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Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Helene recovery could take 25 years, USDA official says

Helene recovery could take 25 years, USDA official says

Nearly two years after Helene, recovery and hardship coexist, as officials say WNC still faces housing shortages, lagging employment and decades of infrastructure work.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Lawsuit claims nurse negligence led to Mission Hospital patient death

Lawsuit claims nurse negligence led to Mission Hospital patient death

A lawsuit alleges a Mission Hospital nurse failed to monitor a patient who died after foot surgery.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Pumpkin Spice season is here. These local fall flavors rival Starbucks

Pumpkin Spice season is here. These local fall flavors rival Starbucks

Starbucks to release its fall beverages, including its Pumpkin Spice Latte. Where to find fall flavors at Asheville coffee shops.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Opinion: Hiding in plain sight: Duplexes and ADUs enrich neighborhoods for all

Opinion: Hiding in plain sight: Duplexes and ADUs enrich neighborhoods for all

On Tuesday, August 25, Asheville City Council is poised to vote on two zoning amendments that would make it easier to create more housing options.
Bucks County Courier Times Bucks County Courier Times
Homebuilder to buy scrapped Newtown sewage plant property

Homebuilder to buy scrapped Newtown sewage plant property

Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority dumped plans for a sewage plant after resident backlash and sells the land to a home builder.
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NYC Finance Department Clarifies Pied-à-Terre Surcharge Amid Homeowner Confusion

NYC Finance Department Clarifies Pied-à-Terre Surcharge Amid Homeowner Confusion

The New York City Department of Finance (DOF) has issued a memo to address concerns from New Yorkers regarding the implementation of a new surcharge on non-primary residence properties, often referred to as a 'pied-à-terre' tax. This surcharge, authorized by state legislation enacted on May 28, 2026, as part of the 2026/2027 budget, targets high-value residential properties in New York City not used as a primary residence. The law was supported by the Mayor's administration to help close a significant budget gap, with collected revenue intended to fund essential city services like public schools and park maintenance. The DOF published proposed rules on June 9, 2026, and finalized them on July 14, 2026, after a public feedback period. A supplemental assessment roll was published on July 24, 2026, followed by initial determination letters sent to approximately 17,000 property owners whose primary residency could not be confirmed. The surcharge applies to Class One properties (one to three-family homes) with ...
Wilmington Star-News Wilmington Star-News
Short-term rentals moving forward in Carolina Beach despite opposition

Short-term rentals moving forward in Carolina Beach despite opposition

A luxury Carolina Beach apartment complex could soon allow short-term rentals, despite concerns over trash and safety.
Wilmington Star-News Wilmington Star-News
Why humanities cuts may be necessary in NC despite their value | Opinion

Why humanities cuts may be necessary in NC despite their value | Opinion

A humanities advocate makes the case for tough academic choices while arguing that history, philosophy and literature still belong at the heart of education.
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Opposition Mounts Against Florida's Amendment 3 Property Tax Changes

Opposition Mounts Against Florida's Amendment 3 Property Tax Changes

A growing coalition of organizations in Florida is raising concerns about Amendment 3, a measure slated for the November ballot that proposes to increase the homestead property tax exemption to $250,000 by 2028. While the amendment aims to offer savings to homeowners, critics argue that the collective costs to the state would outweigh individual benefits. Groups such as the American Planning Association Florida Chapter, the Florida Engineering Society, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida, the Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents (FACERS), and the Florida Fire Marshals & Inspectors Association (FFMIA) have united under the 'Vote No on Amendment 3' campaign. These organizations contend that the proposal would significantly reduce local revenue sources without providing a sustainable replacement, impacting funding for infrastructure, public services, and responsible growth. They are joined by other groups including the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, the Flor...
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Asheville Resident's Home Invaded by Bear, Highlighting Local Wildlife Encounters

Asheville Resident's Home Invaded by Bear, Highlighting Local Wildlife Encounters

A north Asheville resident, Whit Alexander, experienced a startling incident when a bear entered her home, captured on her indoor security camera. The event occurred on August 18, following a separate bear incident in the area that injured another resident. Alexander initially mistook the bear for her small dog due to barking sounds and the animal's initial appearance on camera. Upon realizing it was a bear, she became concerned for her pets' safety. When she returned home, the bear was still present, and she resorted to kicking a barricade of drinks to encourage it to leave. This incident is not isolated, as Alexander reported the bear's continued activity on her street, including crawling under a porch, growling at a child, and entering a neighbor's porch to access dog treats. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) advises residents to secure trash and pet food and remove bird feeders to deter bears, especially during August and September when bears actively forage for berries and nuts.
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New Hampshire Attorney General Seeks to Overturn Landmark School Funding Rulings

New Hampshire Attorney General Seeks to Overturn Landmark School Funding Rulings

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office is appealing a recent court decision in Rand v. State of New Hampshire and is seeking to overturn the state's landmark school funding rulings, Claremont I (1993) and Claremont II (1997). These previous rulings established the state's constitutional duty to provide an adequate education and mandated that funding for schools must be uniform and fair, leading to the conclusion that locally raised taxes for education are, in effect, state taxes. The Attorney General's Office argues that the interpretation of the state constitution in Claremont I, particularly the word 'cherish' in Part II, Article 83, was flawed and does not impose a direct mandate for the state to pay for schools. They contend that if a duty exists, it should be shared between the state and local towns, citing historical local support for schools and recent legislation (House Bill 1815) that designates education as a 'shared responsibility.' Furthermore, the state argues that school funding is a 'no...
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Temporary $6,000 Senior Deduction Introduced, Not an Elimination of Social Security Taxes

Temporary $6,000 Senior Deduction Introduced, Not an Elimination of Social Security Taxes

President Trump signed H.R. 1, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, into law on July 4, 2025. This legislation introduced a temporary age-based deduction of up to $6,000 for filers aged 65 and older, and up to $12,000 for married couples where both spouses qualify. This deduction is available regardless of whether the taxpayer itemizes or takes the standard deduction, and it stacks on top of the standard deduction. However, contrary to some misconceptions, the bill did not eliminate Social Security taxes. The rules governing how much of Social Security benefits are taxable remain unchanged, and the combined-income formula that can make up to 85% of benefits taxable is still in effect. The deduction phases out based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), starting at $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers, and is fully phased out at $175,000 for singles and $250,000 for joint filers.