Republished by Lilly Knoepp, NCLocalAugust 5, 2026 Following misconduct allegations and a censure recommendation by the U.S. House Ethics Committee, Rep. Chuck Edwards announced his departure from the Western North Carolina congressional race. “After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term,” Edwards wrote on […]
‘Don’t let them have a vote’: Text messages about WCU polling site from auditor’s office staff to Jackson County Board of Elections chair
July 5, 2026 by
Republished by Lilly Knoepp, NCLocalJuly 2, 2026 Messages obtained by NC Local from an auditor’s office staff member to the Jackson County Board of Elections chair show a directive to halt the local board’s June 2nd vote on whether to move a polling location on Western Carolina University’s campus. Dallas Woodhouse, who serves as auditor’s […]
Scams and fraud on the rise
May 8, 2026 by
Story co-written with Becki Veach Have you ever been called by a supposedly trusted source like a bank or a courthouse and the conversation just doesn’t feel right? For example, they try to pressure you into sending money or ask personal questions like your address or credit card information. Well, you’re not alone because you […]
Climate Change: How does it affect us?
May 8, 2026 by
People fleeing from their homes in Georgia because a wildfire is within sight-distance is now a reality. No rain for a month, wind and low humidity can take a cigarette thrown from a car window and turn it into a raging inferno devouring everything in its path. It’s more evidence that the warming planet is […]
Gift and Thrift: Bringing sustainable style to WCU
May 8, 2026 by
Students and community members were invited to the third annual Gift and Thrift event hosted by WCU’s Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning on Friday, May 1 at a pop-up shop in the University Center. Over 30 students attended the event, clearing out the donated items quicker than they had been sorted. The event […]
Spiritual politics: A unique solution to political and global divide
May 1, 2026 by
As political tensions rise and a resolution seems out of reach, a Western Carolina University (WCU) professor is writing about how spiritual politics may be the only answer. Dr. Michael Lenz is a political science professor at WCU, and he believes the answer to current global issues is spirituality. This spirituality is not religious, but instead about embracing peace, hope and […]
