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 […]
Don’t put your foam in the garbage. Feed Me Foam can do something about it
May 14, 2025 by
You’ve heard of paper shredder, but now meet the machine that shreds Styrofoam and turns it into usable plastic. Meet Audrey, the machine behind the business ‘Feed Me Foam.’Paul Allen, the creator of Feed Me Foam, noted how much space Styrofoam has been taking up landfills and decided to do something about it. His goal […]
WheeLife Episode 7: Environmental edition
May 9, 2025 by
Hear about different environmental stories from around Western North Carolina. We got a behind the scenes of a day-in-the-life of a N.C. Forest Service Ranger based out of Macon County. Greening up the Mountain Festival was at the end of April and the artists from the Green Energy Park showcased some of their art at […]
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 […]
Microplastics in watershed in Haywood County
May 7, 2025 by
Research at Richland Creek watershed, a head water way that flows through Waynesville, has been found of nine micro plastic particles per liter, which for a perspective is about 20 particles in a 2-liter bottle. Microplastics are classified as a “contaminant of emerging concern,” meaning that being exposed to low levels over long periods of time […]
