News
View AllNewsTeen Charged in Fatal Watauga Head-On Collision
Watuaugua County -- May 13, 2026: Charges have been filed against an 18-year-old Zionville man following a fatal head-on collision on N.C. Highway 105 near the Avery-Watauga County line at 10:30 p..m. Alex Gil Hernandez, 18, faces charges of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and reckless driving in connection with the May 12 crash that killed Daylen H. Buchanan, 20, of Bakersville.
Yancey County Traffic Stop Leads to 36 Charges, Millions in Bond
Yancey County -- May 13, 2026: A routine traffic stop in Yancey County on April 4, 2026, escalated into a significant drug bust, leading to the arrest of two individuals on a combined 36 criminal charges, including 24 felonies. The severity of the alleged crimes is underscored by exceptionally high secured bonds totaling more than $2.6 million.
May 13, 2026
Jackson County Traffic Stop Leads to Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Seizure
Jackson County -- May 13, 2026: WHITTIER, NC — A routine patrol in northern Jackson County resulted in a significant narcotics seizure and the arrest of a Swain County man early Monday morning.
May 13, 2026
Federal Funds "Safety Valve": Governor Stein Signs Bill to Save Millions for Rural NC
Raleigh -- May 13, 2026: Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 433 into law Tuesday, a move that functions as a critical financial "safety valve" to ...
May 13, 2026
WNC Woman Identified in Lake Chatuge Death Investigation
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is actively pursuing leads in the death of Murphy resident Shelley Lynn Dietrich, found in Lake Chatuge. An upcoming autopsy is expected to provide critical insights into the circumstances of her passing.
May 12, 2026Sports
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SportsRemembering Brandon Clarke: A Legacy of Grit and Kindness
Memphis -- May 12, 2026: The sports world and the Memphis community are in shock following the sudden passing of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke. News of his death at age 29 was confirmed earlier today, Tuesday, May 12, leaving teammates, fans, and the basketball community at large reeling from the loss of a man widely regarded as a "gentle soul."
Friday Night Lights Get a New Look: Girls’ Flag Football is Officially Sanctioned in NC
NC -- May 12, 2026: Last Wednesday, May 6, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) made a historic call: Girls’ Flag Football is now an officially sanctioned varsity sport. This isn’t just a club or an exhibition anymore—starting in the fall of 2026, high school girls will be competing for official NCHSAA State Championship trophies.
May 12, 2026
Weaverville’s Karlyn Pickens Selected No. 1 Overall in 2026 AUSL Draft
Weaverville -- May 5, 2026: Weaverville native Karlyn Pickens, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher, has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) College Draft. Her selection by the Carolina Blaze on Monday, May 4, 2026, marks the culmination of a journey that began on local fields in Western North Carolina.
May 5, 2026
Asheville Tourists to Honor Local Service Workers at 4th Annual Travel & Hospitality Night
HomeTrust Park hosts its 4th annual Travel and Hospitality Night on May 5, offering local industry professionals a discounted evening of baseball. This event is a special thank you to those who keep Asheville's tourism thriving, with tickets just $5 including all fees.
May 4, 2026
WNC College Sports: The Final Push
WNC -- May 1, 2026: It is a historic and high-stakes weekend for our local college athletes as they head into post-season play and critical conference matchups.
May 1, 2026Business
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BusinessEconomic Resilience and Strategic Recovery: The State of WNC Business in May 2026
WNC Business -- May 13, 2026: Across the ridge lines of Western North Carolina this May, the narrative is shifting from emergency response to strategic economic "reset." While the outdoor recreation sector has long been the calling card of the Blue Ridge, it is now serving as the primary engine for the region’s broader business recovery.
Honoring Resilience: Small Business Week Spotlight on WNC
North Carolina -- May 4, 2026: Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed May 3–9, 2026, as Small Business Week in North Carolina. This week-long celebration honors the more than one million small businesses that form the backbone of the state's economy, with a particular focus this year on the grit and resiliency of entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina (WNC).
May 4, 2026
Asheville 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.
April 30, 2026
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, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentWNC Entertainment Guide: What’s Happening This Weekend (May 15–17)
WNC Entertainment -- From the heart of downtown Asheville to the rolling pastures of Fairview, Western North Carolina is alive with music, theater, and community spirit this weekend. Whether you are looking for a high-energy dance floor or a quiet afternoon of local craft, here is your complete guide to the best entertainment the mountains have to offer.
Braden Rumfelt Voted Out of American Idol Season 24
American Idol -- May 5, 2026: The lights dimmed on Braden Rumfelt’s American Idol journey during Monday night’s high-stakes episode, but the North Carolina native left the stage having reached an incredible milestone as a Top 5 finalist.
May 5, 2026
WNC 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 ...
April 25, 2026
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, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleEmpower Your Community: Join the Asheville Fire Department’s CERT Program
Asheville -- May 11, 2026: As Hurricane Preparedness Week comes to a close, the focus shifts toward a vital question: are you ready to help your neighbors when it matters most? While we often think of disaster response as the job of professionals, the Asheville Fire Department is offering a way for residents to play a hands-on role in community safety through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
Celebrate Mom: Asheville's Mother's Day Weekend Events
This article highlights special brunches, unique gift markets, and relaxing activities perfect for celebrating mothers in Asheville. Discover ways to make Mother's Day truly memorable for the special women in your life.
May 8, 2026
Forest Bathing Trend: Hendersonville Finds Peace in Nature
Hendersonville, North Carolina, is increasingly becoming a hub for residents and visitors seeking tranquility through forest bathing, a low-impact wellness practice known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese. This mindful immersion in forested environments offers a unique approach to reducing stress and improving overall well-being, drawing participants to the region's abundant natural landscapes.
May 5, 2026
Hendersonville Farmers Market Opens Today
The Hendersonville Farmers Market is officially set to return for its 2026 season on Saturday, May 2nd, promising fresh local produce and artisan goods to the community. Shoppers can expect over 40 local vendors every Saturday through October, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Maple Street.
May 2, 2026
Bearfootin’ 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.
April 30, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsNature’s Neighborhood: Why Local Parks Are WNC’s Best Kept Secret
WNC -- May 12, 2026: When we think of outdoor adventure in Western North Carolina, our minds often jump to the grand vistas of the Blue Ridge Parkway or the deep wilderness of the Great Smokies. However, we often overlook the incredible gems right in our own backyards. Local parks are the unsung heroes of our communities—they are accessible, budget-friendly, and require no advanced planning or expensive gear.
Canton's Riverfront Renaissance: Pigeon River Beckons Summer Fun
Canton -- While the French Broad often gets the regional spotlight, the Pigeon River offers a more intimate, community-focused summer experience. From the quiet headwaters at Lake Logan to the bustling activity at Canton Recreation Park, the river is fully open for the season and ready for adventure.
May 3, 2026
Stewardship 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...
April 23, 2026
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