Bipartisan DHS Funding Bill Headed to President’s Desk; FEMA Freeze Expected to Thaw
Marge Farrington•April 30, 2026News
View AllNewsBipartisan DHS Funding Bill Headed to President’s Desk; FEMA Freeze Expected to Thaw
WNC -- April 30, 2026: The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan funding package on Thursday afternoon, ending a record-breaking 76-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The legislation now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature, a move that is expected to eventually restart the flow of federal disaster recovery funds to Western North Carolina.
Asheville's Housing Push: 203 New Housing Unit Project Gets Green Light
Asheville -- April 30, 2026: Asheville City Council has approved a conditional zoning change for a 203-unit affordable housing development at 50 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville. The unanimous decision, made on April 28, 2026, marks a significant step in the city's efforts to address the ongoing housing crunch and affordability concerns in the Western North Carolina region.
April 30, 2026
Statewide Burn Ban Extended: NC Forest Service Warns Drought Conditions Persist
Wnc -- April 30, 2026: The N.C. Forest Service has confirmed that the statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice, as persistent dry weather continues to outpace recent rainfall. Despite scattered showers over the past weekend, officials report that the majority of the state still faces a significant moisture deficit, with many areas requiring 10 inches of rain or more to recover from months of drought.
April 30, 2026
$6.4 Million Boost for Rural Healthcare: MAHEC and WCU Lead Expansion Efforts
Asheville -- April 30, 2026: A significant infusion of state funding is set to transform the healthcare landscape of Western North Carolina. The University of North Carolina System has announced the distribution of over $6.4 million in grants aimed at expanding rural medical residencies and practitioner fellowships, with a heavy emphasis on local institutions like MAHEC and Western Carolina University (WCU).
April 30, 2026
New Connector Trail Set to Expand Access to Graveyard Fields
Pisgah Forest -- April 30, 2026: The Pisgah Ranger District, in partnership with The Pisgah Conservancy and the Blue Ridge Parkway, has announced the commencement of the Upper Falls Connector Trail project. This new 0.9-mile trail will begin at the John Rock Overlook parking area, providing a vital new access point to the heavily visited Graveyard Fields.
April 30, 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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BusinessAsheville 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.
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, 2026
The 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.
April 23, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentWNC 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 ...
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, 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, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleBearfootin’ 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.
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, 2026
96th 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."
April 25, 2026
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, 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