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.
Featured Stories
Complete stories that feature works from student authors in all areas of Media Hub’s media specializations.
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.
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.
“Every queen deserves a crown”: Women’s professional basketball comes to Charlotte
The Charlotte Crown will debut May 21, 2026, ending the city’s nearly 20-year wait for women’s pro basketball. As part of the new Upshot League, the team aims to create opportunities for players, build community pride and establish a lasting presence in Charlotte’s sports culture.
Rell Harwood to compete in the Olympics Big Air with an ACL tear
Rell Harwood is competing at her first Olympics after an ACL tear prevented her in 2022. She is competing in big air in the Livigno Alps with another ACL tear. Her childhood best friend and boyfriend are also on Team USA, cheering her on in the stands.
27 Routines: One Coach Choreographs Multiple Olympic Programs
Benoit Richaud is a figure skating choreographer for 16 athletes representing 13 countries at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He has gone viral for his outfit changes in the kiss and cry area.
Venezuelans in North Carolina Watch Closely as Maduro’s Case Unfolds
When the U.S. took Venezuela’s president into custody, the shock rippled far beyond Caracas. In North Carolina, Venezuelans gathered around phones, family, and food. A UNC student seeking asylum and a Cary food-truck owner unsure about returning home, they reveal how communities are processing political shock from thousands of miles away.