News
View AllNewsCrews Begin Bridge Foundation Work on Asheville’s I-26 Connector
Asheville -- June 20, 2026: Just two months after state and local leaders traded business suits for golden shovels at the official groundbreaking, the long-awaited Interstate 26 Connector project is moving from ceremonial dirt to heavy engineering. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) confirmed Friday that construction crews have officially advanced into the foundational phase of the multi-billion-dollar project, bringing heavy drilling machinery and cranes into active corridors near Interstate 240 and the Asheville Racquet Club.
Former Madison County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Arrested by SBI
Madison County -- June 19. 2026: The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) announces the arrest of former Madison County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy, Bronis Coy Phillips, on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges arising from alleged criminal activity involving inmates and detention facility staff.Fformer Madison County Sheriff’s Chief Deput
June 19, 2026
The Highway Surveillance Debate Comes to Western North Carolina
Asheville -- June 19, 2026: A legislative effort to make North Carolina’s highway license plate reader program permanent is prompting discussion in Western North Carolina about the balance between public safety and individual privacy. House Bill 206 aims to extend a pilot program currently set to expire on July 1, keeping the State Bureau of Investigation in charge of the system.
June 19, 2026
Henderson County Man Faces Statutory Sex Offense with a Child and Sex Act with a Student Charges
Henderson County -- June 19, 2026: News Release Henderson County Sheriff's Office On June 17, 2026, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) initiated an investigation involving allegations of an inappropriate sexual relationship between a Henderson County Public Schools employee and student.
June 19, 2026
Macon County Woman Faces Mutlitple Drug Charges
Macon County -- News Release Macon County Sheriff's Office June 18, 2026: On June 15, 2026, Detectives with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, along with Deputies assigned to the Criminal Interdiction Unit, were conducting proactive drug enforcement operations in the northern portion of Macon County.
June 19, 2026Sports
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SportsPGA TOUR Returns to the Mountains: Tickets on Sale for Inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville
Asheville -- June 18, 2026: PGA TOUR Returns to the Mountains: Tickets on Sale for Inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville Professional golf is officially returning to Western North Carolina this fall for the first time in more than 80 years. Tournament organizers announced that tickets are officially available for the inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville, scheduled for September 17–20, 2026.
Play Ball! Pro Baseball Returns to HomeTrust Park, Plus Regional Tennis, Lacrosse, and Outdoor Sports Across WNC
WNC Sports -- June 16, 2026: Action is heating up across the Western North Carolina sports scene. From minor league baseball homestands and historic clay-court tennis showdowns in the heart of downtown Asheville to massive youth regional tournaments taking over Buncombe County fields, there is plenty for local sports fans to track. Further west, mountain biking trails offer prime recreation.
June 16, 2026
North Carolina Celebrates “Summer of Soccer” with Major Events Investments Across the State
Raleigh -- North Carolina Governor Joshe Stein's Office Press Release Jun 3, 2026: As thousands of fans gathered in Charlotte over the weekend for the U.S. Men’s National Team Send-Off Match ahead of the FIFA World Cup, North Carolina stepped further into the global soccer spotlight through a series of major events and international team partnerships supported by the state’s Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund (MEGA Fund).
June 7, 2026
Mountains on the Move: Upcoming Local Sports & Outdoor Events in WNC
WNC Sports -- June 7, 2026: While the professional and collegiate sports calendar takes a brief summer breather, Western North Carolina’s outdoor venues and community spaces are gearing up for a busy stretch. From local cycling meetups to massive regional youth tournaments, the mountains are coming alive with athletic energy this June.
June 7, 2026
WNC Sports Action Coming Up This Weekend
WNC Sports -- June 3, 2026: With high school and collegiate spring seasons officially in the rearview mirror, Western North Carolina sports enter their distinct summer rhythm. While the traditional regional stadium lights may be quieter, the upcoming weekend (June 5–7) proves the mountain sports scene has plenty on the calendar. From historic milestones on the diamond to grueling mountain endurance tests, here are the top sports events to watch across WNC this weekend.
June 3, 2026Business
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BusinessUNC Health Eyes $747M Asheville Hospital Expansion at Westgate Shopping Center
Asheville Business -- June 19, 2026: A massive commercial shift is brewing on Patton Avenue. UNC Health has officially filed a Certificate of Need (CON) application with state regulators for a proposed 92-bed acute care hospital, dubbed UNC Health West. While the medical expansion is a major healthcare story, the real estate strategy behind it is shaking up the local business community: the health system is targeting the prominent Westgate Shopping Center site.
Underground Threat Imperils North Carolina’s Multi-Million Dollar Blueberry Industry
North Carolina -- June 17, 2026: A decades-old agricultural mystery unfolding beneath the soil of North Carolina’s premier blueberry farms has finally been solved. Researchers at North Carolina State University have officially identified a native "mystery bug" that has been quietly decimating crops: Prionus imbricornis, commonly known as the tile-horned Prionus beetle.
June 17, 2026
Chapel Hill’s Iconic Carolina Coffee Shop Named North Carolina’s Oldest Restaurant by Country Living
Chapel Hill -- The secret has been out on Franklin Street for over a century, but now the rest of the nation is taking note. Country Living magazine...
June 17, 2026
Driving the Western North Carolina Tourism & Small Business Ecosystem
Asheville Business -- June 15, 2026: Prior to the unprecedented flooding of Hurricane Helene, which destroyed or severely compromised roughly 80% of artist workspaces and displaced over 500 creators, the River Arts District served as a core economic engine for Asheville. The district accounted for an estimated $300 million contribution to the local economy in 2024, supporting over 2,800 jobs.
June 15, 2026
New Program Provides Haywood Co. Students with Training for Transportation Careers
Haywood County -- June 12. 2026: An exciting opportunity has launched for local students interested in entering the high-demand field of transportation and highway construction. The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT), in partnership with Haywood County public schools, is introducing the Transportation Summer Accelerator Education Program.
June 12, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentCelebrate Dad: Top Father's Day Weekend Events Across Western North Carolina
Western NC -- Father’s Day is just around the corner, and communities across Western North Carolina are pulling out all the stops to celebrate dad. Whether he’s an art enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, a comedy fan, or a foodie, the region has an incredible lineup of events running this Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Laughter in the Mountains: Two Massive Comedy Acts Heading to WNC This Weekend
WNC Comedy Shows -- If your weekend plans involve nothing more than staring at a wall or arguing with the TV, it is time for a serious upgrade. Western North Carolina is getting a double-dose of world-class comedy this Friday night. Whether you want to head into the heart of Asheville or take a scenic drive over to Cherokee, you have two incredible (but completely different) reasons to get out of the house and laugh until your stomach hurts.
June 16, 2026
Remembering Diana Wortham: A Legacy of Quiet Generosity
Asheville -- June 13, 2026: The Asheville community is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated yet unassuming benefactors. Diana Gayle Wortham passed away peacefully at her home on June 7, 2026, at the age of 82.
June 13, 2026
Mountain Sunshine & Main Street Magic: Your Ultimate Guide to WNC’s Packed Summer Weekend
WNC Entertainment News -- The mountain summer is out in full force, and the weekend of June 12–14, 2026, is serving up a spectacular lineup of open-air events. If you are looking to map out a perfect road trip, WNC’s small towns are stepping into the spotlight with everything from traditional Appalachian strings to out-of-this-world street festivals.
June 8, 2026
Free Family Fun: GRINDfest 2026 Pack Square Park Saturday!
This article will emphasize GRINDfest's appeal as a free, all-day block party offering a wide array of family-friendly activities, delicious local food trucks, and pop-up vendors. It will guide readers on how to best enjoy a full day of entertainment without an entry fee.
June 8, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleTerpsicorps Launches Summer Season July 9 Fundraiser Benefiting MANNA, Featuring River Guerguerianssf
Asheville -- Movement for MANNA will feature internationally acclaimed percussionist River Guerguerian, live dance, local food tastings, and the debut of the Asheville Foodie Raffle
New 12-Court Indoor Pickleball Facility Coming to Weaverville This Late Summer
Weaverville -- June 16, 2026: A massive piece of Weaverville’s industrial history is getting a modern, high-energy makeover. A 132,000-square-foot industrial facility located just minutes from downtown Weaverville is being transformed into a sprawling sports and entertainment hub, headlined by the upcoming Ballcrank Pickleball Club (BPC).
June 17, 2026
Honoring Freedom: Your Guide to Juneteenth Celebrations Across Western North Carolina
WNC Juneteenth -- Honoring Freedom: Your Guide to Juneteenth Celebrations Across Western North CarolinaWestern North Carolina is playing host to a po...
June 16, 2026
Local Veterans Organizations Unite to Honor Legendary Korean and Vietnam War Hero Colonel Joseph Clemons
Henderson County -- June 7, 2026: Three local veterans organizations—the Western NC Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Hedrick-Rhodes VFW Post 5206, and the VFW Post 5206 Auxiliary—have joined forces to honor the extraordinary life and military career of the late Colonel Joseph Clemons. A permanent tribute has been unveiled at the Hedrick-Rhodes Veterans Center, located at 900 N. Main Street, Hendersonville.
June 7, 2026
Veterans Disability Claims Clinic and Resource Expo Announced for Western North Carolina
Cherokee County — In a major coordinated effort to support regional military veterans, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Department of Military & Veterans Affairs has announced the 3rd Annual EBCI Regional Veterans Disability Claims Clinic & Resource Expo.
June 7, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsSun & Sounds: Your Weekend Guide to Outdoor Events Across WNC
WNC Outdoor Fun -- June 12, 2026: Sun & Sounds: Your Weekend Guide to Outdoor Events Across WNC With summer weather settled firmly into the ridges and valleys of Western North Carolina, the weekend calls for open-air adventures, mountain tunes, and community gatherings. From the banks of the Pigeon River to the farmlands of Henderson County, our mountain communities are bustling with ways to step outside, support local artisans, and soak up the fresh air.
Profile Trail on Grandfather Mountain Reopens!
Banner Elk Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Jume 7, 2026: The Reopening of Profile Trail on Grandfather Mtn on June 6, 2026. Happy National Trails Day! Start at the Grandfather Mtn State Park Parking Area and restrooms on NC 105 (across from The Pedalin' Pig). The trail and parking area closed after damages from Helene.
June 8, 2026
Redesigning Owen Park Workshop: Community Invited to June 16 Workshop
Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Press Release: Buncombe County Parks & Recreation invites residents to review conceptual design alternatives for Charles D. Owen Park. The drop-in style workshop will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 at the Bee Tree Fire Substation in Swannanoa.
June 8, 2026
The Town of Waynesville Announces Grand Opening of Dog Park June 9, 2026
Waynesville -- June 5, 2026: The Town of Waynesville is proud to announce the grand opening of its newly rebuilt and relocated Dog Park on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The event marks a significant milestone in the community's ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene and the continued restoration of parks and recreation amenities impacted by the storm.
June 5, 2026
Redesigning Owen Park Workshop Buncombe County June 16, 2026
Buncombe County Government News -- May 31, 2026: Buncombe County Parks & Recreation invites residents to review conceptual design alternatives for Charles D. Owen Park. The drop-in style workshop will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 at the Bee Tree Fire Substation in Swannanoa.
May 31, 2026