The fight for public education

The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to western North Carolina has left communities grappling with significant loss and upheaval. And while there are so many areas that will need help, how our people recover will most assuredly pass directly through North Carolina’s public schools.

Mayor Smathers: Let’s come together and deliver for WNC

Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers calls on lawmakers in Raleigh to deliver for hurricane victims By Zeb Smathers From the moment Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on North Carolina, we’ve witnessed the best of humanity. Neighbors of all beliefs, political parties,...

Helene forces return to the old school Town Hall

In Black Mountain town leaders are getting information out with a method that’s been around for centuries. By Jeremy Markovich N.C. Rabbit Hole I’ve been doomscrolling quite a bit lately, mostly because there seems to be no end to pictures of the destruction...

Beyond belief in Ashe County

Organizer Nancy Weaver, who lives on multigenerational land, wants to make sure government dollars are spent on those who most need them  By Nancy Weaver One Sunday morning in November of 1977, my little sister Ann woke us up and said “The field is full of...

Leadership is not for someone else

Especially in the wake of the deadly hurricane, seeking political office shouldn’t be about an insider’s game or internet celebrity. By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton The last few days in North Carolina are a head-turning study in contrast.  For weeks, we’ve had Mark...