The Broadside

WUNC News

Each week, host Anisa Khalifa tells one story from our home in North Carolina, at the crossroads of the South. From news to arts and culture, WUNC News’ “The Broadside” dives into issues that might not make the front page, but deserve a closer look. Along the way, we explore the nuances of our home — and how what happens here ripples across the country. Find new episodes of “The Broadside” every Thursday.

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Thursday · 24 min
Southern cafeteria culture reaches the end of the line
The cafeteria has been a cultural and culinary touchstone in the South for generations. But recently, many of these restaurants have shuttered their doors. In 2025, the long-serving North Carolina chain K&W Cafeterias closed its last location, marking the end of an era. But the spirit of the communal serving line still lives on in a few remaining restaurants. This week, we visit one of them in search of the perfect tray and find out what’s lost when the cafeteria serving line stops. Featuring: Nikki Miller-Ka, food and travel writer and contributor for The Assembly Links: The Assembly: The End of the Line See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 20 · 25 min
Senator No and the rise of America's politics of opposition
For over a decade, no holds barred conservative populism has dominated the political conversation in the US. But that hyper-partisan brand of media savvy politics is nothing new and can be traced back over 70 years to an uncompromising politician from North Carolina: Jesse Helms. With the rise of MAGA and the politics of opposition, new research is reassessing Helms' legacy and laying out the case for why he just might be one of the most influential politicians of all-time. Featuring: Bill Link, author of Jesse Helms: Modern Conservatism and the Politics of Opposition and Righteous Warrior See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 13 · 25 min
The Belichick effect and the money-sucking machine of college football
College football has become a money-sucking machine, with schools spending every dollar possible to keep up in an athletics arms race. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill entered the fray this year in spectacular fashion, betting big on legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick in the hopes that he’ll elevate the school’s football program. But why are universities, especially those with academic and research clout, pouring all of this money into athletics in the first place? This episode originally published on September 4, 2025. The 2026 college football season officially kicks off later this month when UNC plays TCU on August 29th in Dublin, Ireland. Featuring: Scott Dochterman, national college football reporter for The Athletic Matt Hartman, higher education reporter for The Assembly Links: Check out Scott’s reporting on money in college athletics. Read Matt’s work on UNC-Chapel Hill's big bet on Bill Belichick. You can find a transcript of the episode here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 6 · 22 min
The hunt for a million dollar fish
Marlin fishing helps fuel a billion-dollar recreational saltwater fishing industry. Much of it is situated on the North Carolina coast, which also happens to be the site of one of the oldest and most celebrated fishing competitions in the world – the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. It’s an event filled with high stakes drama, and it continues to grow year after year. But are there enough blue marlin in the ocean for the good times to keep rolling on? Featuring: Ashley Bleau, owner of the Sensation Neal Conoley, author and former head of the North Carolina Aquarium Society Dr. John Graves, marine biologist and former professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science Aaron Barr, first mate of the Never Enough Links: Marlin Magazine: Marlin Fever Rewrites Big Rock History You can find a transcript of the episode here. Cover Image: The crew of Marlin Fever pose with a massive 919.9 pound blue marlin caught off the coast of Morehead City, North Carolina on June 9, 2026. The catch broke the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament record and earned the crew a staggering $6.5 million in prize money. Credit: Big Rock Tournament See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 30 · 18 min
A new threat to honeybees emerges in the South
The yellow-legged hornet is an invasive wasp that first showed up in Georgia in 2023. Since then, it’s rapidly expanded its footprint in the South and become a serious threat to an important pollinator: the honeybee. But a small army of scientists and beekeepers are fighting back and setting up a new line of defense in North Carolina. Featuring: Emily Cataneo, contributor at The Assembly Links: The Assembly: Is North Carolina Ready for an Invasion of Bee-Killing Hornets? WUNC News: Here's how you can help protect honey bees from Invasive yellow-legged hornets Cover image: North Carolina agricultural inspectors share information about the yellow-legged hornet at the N.C. State Beekeepers Association annual conference in Winston-Salem. Credit: Cornell Watson for The Assembly See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 23 · 29 min
Taking the Road to Nowhere
Just a few miles from the tallest concrete dam east of the Mississippi River, there's a paved road that ends at a mysterious tunnel. This unfinished roadway, deep inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a stark reminder of a broken promise to people who once lived there and the sacrifices they made in the name of progress at all costs. But it's also just a small part of a fascinating and bittersweet story about remembrance and tradition in this isolated corner of Appalachia. Featuring: Lance Holland, owner of Appalachian Mercantile and local historian (also author of “The Little Tennessee River” and “Fontana: A Pocket History of Appalachia”) Henry Chambers, North Shore descendant and co-organizer of North Shore Cemetery Association James Calhoun, North Shore descendant Chris Chandler, North Shore descendant Katie Liming, Chief of Staff for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Jessica Gunter, North Shore descendant Cover image: Lakeview Drive road tunnel on the Road to Nowhere located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, North Carolina. Credit: Charlie Shelton-Ormond See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 16 · 58 min
The Bomber and the Rookie
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. The mood in the US at the time was very similar to the World Cup fever we're experiencing right now. But halfway through those games, that festive vibe shifted when a bomb went off in Centennial Olympic Park. 111 people were injured, 1 person was killed and overnight the Olympics became part of a criminal terrorism investigation. This week we're looking back at those events. But this episode isn't about Richard Jewell, the hero security guard who was wrongly accused of planting the bomb. Nor is it about Eric Rudolph, the domestic terrorist and survivalist who fled the scene and was later the subject of one of the longest manhunts in American history. This episode is about the life of the small town cop from North Carolina who ended it all. And how being a footnote to history is sometimes just the beginning of a life well-lived. "The Rookie" originally published in 2019 and was produced for Away Message, a podcast from Our State Magazine. It features host and reporter Jeremy Markovich who is an occasional guest on The Broadside. Markovich now runs the North Carolina Rabbit Hole newsletter, where he explores the strange and quirky corners of his home state. Links: Our State Magazine: https://www.ourstate.com/ North Carolina Rabbit Hole: https://www.ncrabbithole.com/ Credits: Jeremy Markovich: producer, mixer, host James Mieczkowski: producer Elizabeth Hudson: editor-in-chief Music: "Bright Direction (You're A Dark Star Now)" by Hiss Golden Messenger Special Thanks to Matthew Yates, Katie Killen, Bill Evans and the Boston College Police Department, and Charles Winokoor of the Taunton Daily Gazette. Some archival audio courtesy of WLOS-TV. Cover Image: Shrapnel imprinted into a sculpture from the bomb set off by Eric Rudolph on the morning of July 27, 1996, at the Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Credit: Darth-Wiki-Man / Wikipedia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 9 · 27 min
The surreal lives of political spouses
Marriage is a deep and powerful bond. But for politicians, those relationships are often far more complicated. In addition to being a husband or wife, many spouses of elected officials take on strange and demanding roles. And on the campaign trail and at home their lives increasingly mirror our deepening political divide, which means dealing with intense criticism and even the threat of political violence. Featuring: Billy Warden, freelance journalist and former political spouse Susan Tillis, wife of US Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina Links: The Assembly: The ‘Surreal’ World of Political Spouses Cover Image: US Senator Thom Tillis (R, NC) and his wife Susan Tillis during a campaign victory speech in 2020. Credit: WFMY / YouTube See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 2 · 23 min
Secrets of the Great Dismal Swamp
For centuries, the Great Dismal Swamp on the border of North Carolina and Virginia served as a sanctuary for escaped slaves known as maroons. Today, the same harsh conditions that shielded those self-emancipated people from slavery make it difficult for historians and archeologists to understand the extent of their settlements. But that secret world is slowly being uncovered. Featuring: Dan Sayers, archaeologist, anthropologist and professor at American University Marcus Nevius, author of City of Refuge and history professor at the University of Missouri Eric Sheppard, tour guide in the Great Dismal Swamp Cover image: Lake Drummond at Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. Credit: Rebecca Wynn/USFWS See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 25 · 27 min
Welcome to MrBeastville
MrBeast, the world's most popular YouTuber, and his billion-dollar business are based in a surprising place: Greenville, North Carolina. So what does it all mean for this small city in eastern North Carolina? Featuring: Jordan Santos, former MrBeast contestant Brian Gordon, business and technology reporter for The News & Observer Bret Oliverios, business owner in Greenville, NC Links: The News & Observer: MrBeast filmed ‘Beast Games’ in his NC hometown. We were up late to watch. Cover image: Contestants competing in a MrBeast challenge to win a $300,000 Lamborghini. The winner was the last person to take their hand off the car. Photo by Fidias Panayiotou/YouTube. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 18 · 19 min
The strange story of pimento cheese
Pimento cheese, aka Carolina caviar, is as synonymous with Southern food culture as sweet tea and fried chicken. But the origin story of this spreadable cheddar cheese and pimento pepper dish is much more complicated and a lot less Southern than you might think. Featuring: Vivian Howard, chef, restauranteur and PBS host See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 11 · 25 min
Power to the People, Y’all
The late 1960s and 1970s were marked by the emergence of radical and revolutionary political movements in America. The common narrative places much of the action in major urban centers like Chicago, New York and the San Francisco Bay Area. But a new documentary film is challenging that story by highlighting the incredible history of the first Black Panther Party chapter in the South, which was located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Featuring: Tressie McMillan Cottom, professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, opinion columnist at The New York Times, and director of the documentary film Power to the People, Y'all Link: For screening info and announcements about Power to the People, Y'all visit the film's official Instagram page. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 4 · 20 min
The surprising cricket capital of the South
The game of cricket is rapidly gaining popularity across the US. But if you want to see what the future of the sport in America might look like, you need to visit a field next to an airport in the town of Morrisville, North Carolina. This episode originally published on June 27, 2024 during the 2024 Cricket T20 World Cup which was co-hosted by the United States. Featuring: Hasham Malik, captain of Morrisville Warriors Cricket Club Babar Baig, former president of Triangle Cricket League Satish Garimella, Mayor Pro Tem of Morrisville, NC Abhiram “Abhi” Bolisetty, former US international player Philip Service, head coach for Triangle Cricket League Cover photo: A cricket batter at Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 28 · 25 min
The school that broke all the rules
Nearly 100 years ago, a radical school called Black Mountain College opened its doors. It featured no grades, very few tests and lots of avante garde art. And although it was a short-lived experiment, this quirky liberal arts college located in the mountains of western North Carolina would become one of the most influential institutions of higher learning in the world. Featuring: Alice Sebrell, Director of Preservation at the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center Links: The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center Cover image: Renowned architect and inventor Buckminster Fuller in his studio at Black Mountain College. Fuller taught at the school from 1948-1949, where he developed the geodesic dome. His architectural designs from that era would later feature in buildings around the world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 21 · 19 min
Bigfoot is from North Carolina
Appalachia is Bigfoot territory. In a big way. This week, we look at the mythical beast's legend, lore and sizable economic impact in the region. And we follow one reporter’s journey through the mountains and foothills of western North Carolina in search of Sasquatch. This episode originally published on July 18, 2024 and features a trip to the Western North Carolina Bigfoot Festival in Marion, NC. The 2026 festival is scheduled for August 29. Featuring: Emily Cataneo, reporter for The Assembly Links: Check out Emily's story on Appalachian Bigfoot culture at The Assembly here. You can find a transcript of the episode here. Cover image: Jerry Millwood walks into the woods in western North Carolina during a Bigfoot hunt with journalist Emily Cataneo. (Cornell Watson for The Assembly) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 14 · 28 min
The original Siamese Twins
The first Asian residents of North Carolina were a world-famous pair of conjoined twin brothers. And they later became quite possibly the country’s first Asian American citizens. This week, we tell the almost unbelievable story of Chang and Eng Bunker and explore the complicated legacy they left behind in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Featuring: Joe Orser, author of The Lives of Chang and Eng: Siam's Twins in Nineteenth-Century America Eli Chen, digital news producer at WUNC News Links: From Now On from the musical Chang and Eng The Siamese Twins Museum in Mount Airy, NC Cover photo: From the National Portrait Gallery and The Frederick Hill Meserve Collection, Chang and Eng Bunker and children circa 1860. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 7 · 24 min
The shortsighted politics of forever chemicals
Forever chemicals like PFAS have permeated much of the country’s water supply for decades. These containments are linked to severe health problems, yet critics say federal and state government efforts to clean up waterways in places like North Carolina's Cape Fear River aren't doing nearly enough. Featuring: Celeste Guajardo, environment reporter at WUNC News Will Stone, editor and reporter for NPR's Science Desk Links: NPR: The MAHA movement is mad about the weedkiller glyphosate and Trump's EPA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 30 · 22 min
Sacred soil: Saving Native American mounds
There are tens of thousands of Indigenous mounds located throughout the United States. For Native Americans, these earthen structures are revered as sacred places. Despite their importance to Native cultures, many of these sites have been damaged or destroyed in the past, and very few are actually owned by tribes today. But the fascinating story of one mound in Franklin, North Carolina is highlighting recent efforts to preserve these important sites and put them back in tribal hands. Featuring: Angelina Jumper, cultural resources supervisor for Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Lilly Knoepp, NC Local’s regional reporter for Western North Carolina Ben Steere, archaeologist and professor at Western Carolina University Johi Griffin, tribal historic sites keeper for Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Links: NC Local: There are dozens of Indigenous mounds in North Carolina. Why do tribes only own a few? The Trailhead newsletter from Lilly Knoepp and NC Local Cover image: Noquisiyi Mound in Franklin, North Carolina. Photo by Harrison Keely/Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 23 · 18 min
How purple and teal became the colors of the 90s
In 1988, professional basketball came to North Carolina with the arrival of the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA. Desperate to make a splash, the new team made an unconventional early hire; they selected a famous fashion designer to create their uniforms. The Hornets lost 60 games during that bumpy first season, but they looked incredible while doing it. And their iconic look — purple, teal and pinstripes — would launch a global fashion trend that endures today. A version of this episode originally published on February 2, 2024. Featuring: Alexander Julian, fashion designer and creator of the original Charlotte Hornets uniform Crystal McCrary McGuire, writer and documentary filmmaker Links: Watch video from the 1988 Charlotte Hornets uniform reveal press conference. Cover photo: A Charlotte Hornets-branded Starter jacket that was wildly popular during the 1990s. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 16 · 23 min
Opposition to data centers is catching fire
Data centers projects are expanding throughout the US at hyperspeed and hyperscale. These developments are reshaping small towns, consuming vast amounts of power and striking deals that aren't always clear. And in many places, like rural North Carolina, people are starting to voice concerns in the voting booth. Featuring: Zachary Turner, reporter at WFAE in Charlotte, NC Adam Wagner, editor/reporter with the NC Newsroom Links: Check out the 6-part collaborative reporting series Hyperspeed, Hyperscale: Inside the Data Center Boom Reshaping NC Communities Cover photo: An anti-data center campaign sign on a car in Stokes County, North Carolina. Credit: Zachary Turner / WFAE News See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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