U.S. Loses 26-Year Measles Elimination Status Amid Broad Decline in Routine Vaccinations, Rising Whooping Cough, and Tightened COVID-19 Shot Access
Marge Farrington•November 14, 2026
Romantic Nights Out: Asheville's Top Date Spots
News
View AllNewsU.S. Loses 26-Year Measles Elimination Status Amid Broad Decline in Routine Vaccinations, Rising Whooping Cough, and Tightened COVID-19 Shot Access
U.S. Health News -- November 14, 2026: After 26 years of keeping endemic measles out of the country, the United States has formally lost its measles elimination status. The decision, issued in November 2026 by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), follows a surge of more than 5,400 confirmed measles cases across the country—the highest annual total since 1991—and reflects a broader drop in routine childhood immunizations, a multi-year spike in whooping cough, and sweeping changes to federal vaccine policy.
Man an Arrested in $22,000 Rutherford County Warrant Scam
utherford County -- November 13, 2026: Charlotte man is facing felony charges in Rutherford County after allegedly extorting $22,000 in cash from an elderly resident by posing as law enforcement over the phone. On Nov. 4, 2026, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a family member stating that an elderly man had been targeted in a warrant scam. According to investigators, the victim received a phone call from a man claiming there was an active warrant out for his arrest.
November 13, 2026
Macon County Sheriff's Office Clears Mountain Valley Intermediate School Bus After Unfounded Weapon Report
Macon County, NC -- November 12, 2026: Law enforcement officers responded to Mountain Valley Intermediate School on Thursday morning, Nov. 12, 2026, following a report that a student claimed to be in possession of a firearm while riding a school bus. A subsequent search confirmed that no weapon was present.
November 12, 2026
House Republicans Pass Veterans Omnibus Bill by Voice Vote on Veterans Day; No Individual Votes Recorded
News -- November 12, 2026: Accoring to congressional records and press statements from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, House Republicans passed the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA — H.R. 9237) on Veterans Day, November 11, using a fast-track voice vote.
November 12, 2026
Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care Launches 2026–27 Code Purple Shelter Season
Asheville -- November 12, 2026:As temperatures begin to dip across Western North Carolina, the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care (CoC) has official.ly initiated the 2026–27 Code Purple emergency shelter season.
November 12, 2026Sports
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SportsWNC High School Football Week 13
Western North Carolina high school football teams showcased their prowess, with several securing crucial victories to advance in the state playoffs. This article highlights the triumphs and hard-fought battles, celebrating the region's gridiron talent.
WNC High School Football Week 12: Mountain Teams Launch Postseason Runs in Opening Playoff Round
WNC High School Football -- November 7, 2026: Playoff football in the mountains arrived in full force Friday night as high school programs across Western North Carolina opened the postseason under the NCHSAA's eight-classification format.
November 7, 2026
WNC High School Football Scores Week 11
WNC High School Football -- November 1, 2026: Western North Carolina high school football teams wrapped up the regular season Friday night, Oct. 30, with Week 11 matchups settling final conference standings and playoff spots across the region.
November 2, 2026WNC High School Football Scores Week 10
WNC Sports -- October 24, 2026: Week 10 of Western North Carolina high school football brought high drama, nail-biting finishes, and commanding statement wins under Friday night lights. With postseason positioning on the line, several matchups came down to a single point, while powerhouse offenses lit up scoreboards across the region.
October 24, 2026
Beyond Friday Night Lights: WNC Fall Sports Head Into Championship Stretch
WNC Sports -- October 17, 2026: October brings conference titles, standout performances and postseason opportunities across Western North Carolina.
October 17, 2026Business
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BusinessWhy Asheville’s $30 Million in Helene Commercial Recovery Funds Remains Unspent
More than two years after Tropical Storm Helene devastated Western North Carolina in September 2024, the City of Asheville confirmed this week that $3...
Governor Stein Announces $2.2 Million in Rural Development Grants Across North Carolina
Raleigh -- October 19, 2026: North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority has approved $2.236 million in grants for nine local government projects, including the reuse of a manufacturing building in Shelby, Gov. Josh Stein announced Oct. 15.
October 19, 2026
Data-Center Demand Drives Nuclear Restart Deals at Three Mile Island and Duane Arnold
Business News -- October 18, 2026: Technology-company power contracts and billions in federal financing are helping revive retired reactors, bringing ...
October 18, 2026
NC Governor Stein Announces Catawba County to Gain 105 Jobs With Utili-Serve’s $24.8 Million Expansion
Catawba County -- October 15, 2026: Catawba County will gain 105 new jobs as Utili-Serve LLC invests more than $24.8 million to expand its Conover headquarters and construct a 25,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, Gov. Josh Stein’s office announced Oct. 14.
October 15, 2026
Former Industrial Hub Finds New Life: Ballcrank Pickleball Club to Open in Weaverville
WNC Business -- October 12, 2026: A prominent manufacturing property in northern Buncombe County has officially completed its initial transformation from an industrial production plant into a commercial recreation and hospitality destination.
October 12, 2026Entertainment
View AllEntertainmentRomantic Nights Out: Asheville's Top Date Spots
Asheville -- November 8, 2026: Asheville offers an enchanting setting for couples seeking a memorable romantic outing. Whether planning a special date night, a relaxed weekend escape, or a cozy mountain staycation, the city presents curated experiences designed to foster ambiance, shared moments, and lasting connection.
Russell Brand Sentenced to 10-Plus Years in UK Sex Assault Case
Celebrity Entertainment News -- November 9, 2026: British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison f...
November 9, 2026
Asheville This Week: Live Music, Grateful Dead Classics and a Spooky Night of Stories
Asheville Events -- October 18, 2026: An acoustic celebration of the Grateful Dead, a free evening of Phish favorites and a Halloween-season gathering of poetry and prose are among Asheville’s entertainment options for October 18–24, 2026. From touring acts at The Orange Peel to smaller performances around town, the calendar offers plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the city.
October 18, 2026
Haywood County Fall Events: Festivals, Crafts, Bluegrass and Halloween Fun
Haywood County -- October 7, 2026: Autumn is underway across Western North Carolina, bringing arts and crafts festivals, harvest celebrations, live bluegrass and Halloween activities to Waynesville, Maggie Valley and Canton.
October 7, 2026
Autumn in the High Country: The WNC Fall Mountain Festival Circuit
When the ridgelines shift from lush green to brilliant amber and scarlet, Western North Carolina enters its most spirited season. Autumn in the mountains isn’t just a scenic backdrop; it is a full sensory experience defined by bubbling copper apple butter kettles, the rhythmic resonance of bluegrass banjos, and town streets lined with generational craft traditions.
September 23, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleCozying Up in the Mountains: Practical and Fun Ways to Beat Cabin Fever in
WNC LIfestyle -- November 13, 2026: As the autumn leaves falland that familiar crisp chill settles over the Blue Ridge Mountains, we all know what comes next. Between frosty mornings, early sunsets, and the inevitable winter days when the roads are a little too slick to venture out, Western North Carolina folks are bound to spend a lot more time indoors
Beyond Friday Night Lights: WNC Students Bring Home Fall Titles and Keep Postseason Hopes Alive
WNC Lifestyle -- November 7, 2026: Western North Carolina students have turned October’s championship hopes into state titles, runner-up finishes and postseason victories. Cherokee volleyball, Avery County girls golf, Christ School cross country and NCSSM–Morganton teams are among the programs bringing home championships as the fall season moves into November.
November 7, 2026
Holiday Ice Rink Returns to Downtown Asheville for Extended 2026–27 Season
Downtown Asheville is gearing up for the return of a popular winter tradition as Asheville Yards announces the upcoming opening of its outdoor Holiday Ice Rink for the 2026–27 season. Located at 75 Coxe Avenue on the South Slope, the open-air rink will officially open on Friday, November 20, 2026, and run through Monday, January 18, 2027. This year’s schedule extends the skating calendar by an extra full week compared to last season, providing families, residents, and visitors more time to get out on the ice through the mid-January holiday weekend. The venue features a real outdoor ice surface complete with holiday lights, warming fire pits, festive music, hot cocoa, food vendors, and local craft beverages. In addition to open public skating, the venue is bringing back its weekly event schedule: Tuesdays: Locals Family Skate nights featuring half-price admission. Wednesdays: Old-Time Christmas concerts highlighting regional mountain musicians. Thursdays: Holiday movie nights on the outdoor big screen. General entry into the Asheville Yards grounds remains free throughout the season for spectators, shoppers, and non-skaters. Skating admission includes skate rentals and a 75-minute session on the ice. Because each session has a set capacity to keep the ice comfortable, advance online registration is strongly recommended. For complete operating hours, skate bookings, and private party inquiries, visit AshevilleIceRink.com.
November 3, 2026
Stitched in Democracy: Buncombe Register of Deeds Unveils Appalachian Quilt Gallery
Asheville -- October 28, 2026: In an era dominated by rapid-fire digital feeds and ephemeral media, the Buncombe County Register of Deeds is slowing down the civic conversation—one careful stitch at a time.
October 28, 2026
Medicare Drug Premium Protections Ending; Some Seniors Face Hundreds More in Annual Costs
Washington, DC -- October 26, 2026: Millions of Medicare beneficiaries will face new or higher monthly prescription insurance premiums in 2027 as the Trump administration ends a temporary program that helped hold down costs for standalone drug plans.
October 26, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsCity of Asheville Announces Playable Sound Sculpture to be Unveiled on Reed Creek Greenway
Asheville -- October 11, 2026: The City of Asheville is excited to announce the installation of a new, interactive piece of public art where the Reed...
Fall Air and Full Calendars: Outdoor Weekend Adventures Across WNC (Oct. 2–4)
WNC Outdoors -- October 1, 2026: Cooler mountain air and early traces of autumn color are setting the stage for a busy weekend across Western North Carolina. From open-air heritage gatherings and street celebrations to working orchard trails and athletic matches, outdoor opportunities span the region from the high plateau to the valley towns.
October 1, 2026
Welcome October Outdoors: Simple Mountain Activities to Savor the Season
WNC Outdoors -- September 23, 2026: As October arrives across Western North Carolina, the mountains settle into that classic autumn rhythm.
September 23, 2026
Eliada Corn Maze Hits New Note with Live Music in Fall 2026
Asheville -- August 30, 2026: The Eliada Corn Maze is set to introduce a new feature for its 2026 season, adding live music to its popular fall attractions and transforming the event into a vibrant fall festival destination. Located at Eliada Home in Asheville, the maze will open on Sept. 26, 2026, offering a unique blend of agricultural fun and entertainment for all ages.
August 30, 2026
Gentle Outdoor Adventures: Easy, Family-Friendly Outings Across Western North Carolina
WNC Outdoors -- August 28, 2026: You don’t need to climb steep summits or navigate rocky terrain to experience the best of the Blue Ridge. Western North Carolina is filled with scenic spots featuring flat walking paths, paved loops, shady resting benches, and gentle activities tailored for older adults, grandparents, and families with young children.
August 28, 2026