North Carolina Unveils New Traumatic Brain Injury Action Plan, Statewide Medicaid Expansion Awaits Funding
Marge Farrington•July 31, 2026
Western North Carolina Outdoor Event Guide
News
View AllNewsNorth Carolina Unveils New Traumatic Brain Injury Action Plan, Statewide Medicaid Expansion Awaits Funding
Raleigh -- July 31, 2026: North Carolina has adopted a new 2026–2029 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) State Action Plan aimed at improving services and long-term support for residents living with traumatic brain injuries.
Three McDowell County Residents Arrested Following Glenwood Traffic Stop, Drug Investigation
McDowell County -- July 31, 2026: A traffic stop in the Glenwood community of McDowell County on Tuesday resulted in the arrests of three individuals after law enforcement officers reportedly discovered illegal drugs during the investigation.
July 31, 2026
Macon County Deputies Recover $100,000 in Stolen Property, Drug
Macon County NC -- July 31, 2026: A criminal investigation by the Macon County Sheriff's Office Criminal Interdiction Unit has led to the recovery of approximately $100,000 in stolen property, the seizure of illegal narcotics, and the arrest of a suspect with outstanding warrants.
July 31, 2026
WNC Braces for Weekend Storm Surge: Heavy Rain Sunday
WNC -- July 31, 2026: Western North Carolina is heading into a wet and unsettled first weekend of August as a moisture-rich weather system moves into the region, bringing widespread rain and elevated storm chances to the blue ridge mountains.
July 31, 2026
Asheville Man Gets Over Decade for Hillcrest Shooting
Asheville -- July 31, 2026: A Buncombe County man will spend more than 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with a 2025 shooting at Asheville's Hillcrest Apartments.
July 31, 2026Sports
View All
SportsWestern 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.
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, 2026
5 Amazing Disc Golf Courses in Western North Carolina
WNC Mountain Adventure & Sports -- June 2, 2026: Western North Carolina has quietly become one of the premier disc golf destinations in the Southeast. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region offers everything from beginner-friendly community courses to nationally recognized championship layouts that attract players from across the country. Add breathtaking scenery, welcoming mountain towns, waterfalls, breweries, hiking trails, and outstanding local restaurants, and it's easy to see why so many visitors now plan entire weekends around disc golf.
July 2, 2026Business
View All
BusinessStarbucks 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...
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, 2026
Asheville Chamber Highlights Workforce and Economic Growth Opportunities Across Western North Carolina
WNC Business -- July 13, 2026: New workforce funding opportunities, economic development initiatives, and business resources are creating fresh opportunities for companies across Western North Carolina as the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce continues to spotlight programs designed to strengthen the region's economy.
July 13, 2026
Rep. Chuck Edwards and Wife Teresa Sell WNC McDonald’s Franchises
WNC -- July 13, 2026: U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards (NC-11) and his wife, Teresa, announced the sale of their Western North Carolina McDonald’s restaurant business. The decision marks a major transition for the Edwards family, closing a chapter that spanned 28 years of franchise ownership.
July 13, 2026Entertainment
View AllEntertainmentWestern 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.
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, 2026
WNC What's Happening This Weekend July 17–19, 2026
WNC Entertainment: Summer is one of the best times to experience everything Western North Carolina has to offer. From mountain craft fairs and community festivals to farmers markets and family-friendly celebrations, there's no shortage of reasons to get outside and explore. Whether you're staying close to home or planning a scenic day trip, these events offer something for visitors and locals of all ages.
July 16, 2026
Remembering Sam Neill: A Career Defined by Talent, Versatility and Grace
Entertainment News -- July 14, 2026: The entertainment world is remembering Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor whose remarkable career spanned more than five decades and over 150 film and television productions. Neill died on July 13, 2026, at the age of 78, leaving behind a body of work that crossed genres, generations and continents.
July 14, 2026Lifestyle
View All
LifestyleSchool 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
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, 2026
Western North Carolina's Most Photographed Covered Bridges and Historic Sites
WNC Travel -- July 13, 2026: Western North Carolina is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, but it's also home to some of the state's most fascinating historic landmarks. From picturesque covered bridges and restored railroad depots to grand estates, historic courthouses, and centuries-old mountain communities, these destinations tell the story of the people, culture, and traditions that helped shape the Blue Ridge Mountains.
July 13, 2026
15 Small-Town Ice Cream Shops You Need to Visit in Western North Carolina This Summer
WNC -- July 13, 2026: There’s nothing quite like enjoying a scoop of homemade ice cream after a day of exploring the mountains. From charming Main Streets to scenic mountain towns, Western North Carolina is home to dozens of locally owned ice cream shops serving everything from classic vanilla and chocolate to handcrafted seasonal flavors made with locally sourced ingredients.
July 13, 2026Outdoors
View All
OutdoorsWhen 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.
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
15 Amazing Sunrise and Sunset Views in the Blue Ridge Mountains
WNC Outdoors -- July 15, 2026: Few experiences compare to watching the first rays of sunlight illuminate the Blue Ridge Mountains or seeing the day's final colors paint the horizon in shades of orange, pink, and purple. Western North Carolina is home to countless scenic overlooks, mountain summits, and fire towers that provide unforgettable sunrise and sunset experiences for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
July 13, 2026
Family-Friendly Waterfalls in Western North Carolina That Are Easy to Reach
WNC Outdoors -- July 13, 2026: Western North Carolina offers a wealth of natural beauty, and for those seeking to enjoy its stunning waterfalls without strenuous hikes, several accessible options are available. These locations are ideal for families with strollers, toddlers, grandparents, or anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor adventure. With easy access to scenic views, visitors of all ages and abilities can experience the region's breathtaking waterfalls.
July 13, 2026