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NewsMiss North Carolina USA Stripped of Crown
North Carolina -- August 8, 2026: Brittany Boltinhouse's brief reign as Miss North Carolina USA 2026 has ended after pageant organizers stripped her of the title just weeks before she was scheduled to represent North Carolina at the Miss USA competition.
As Flock License Plate Reader Cameras Expand, Misuse Cases Raise Questions About Oversight
NEWS — August 8, 2026:NEWS — August 8, 2026: A Mooresville officer accused of using Flock cameras to track her boyfriend's ex-wife is one of several cases raising questions about who can access increasingly widespread license-plate surveillance systems.
August 8, 2026
Farm Bill Stalls in Senate as Agriculture Groups Warn Farmers Can't Afford More Delays
Washington -- August 8, 2026: A sweeping new Farm Bill aimed at updating federal agricultural and rural policy failed to advance from the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry this week, drawing disappointment from several major agricultural organizations that have been pressing Congress for action.
August 8, 2026
Good News from Lake Lure: Trails Reopen as Rainbow Bridge Project Moves Forward
Lake Lure -- August 8, 2026: LAKE LURE, N.C. — There is more good news coming from Lake Lure as restoration efforts continue across the community. Visitors are once again able to enjoy portions of Buffalo Creek Park, while work is also moving forward on a new Rainbow Bridge and water feature at the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.
August 8, 2026
Inside WNC's Growing Flock Camera Network
hey sit along roads and intersections, photographing vehicles as they pass. Automated license plate readers, including cameras made by Flock Safety, have become an increasingly common law enforcement tool across Western North Carolina. Asheville, Buncombe County and several smaller WNC communities use the technology to help identify vehicles connected to crimes, locate stolen vehicles and assist investigators.
August 7, 2026Sports
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SportsWeaverville's Karlyn Pickens Continues to Shine as Professional Women's Softball Reaches New Heights
WNC Sports -- August 3, 2026: Professional women's softball continues to gain momentum across the United States, and one of Western North Carolina's own is helping lead that rise. Weaverville native Karlyn Pickens has quickly become one of the brightest young stars in professional softball after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026
Western North Carolina August Mountain Sports & Races Guide
WNC Sports News -- July 28, 2026: August brings prime mountain weather across Western North Carolina, making it one of the most action-packed months on the regional sports calendar. From dog-friendly greenway runs and high-elevation road races to epic endurance mountain biking and city-wide cycling celebrations, outdoor athletes of all experience levels can find an event in the Blue Ridge.
July 28, 2026
WNC Summer Sports Roundup: Baseball, Soccer Camps and Local Competition Keep the Season Rolling
WNC Sports News -- July 20, 2026: While football season is quickly approaching, summer sports continue to thrive across Western North Carolina. From professional baseball in Asheville to American Legion competition and youth soccer camps, athletes of all ages are keeping local fields, diamonds and parks busy as communities prepare for the transition into fall sports.
July 20, 2026
Summer 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.
July 15, 2026
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, 2026Business
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BusinessHenderson County Economic Development Partnership Brings New Children’s Book to Local Classrooms
Hendersonville -- August 8, 2026: A new children’s book created in Henderson County is taking an early approach to workforce development by introduci...
Raccoon Creek Bike Park Expected to Bring Families, Visitors and Business to Haywood County
Haywood County -- August 3, 2026: Haywood County is making a long-term investment in both its residents and its economy with the opening of Raccoon Creek Bike Park, a new outdoor recreation destination designed to serve local families while attracting visitors from across the region.
August 3, 2026
Starbucks and JD Sports Now Open at Tanger Outlets Asheville
Asheville Business News -- July 22, 2026: ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Tanger Outlets Asheville has expanded its lineup of retailers and dining options with the...
July 22, 2026
Summer 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.
July 16, 2026
$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, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentGrammy-Winning Producer William Orbit Dies at 69
Entertainment News -- August 8. 2026: William Orbit, the Grammy-winning British producer and electronic music pioneer whose work helped shape some of the most recognizable pop and alternative music of the past four decades, has died at the age of 69.
August Is the Last Hurrah of Summer: Outdoor Entertainment Across Western North Carolina
WNC Entertainment -- August 4, 2026: August marks the final full month of summer in Western North Carolina, making it the perfect time to get outside ...
August 4, 2026
Western North Carolina Outdoor Event Guide
WNC Events -With the end of July marking the peak of midsummer, locals and visitors alike are eager to soak up the mountain air before autumn arrives. To help you fill your schedule, here is your comprehensive entertainment guide to outdoor festivals, open-air concerts, and mountain traditions happening across Western North Carolina this weekend, next week, and next weekend.
July 24, 2026
What's Happening This Week in Western North Carolina: Entertainment
WNC Entertainment -- July 20, 2026: Looking for something to do this week? Western North Carolina offers plenty of entertainment from now through Thursday, with live music, theater, art exhibits and community events taking place across the mountains.
July 20, 2026
Hellbender 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.
July 17, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestylePrepare Now, Relax Later: August Is the Perfect Time to Get Your Home Ready for Fall and Winter
It may still feel like summer across Western North Carolina, but August is one of the best times to begin preparing your home for the cooler months ahead. Waiting until the first cold snap or the peak of leaf season often means longer wait times for contractors, higher demand for firewood and heating fuel, and fewer appointment options. Taking care of a few important tasks now can save time, money, and stress later.
Back-to-School Season Brings Communities Together Across Western North Carolina
WNC Back to School -- August 3, 2026: As students across Western North Carolina prepare to head back to the classroom, communities throughout the region are once again coming together to help ensure every child starts the school year with the supplies needed to succeed.
August 3, 2026
School 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
July 17, 2026
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, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsFire Towers You Can Visit in Western North Carolina
WNC Times Outdoor News -- August 3, 2026: After learning about the important role fire towers played in protecting North Carolina's forests, many readers may be wondering where they can see one for themselves.
What Are Fire Towers? The Historic Mountain Sentinels That Once Protected Western North Carolina's Forests
WNC Outdoors -- August 3, 2026 If you've ever hiked to the top of a mountain in Western North Carolina and discovered a tall steel tower rising above the trees, you've probably wondered what it was built for. These structures, known as fire towers or fire lookout towers, were once one of the most important tools for protecting North Carolina's forests from devastating wildfires.
August 3, 2026
When Bees Hijack the Hummingbird Feeder: Understanding the Mid-Summer "Nectar Dearth"
WNC Outdoors -- July 27, 2026: If you’ve stepped out onto your porch or into your garden in Western North Carolina recently to check on your hummingbird feeder, you might have noticed some uninvited guests: bees. Dozens of them, swarming the red plastic ports, jostling with the hummingbirds, and leaving many outdoor enthusiasts wondering what on earth is going on.
July 27, 2026
Washburn 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!
July 16, 2026
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