PACIFIC WESTERN BANK

Mar 16 2026SPORTS

High‑School Stars Shine in Western North Carolina

Western North Carolina high schools are buzzing after a week of exciting sports. Students and fans alike can now vote for the top female athlete who delivered an outstanding performance last week. The voting deadline is Thursday noon. The winner of last week’s spot was Lilly Lossiah from Cherokee,

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Mar 11 2026FINANCE

Ligand’s Stock Rises After Bank of America Adds a Buy Rating

Bank of America has added Ligand Pharmaceuticals to its list of stocks it recommends buying, setting a new price target at $244. The move comes as the bank highlights Ligand’s business model, which focuses on high‑margin products and a lower level of risk compared to many other biopharma companies.

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Mar 06 2026FINANCE

Tokenized Securities Get Same Capital Treatment as Traditional Ones

Banks and regulators have announced that digital versions of securities, known as tokenized securities, will be treated exactly like their conventional counterparts when it comes to capital requirements. The Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency explained that

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Feb 13 2026WEATHER

Eugene-Springfield: Bracing for a Chilly Surprise

Western Oregon, including Eugene and Springfield, might see a rare snow event next week. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a forecast that includes the possibility of freezing temperatures and light snowfall from February 16 to February 18. This weather pattern is expected to bring a mix

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Jan 27 2026FINANCE

AI in Banking: New Challenges and Opportunities

Banks are diving into AI, and it's a big deal. For the third year, it's the hottest trend in finance. But it's not all smooth sailing. AI brings both benefits and risks. On one hand, it boosts efficiency and improves customer service. On the other, it opens doors to fraud, deepfakes, and voice cloni

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Jan 27 2026WEATHER

Chilly Days Ahead: What's in Store for Western North Carolina?

Western North Carolina is still feeling the chill after a big winter storm. The National Weather Service says it's not over yet. They warn of very cold wind chills. These can drop as low as -19 degrees. That's dangerous. Frostbite can happen quickly. So can frozen pipes. People need to be careful.

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Jan 23 2026BUSINESS

Banks Face Funding Challenges Amid Global Tensions

Banks in the euro area might struggle to get money from markets, especially in dollars and other foreign currencies, if global tensions keep rising. This warning came from the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) on a Thursday. Recently, things got tense between Europe and the U. S. over President T

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Jan 17 2026FINANCE

Credit Card Rate Cap: Banks Brace for Trump's Bold Move

Banks are in a tough spot right now. President Trump has suggested capping credit card interest rates at 10% for a year. This idea has caused quite a stir in the finance world. Banks are trying to figure out what to do next. The problem is, there's no clear plan on how this cap would work. The Whit

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Jan 13 2026RELIGION

How Faith and Community Helped Asheville Bounce Back

Western North Carolina faced a huge challenge when Hurricane Helene hit on September 27, 2024. The storm caused serious damage, leaving many people without homes. Over 160 Veterans at the Veterans Restoration Quarters, run by Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM), were among those

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Jan 06 2026LIFESTYLE

Retiring on a Pacific Island: Affordable Paradise Awaits

Pacific Islands are often seen as a dream retirement spot, but many think it's too expensive. However, there are affordable options that offer warm weather, stunning beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. These islands provide a mix of modern comforts and natural beauty, making them attractive for retire

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