Scams and fraud on the rise

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?

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 […]

Spiritual politics: A unique solution to political and global divide 

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 […]

Wildfire season and drought in WNC: Little changes make big impacts

After a prolonged dry season, rain showers alleviate drought conditions in western North Carolina. Although the region is getting scattered rains, it’s not enough to get the region out of the drought. The National Centers for Environmental Information gives a current drought reduction estimate of the amount of rainfall needed to end drought conditions in […]

WCU professor working with Artemis program

The story was published in The Sylva Herald, April 23Story was co-written with Ashley Lind NASA accomplished something historic on April 10. The Artemis II mission to orbit the Moon and come back in 10 days was successful and as NASA says on their website “the first crewed Artemis flight marks a key step toward […]

Hummingbirds have returned to NC

Time to refill those sugar water feeders sitting in your garden! The annual hummingbird spring migration to North Carolina has begun. Hummingbird migration generally begins in early March and ends in mid-May. Once here, the hummingbirds will stay until August. Dr. Jeremy Hyman, professor and department chair of biology at Western Carolina University, received his […]