This story was originally published in the Smoky Mountain News and written by Cory Vaillancourt. On May 2, 2024, a brief, awkward moment inside a women’s restroom at Western Carolina University was recorded, uploaded to social media, and sparked a flashpoint in America’s ongoing culture wars. At the center of the encounter was Payton McNabb, […]
Catamount grads reflect on graduation cap decor
May 14, 2025 by
Story originally published in WCU Stories written by Cam Adams. For Shondel “Junior” Granison, his graduation cap is more than a square board with fabric stretched across the top. It’s a symbol of accomplishment, but also a canvas for Granison to display some of what’s closest to his heart. “I’m also going to have a […]
Department of Education changes worry students about future
May 8, 2025 by
Videos produced by Anthony Fowler. With executive orders like “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” and “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling,” the Trump administration has already made many significant changes to the Department of Education. Many of the changes that have been made fall in line with Project 2025’s Mandate for Leadership: The […]
Greening Up the Mountain festival great success
April 30, 2025 by
Version of the story was originally published in The Sylva Herald April 30 edition Music, food, beer, arts, crafts, bugs and critters and plenty of people were present at the 27th annual Greening Up the Mountain Festival last Saturday. Officials estimate 11,000 people attended on a glorious day weatherwise. The festival aims to be environmentally […]
WheeLife Eps. 5: Special edition on religion, faith and students
April 27, 2025 by
Welcome to WheeLife, the radio news magazine for Cullowhee, Jackson County and the region. This is the fifth show and is a collaboration between the Western Carolina Journalist and 95.3 WWCU. This weeks episode is brought to you by Callia Addikis and Morgan Korson. You will hear us every Friday at 4 p.m. until the […]
Music, crafts, food, and more: Greening Up The Mountains arrives this weekend
April 24, 2025 by
Sylva kicks off spring start with food, music, and other entertainment for the 27th annual Greening Up The Mountains festival on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no cost to attend. According to their website, the event usually has upwards of 12,000 attendees and 175 vendor booth spaces on Main Street […]
