News
Visitor perceptions continue to challenge western North Carolina tourism recovery
12+ hour, 17+ min ago (761+ words) ASHEVILLE, N. C. (WLOS) " Tourism officials say misconceptions about western North Carolina following Helene continue to impact travel decisions, even as new data show signs of recovery. During a Grow NC meeting Monday, officials discussed efforts to bring more visitors back to…...
Washburn's General Store nears 200 years of history in western North Carolina
1+ mon, 2+ day ago (503+ words) RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N. C. (WLOS) " As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this July, one Rutherford County landmark is marking an impressive milestone of its own. Washburn's General Store is recognized as the oldest continually operated, family-owned business in North Carolina " serving…...
North Carolina tourism spending saw a new record in 2025, topping $37. 2 billion
1+ mon, 2+ week ago (252+ words) RALEIGH, N. C. (WLOS) " North Carolina tourism spending hit a new high in 2025, with visitors spending more than $37. 2 billion on trips to and within the state, Gov. Josh Stein announced Thursday. This total surpasses the previous record of $36. 7 billion set in 2024. "Even…...
Burn ban lifted in most North Carolina counties, but officials say wildfire risk remains
1+ mon, 2+ week ago (533+ words) by Shelly Garzon&Marisa Sardonia BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N. C. (WLOS) " The statewide burn ban in North Carolina is beginning to ease, but officials say not all areas are in the clear as dry conditions persist. The North Carolina Forest Service has lifted…...
No new measles cases reported in North Carolina in 2 months, Upstate SC outbreak is over
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (295+ words) ASHEVILLE, N. C. (WLOS) " There have been no new measles cases reported in North Carolina in two months, according to data from the state's measles dashboard. Measles cases reported by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services this season ranged…...
Man accused of targeting North Carolina family in scam; investigators seek other victims
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (232+ words) JONES COUNTY, N. C. (WLOS) " A Cary man accused of targeting a North Carolina family in a financial fraud scam was taken into custody at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Sunday, April 26, 2026. According to a State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) news release, the…...
WCU music students play alongside North Carolina Symphony in America 250 concert
1+ mon, 4+ week ago (391+ words) CULLOWHEE, N. C. (WLOS) " As we continue to celebrate our Amazing America 250 series here in the mountains, we are not immune to celebrating music of all kinds. On Thursday, April 16, Western Carolina University hosted the North Carolina Symphony's classical favorites celebrating America…...
AG Jackson warns North Carolinians of rising job scams
2+ mon, 5+ hour ago (350+ words) President Donald Trump participates in a Health Care Affordability event at the White House. RALEIGH, N. C. (WLOS) " North Carolina officials are warning residents about an increase in employment scams. According to a news release, Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Labor Commissioner…...
Inside North Carolina's cannabis 'Wild West': $4 B market, few rules and growing concerns
2+ mon, 15+ hour ago (679+ words) ASHEVILLE, N. C. (WLOS) " For Franny Tacy, cannabis isn't a trend, it's been her life's work. "I've had a very close relationship with cannabis since I was a teenager," she said. "I kept it hidden for decades." Now, she's no longer hiding....
The 1776 expedition that shaped western North Carolina, left lasting impact on Cherokee
2+ mon, 3+ week ago (269+ words) BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N. C. (WLOS) " In 1776, as the 13 colonies declared independence and formed a new nation, settlers on the Appalachian frontier were pushing westward in search of land and opportunity. They were, in essence, blazing the next chapter in the nation's history…...