Can't think of anything braver that a staycation

 "Bravecations"—getting out and exploring the incredible resilience and beauty of Western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene, even on a budget. But sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is slow down, switch off, and rediscover the joy right w...

Ever wonder how the books end up on the shelves in your kid's school library? Usually, it involves trained librarians and teachers picking books they think fit the curriculum and are right for different age groups, following rules set by the local sc...

After the challenges brought by Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina's communities and local businesses are eager to welcome residents and visitors alike. Now is the perfect time to embark on a "Bravecation"—a bold staycation that encourages you ...

“Through the smoke, the sun still rises—same as us.”

Because in These Hills, You Can Laugh, Cry, and Rebuild—All in a DayThe air's been thick lately in alot of places —with smoke, yes, but also grit and grace.We've been through it: Hurricane Helene left her mark, and now wildfires edge closer than...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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: ...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

 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...

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...

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...

 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...

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...

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, ...