Plane spotting at Raleigh-Durham International Airport has grown into more than a hobby — it’s a thriving community. From seasoned aviation enthusiasts to curious newcomers, spotters gather to watch, track and photograph aircraft, finding connection and meaning in moments most travelers overlook.
Community
Population Growth Fuels Change Across North Carolina’s Business Landscape
North Carolina’s rapid population growth is fueling economic success while quietly straining the systems beneath it. As infrastructure lags and real estate pressures mount, small businesses face rising costs, tighter competition and uncertain futures — raising a critical question: can the state sustain its growth without losing the local character that built it?
The almost untold story of Ivan Fleser: From his Chapel Hill days to playing with Ted Williams and former presidents
During World War II, Ivan Fleser trained at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Navy Pre-Flight School and played on the Cloudbuster Nine alongside Ted Williams and Johnny Pesky. After surviving a near-fatal plane crash, he returned home to serve as an educator and coach. Decades later, his quiet legacy endures through family and history.
A Walk for Peace: Raleigh Welcomes the Monks
Volunteers and faith leaders gather at Greg Poole Jr. All Faiths Chapel to prepare a welcoming lunch for traveling Buddhist monks. As crowds assemble from Dorothea Dix Park to the North Carolina Capitol, Raleigh unites in celebration, fellowship, and peace, culminating in a powerful speech before thousands.
New Asia Continent to open at the N.C. Zoo this fall
The North Carolina Zoo will open a 12.5-acre Asia Continent this September featuring tigers, Komodo dragons and more. Designed for immersive guest experiences and top-tier animal welfare, the exhibit blends jungle landscapes with architecture. Funded by $152 million in state and private support, it’s expected to boost tourism and conservation awareness.
Believe it or not, Bigfoot is booming in North Carolina
In small-town North Carolina, Bigfoot tourism is fueling economic revival. From Littleton’s Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum to guided hunts in Bryson City and Uwharrie trails near Troy, believers and skeptics alike draw crowds. Experts say the allure lies in curiosity and possibility—faith in discovering something mysterious still unexplained.
Behind the Scenes Sneak Peek at NC Zoo’s Asia Continent
The North Carolina Zoo is preparing to open its 12-acre Asia Continent expansion this September. Featuring immersive habitats for animals like Malayan tigers, Komodo dragons, and otters, the project enhances visitor experience while boosting tourism and local growth in Asheboro. An accompanying infographic lets users explore featured animals interactively.
Flipping the Script: UNC Gymnastics on the Rise
This story focuses on the rise of the University of North Carolina’s gymnastics program and how head coach Danna Durante is reshaping perceptions of the sport within the Atlantic Coast Conference. In a collegiate gymnastics landscape long dominated by powerhouse conferences like the SEC and Big Ten, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is emerging as a program to watch, thanks to Durante’s leadership, recruiting, and emphasis on visibility. Through competition sound, crowd energy, and insight from coaches and athletes, the story shows how increased attention on UNC gymnastics not only elevates the team itself but also brings greater recognition to the sport across North Carolina, signaling a broader shift in where elite gymnastics can thrive.
One superfan from Charlotte is chasing her Olympic dreams
Kristen McMillen, a Charlotte resident, has dreamt of going to the Olympics since she was six years old. Now, at 37, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are her sixth games.