Western North Carolina News

University of Asheville announced that Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Ryan Steed Ph.D. was selected as a new Heny Dreyfus Teacher Scholar for 2026 by the Camille * Henry Dreyfus Foundation. Each year, the Foundation picks eight teacher-scholars for a national pool of faculty within the first 12 years of their academic careers. The award includes a unrestricted $75,000 research grant to further the scholar’s work with students.

Democrats won control of Congress, but Republicans remained the clear choice in most major local races in Rutherford and McDowell counties

North Carolina health leaders discussed public distrust, Medicaid funding and rural care during an Oct. 28 meeting that also left questions about how they welcome public scrutiny

AVL continues to expand

“Asheville Municipal Golf Course has long been a beloved community asset, and achieving certification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary highlights our equal commitment to being a vital asset to our local environment,” said Chris Corl, director of Community & Regional Entertainment Facilities with the City of Asheville.

Drag queens rush to Jamie Ager’s defense as Republicans highlight his connections to drag event encouraging child attendance

“OSA’s audit of the University of North Carolina at Asheville’s procurement card and travel card programs found the University did not consistently administer its procurement card program in accordance with the University’s requirements. Auditors identified procurement card transactions that lacked required supporting documentation, including required pre-approvals and documentation for third party lodging cost savings. Auditors also identified transactions that did not comply with the University’s purchasing requirements, including prohibited purchases.”

Vance campaigns for Whatley, Balkcom, and Buckhout

Voters in North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District will choose their representative before Democratic challenger LaKesha Womack’s scheduled court appearance on a pending felony charge involving an allegedly unreturned rental car.

“The School of Business is where we can combine the strengths of our business programs with our liberal arts roots,” said UNC Asheville Chancellor Kimberly van Noort. “We want our graduates to have the judgment and adaptability that employers want, so they are prepared to make a contribution from day one.”

Lake Lure lawsuit

Buncombe County hires new Assistant County Manager

Mission Health announced that all six hospitals will host their annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day on Saturday, October 24^th, 2026. The event provides more accessible access to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs and raise awareness of the dangers of prescription drug misuse.

the University of North Carolina Asheville announced the establishment of  AVL Scholars,  a new merit-based scholarship for public high school students who reside in Buncombe County. As Asheville’s Hometown University, the scholarship illustrates UNC Asheville's commitment to the residents of the city and county and provides students with an opportunity to build a future in the community they already call home. 

the University of North Carolina Asheville announced that it is raising the income eligibility threshold for Access Asheville, its tuition and fees guarantee for North Carolina families, from $90,000 to $100,000 in adjusted gross income (AGI). The change takes effect for new first-year or transfer undergraduate students entering in Fall 2027.

In the final weeks of the Senate race, Whatley and his allies are renewing scrutiny on Cooper’s record during his final weeks in office. “I think it is laughable if Roy Cooper even tries to make hurricane recovery an issue in this campaign after how badly he fumbled not only Helene, but eastern North Carolina,” State Representative Jake Johnson told the Reporter in an interview. “He is trying to run from anything that reminds anyone of how bad he has handled natural disasters in this state.”

Stein says Cooper’s response to Helene too slow

This final assessment allows the Asheville Fire Department to determine that all who pass are ready to serve the community, from their first day on the job,  with the same level of excellent service as existing AFD staff – no matter the call.

“Serving as Interim Chief over the past year has reinforced my pride in the men and women of the Asheville Police Department,” said Chief Stepp. “I am deeply honored to step into the permanent Chief role and will work alongside our dedicated officers, city leadership, and community partners as we continue to build on our progress and move Asheville forward together.” 

Rutherford County approved for FEMA Funds

“Most wildfires in this state are preventable,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Human activity continues to be responsible for more than 99% of wildfires in North Carolina, making individual actions one of our most important tools for preventing wildfires. Before you burn, take simple steps to keep your backyard fire in your backyard.”

“The Mountain State Fair has become such a special tradition for so many families, and that was evident by the smiles you could see on people’s faces and the laughter you would hear walking around,” said fair manager Jeff Barham. “Being able to provide an opportunity for families and friends to come together, learn about agriculture, share delicious fair food and enjoy some of the music and entertainment on the grounds is one of the greatest rewards of putting on the fair each year.”

Mission Health’s Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA) celebrated four decades of providing critical air medical care across Western North Carolina and surrounding areas. Since the program began in 1986, MAMA crews transported over 31,000 patients, bringing high-quality healthcare across the region. 

Asheville Botanical Garden, a free-entry public garden, will remain rooted at UNC Asheville for decades to come under a new 50-year ground lease. 

Rutherford County tourism revenue remains below last year’s pace, but officials are pointing to stronger late spring lodging collections and continued investment in Chimney Rock recovery, outdoor recreation and destination marketing.

Republican US Senate candidate Michael Whatley and state Rep. Jake Johnson (R, 113th District) are calling for faster, more predictable construction permitting as builders warn that delays are driving up costs across North Carolina.

University of North Carolina Asheville Associate Professor of Music Toby King was named the new Chair of the UNC System Faculty Assembly.  In his new role, King spoke to the first Board of Governor Meetings this week. This is a prestigious honor, King is one of only two members of the UNC Asheville faculty appointed to this leadership position. His tenure as Chair runs from 2026-2028. 

Showtime’s Legit BBQ of Benson, captained by Kevin Peterson, secured a first-place win and $2,000 grand prize at the 2026 Got to Be NC Whole Hog Cookoff at the N.C. Mountain State Fair.

HCA Healthcare announced plans to invest more than $32 million in Mission Health facilities across Western North Carolina to strengthen patient safety, quality, and care capabilities throughout the region.

Proposed misdemeanor ordinance restricts firearm discharge, while state law expressly protects an exception for self-defense