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The Blue Banner

The Student Voice of UNC Asheville

The Blue Banner

The Student Voice of UNC Asheville

The Blue Banner

Parkway visitor drives down newly opened section of the Blue Ridge Parkway at sunset
Parkway access restored just in time for fall leaves
Dylan Machi, Multimedia editor, [email protected] September 18, 2025

Just in time for the peak fall color season, a 26-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway reopened Monday near Mount Mitchell State Park, restoring access to popular overlooks and trails. The National Park Service announced Sept. 15 that repairs at...

A runner on his way to finish the race as he celebrates with his fingers up.
How Asheville’s half-marathon attracted runners from across the US
Maxence Dumez, News Writer, [email protected] September 17, 2025

Introduction Asheville hosted its 12th annual “Asheville Half-Marathon & 10K/5K”, on Saturday Aug. 23, 2025, which started and ended...

North Toe River, Relief, NC 11.4.24
Looking Back to Move Forward art exhibit: A way to cope and remember Helene
Ashton Harrison, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] September 16, 2025

When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina, the impact far exceeded what anyone could have imagined. As a way to remember what happened...

Pictured left to right: Addi Corl, Sophie Lundin, Isabel Richardson, Alison Graf, racing the women’s 3,000 meter event at the Duel in the Valley meet, Aug. 29.
For the strength of the Bulldog is the pack
Isabel Richardson, Sports Editor, [email protected] September 15, 2025

PRE RACE, HEART RATE 58 – It’s five minutes until we toe the line for the first time this season, which means only one thing. Team huddle....

Students and staff alike attending Rockypalooza, one of many major events organized by the student involvement groups.
Two new student involvement groups are being introduced to UNCA
Anthony Frederick, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] September 11, 2025

Whether it’s managing clubs or putting together student events, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure UNC Asheville students...

Moon Stracener, Alexa Kaley, Jason Braswell and more Run Club members start their first track workout.
New Run Club unites students through fitness
Adam Hetland, Multimedia Co-Editor, [email protected] September 10, 2025

UNC Asheville freshman Ginny Watts creates Run Club, fostering community and promoting health and wellness. “My favorite part of the club...

Members of UNCA Wesley during an intense game of Cards Against Humanity in Highsmith.
Belonging and bonding through religion and queerness
Ashton Harrison, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] September 10, 2025

The United Methodist Campus Ministry at The University of North Carolina Asheville creates a safe space for students of all backgrounds to come...

Decorative Background
Outside front gate to the Asheville Vintage Market in downtown Asheville.
Students turn to thrift shops as fast fashion’s footprint looms
Dylan Machi, Multimedia Co-Editor, [email protected] September 15, 2025

Affordability and ecological awareness are some reasons students like UNC Asheville senior Emma Montgomery shop used.  “It saves me money,”...

Jason Miller poses for his first day of kindergarten.
Don’t ask me about graduation
A reflection on leaving the UNC Asheville community and relationships built over the last four years
Jason Miller, Arts & Features Editor, [email protected] April 28, 2025

Don't ask me about graduation. Or rather, don't ask any senior about graduation. I'd avoid the topic entirely unless you want to ruin their day. Over...

Lexi Dooley and other interns from the National Weather Center chasing storms.
UNC Asheville student combines athletics and atmospheric science through a new weather program
Sage Branch, Sports Writer, [email protected] September 17, 2025

Athletics and the atmospheric science department at UNC Asheville have teamed up to improve weather awareness on the pitch. The program began...

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Kpop Demon Hunters Poster
Art, heart and KPop make for a global phenomenon and animated legend
Anthony Frederick, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] September 17, 2025

When I first saw the trailer for, Nay, the name KPop Demon Hunters, I had low expectations. The animation and character expressions showcased in the trailer were very impressive, but a big animation budget doesn’t mean the story will be engaging. At...

The central pathway to Ramsey Library is lined with the Latin phrase and its English translation: tyrannical leaders will inevitably be overthrown.
The price we pay: a commentary on our political state after Charlie Kirk’s death
Ashton Harrison, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] September 17, 2025

“I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our God given rights,” Charlie Kirk said on April 23, 2023, during a Turning Point USA Faith event. That's...

The UNCA quad during the Weeks of Welcome
International students feel Asheville is welcoming
Maxence Dumez, News Writer, [email protected] August 29, 2025

Introduction The first week of the fall semester can be felt and described as a new fresh start for all incoming students. Whether they are...

A customer holds their freshly-used Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm.
Luxe lips: a Summer Fridays makeup review
Alexandrea Thomson, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected] April 23, 2025

Many a trendy lip balm has found its way into our bags, promising hydration and a hint of color. But let’s be honest, most of them leave lips...

Asheville residents gather in Pack Square on Feb. 8 to protest ICE and the rise in deportation.
The myth of the perfect activist
Lindsey Toman, Assistant News Editor, [email protected] April 23, 2025

Being a young activist in the modern era oftentimes feels like living under a microscope. You're expected to speak up, organize and resist as...

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