Featured Stories

Complete stories that feature works from student authors in all areas of Media Hub’s media specializations.

ICE activity sparks fear in North Carolina public schools: What community volunteers say should come next

When Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity increased across North Carolina, fear kept some families from leaving their homes and children from attending school. In response, schools implemented safety protocols to protect students, while community members mobilized quickly to organize transportation, food distribution, and protection teams. This story examines both those immediate efforts and what they reveal about gaps in existing systems, highlighting what community leaders say must come next.Through interviews with organizers, school officials, and advocates, it highlights growing calls for clearer statewide policies, stronger communication, and more proactive crisis planning to better protect students and families moving forward.Drawing on interviews with organizers, school officials, and advocates, it highlights calls for clearer statewide policies, stronger communication, and more proactive crisis planning to better protect students and families.

At the End of the Runway: Plane Spotting at RDU

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.

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.

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.