All Westbound Lanes on I-26 Between Hendersonville and Asheville Now Open
Marge Farrington•July 17, 2026News
View AllNewsAll Westbound Lanes on I-26 Between Hendersonville and Asheville Now Open
Buncombe County -- July 17, 2026: Drivers traveling between Hendersonville and Asheville are seeing a major improvement today as all westbound lanes on Interstate 26 have officially reopened, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing I-26 widening project.
NC Counties Face $52 Million in SNAP Costs After Federal Benefit Change
Raleigh -- July 18, 2026: North Carolina counties are preparing to absorb millions of dollars in additional administrative costs beginning October 1, 2026. This immediate impact follows the final 2026–27 state budget, which did not include requested funding to help local governments manage expanded responsibilities under new federal SNAP requirements.
July 17, 2026
Hendersonville Man Dies Following Powered Parachute Crash at Airport
Hendersonville -- July 17, 2026: The victim has been identified as Ryan Mark Nelson, 60, of Hendersonville. Deputies said the crash was reported at approximately 9:15 a.m. on July 15. Nelson was pronounced dead at the scene.
July 17, 2026
Buncombe County Health Urges Caution as Cyclospora Cases Rise Locally
Buncombe County -- July 18, 2026: Buncombe County Public Health is encouraging residents to take extra precautions when handling and preparing fresh fruits and vegetables as cases of cyclosporiasis continue to increase across North Carolina during the summer months.
July 17, 2026
Macon County Commissioners Vote to End Funding for Flock License Plate Camera Program
Macon County -- July 17, 2026: After hours of public comment and debate over privacy, government surveillance and public safety, the Macon County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday night to eliminate county funding for the Flock Safety automated license plate reader camera program.
July 17, 2026Sports
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SportsSummer Competition Keeps Western North Carolina Busy from the Ballpark to the Mountains
WNC Sports Roundup - July 15, 2026: Summer is one of the busiest seasons for sports and outdoor recreation across Western North Carolina, and this year is proving no exception. Baseball fans recently filled the stands in Asheville, one of North Carolina's oldest tennis tournaments wrapped up another successful year, and athletes throughout the region are preparing for a busy stretch of competition as July continues.
Asheville City SC Women Advance to USL W League National Semifinals; Men's Team Set for Saturday Showdown
Asheville -- July 7, 2026: The Asheville City SC Women are headed to the USL W League National Semifinals after an exciting postseason run that has ...
July 7, 2026
5 Amazing Disc Golf Courses in Western North Carolina
WNC Mountain Adventure & Sports -- June 2, 2026: Western North Carolina has quietly become one of the premier disc golf destinations in the Southeast. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region offers everything from beginner-friendly community courses to nationally recognized championship layouts that attract players from across the country. Add breathtaking scenery, welcoming mountain towns, waterfalls, breweries, hiking trails, and outstanding local restaurants, and it's easy to see why so many visitors now plan entire weekends around disc golf.
July 2, 2026
Summer Sports Camps and Conditioning Keep Western North Carolina Student-Athletes Moving Toward Fall Seasons
WNC Sports -- June 28, 2026: While the school year may be over, athletic fields, gymnasiums, weight rooms and practice facilities across Western North Carolina remain busy as student-athletes prepare for another exciting fall sports season.
June 28, 2026
Big News for WNC Sports Fans: National Championships, New Venues, and Rivalry Matches
WNC Sports -- June 25, 2026: It has been an action-packed week for the Western North Carolina sports scene. From massive announcements by national governing bodies to a groundbreaking new local business on Asheville’s South Slope, our mountain communities continue to prove they are a powerhouse for both competitive sports and fan culture. Here are the top stories shaping the local sports landscape this week.
June 25, 2026Business
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BusinessSummer Tourism Fuels Western North Carolina's Economic Recovery
WNC Business News -- July 16, 2026: As visitors return to the mountains for summer vacations, Western North Carolina businesses are seeing encouraging signs that the region's economic recovery continues to gain momentum. While challenges remain for many communities still rebuilding from Hurricane Helene, tourism once again serves as one of the strongest drivers of local business activity.
$10 Million Craft Catalyst Initiative to Support Asheville Artists and Small Businesses
Asheville -- July 14, 2026: Asheville's nationally recognized arts and crafts community is receiving a major economic boost following the launch of ...
July 15, 2026
Asheville Chamber Highlights Workforce and Economic Growth Opportunities Across Western North Carolina
WNC Business -- July 13, 2026: New workforce funding opportunities, economic development initiatives, and business resources are creating fresh opportunities for companies across Western North Carolina as the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce continues to spotlight programs designed to strengthen the region's economy.
July 13, 2026
Rep. Chuck Edwards and Wife Teresa Sell WNC McDonald’s Franchises
WNC -- July 13, 2026: U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards (NC-11) and his wife, Teresa, announced the sale of their Western North Carolina McDonald’s restaurant business. The decision marks a major transition for the Edwards family, closing a chapter that spanned 28 years of franchise ownership.
July 13, 2026
German Transport and Aviation Equipment Manufacturer to Establish First North American Production Facility and US Headquarters in Hickory
Hickory -- July 12, 2026: Catawba County Economic Development Corporation Press Release: Goldhofer AG, a globally recognized German manufacturer of specialized heavy transport and airport ground support equipment, announced today that it will establish a new North American production facility and United States headquarters at Trivium Corporate Center in Hickory, North Carolina. The company plans to invest more than $20 million and create up to 80 new jobs by the end of 2030.
July 11, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentHellbender Opens This Weekend: Asheville's Newest Outdoor Music Venue Ready to Welcome Fans
Asheville -- July 17, 2026: After months of anticipation, Asheville music fans are about to experience the city's newest outdoor concert destination. Hellbender by The Orange Peel officially opens to the public this weekend, marking a major addition to Western North Carolina's live music scene.
WNC What's Happening This Weekend July 17–19, 2026
WNC Entertainment: Summer is one of the best times to experience everything Western North Carolina has to offer. From mountain craft fairs and community festivals to farmers markets and family-friendly celebrations, there's no shortage of reasons to get outside and explore. Whether you're staying close to home or planning a scenic day trip, these events offer something for visitors and locals of all ages.
July 16, 2026
Remembering Sam Neill: A Career Defined by Talent, Versatility and Grace
Entertainment News -- July 14, 2026: The entertainment world is remembering Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor whose remarkable career spanned more than five decades and over 150 film and television productions. Neill died on July 13, 2026, at the age of 78, leaving behind a body of work that crossed genres, generations and continents.
July 14, 2026
Terpsicorps & MANNA: A Powerful Partnership Returns to Asheville
Asheville -- July 10, 2026: Asheville's Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance is set to renew its impactful partnership with MANNA FoodBank for its 2026 AscenDANCE season. This renewed collaboration aims to blend world-class dance with crucial community support for addressing food insecurity across Western North Carolina.
July 10, 2026
Celebrate America's 250th Birthday Across Western North Carolina
WNC -- America's 250th Birthday! Your Guide to Fourth of July Weekend Fun, Recreation and Community Celebrations As Independence Day weekend arrives, communities across Western North Carolina are preparing for one of the busiest weekends of the summer. Whether you're looking to lace up your running shoes, enjoy live music, spend time outdoors with family, or cap off the evening with fireworks, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate America's 250th birthday throughout the region.
July 2, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleSchool Supply Drive for Students in Buncombe County Foster Care July 22 - July 31
Buncombe County Government -- July 17, 2026: Buncombe County Social Work is collecting school supplies for students in the Western North Carolina foster care system. Donated supplies will be distributed to the families who are supporting school-aged children in foster care, including 325 students in our county, and any additional supplies will be given to in-need families who are involved with prevention services. Local supplies will be distributed in August, in partnership with Biltmore Church
Paws and Pictures: Lake Junaluska Teams Up With Sarge's Animal Rescue
Waynesville -- July 15, 2026: In a heartwarming effort to help shelter dogs find their forever homes, Lake Junaluska has partnered with Sarge's Animal Rescue. To kick off the collaboration, several adoptable dogs recently visited the lake for a special outdoor photo shoot, showcasing the pups enjoying the beautiful, natural scenery.
July 15, 2026
Why Western North Carolina Leaves a Lasting Impression
WNC Lifestyle -- July 13, 2026: People often ask what makes Western North Carolina so different from other places. It's a fair question, and honestly, it's not always easy to answer. You could point to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the waterfalls, the hiking trails, or the small towns that seem frozen in time. Those are certainly part of it. But there are beautiful mountains in other states too.
July 13, 2026
Western North Carolina's Most Photographed Covered Bridges and Historic Sites
WNC Travel -- July 13, 2026: Western North Carolina is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, but it's also home to some of the state's most fascinating historic landmarks. From picturesque covered bridges and restored railroad depots to grand estates, historic courthouses, and centuries-old mountain communities, these destinations tell the story of the people, culture, and traditions that helped shape the Blue Ridge Mountains.
July 13, 2026
15 Small-Town Ice Cream Shops You Need to Visit in Western North Carolina This Summer
WNC -- July 13, 2026: There’s nothing quite like enjoying a scoop of homemade ice cream after a day of exploring the mountains. From charming Main Streets to scenic mountain towns, Western North Carolina is home to dozens of locally owned ice cream shops serving everything from classic vanilla and chocolate to handcrafted seasonal flavors made with locally sourced ingredients.
July 13, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsWashburn Marina Reopens - A Major Milestone in Lake Lure's Recovery!
Lake Lure -- July 16, 2026: Update Town Of Lake Lure" We are excited to announce that the Town of Lake Lure, NC has received all required Town and Rutherford County approvals for the newly rebuilt Washburn Marina. The Certificate of Occupancy (CO) was issued this afternoon, and seasonal slip renters may now begin using their boat slips!
A Local's Guide to Tubing the Rivers of Western North Carolina
WNC Outdoors -- July 13, 2026: There are few better ways to cool off during a hot summer day than floating down one of Western North Carolina's beautiful rivers. Whether you're looking for a relaxing family adventure, a scenic float through mountain valleys, or a gentle ride with friends, the region offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water while taking in some of the Blue Ridge Mountains' most spectacular scenery.
July 13, 2026
15 Amazing Sunrise and Sunset Views in the Blue Ridge Mountains
WNC Outdoors -- July 15, 2026: Few experiences compare to watching the first rays of sunlight illuminate the Blue Ridge Mountains or seeing the day's final colors paint the horizon in shades of orange, pink, and purple. Western North Carolina is home to countless scenic overlooks, mountain summits, and fire towers that provide unforgettable sunrise and sunset experiences for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
July 13, 2026
Family-Friendly Waterfalls in Western North Carolina That Are Easy to Reach
WNC Outdoors -- July 13, 2026: Western North Carolina offers a wealth of natural beauty, and for those seeking to enjoy its stunning waterfalls without strenuous hikes, several accessible options are available. These locations are ideal for families with strollers, toddlers, grandparents, or anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor adventure. With easy access to scenic views, visitors of all ages and abilities can experience the region's breathtaking waterfalls.
July 13, 2026
Hidden Waterfalls Worth the Hike in Western North Carolina
WNC Outdoors -- July 2, 2026: Western North Carolina is home to hundreds of waterfalls, from famous roadside attractions to secluded cascades hidden deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains. While many visitors flock to well-known destinations, some of the region's most rewarding waterfalls require a short hike and a sense of adventure. The payoff is fewer crowds, peaceful forest trails, and breathtaking scenery that showcases the natural beauty of our mountains.
July 2, 2026