Finding a solution on the childcare crisis in WNC 

A version of the story was published in the Sylva Herald, April 15 edition Working parents don’t have it easy in North Carolina. The state has lost childcare facilities and parents are forced to either bring them to their workplace or work with the employers for accommodations.   The economic impact of the childcare crisis and […]

Whee Life: Artemis missions and taking humans back to the Moon

NASA accomplished something historic in April. We are step closer to stepping again to the Moon. Artemis II mission to orbit the moon and come back in 10 days was successful and as NASA says on their website “the first crewed Artemis flight marks a key step toward long‑term return to the Moon and future […]

HERE committee seeks funding after embezzlement scandal

The story was published in The Sylva Herald, April 15 edition. Jackson County leaders heard a presentation from the HERE Committee at the Board of Commissioners meeting on April 7, as the organization seeks continued funding while recovering from a recent financial controversy.  Cris Weatherford, HERE’s board chair, and Paul Phillips, interim director, shared an overview of the committee’s […]

Tuck River clean-up opportunity for fun and doing good

It’s time for the 42nd annual Tuck River clean-up. The Tuck River cleanup 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, April 18. The registration starts from 9 a.m. in front of the Catafount (transportation will be provided). Due to a limited amount of gear, registration will be limited to about 500 volunteers. There are alternative walking routes […]

Gas prices in the US: Everything to know about the rise in cost

Chances are if you drive you’ve noticed increasing prices at gas stations. But why is that? An AP-NORC poll done in March showed that 45% of people surveyed are extremely or very concerned about being able to afford gas, compared to 30% in the same survey from 2024. The national average retail price for regular […]

Political identity shapes trust in news, says WCU guest speaker

How journalists cover democracy may matter less than the readers’ political identity, according to a guest speaker at WCU on April 6 as part of the Haire Speaker Series. Dr. Katie Searles, the Olin D. Johnston Endowed Chair of Political Science at the University of South Carolina, presented her research about democracy coverage to students […]