The Blue Banner

The Student Voice of UNC Asheville
Community members gather along Broadway with signs to gain the attention of the cars passing by.
UNCA explores options for urban forest, sparking community concerns
Firestorm employee Glenn Coco holds “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, a commonly banned and challenged book about racism. 
The rise in book bans raises fears of suppressed voices for educators
UNC Asheville's 2025 Homecoming court poses with their crowned royal family.
Homecoming court family results skewed at the gender line
Ramsey Library stands tall on the UNC Asheville campus amidst DEI removal across the UNC schooling systems.
Sudden removal of DEI in UNCA curriculum causes concerns among staff and students
Compilation of water damage
Sprinkler Head Bursts in Mills Dorm, Flooding Two Rooms: Freezing Temperatures to Blame.
Head coach Matt Frost engages tennis players
Tennis team chases another title, one match at a time
The UNCA Men's Basketball team huddles up around the coaches mid-game to figure out the next play.
NCAA considers extending competition eligibility to five seasons for UNCA athletes and beyond
UNCA dance team performs at a women’s home basketball game.
UNC Asheville’s dance team fights for recognition as an athletic team of their own
Athletes on the UNCA swim and dive team walk into a meet at Liberty University.
UNC Asheville swim and dive team prepare to close out the season
UNC Asheville swim and dive members Beatrice Cocconcelli, Tess Peny, Savana Bush, Meli Priesly, Olivia Ciancimino, Miriam Wheatley, Caroline Crouse, Danai Gkogkosi cheering for Swimming Intersquad 2024
Student-athletes struggle to keep everything under control
Inhaler rocks a sold-out Orange Peel show with memorable alt-rock songs
Inhaler rocks a sold-out Orange Peel show with memorable alt-rock songs
Unlock holistic wellness: how yoga and acupuncture harmonize mind, body and emotions for optimal health
Unlock holistic wellness: how yoga and acupuncture harmonize mind, body and emotions for optimal health
The remnants of the flood of the French Broad River remain in the River Arts District three days after Hurricane Helene hit.
The Grammys show Southern Appalachia the country has forgotten about them
Jason Miller's Music Column: Valentine’s Day Edition
Jason Miller’s Music Column: Valentine’s Day Edition
Pictured: Faith Hedgepath, a former student of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and one of the first significant cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in North Carolina.
Voices Unheard: The Unspoken Stories of Indigenous Women
Students gather at the game room in Highsmith to celebrate the first day of its reopening.
UNCA game room opens for the rest of the semester
Hyannis House sign made by students on the gravel path leading from the campus to the student space.
Hyannis House closure causes concern for students over the future of diversity spaces
Harvest Records inventory lines back wall.
Harvest Records celebrated its 20th anniversary as vinyl records continue to inspire a new generation of musicians in Asheville
Love: a look into a cultural shift in reality with the Center For Inspired Education
Love: a look into a cultural shift in reality with the Center For Inspired Education
Pictured: Delaney Wildcatt, member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Being acknowledged: recognizing Indigenous students at UNC Asheville
Palestine Protest with the B.B.C.
UNCA takes on the N.C. College Media Conference
Asheville 2025 Mardi Gras Parade
Investigating Eastern Hemlock Damage with Brayden “Bee” Giffin
The Best Trivia Game In Town at Well Played Board Game Cafe
Assembly Required Toy Exposition
A glance at Save UNCA Woods
Exploring the Hendersonville Fairy Trail
Impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville Botanical Gardens
Turning of the Maples photo gallery
Banned Books Crossword
Sci-Fi Movie & TV Characters Crossword
Pop culture word search
Student involvement word search
A Holiday crossword
Exploring UNCA’s Admission, Financial Aid, and Recruitment with Mavie Marcos
Love Songs Throughout The Decades – Valentine’s Day Spotify Playlist
SOS Episode 5: Bryce Long and the UNCA theater department
SOS Episode 4: Adam Pohl and Ultimate Frisbee
The Blue Banner: Staff Writers’ Takeover
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The Blue Banner

The Student Voice of UNC Asheville

The Blue Banner
All content by Verna Townson
Senate Bill 49, as well as House Bills 187 and 43 may threaten the comfort of LGBTQ+ youth in North Carolina.

[Photo] Trans student and president of the Republican club discuss recent restrictive legislation in NC

Verna Townson, [email protected], News Writer
April 27, 2023
Kai Tilly’s rendition of Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam,” with Call of Duty characters Soap and Ghost. Done on Procreate.

North Carolina students showcase their unique talents and share what motivates them

Verna Townson, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected]
April 11, 2023
The debate on banning social media platform TikTok rages on. Digital art by Verna Townson.

The U.S. considers banning TikTok, North Carolina residents weigh in on the issue

Verna Townson, News Writer, [email protected]
April 6, 2023
Screenshot of screen time used by the author in the week of February 19th. Taken from iPhone settings app.

I stopped using social media for a week, this is what I learned

Verna Townson, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected]
March 21, 2023
“All Ears” by Noah Styles made from clay and found objects.

Artists of WNC share what inspires, motivates and discourages them

Verna Townson, [email protected], News Writer
March 15, 2023
Digital art of a graduate looking toward their future.

[Photo] University specialists assist students in completing their degree on time

Verna Townson, [email protected], News Writer
February 24, 2023
Digital art of the Brown Mountain overlook in Morganton.

[Photo] Illuminating Appalachia: a brief history of the Brown Mountain Lights

Verna Townson, [email protected], News Writer
February 16, 2023
UNC Asheville senior Kai Tilly dawning face paint, standing in front of the Trans flag.

Discrimination continues to threaten the comfort and expression of queer youth

Verna Townson, News Writer, [email protected]
February 4, 2023
Information on hemp production courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

WNC residents benefit from using hemp-derived products as self-medication

Verna Townson, [email protected], News Writer
February 3, 2023
The mural adorning the back wall inside the Haywood United Methodist Church depicts 30 individuals combating homelessness.

Volunteers patrol Asheville to welcome unhoused people inside from the cold

Verna Townson, [email protected], News Writer
January 19, 2023

[Video] Annual Pumpkin Chunkin Festival excites onlookers

Verna Townson, [email protected], Contributor
November 8, 2022
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