national political news with a local twist, Senator Bernie Sanders swept through Asheville this week as part of his national “Fight for Fairness” tour, drawing local crowds and bringing national attention to issues of eco This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.