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View AllNewsBurning Ban Lingers: WNC Wildfire Risk Remains High, Officials Warn
State and local officials are extending the open burning ban across Western North Carolina, citing continued high wildfire risk. This article explores the science behind the increased risk and what precautions residents should take.
Asheville Area Awakens: Bears Emerge, BearWise Offers Spring Safety Tips
Black bears are emerging from their dens in Western North Carolina. BearWise.org provides crucial tips for residents to prevent conflicts as bears search for food in the spring.
April 6, 2026
Marion Man Charged with Forcible Rape of Employee at Workplace
Maximiliano Queriapa Guardian, 53, of Marion, faces felony charges after allegedly raping an employee at their workplace. The McDowell County Sheriff's Office investigation led to his arrest and detention.
April 6, 2026
The Perfect Storm: Why WNC Schools are Facing a Fiscal Cliff in 2026
WNC -- April 5, 2026: While the rest of North Carolina watches the political tug-of-war in Raleigh, Western North Carolina is feeling a much colder r...
April 5, 2026
NC Attorney General Challenges Federal Overreach on Mail-In Voting
Raleith -- April 5, 2026: North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s recent ex...
April 5, 2026Sports
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SportsMcCormick Field to Host Big South Baseball Championship
Asheville will host the Big South Baseball Championship in May 2026, a six-team double-elimination tournament determining the Big South's automatic bid to the NCAA Championship. The tournament is...
Brevard and West Henderson Secure Victories as Area Baseball and Softball Rivalries Heat Up
Local baseball and softball teams clashed in recent games, stirring up school rivalries and community pride. For Asheville residents, the performance of teams like the Asheville Bulldogs is a key...
April 3, 2026
WNC Sports Roundup: Dominant Wins and Major Facility Investments
Dominant performances and intense rivalries marked recent high school baseball, softball, and track and field competitions in Buncombe County, underscoring the community's vibrant athletic spirit....
April 1, 2026
Asheville City SC Looks Ahead to 2026 Season Following Historic Open Cup Run
Despite a tough loss in the U.S. Open Cup, Asheville City SC has a season ahead. This piece explores the team's upcoming schedule, league goals, and how they plan to bounce back from this defeat, including player development and future roster adjustments.
April 1, 2026
Brevard Baseball's Extra-Inning Thriller Leads WNC High School Roundup
High school sports fans across Western North Carolina saw plenty of action on Saturday, March 27, 2026, as local athletes showcased their talent and passion in baseball, girls soccer, and softball....
March 30, 2026Business
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BusinessWNC Career Expo: Over 100 Employers Convene at Ag Center April 16th
Asheville Chamber of Commerce -- The regional job market is getting a major boost this month. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced tha...
Why Haywood County is the Heart of the Mountains
Haywood County -- April 2, 2026: t is no secret that Haywood County is special, but lately, the rest of the world is starting to realize what we’ve k...
April 2, 2026
Buncombe County Budget Boosts Services as Asheville Faces Cuts
Even as Asheville braces for service reductions, Buncombe County residents can anticipate significant investments in community services and infrastructure, thanks to a proposed $504 million general...
April 1, 2026
A New Era for Care in WNC: Irene Wortham & Liberty Corner Merge
WNC -- March 31, 2026: Two of Western North Carolina’s most established disability support organizations, Irene Wortham Center Inc. (IWC) and Liberty ...
March 31, 2026
Asheville-Salisbury Rail Line Could Generate $1 Billion, Boost WNC Economy
A proposed Asheville-to-Salisbury train line could significantly boost the Western North Carolina economy and ease traffic congestion, advocates say. Supporters of the project gathered at the...
March 31, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentBluegrass Legend John Cowan Kicks of Asheville Area April Music Scene
A month of live music in Asheville kicks off tonight with the John Cowan Trio at The Grey Eagle, promising to boost the region's creative spirit and local venue economies across Buncombe,...
WNC Let’s Go to the Movies: Easter Weekend & Full Weekly Lineup
Spring is in full bloom, and as we head into Easter weekend and the following week (April 3–9, 2026), the local marquees are packed. From cosmic famil...
April 3, 2026
Robert Plant Concert Highlights Asheville's Thriving Music Scene
Robert Plant, the legendary voice of Led Zeppelin, will take the stage tonight at Asheville's Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, underscoring the city's growing reputation as a premier music destination. The...
April 1, 2026
All Aboard! Bryson City's Bunny Hopper Express Chugs into Town
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad's Bunny Hopper Express offers a unique Easter adventure for families. Enjoy a scenic train ride, an egg hunt, and views of The Fugitive movie set.
March 31, 2026
Dillsboro's Easter Hat Parade: Quirky Hats & Mountain Charm!
Dillsboro's annual Easter Hat Parade returns with its unique blend of eccentric headwear and community fun. Participants can even craft their own hats at Dogwood Crafters before strutting their stuff in the parade.
March 31, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleDog Day Afternoon at Lake Julian is Back! May 9, 2026
Arden -- Lake Julian May 9, 2026: Get ready to wag those tails! Mix 96.5 is bringing the ultimate pet celebration back to Lake Julian Park on Saturday...
The "Zero-Mile" Spring Break: High Fun, Low Cost, No Car Needed
Spring Break -- You don't need a full tank of gas to give your kids a week they’ll remember. In fact, some of the best childhood memories come from th...
April 5, 2026
FDA to Reverse 2023 Peptide Ban: What You Need to Know
Washington DC -- In a rare move that overrides previous regulatory decisions, the federal government is moving to restore legal access to 14 popular p...
April 4, 2026
Spring into Easter: A Weekend Guide to WNC Festivities
WNC -- April 2, 2026: As the dogwoods begin to bud and the mountain air softens, Western North Carolina prepares for one of its most cherished seasons...
April 2, 2026
The "Missing Middle": Why WNC Needs More Than Just Luxury Retirement
WNC -- Let’s have a real talk about growing older in these mountains we love.If you’ve driven through Waynesville, Asheville, or Hendersonville lately...
April 2, 2026Outdoors
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Outdoors"Rescue is Not a Certainty": Great Smoky Mountains Issue Rare Warning After 38 Emergencies in March
Great Smok Mountains -- April 5, 2026: The bottom line: National Park rangers are urging Western North Carolina visitors to prepare for dangerous spri...
Buncombe County Preserves 280+ Acres of Farms, Forests
Even as a statewide burn ban grips Western North Carolina, Buncombe County is moving to protect its natural resources, advancing five conservation easements totaling more than 280 acres in Black...
April 3, 2026
The Great Hummingbird Homecoming to WNC Mountains
WNC Mountains -- Spring in Western North Carolina isn’t just about the rhododendrons waking up; it’s about the return of our smallest, feiciest neighb...
April 2, 2026
WNC Summer on a Shoestring: The "Splash, Snack, and Stroll" Guide
WNC -- Let’s face it—2026 has been a bit of a pinch on the pocketbook. With gas prices and the grocery bill climbing, that big beach trip or theme par...
April 1, 2026
From Wilderness to Sidewalks: Staying Safe During the WNC Thru-Hiker Season
WNC Hiking -- March 31, 2026: As spring arrives in Western North Carolina, our trails and town centers see a significant increase in activity. The "Cl...
March 31, 2026