News
View AllNews"If You Fly, We Can’t": The Life-and-Death Stakes of Drones in NC Forests
North Carolina -- April 24, 2026: As North Carolina grapples with a high-risk spring wildfire season and a statewide burn ban, a silent threat is emerging in the skies over Western North Carolina: recreational drones.
Body Found in Burke County in March Identified as Missing Valdese Man
Burke County -- April 23, 2026: Authorities have identified the deceased individual found along Interstate 40 in March as Marty Joe Bryan, 48, of Valdese.
April 23, 2026
Watauga County Jury Returns Guilty Verdict in Fatal Business Partner Shooting
Boone -- April 23, 2026: Following a week-long trial in Watauga County Superior Court, Alexander Matthew Jackson has been found guilty of first-degree murder.
April 23, 2026
Haywood County Public Library Temporary Parking Changes at Waynesville Branch
Waynesville -- Haywood County Government: The Haywood County Public Library will experience temporary parking changes at its Waynesville branch as paving improvements get underway.
April 23, 2026
North Carolina Unlocks $319 Million in First Wave of Statewide High-Speed Internet Expansion
Raliegh -- April 23, 2026: Governor Josh Stein has officially launched a massive broadband initiative aimed at connecting 93,000 homes, businesses, and community institutions across North Carolina by 2030.
April 23, 2026Sports
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SportsFrom 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.
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, 2026
North Buncombe Hosts Asheville in Pivotal Conference Clash
A pivotal softball game that could significantly impact the Mountain 5A/6A league standings is set for today as North Buncombe High School hosts Asheville at 5:30 p.m. at North Buncombe's home field in Weaverville.
April 17, 2026
Choosing Asheville’s First Pickleplex: Aston vs. Roger Farmer
Asheville -- Aoruk 16, 2026: Asheville is ready to stop "sharing" and start "serving." This month—fittingly, National Pickleball Month—the City of Asheville officially launched its search for the home of the city's first dedicated pickleball complex.
April 16, 2026
Baseball Returns to the Blue Ridge: What to Expect in 2026
Asheville -- April 13, 2026: As the seasonal crowds return to Western North Carolina, the Asheville Tourists are stepping into a historic year at McC...
April 13, 2026Business
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BusinessThe Pillars of WNC: Why Our Chambers of Commerce Matter
WNC -- Chamber of Commerce: Across the 23 counties of Western North Carolina, 34 distinct Chambers of Commerce serve as the engine for our local economy.
The Great Mountain Reset: Why Asheville’s Rental "Dip" is a Regional Bloom
If you caught the recent headlines reporting a staggering 45% drop in Buncombe County’s vacation rental occupancy, you might think our regional tourism engine has hit a brick wall. But for those of us watching the data across the rest of Western North Carolina, the view from the porch looks quite different.
April 17, 2026
Asheville Regional Airport Reaches New Milestone with Baggage Claim Opening
Travelers arriving at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) today, April 17, 2026, are the first to experience the latest upgrade in the airport's massive $400 million expansion project.
April 17, 2026
The Grocery Games: Is Competition Finally Coming to Haywood County?
Haywood County -- April 17, 2026: t is a conversation that regularly ripples through checkout lines and local community boards across Haywood County: "When will we finally get an Aldi?"
April 17, 2026
Vortex Doughnuts Permanently Closes: A Sudden End for a South Slope Staple
Asheville -- April 16, 2026: A cornerstone of Asheville’s South Slope district has unexpectedly turned off its fryers for the last time. Vortex Dough...
April 16, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentLend 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.
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, 2026
2026 Downtown After 5 Kicks Off with High Energy and "Stomp & Holler"
Asheville's beloved outdoor concert tradition returns to Pack Square Park today, April 17, 2026, officially launching the Downtown After 5 season.
April 17, 2026
WNC Let's Go to the Movies May 17 -23, 2026
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly afternoon, a high-octane thriller, or a thoughtful indie drama, the theaters across Western North Carolin...
April 17, 2026Lifestyle
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Lifestyle96th Annual Ramp Convention: Eating for a Cause
Spring in Western North Carolina means more than just blooming wildflowers; it marks the return of the Annual Ramp Convention. Sunday, May 3rd, join us at American Legion Post 47 for a celebration that is as much about honoring our veterans as it is about enjoying the legendary "little stinker."
Celebrating Creativity: Art in the Park Returns for its 64th Season
Blowing Rock -- The high-country tradition continues! This year, Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park celebrates a spectacular 64th anniversary, transformin...
April 23, 2026
Ending the Power Drain: New UC San Diego Chip Could Be the Key to Energy-Efficient Data Centers
Technology -- April 23, 2026: As data centers consume staggering amounts of electricity to fuel the AI boom, public concern over energy waste has rea...
April 23, 2026
Pack Memorial Library Mural: Asheville's Chance to Shape Public Art
A statewide mural project is coming to Pack Memorial Library, offering Asheville residents a voice in its design. Learn how you can contribute your ideas and volunteer for this unique public art initiative.
April 21, 2026
Blowing Rock’s New Thursday Tradition: A Midday Must-Visit
Blowing Rock -- April 20, 2026: As the mountain air warms and the summer season begins to draw visitors back to the High Country, the Blowing Rock Cha...
April 20, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsStewardship 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...
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
Tight Lines and New Realities: The Complete 2026 WNC Spring Fishing Guide
WNC -- April 13, 2026: As spring unfolds across the Blue Ridge, the rivers are calling. However, for 2026, "knowing before you go" isn't just a sugge...
April 13, 2026