No Weapons Involved in West Asheville McDonald's Incident, One Arrested
Marge Farrington•May 8, 2026
Braden Rumfelt Voted Out of American Idol Season 24
News
View AllNewsNo Weapons Involved in West Asheville McDonald's Incident, One Arrested
Asheville -- May 8. 2026: While initial reports or rumors may have suggested a weapon was involved. Through their investigation, authorities determined that a verbal altercation escalated into a physical confrontation. While initial reports or rumors may have suggested a weapon was involved, the Asheville Police Department (APD) clarified the following details:
Three Found Dead in Fairview Home; Teen Located in Tennessee
Fairview -- May 8, 2026: A welfare check at a home on Ashworth Drive in Fairview, within Buncombe County, led to the discovery of three deceased individuals on Thursday, May 7, around 7:15 p.m. The tragic incident has sent ripples of concern through the Greater Asheville Area, prompting a multi-agency investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the subsequent search for a missing teenager who resided at the home.
May 8, 2026
Felony Charges Filed Against 4 Swannanoa Kennel Employees
Four individuals employed at a Swannanoa boarding facility now face felony animal cruelty charges following the deaths of two dogs. This article details the arrests and the initial steps in the legal proceedings against those accused.
May 8, 2026
I-40 West Reopens Near Tennessee State Line After Early Morning Crash
Haywood County -- May 8, 2026: Travel on Interstate 40 West has resumed following an early-morning tractor-trailer accident that snarled traffic near the North Carolina-Tennessee state line for several hours on Friday, May 8.
May 8, 2026
Hurricane Preparedness Week 2026
WNC -- May 7, 2026: The Atlantic hurricane season looms just beyond the horizon. While the official start is June 1, Governor Stein and emergency officials have designated May 3–9, 2026, as Hurricane Preparedness Week.
May 7, 2026Sports
View All
SportsWeaverville’s Karlyn Pickens Selected No. 1 Overall in 2026 AUSL Draft
Weaverville -- May 5, 2026: Weaverville native Karlyn Pickens, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher, has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) College Draft. Her selection by the Carolina Blaze on Monday, May 4, 2026, marks the culmination of a journey that began on local fields in Western North Carolina.
Asheville Tourists to Honor Local Service Workers at 4th Annual Travel & Hospitality Night
HomeTrust Park hosts its 4th annual Travel and Hospitality Night on May 5, offering local industry professionals a discounted evening of baseball. This event is a special thank you to those who keep Asheville's tourism thriving, with tickets just $5 including all fees.
May 4, 2026
WNC College Sports: The Final Push
WNC -- May 1, 2026: It is a historic and high-stakes weekend for our local college athletes as they head into post-season play and critical conference matchups.
May 1, 2026
From Rabbit Ears to Paywalls: Is Our Sunday Tradition Being Sold Off?
NFL -- For decades, football has been our "secular holiday." It was the bridge between generations—the one thing you could talk about with your neighbor or your grandson without it turning into a debate. It was our town square. But as we look toward the 2026 season, that square is starting to feel like it’s being fenced off.
April 23, 2026
Mountain Soccer on the Rise: A Regional Roundup
WNC -- April 20, 2026: Western North Carolina is currently experiencing a "soccer gold rush." From historic trophy wins to the growth of professional women's sports, here is what you need to know about the teams making waves in our backyard.
April 20, 2026Business
View All
BusinessHonoring Resilience: Small Business Week Spotlight on WNC
North Carolina -- May 4, 2026: Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed May 3–9, 2026, as Small Business Week in North Carolina. This week-long celebration honors the more than one million small businesses that form the backbone of the state's economy, with a particular focus this year on the grit and resiliency of entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina (WNC).
Asheville and North Carolina Breweries Shine at 2026 World Beer Cup
Asheville -- April 30, 2026: Asheville's reputation as a premier brewing destination received significant international validation this week, as local breweries secured prestigious medals at the 2026 World Beer Cup. Diatribe Brewing Company, Wicked Weed Brewing, and Hi-Wire Brewing were honored at the globally renowned competition, underscoring the city's brewing prowess on a world stage.
April 30, 2026
Hendersonville Business Growth: Legacy Markets Expands and HiViz LED Invests Millions
Hendersonville Business News -- April 30, 2026: The Hendersonville business landscape is seeing significant movement this week, marked by a major acq...
April 30, 2026
Asheville's Tourism Evolves: Beyond Craft Beer & Mountains
Asheville's tourism sector is undergoing a significant evolution, moving beyond its established reputation for craft beer and mountain scenery. The region is adapting to new visitor demands and economic pressures, including recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in 2024, by emphasizing experiential and diversified offerings.
April 29, 2026
Asheville Shops Innovate: Navigating Economic Shifts
April 25, 2026: Independent businesses across Asheville are creatively adapting to rising costs and evolving consumer habits through a mix of diversification, enhanced physical presence, and community engagement. "These strategies have fostered a remarkable resilience as the region continues its long-term economic and infrastructure recovery following the historic impact of Hurricane Helene in late 2024."
April 25, 2026Entertainment
View AllEntertainmentBraden Rumfelt Voted Out of American Idol Season 24
American Idol -- May 5, 2026: The lights dimmed on Braden Rumfelt’s American Idol journey during Monday night’s high-stakes episode, but the North Carolina native left the stage having reached an incredible milestone as a Top 5 finalist.
WNC Let’s Go to the Movies: April 25 – April 30, 2026
WNC -- Spring is in full swing across the Blue Ridge, but the real heat is happening inside our local theaters this week. From the high-energy debut ...
April 25, 2026
Lend a Hand to Our Local Misfits at the Boho Hippie Festival
Maggie Valley -- Ready to soak up some sun and good vibes for a great cause? Misfit Mountain is officially recruiting volunteers for the 2026 Boho Hippie Festival! Located right in our backyard at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, this event is a vital way for this 501(c)3 rescue to connect with the community.
April 21, 2026
Braden Rumfelt Hits the Top 7: The Murphy Native Keeps Moving
American Idol -- April 21, 2026: The lights on the American Idol stage are a long way from Murphy, but Braden Rumfelt is looking more at home there every week
April 21, 2026
Remembering Patrick Muldoon (1968–2026)
Entertainment News -- April 20, 2026: The entertainment world is mourning the sudden loss of Patrick Muldoon, the charismatic actor and producer who c...
April 20, 2026Lifestyle
View All
LifestyleCelebrate Mom: Asheville's Mother's Day Weekend Events
This article highlights special brunches, unique gift markets, and relaxing activities perfect for celebrating mothers in Asheville. Discover ways to make Mother's Day truly memorable for the special women in your life.
Forest Bathing Trend: Hendersonville Finds Peace in Nature
Hendersonville, North Carolina, is increasingly becoming a hub for residents and visitors seeking tranquility through forest bathing, a low-impact wellness practice known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese. This mindful immersion in forested environments offers a unique approach to reducing stress and improving overall well-being, drawing participants to the region's abundant natural landscapes.
May 5, 2026
Hendersonville Farmers Market Opens Today
The Hendersonville Farmers Market is officially set to return for its 2026 season on Saturday, May 2nd, promising fresh local produce and artisan goods to the community. Shoppers can expect over 40 local vendors every Saturday through October, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Maple Street.
May 2, 2026
Bearfootin’ Bear Reveal Returns May 6th
Hendersonville -- April 30, 2026: The beloved Bearfootin’ Art Walk kicks off its 2026 season with the annual Bear Reveal on May 6th, one of Downtown Hendersonville’s most anticipated traditions.
April 30, 2026
Speaking Out for Our Shelters: A Local Crisis with a National Reach
WNC -- April 25, 2026: Across the United States, animal shelters are facing a quiet but critical crisis of overcapacity, and Western North Carolina is feeling the weight. At wnctimes, we believe in the power of local journalism to tackle these issues head-on.
April 25, 2026Outdoors
View All
OutdoorsCanton's Riverfront Renaissance: Pigeon River Beckons Summer Fun
Canton -- While the French Broad often gets the regional spotlight, the Pigeon River offers a more intimate, community-focused summer experience. From the quiet headwaters at Lake Logan to the bustling activity at Canton Recreation Park, the river is fully open for the season and ready for adventure.
Stewardship in the Pisgah: Balancing Flood Risk with Forest Health
Pisgah Forest -- April 23, 2026: In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the landscapes of the Appalachian Ranger District in the Pisgah National Forest wer...
April 23, 2026
Your Guide to the 2026 Synchronous Firefly Lottery
Great Smoky Mountains -- It is one of nature’s most exclusive "light shows," and for many in Western North Carolina, it’s a bucket-list experience. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has officially confirmed that the 2026 synchronous firefly viewing event at Elkmont will run from May 20 through May 27.
April 22, 2026
Blue Ridge BoundL Craggy Gardens and Waterrock Knob Visitors Centers Reopen
Blue Ridge Parkway -- April 17, 2026: Spring in Western North Carolina isn’t just about the valley floor turning green; it’s about the gradual climb of life back up to the peaks.
April 17, 2026
High Stakes in the High Country: Transylvania Rescue Squad Handles Four SAR Calls in 36 Hours
Transylvania County -- April 14, 2026: The busy summer season has arrived early in the North Carolina mountains, and local rescue crews are already feeling the heat.
April 14, 2026