The Joyful Botanist: Robin’s Plantain
Among the earliest flowering members of the Aster Family (Asteraceae) is the robin’s plantain (Erigeron pulchellus). Around Cullowhee, the robin’s plantain begins blooming in early April at lower elevations and can be seen blooming at higher elevations into June.
FEMA decision to cost WNC millions: Rep. Edwards accepts ruling while governor files formal appeal
In a move that will cost the state and local governments hundreds of millions of dollars, the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied North Carolina’s request for an extension on the period during which the federal government would reimburse 100% of recovery expenses for Hurricane Helene.
Legislators tag-team proposal for professional wrestling museum
North Carolina lawmakers are stepping into the ring with a $500,000 proposal to grapple with the idea of establishing a professional wrestling museum, hoping to pin down the state’s rich sports entertainment history before the final bell rings on funding.
Appeal of election needs to end
To the Editor:
It’s unfathomable that the citizens of North Carolina are still dealing with delays in the certification of Justice Allison Riggs’s November 2024 election to the state Supreme Court because of baseless attempts to overturn the results of a legitimate election.
Bill would cut red tape in lumber industry
A bill introduced by Macon County Republican Rep. Karl Gillespie that seeks to bolster North Carolina’s local sawmill industry has garnered widespread bipartisan interest for its potential economic, environmental and housing affordability benefits.
North Carolina sees drought, widespread abnormally dry conditions
The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council has classified most of the state as abnormally dry, while 56 counties are at least partially in a moderate drought, including almost the entire Smoky Mountain News coverage area.
Chuck Edwards' longest day: Asheville congressman faces fierce opposition at town hall
It had been a warm spring day that finally gave way to twilight of cobalt-grey, sharpening the flashing red and blue police lights slashing through dusk restless and unyielding. Demonstrators waving signs and banging rhythmically on locked glass doors, their chants pulsed through the cool evening air.
“Save our democracy.”
Sierra Club presents ‘International Birding and Climate Change’
Simon Thompson, an international birding expert, will discuss surprising effects of climactic changes on North Carolina’s and the world’s wild bird populations. He will speak to the WNC Sierra Club at 7 p.m. on April 2, in the UNCA OLLI/Reuter Center, at 300 Campus Drive.
Tar Heel state had an outsized impact in Republican trifecta
Before he was sworn in on Jan. 20, Donald Trump had a lot to say about the agenda he plans to pursue during his final term as president.
Helene assistance deadline extended
At the request of Gov. Josh Stein, FEMA has granted North Carolina an extension for local governments and certain types of non-profits to apply for public assistance until Feb. 6, 2025.
