1on1 with Jon Evans

As a child growing up along the North Carolina coast, Christina Koch used to look up at the stars from her backyard and dream about exploring the heavens. Decades later, she rode a rocket to the International Space Station and set the record for longest single space flight by a woman. The NASA astronaut shares stories about her journey, almost missing the phone call, and her favorite memories of working and living in outer space.

The coronavirus pandemic could cost the North Carolina Community College System $2 billion. Future enrollment numbers are an unknown. Students are struggling financially and need assistance. Online learning must be improved, especially in rural areas. NCCCS President Peter Hans says schools are meeting these challenges and will be ready to offer educational opportunities when campuses are allowed to re-open.

Sanah Sayani had to close her spa business in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. But once the former television news reporter learned about the vital need for personal protection equipment in the fight against COVID-19, her space became headquarters for an all-volunteer effort to get free facemasks to anyone in need. So far, Tucker Makes Masks is at seven thousand, and counting.

You’ve watched them on WECT News for years. Frances Weller and Ashlea Kosikowski continue to deliver vital information to viewers during the coronavirus pandemic, but they are not broadcasting live from the television studio. These award-winning journalists are anchoring newscasts remotely from their homes, practicing social distancing to stay safe. While it may be convenient, both news anchors say it’s not as easy as you might think.  

They’ve covered hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters. But the deadly coronavirus pandemic is a different story for journalists. They are living the same reality as their audience, feeling the same emotions, while at the same time searching for and disseminating critical information that can help save lives. This week, three award-winning television news reporters share their experiences of covering COVID-19.

What’s it like steering a university community through the challenges of the current coronavirus outbreak? UNCW Chancellor Dr. Jose Sartarelli provides an update on the accelerated transition to all-online learning, shares his advice for college seniors preparing to launch their careers in a turbulent economy, talks about possible options for commencement exercises, while also taking extra precautions as someone in the high-risk category for contracting the virus.     

As the new coronavirus COVID-19 impacts more lives across North Carolina and the United States, rumors about the virus continue to create confusion and uncertainty. Two public health experts answer your questions, looking to separate fact from fiction.

Glenn Tilbrook met Chris Difford in 1973, after answering an ad for a guitar player in London. That meeting set the foundation for the pop band Squeeze, which rose to stardom in the 70s & 80s with songs like Cool for Cats, Tempted and Hour Glass. After more than a dozen albums, several breakups and different solo projects, Glenn talks about going back out on a U.S. tour with Chris and Squeeze nearly 50 years after they first got together. 

She is one of the few people known around the world by her first name. Vanna White left her family’s home along the Carolina coast four decades ago, aiming to become a TV star. It didn’t happen overnight. Now, after 37 years and more than 7,000 episodes as co-host of Wheel of Fortune, this 'normal, down home southern girl' talks about her road to success.

Reggie Shuford has spent most of his adult life fighting for civil rights. Growing up in Wilmington’s Creekwood community, the third of five children raised by a single mom on public assistance, Reggie says he lived and observed many of the same dynamics he has fought against in court. Now the Executive Director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania talks about those experiences and the people who shaped his life.