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🌱 Patch AM: Could Asheville schools be the next target in Raleigh’s culture-war fight?

And check out Modelface Comedy presents The Unteachables Comedy Tour on the Asheville Patch calendar

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Hey hey Asheville! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could Asheville schools be the next target in Raleigh’s culture-war fight?
  • How UNCA students are reshaping the future of the campus woods
  • Which Asheville teams came out on top in Wednesday’s matchups?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Ashevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Ashevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 49 and low of 21 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and not as cool, temps: high: 56, low: 30.
  • Sunday: Low clouds breaking, with a high of 52 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. NC House leaders demand Chapel Hill-Carrboro report on student names, bathrooms (newsobserver.com) — Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools could soon face questions from a NC House oversight committee about how they handle student name and pronoun changes under the Parents’ Bill of Rights law. Lawmakers are already pressuring Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools, and Asheville’s current policy requires staff to notify parents before using different names or pronouns for students.
   

2. UNCA woods development debate is an education for students in new master's program • Asheville Watchdog (avlwatchdog.org) — UNC Asheville’s new environmental resilience master’s students have turned the controversial plan to develop 45 acres of campus woods into a real‑world research project, weighing a proposed soccer stadium against ecological and community needs. Their findings highlight strong student and faculty preference for housing, childcare, and low‑impact recreation, and could shape how UNCA develops its Millennial Campus properties in Asheville.
   

3. High School Round Up: December 17, 2025 (wlos.com) — Asheville High and Erwin split close wrestling matches, with Asheville’s girls winning 42–24 and Erwin’s boys edging Asheville 33–31, while Cougar swimmers posted strong finishes at multi-school meets. Local fans can also check how Asheville Christian, Owen, and other nearby programs fared across swimming, basketball, and diving on December 17.
   

4. Class Action Data Breach Settlements Agreed with Three Healthcare Providers (hipaajournal.com) — Patients of Asheville Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center are eligible to claim cash payments or reimbursement for certain losses after a major 2024 data breach affecting over 58,000 people. A $500,000 settlement fund will also provide options like up to $5,000 for documented expenses, with all claims due by January 26, 2026 and a court hearing set for February 9, 2026.
   

5. Service-driven leader receives Elon Law's Gergen Award (elon.edu) — A recent Elon Law graduate will soon be practicing with Hall Booth Smith in Asheville, bringing a strong record of pro bono service and community leadership to the local legal scene. The article highlights how her immigrant background and mentoring work shaped her commitment to accessible legal help. Asheville residents may soon encounter her through civil litigation and service-focused initiatives.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Andre and Tommy absolutely killed it today helping me move a bunch of heavy shop tools from my shed to help set up a woodworking shop in my garage.
    They even came out on short notice the week before Christmas. Will be trying them out for lawn care and yard maintenance going forward. Great… (Nextdoor Lover's Loop)
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    A cat who went missing in Asheville, NC, has been safely reunited with their family after 17 hours, 32 minutes. Message from Finder: "She has two… (Nextdoor East West Asheville)
  • CRH plc posted a job opening for Forklift Operator in Asheville. Apply here.
  • Johnston&Murphy posted a job opening for Part-Time Stock Associate in Asheville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Asheville here.

Ok Asheville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
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