MAR
18
0

Less is Now: Spring Cleaning with Purpose

Inspired by The Minimalists and that nagging pile of stuff you keep ignoring Less is Now: Spring Cleaning with Purpose (And Sanity)

Inspired by The Minimalists and that nagging pile of stuff you keep ignoring If you've watched The Minimalists: Less Is Now on Netflix, you know exactly where I'm going with this. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus remind us that our stuff — t...

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  85 Hits
MAR
14
0

Asheville Town Hall Highlights Political Divide as Constituents Demand Answers

Asheville Town Hall Highlights Political Divide as Constituents Demand Answers Speaking Out, Is Anyone Listening?

A Town Hall Marked by Engagement and FrustrationTensions ran high at U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards' (R-NC) town hall in Asheville on March 13, where hundreds of constituents gathered to voice their concerns. Hosted at Asheville-Buncombe Technical...

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  148 Hits
MAR
10
0

Federal Funding Cuts Leaves WNC Exposed After Hurricane Helene

Federal Funding Cuts Leaves WNC Exposed After Hurricane Helene

Western North Carolina is still rebuiding after Hurricane Helene swept through in September 2024, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Trees—nature's best defense against flooding, erosion, and extreme weather—were lost in staggering numb...

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  193 Hits
MAR
08
0

Don’t Forget to Spring Forward!

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Alright, folks, it's that time of year again—when we collectively lose an hour of sleep but gain an hour of evening sunshine. Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, so before you hit the hay tonight, set those clocks ah...

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  132 Hits
FEB
22
0

Teacher Grant Cut in Western NC

Teacher Grant Cut in Western NC

Tens of millions of federal grants recently canceled by the Trump adminstration directly support programs for teacher retention andtraining across North Carolina. Practically speaking, this implies that previously used vital financial suppo...

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  344 Hits
JAN
11
0

How Immigration Changes Could Affect Western North Carolina

How Immigration Changes Could Affect Western North Carolina

Lately there has been a lot of news on immigration. Although this seems to be a far-off political issue, these developments might have a deeper personal significance than you could think. The headlines feature it everywhere. More strict immigrat...

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  233 Hits
FEB
16
0

Asheville: One of the Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the U.S.

Asheville: One of the Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the U.S.

Long regarded as one of the most dog-friendly communities in the United States is Asheville, North Carolina. After Hurricane Helene in September 2024, the city struggled greatly with infrastructural destruction and severe flooding. Still, the strong ...

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  468 Hits
FEB
10
0

A Penny for Your Thoughts

A Penny for Your Thoughts

In a move that has sparked nationwide debate,  President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on February 9, 2025, to announce that he has directed the U.S. Treasury Department to halt the production of new pennies. In his post, Trump stated: ...

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  261 Hits
FEB
06
0

Plan to Eliminate the Department of Education: What It Means for WNC

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The Trump administration is taking steps to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, a move that would drastically change the landscape of public schooling in America. One of the biggest consequences? The loss of Title I funding—the $18 billion fe...

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  315 Hits
JAN
28
0

Entrepreneurial Success in 2025: Top Trends and Tips

Entrepreneurial Success in 2025: Top Trends and Tips

Welcome to 2025! Whether you are an experienced business owner, a new entrepreneur, or just thinking about starting your own business, this year looks promising for growth, new ideas, and chances to succeed. The business world keeps changing, and to ...

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  410 Hits
JAN
20
0

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Reflecting on His Legacy & Our Path Forward

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Reflecting on His Legacy & Our Path Forward

People in the United States remember and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was one of the most important civil rights leaders, on the third Monday of every January. Today is also a day to remember what he said and did and to think about how ...

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  244 Hits
JAN
18
0

Improving FEMA’s Response: Better Prepare for the Next Big Disaster

Improving FEMA’s Response: Better Prepare for the Next Big Disaster

 When disaster strikes, FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) is often the first line of support for affected communities. But over the past few years, FEMA has faced increasing challenges, from funding limitations to the growing number...

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  269 Hits
JAN
16
0

H-1B Visas in North Carolina, What They Mean for You and Your Community

H-1B Visas in North Carolina, What They Mean for You and Your Community

In today's fast-changing job market, you may have heard about H-1B visas and wondered, "What's the impact here in North Carolina?" These visas allow U.S. companies to hire skilled workers from abroad for specialized roles, and they play a significant...

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  309 Hits
JAN
07
0

Meta Announces End to Fact-Checking Program, Loosens Speech Restrictions Across Platforms

Meta Announces End to Fact-Checking Program, Loosens Speech Restrictions Across Platforms

 In a move aimed that is said to enhance free speech, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, has announced sweeping changes to its content moderation policies. The company will end its third-party fact-check...

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  332 Hits
JAN
07
0

How to Help Stray or Feral Cats During Winter: A Guide to Compassionate Care

How to Help Stray or Feral Cats During Winter: A Guide to Compassionate Care

Winter can be a harsh and dangerous season for stray and feral cats. Without adequate shelter or access to food, these vulnerable animals face serious risks, including hypothermia and frostbite. Whether you're a seasoned cat advocate or a concerned n...

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  342 Hits
JAN
01
0

Happy New Year 2025: Finding Strength Together in Western North Carolina

Happy New Year

Many people in Western North Carolina will be carrying heavy hearts starting in 2025. The past year put us to the test in ways we never imagined. Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on people's lives, destroying homes and businesses, and, most painfully, ...

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  550 Hits
DEC
29
0

Fun, Easy Ideas for a Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve & Day at Home

Fun, Easy Ideas for a Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve &  Day at Home

Celebrating New Year's at home with family can be just as magical as going out—and maybe even more so! With a mix of parents, relatives, and kids, you can craft a memorable night filled with laughter, games, and a touch of tradition. Here are so...

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  341 Hits
DEC
29
0

WNC: Looking Ahead to 2025

WNC: Looking Ahead to 2025

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Western North Carolina, but it was no ordinary hurricane. Among the worst disasters this area has seen in recent memory, it was absolutely terrible. Historic floods, landslides, and tragedy bef...

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  616 Hits
DEC
23
0

Keeping Your Mind & Spirit Healthy Over the Season

Keeping Your Mind & Spirit Healthy Over the Season

People often think of the holidays as a beautiful time of happiness, family, and celebration. For many, it lives up to the promise—time spent with family and friends, holiday rituals, and moments of thankfulness can warm the heart. But for some, the ...

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  235 Hits
DEC
16
0

Christmas Traditions in Western North Carolina

Christmas Traditions in Western North Carolina

The holiday traditions of Western North Carolina (WNC), which have their roots in pioneer history, Appalachian culture, and old-world customs introduced by early settlers, give the region a special charm. Let's examine some cherished Christmas custom...

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  547 Hits