Friday, July 31, 2026

Inflation under Trump

 

Friends:


Many of us have felt it every time we walk through the grocery store. Since 2019, the cost of food at home has increased by approximately 33%. This is the largest rise in grocery prices in nearly 50 years. By comparison, prices increased just 6.4% during the previous seven years.


For many families in our community, those higher grocery bills mean difficult choices. When more of the household budget is spent putting food on the table, there is often less available for rent, utilities, clothing, medications, and other essentials. As a result, more of our neighbors are turning to IAM not only for nutritious food, but also for the support that helps them remain safe, healthy, and securely housed.


All of us at IAM are grateful for your faithful generosity. Because you choose to care for your neighbors, families facing difficult circumstances are finding hope, stability, and the reassurance that they are not alone. Together, we are strengthening our community - one neighbor, one family, and one act of compassion at a time.


Gratefully, 


Matt Hutcherson

IAM Executive Director

Friday, July 24, 2026

These 5 Western North Carolina towns are the 'coolest' in the state

Check out this article from Times-News: These 5 Western North Carolina towns are the 'coolest' in the state https://www.blueridgenow.com/story/travel/2026/07/24/worldatlas-names-coolest-nc-cities-towns-for-summer-vacation/90998600007/ Pete 🤓 and Zeke 🐶

Sunday, July 5, 2026

A: Main

https://enewspaper.blueridgenow.com/ee/_nmum/_default_bb_include_inframe.php?token=439ed9908bc9c1934b0fcb526d2ff6fa_42fa7345-f36b-1410-8ae1-006de69366f5_1111111STD-0&cnum=42fa7345-f36b-1410-8ae1-006de69366f5&fod=1111111STD-0&licenseType=mobile_subscriber&for-guid=57aa2610-0938-49ff-96f3-febd04a2d2bc&utm_source=times-news-enewspaper-strada&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enewspaper&utm_term=body&utm_content=nhtn-hendersonville-nletter95&bbchoicetoken=bb_html5&pSetup=hendersonvilletimesnews&isFrame=1&bbtype=type_html5&enableUniversalLinkSplash=1&deviceType=/webios&cachev=1&maxTouchPoints=5&docMode=BackCompat Pete 🤓 and Zeke 🐶

Saturday, June 27, 2026

NC Forest Service says DuPont waterfall drowning victim was teen girl

Check out this article from Times-News: NC Forest Service says DuPont waterfall drowning victim was teen girl https://www.blueridgenow.com/story/news/local/2026/06/23/dupont-state-forest-hooker-falls-drowning-victim-was-asheville-teen-girl/90647149007/ Pete 🤓 and Zeke 🐶

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Jump Off Rock


Tourist attraction that is every bit a local destination. I used to ride my bike up this hill to enjoy the challenge of the exercise and the beauty of the view from the top then the thrill of the roller coaster ride down. I can’t ride right now but it’s still worth the 20 minute drive and there are a thousand reasons why so many people come here to bask in the glorious sunsets 🌅 

Pete 🤓 and Zeke 🐶

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Fwd: Reservation Confirmation - Thank you for Booking at The Pineola!


Pete 🤓 and Zeke 🐶

Begin forwarded message:

From: The Pineola <reservations@coastalgetaway.com>
Date: June 20, 2026 at 12:25:10 PM EDT
To: peteandtess@gmail.com
Subject: Reservation Confirmation - Thank you for Booking at The Pineola!
Reply-To: The Pineola <reservations@coastalgetaway.com>


 

Friday, May 15, 2026

Murdaugh Murders - ChatGtp Summary

 Friday May 15th 2026 - this blog post


Murdaugh Murders - ChatGtp summary


The biggest recent development is that Alex Murdaugh has officially been granted a new murder trial by the South Carolina Supreme Court. The court unanimously overturned his 2023 murder convictions this week, ruling that jury misconduct and improper influence by former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill deprived him of a fair trial.  

Why the convictions were overturned

The court found that Becky Hill:

  • Made comments to jurors about Murdaugh during the trial.
  • Allegedly encouraged jurors not to be “fooled” by the defense.
  • Improperly inserted herself into deliberations while also pursuing publicity and a book deal related to the case.  

The Supreme Court said those actions created a presumption that the jury was improperly influenced, and prosecutors could not prove the misconduct was harmless.  

What happens next

  • Murdaugh will now face a completely new murder trial for the killings of:
    • Maggie Murdaugh
    • Paul Murdaugh
  • South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has already said prosecutors intend to retry the case.  
  • The case goes back to lower court for pretrial proceedings and scheduling.

Important context

Even though the murder convictions were overturned, Murdaugh is not being released. He is still serving:

  • A 40-year federal sentence, and
  • A 27-year South Carolina sentence

for extensive financial crimes involving theft from clients and his law firm.  

Becky Hill developments

Former clerk Becky Hill later resigned and pleaded guilty to misconduct-related charges tied to her handling of the case, including obstruction and misuse of office.  


The Original Case

At the time of the February 24, 2019 boat crash near Parris Island, South Carolina, the six people on the boat were all young adults, mostly college-age. Here’s the group with their approximate ages and relationships:

  1. Paul Murdaugh — age 19
    • Son of Alex and Maggie Murdaugh
    • Brother of Buster Murdaugh
    • Boyfriend of Morgan Doughty
    • Accused of driving the boat while heavily intoxicated.
  2. Mallory Beach — age 19
    • Girlfriend of Anthony Cook
    • Thrown from the boat during the crash and later found deceased.
  3. Anthony Cook — age 18
    • Boyfriend of Mallory Beach
    • Cousin of Connor Cook.
  4. Connor Cook — age 19
    • Cousin of Anthony Cook
    • Boyfriend of Miley Altman.
  5. Miley Altman — age 20
    • Girlfriend of Connor Cook.
  6. Morgan Doughty — age 19
    • Paul Murdaugh’s girlfriend at the time.

The group had spent the evening socializing and drinking before boarding the boat late that night. The crash later became a major part of the public scrutiny surrounding the broader Murdaugh family investigations and trials.

Here is a concise overview of the June 7, 2021 Murdaugh family murders in Colleton County, South Carolina:


Victims


  1. Maggie Murdaugh — age 52
    • Wife of Alex Murdaugh
    • Mother of Paul and Buster Murdaugh
    • Killed near the dog kennels on the family’s Moselle property.
  1. Paul Murdaugh — age 22
    • Younger son of Alex and Maggie Murdaugh
    • Brother of Buster Murdaugh
    • Previously charged in connection with the 2019 fatal boat crash involving Mallory Beach.


Alleged Perpetrator


  1. Alex Murdaugh — age 53 at the time of the murders
    • Husband of Maggie Murdaugh
    • Father of Paul and Buster Murdaugh
    • Former South Carolina attorney from a prominent legal family.


What Happened


  • On the evening of June 7, 2021, Maggie and Paul were shot and killed at the Murdaugh family hunting estate known as Moselle near Islandton, South Carolina.
  • Paul was killed with a shotgun.
  • Maggie was killed with a rifle.
  • Alex Murdaugh called 911 claiming he had discovered their bodies after returning home.


Investigation and Trial


Investigators eventually focused on Alex Murdaugh after uncovering:


  • Video evidence placing him at the kennels shortly before the murders.
  • Financial crimes and mounting legal pressure that prosecutors argued gave him motive.
  • Inconsistent statements given to law enforcement.


In March 2023, Alex Murdaugh was convicted of murdering both Maggie and Paul and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without parole.


Other Key Family Member


  • Buster Murdaugh — older son of Alex and Maggie
    • Was not present at the property during the killings.