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Ashe Democrats see strong turnout at Christmas in July
WEST JEFFERSON — The Ashe County Democratic Party (ACDP) had a strong turnout of volunteers and visitors at its booth during the Christmas in July Festival in West Jefferson. The festival was a big success for the community with sunny weather and a large crowd that enjoyed live Blue Grass and Country music, classic and ethnic foods, and homemade crafts. Approximately 100 people visited the ACDP booth to show their support, meet candidates, purchase T-shirts and other merchandise, and obtain information about the upcoming election. ...
French Broad River MPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan seeking public comment
The French Broad River MPO's Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Elevate 2050, will be kicking off the first phase of public input opportunities for the plan in August. The MTP is a federally-required transportation plan for urbanized areas with a population over 50,000 and helps to guide transportation decision-making and multimodal priorities for the region. The plan is scoped to include four phases of public input over roughly the next year. The first phase is focused on developing a Vision & Goals for the region. The Vision & Goals that are developed will be used to help evaluate potential transportation projects for inclusion in the plan, so public input is greatly encouraged.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns for its 77th year
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The 77th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands has returned to the mountains. Every July and October, Harrah’s Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville hosts the craft fair for four days. This year's fair is filled with over 100 vendors who are showcasing the...
Consultant finds no evidence of bias in the Tax Assessor’s Office
After years of public scrutiny over Buncombe County’s tax assessment practices, an independent consulting firm hired by the Tax Assessor’s Office found the county’s appraisal process to be “blind and fair.”. The $60,000 report, authored by Kevin Keene of Keene Mass Appraisal Consulting, concluded that there...
The ADA – A deep dive
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) was passed in 1990. Local disability educator and activist Priya Ray of DIYabled notes that many non-disabled individuals aren’t aware of the ADA and its policies, and makes an effort to raise awareness this Disability Pride month!. On Open Air’s series, This Crip...
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
On Saturday, Oct. 5, Buncombe County and surrounding area residents will join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® — the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Presented by,...
Incentive package of $13M lures Nipro headquarters to North Carolina
(The Center Square) – Nipro, manufacturer of medical surgical and renal products, has been lured to North Carolina by an incentive package of more than $13 million. The 70-year-old Japanese company secured a $2.48 million grant from the state toward a $397 million manufacturing center and American headquarters. It is eligible for other assistance such […]
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s wife speaks at pregnancy center that offers ‘abortion pill reversal’
RALEIGH, N.C. (WGHP) — Abortion has remained a hot topic in the 2024 North Carolina election cycle, particularly after state lawmakers overrode the governor’s veto in order to pass a law restricting abortions in the state. Democrat Attorney General Josh Stein has run numerous ads attacking his opponent, Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, and heavily […]
No state budget this year means Medicaid could run low
NC Medicaid costs fluctuate each year. The state Department of Health and Human Services forecasts how costs might change and asks the legislature for funding adjustments based on those predictions. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the department asked for almost half a billion dollars extra to meet higher costs —...
Medicaid expansion could cover 360,000 more people in SC, new report says
COLUMBIA — Expanding Medicaid eligibility would give 360,000 additional South Carolinians full health insurance coverage in its first year while costing the state more than $250 million, according to a report released Thursday. South Carolina is one of 10 states in the country that has not expanded Medicaid eligibility to cover all adults with incomes […] The post Medicaid expansion could cover 360,000 more people in SC, new report says appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
North Carolina City Among the Hottest in America This Year
If you feel like it’s extra hot outside, that’s because it’s hotter than normal this summer. In fact, experts say that this summer is one of the hottest in America ever, including in one North Carolina city. So, make sure to hydrate and stay cool this summer, being getting overheated is no joke.
Voting rights at risk after Supreme Court makes it harder to challenge racial gerrymandering
In two recent rulings, the conservative justices handed state lawmakers new power to redraw congressional maps to their liking – including in ways that end up diluting the Black vote.
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