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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  70 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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  112 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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  135 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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  122 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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  196 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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  189 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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  183 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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  110 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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  246 Hits
DEC
11
0

What Fun it is to Christmas Shop for Kids 12-18

What Fun it is to Christmas Shop for Kids 12-18 Oh What Fun to Christmas Shop!

Ah, Christmas shopping for teenagers. The season of joy, festive lights, and utter confusion about what a 14-year-old would actually find cool. Fear not, brave shopper! We've got you covered with a playful guide divided by age group, packed with gift...

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  134 Hits
DEC
08
0

Think Before You Give a Pet This Holiday Season

Think Before You Give a Pet This Holiday Season Pets Are Not Toys, Not to Be Returned, To Be Taken Care of All of Their Lives

The holiday season often inspires the idea of gifting a pet—a cuddly puppy or kitten nestled under the Christmas tree, symbolizing joy and companionship. While the gesture is heartwarming, it's crucial to recognize that pet ownership is a lifelong co...

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  144 Hits
DEC
05
0

Lingering Mental Health Impact of 20th Century Lead Exposure

Lingering Mental Health Impact of 20th Century Lead Exposure

 A recent study found that exposure to leaded gas from car exhaust during childhood altered the mental health balance in the US, raising the risk of anxiety, depression, and inattention or hyperactivity in later generations of Americans.  T...

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  120 Hits
DEC
01
0

Holidays Are Coming: Figuring Out What Kids Like?

Aichristmasparents

 Oh, how I love the winter holidays! As we enter the holiday season, our homes are filled with dazzling lights, the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and the subtle sound of anxiety, because, let's face it, it's not easy to predict what kids want ...

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  176 Hits
NOV
25
0

The Holidays Are Here—And So Are the Mixed Emotions

Aichristmastreeapmesmow

The holidays are, for many, a season of laughing, lights, and delight. For others, though, this season offers a complex range of feelings. Maybe you are financially overburdened,  lonely, or even about all the planning. Should it apply to you, k...

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  191 Hits
NOV
17
0

WNC Recovery and Resilience

WNC Recovery and Resilience

When Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, it left a profound impact on the region, bringing destructive floods, landslides, and wind damage that upended lives and devastated landscapes. Yet, amid the wreckage, the strength of the reg...

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  321 Hits
AUG
22
0

NC Lights Out Initiative to Protect Migrating Birds

A recent study has revealed that the estimated death toll of birds due to building collisions significantly underrepresents the true scale of the problem.  NC Lights Out September 6 - October 6, 2024 Migrating birds, especially those traveling a...

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  1487 Hits
OCT
28
0

Banner Elk Man Wins $1 Million from Found $20 Bill

Banner Elk Man Wins $1 Million from Found $20 Bill

A stroke of remarkable luck, Jerry Hicks of Banner Elk, North Carolina, discovered a $20 bill lying in a convenience store parking lot. That small find transformed into a life-changing fortune when he used the money to purchase a scratch-off lottery ...

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  310 Hits
OCT
11
0

Helene’s Destruction, WNC'S Determination

Helene’s Destruction, WNC'S Determination

Western North Carolina, with its majestic mountains, lush forests, and vibrant small towns, has long been a destination for those seeking natural beauty, adventure, and peace. The region thrives on tourism, which has been the lifeblood for many local...

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  368 Hits
SEP
11
0

Remembering September 11th: A Day of Reflection

Remembering September 11th: A Day of Reflection

On September 11, 2001, the world watched in shock as one of the most tragic events in modern history unfolded. In a matter of hours, the skyline of New York City was forever changed, and with it, the lives of countless families and communities. The a...

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  414 Hits
AUG
29
0

Bats and Sugar: Nature's Sweet Solution to Survival

Bats and Sugar: Nature's Sweet Solution to Survival

Have you ever wondered how a high-sugar diet, which spells trouble for humans, could be the key to survival for another species? Bats, the nocturnal creatures that often capture our imagination with their mysterious lifestyles, have recently added an...

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  856 Hits