Eli Chen 陳歆
@elichen.bsky.social
Digital/radio producer covering AANHPI diaspora + making comics @wunc.org
Taiwanese American. #NPRNextGenRadio mentor. NC Triangle.
Prev: Nat Geo, STLPR, SciFri. CUNY J-School '12. She/they/她
📩: elichen@wunc.org | IG: @elichenreports
Taiwanese American. #NPRNextGenRadio mentor. NC Triangle.
Prev: Nat Geo, STLPR, SciFri. CUNY J-School '12. She/they/她
📩: elichen@wunc.org | IG: @elichenreports
Reposted by Eli Chen 陳歆
Many gathered at Pride: Durham, NC events last weekend to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
"Right now, with all the attacks that are coming down on the trans community, particularly on trans kids ... I want to be out there. I want to support. I want to do what I can.”
www.wunc.org/race-class-c...
"Right now, with all the attacks that are coming down on the trans community, particularly on trans kids ... I want to be out there. I want to support. I want to do what I can.”
www.wunc.org/race-class-c...
Photos: Moments from the Pride: Durham 2025 festival
Many gathered at Pride: Durham, NC events last weekend to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through a parade, musical performances, a resource fair and other festivities.
www.wunc.org
October 1, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Many gathered at Pride: Durham, NC events last weekend to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
"Right now, with all the attacks that are coming down on the trans community, particularly on trans kids ... I want to be out there. I want to support. I want to do what I can.”
www.wunc.org/race-class-c...
"Right now, with all the attacks that are coming down on the trans community, particularly on trans kids ... I want to be out there. I want to support. I want to do what I can.”
www.wunc.org/race-class-c...
Hey folks, for @wunc.org I'm looking to hear about your experiences getting the Covid vaccine since the announcement last Friday - was is a pretty smooth experience? Were you asked about a high-risk condition? Or are you still being asked for a prescription?
Reach out to me at elichen@wunc.org.
Reach out to me at elichen@wunc.org.
As of this past weekend, seniors and adults at least 18 years old with a high-risk condition can get a COVID shot without a prescription in North Carolina.
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel will also meet later this week to set guidelines on the updated COVID vaccines.
www.wunc.org/health/2025-...
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel will also meet later this week to set guidelines on the updated COVID vaccines.
www.wunc.org/health/2025-...
North Carolina lifts prescription requirement for adults to get the new COVID-19 vaccines
The North Carolina health officials have issued a standing order that allows adults over the age of 18 with a high-risk condition to get a COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription.
www.wunc.org
September 16, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Hey folks, for @wunc.org I'm looking to hear about your experiences getting the Covid vaccine since the announcement last Friday - was is a pretty smooth experience? Were you asked about a high-risk condition? Or are you still being asked for a prescription?
Reach out to me at elichen@wunc.org.
Reach out to me at elichen@wunc.org.
my latest comic featuring the excellent insights of @brianburns.bsky.social is for those of you planning to get DOWN💥 at Hopscotch this weekend
as a relatively recent NC transplant, I'll say that making this comic with Brian def is encouraging me to use the festival as a way to discover local bands
as a relatively recent NC transplant, I'll say that making this comic with Brian def is encouraging me to use the festival as a way to discover local bands
Are you ready for Hopscotch this weekend?
WUNC music reporter @brianburns.bsky.social shares in this comic by @elichen.bsky.social how he's gearing up to get the most out of the three-day festival in downtown Raleigh.
www.wunc.org/arts-culture...
WUNC music reporter @brianburns.bsky.social shares in this comic by @elichen.bsky.social how he's gearing up to get the most out of the three-day festival in downtown Raleigh.
www.wunc.org/arts-culture...
Comic: How WUNC's Brian Burns prepares to get the most out of Hopscotch
The Hopscotch Festival returns to Raleigh for its 15th anniversary this week, featuring My Morning Jacket, Earl Sweatshirt and many local and national acts. In this illustrated guide, WUNC's music rep...
www.wunc.org
September 2, 2025 at 7:46 PM
my latest comic featuring the excellent insights of @brianburns.bsky.social is for those of you planning to get DOWN💥 at Hopscotch this weekend
as a relatively recent NC transplant, I'll say that making this comic with Brian def is encouraging me to use the festival as a way to discover local bands
as a relatively recent NC transplant, I'll say that making this comic with Brian def is encouraging me to use the festival as a way to discover local bands
Reposted by Eli Chen 陳歆
Frank Alexander lost his Morehead scholarship in the 1970s after getting arrested at a civil rights protest.
He tells his story 50 years later, after meeting another scholar who lost her award amid pro-Palestinian activism.
www.wunc.org/education/20...
He tells his story 50 years later, after meeting another scholar who lost her award amid pro-Palestinian activism.
www.wunc.org/education/20...
A UNC graduate's full-ride scholarship was suspended after he joined a protest 50 years ago. Now, he fears history is repeating itself.
Frank Alexander lost his Morehead scholarship in the 1970s after getting arrested at a civil rights protest. He tells his story 50 years later, after meeting another scholar who lost her award amid pr...
www.wunc.org
August 19, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Frank Alexander lost his Morehead scholarship in the 1970s after getting arrested at a civil rights protest.
He tells his story 50 years later, after meeting another scholar who lost her award amid pro-Palestinian activism.
www.wunc.org/education/20...
He tells his story 50 years later, after meeting another scholar who lost her award amid pro-Palestinian activism.
www.wunc.org/education/20...
Folks who come to @embodiedwunc.bsky.social's upcoming show on 8/22 at Motorco will get a copy of a zine I illustrated on how to spice things up in your relationships!
TWO WEEKS from tomorrow, we have a very special live event happening at @motorco.bsky.social!!
We'll be exploring the topic of REINVENTION through music, poetry and storytelling. And we have super special ZINE made just for attendees.
Grab your ticket now! motorcomusic.com/event/the-em...
We'll be exploring the topic of REINVENTION through music, poetry and storytelling. And we have super special ZINE made just for attendees.
Grab your ticket now! motorcomusic.com/event/the-em...
August 7, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Folks who come to @embodiedwunc.bsky.social's upcoming show on 8/22 at Motorco will get a copy of a zine I illustrated on how to spice things up in your relationships!
Reposted by Eli Chen 陳歆
Six hours after Louisville Public Media lost $376,000 in annual funding, it held an emergency pledge drive.
In a post on LinkedIn, the organization’s president and CEO says it raised more than $500,000.
“This is what happens when a community refuses to let something valuable die.”
In a post on LinkedIn, the organization’s president and CEO says it raised more than $500,000.
“This is what happens when a community refuses to let something valuable die.”
July 23, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Six hours after Louisville Public Media lost $376,000 in annual funding, it held an emergency pledge drive.
In a post on LinkedIn, the organization’s president and CEO says it raised more than $500,000.
“This is what happens when a community refuses to let something valuable die.”
In a post on LinkedIn, the organization’s president and CEO says it raised more than $500,000.
“This is what happens when a community refuses to let something valuable die.”
Reposted by Eli Chen 陳歆
🙏 Berzerker Blothar of GWAR has stepped out of the band's usual intergalactic carnage to issue an impassioned plea: Save public media. metalinjection.net/news/gwars-b...
GWAR's Blothar Rages Against $1.1B Cut To Public Media - Metal Injection
Get rid of the Rescissions Act.
metalinjection.net
July 15, 2025 at 7:17 PM
🙏 Berzerker Blothar of GWAR has stepped out of the band's usual intergalactic carnage to issue an impassioned plea: Save public media. metalinjection.net/news/gwars-b...
Reposted by Eli Chen 陳歆
The Senate approved the Trump administration's $9B rescission package aimed at clawing back money already allocated for public radio and television — a major step toward winding down nearly six decades of federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
www.wunc.org/2025-07-17/s...
www.wunc.org/2025-07-17/s...
Senate approves cuts to NPR, PBS and foreign aid programs
The Senate voted to approve a $9 billion rescission package aimed at clawing back money already allocated for public radio and television.
www.wunc.org
July 17, 2025 at 10:44 AM
The Senate approved the Trump administration's $9B rescission package aimed at clawing back money already allocated for public radio and television — a major step toward winding down nearly six decades of federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
www.wunc.org/2025-07-17/s...
www.wunc.org/2025-07-17/s...
"Your house can be 20 feet outside of a floodplain, and you're not required to purchase flood insurance, but you still have flood risk," said Helena Garcia, the lead author of the study.
In a new study, UNC researchers found that more than 40% of properties that have flooded in NC since the mid-1990s were located outside of the floodplain.
www.wunc.org/environment/...
www.wunc.org/environment/...
FEMA floodplains determine who must get insurance. NC's are insufficient
New research funded by the UNC Collaboratory revealed that 90,000 buildings have experienced flooding over 24 years, some repetitively.
www.wunc.org
July 15, 2025 at 9:14 PM
"Your house can be 20 feet outside of a floodplain, and you're not required to purchase flood insurance, but you still have flood risk," said Helena Garcia, the lead author of the study.
"Katherine Strand stood on the sidewalk outside Winestore, the shop she manages at Eastgate.
'It’s obviously very overwhelming,' she said. 'I don’t know what tomorrow is gonna look like but … come what may I guess.'"
'It’s obviously very overwhelming,' she said. 'I don’t know what tomorrow is gonna look like but … come what may I guess.'"
Three counties have declared a state of emergency after flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal led to damaged roads, businesses and homes, as well as two deaths.
www.wunc.org/term/news/20...
www.wunc.org/term/news/20...
Chantal floods lead to water rescues, damaged buildings in central NC
Three counties have declared a state of emergency after flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal led to damaged roads, businesses and homes, as well as two deaths.
www.wunc.org
July 7, 2025 at 9:39 PM
"Katherine Strand stood on the sidewalk outside Winestore, the shop she manages at Eastgate.
'It’s obviously very overwhelming,' she said. 'I don’t know what tomorrow is gonna look like but … come what may I guess.'"
'It’s obviously very overwhelming,' she said. 'I don’t know what tomorrow is gonna look like but … come what may I guess.'"
Reposted by Eli Chen 陳歆
At Rippling Stream Townhomes in Durham, our reporter Jay Price tell us that more than half a dozen units were flooded and several vehicles nearly submerged in the parking lot.
Residents told him firefighters woke them up around 2 a.m. to evacuate them.
Residents told him firefighters woke them up around 2 a.m. to evacuate them.
July 7, 2025 at 3:43 PM
At Rippling Stream Townhomes in Durham, our reporter Jay Price tell us that more than half a dozen units were flooded and several vehicles nearly submerged in the parking lot.
Residents told him firefighters woke them up around 2 a.m. to evacuate them.
Residents told him firefighters woke them up around 2 a.m. to evacuate them.
Reposted by Eli Chen 陳歆
Several businesses at Eastgate Crossing in Chapel Hill were badly damaged by Tropical Storm Chantal. Photos by @mattrameyphoto.bsky.social
The Chapel Hill Fire Department and neighboring agencies completed more than 50 water rescues since yesterday.
The Chapel Hill Fire Department and neighboring agencies completed more than 50 water rescues since yesterday.
July 7, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Several businesses at Eastgate Crossing in Chapel Hill were badly damaged by Tropical Storm Chantal. Photos by @mattrameyphoto.bsky.social
The Chapel Hill Fire Department and neighboring agencies completed more than 50 water rescues since yesterday.
The Chapel Hill Fire Department and neighboring agencies completed more than 50 water rescues since yesterday.
When I tell folks about what I do for work, I often get told 1) that they've never met a journalist before & 2) some comment about how they don't trust the news.
Well, let's talk about it! Come to NCAAT's office in Raleigh on Wed 6/25 for a chat about media literacy. Info & registration deets 👇
Well, let's talk about it! Come to NCAAT's office in Raleigh on Wed 6/25 for a chat about media literacy. Info & registration deets 👇
On June 25th, our digital producer @elichen.bsky.social will be hosting a public event at NC Asian Americans Together's offices in Raleigh about media literacy and how we can work together to combat misinformation in our communities.
Register for this free event here: ncaat.org/momoswiththe...
Register for this free event here: ncaat.org/momoswiththe...
June 20, 2025 at 12:54 PM
When I tell folks about what I do for work, I often get told 1) that they've never met a journalist before & 2) some comment about how they don't trust the news.
Well, let's talk about it! Come to NCAAT's office in Raleigh on Wed 6/25 for a chat about media literacy. Info & registration deets 👇
Well, let's talk about it! Come to NCAAT's office in Raleigh on Wed 6/25 for a chat about media literacy. Info & registration deets 👇
There's a lot at stake with the White House's rescission request.
Here's what you can do to support @wunc.org if you value the journalism and programming we provide 👇
Here's what you can do to support @wunc.org if you value the journalism and programming we provide 👇
President Trump today asked lawmakers to claw back the $1.1 billion in federal subsidies for public broadcasting that Congress approved earlier this year.
To support us, visit protectmypublicmedia.org to tell your representative why public media matters to you. And make a donation at wunc.org.
To support us, visit protectmypublicmedia.org to tell your representative why public media matters to you. And make a donation at wunc.org.
June 3, 2025 at 10:39 PM
There's a lot at stake with the White House's rescission request.
Here's what you can do to support @wunc.org if you value the journalism and programming we provide 👇
Here's what you can do to support @wunc.org if you value the journalism and programming we provide 👇
After I reported the first story, Neo-China's Jordan Wang texted me to share a development: his decision to close the restaurant.
But he actually sounded optimistic. Even though "plan A" to revive his family's restaurant didn't work out, he's looking forward to building a new eatery in its place.
But he actually sounded optimistic. Even though "plan A" to revive his family's restaurant didn't work out, he's looking forward to building a new eatery in its place.
Recently, @elichen.bsky.social reported that one of Durham's oldest Chinese restaurants was struggling with inventory prices due to the hiked up U.S. tariff on Chinese goods.
That restaurant now has closed its doors, citing the tariff as the "nail on the coffin."
www.wunc.org/economy/2025...
That restaurant now has closed its doors, citing the tariff as the "nail on the coffin."
www.wunc.org/economy/2025...
Hampered by the U.S.-China trade war, one of Durham's oldest Chinese restaurants closes its doors
After 35 years in operation, Neo-China in Durham closed its doors at the end of May. The family-owned Chinese restaurant struggled to keep up with rising operational costs, including the increased pri...
www.wunc.org
June 2, 2025 at 9:20 PM
After I reported the first story, Neo-China's Jordan Wang texted me to share a development: his decision to close the restaurant.
But he actually sounded optimistic. Even though "plan A" to revive his family's restaurant didn't work out, he's looking forward to building a new eatery in its place.
But he actually sounded optimistic. Even though "plan A" to revive his family's restaurant didn't work out, he's looking forward to building a new eatery in its place.
my former deskmate from my st. louis days and one of the most dogged reporters I know - durrie bouscaren brings a special light wherever she goes
Mid press-scrum on the Ukraine-Russia peace talks today, about an hour after I found out I’d been laid off due to budget cuts at @wgbh.org and @theworld.org We’re living through interesting times. Will miss covering it with some of the best people I’ve ever met.
June 2, 2025 at 8:41 PM
my former deskmate from my st. louis days and one of the most dogged reporters I know - durrie bouscaren brings a special light wherever she goes
When I first interviewed former CAM Raleigh curator Raj Bunnag in 2023, he seemed like a rising star who was also opening doors for underrepresented artists.
His experiences being removed from an upcoming NCMA show & rejected from a private gallery raises some big questions for artists like him.
His experiences being removed from an upcoming NCMA show & rejected from a private gallery raises some big questions for artists like him.
Durham-based visual artist Raj Bunnag, a self-described “political printmaker,” creates works with a strong perspective about history and the presence of white supremacy in our society. This hasn't posed an issue until recently.
www.wunc.org/arts-culture...
www.wunc.org/arts-culture...
Durham artist Raj Bunnag’s work is extremely political. But are his pieces too political for display?
Durham-based visual artist Raj Bunnag, a self-described “political printmaker,” creates works with a strong perspective about history and the presence of white supremacy in our society. That hasn’t po...
www.wunc.org
June 2, 2025 at 1:27 PM
When I first interviewed former CAM Raleigh curator Raj Bunnag in 2023, he seemed like a rising star who was also opening doors for underrepresented artists.
His experiences being removed from an upcoming NCMA show & rejected from a private gallery raises some big questions for artists like him.
His experiences being removed from an upcoming NCMA show & rejected from a private gallery raises some big questions for artists like him.
My latest @wunc.org: NorthStar's federal grant from South Arts, which managed the NEA funds, made up a third of its budget. The termination of the $130k grant makes it much harder for the org to provide accessible arts programming that has especially served BIPOC & queer folks in Durham.
The NorthStar Church of the Arts in Durham was notified in early May that it would lose federal funding. In the last week, the organization launched an emergency campaign to raise the money it needs to keep hosting free community programming.
www.wunc.org/arts-culture...
www.wunc.org/arts-culture...
Durham's NorthStar Church of the Arts calls for community support after losing its federal grant
The NorthStar Church of the Arts in Durham, along with scores of other arts organizations across the country, was notified in early May that it would lose federal funding. In the last week, the organi...
www.wunc.org
May 31, 2025 at 10:48 PM
My latest @wunc.org: NorthStar's federal grant from South Arts, which managed the NEA funds, made up a third of its budget. The termination of the $130k grant makes it much harder for the org to provide accessible arts programming that has especially served BIPOC & queer folks in Durham.
Thanks to the folks who came out to last night's @wunc.org event at Epilogue to talk about how outdoor workers need protections from extreme heat!
I learned so much from our guests (see my scrawly drawings pic), including that folks can help dehydrated farmworkers by doing electrolyte runs!
I learned so much from our guests (see my scrawly drawings pic), including that folks can help dehydrated farmworkers by doing electrolyte runs!
May 9, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Thanks to the folks who came out to last night's @wunc.org event at Epilogue to talk about how outdoor workers need protections from extreme heat!
I learned so much from our guests (see my scrawly drawings pic), including that folks can help dehydrated farmworkers by doing electrolyte runs!
I learned so much from our guests (see my scrawly drawings pic), including that folks can help dehydrated farmworkers by doing electrolyte runs!
Folks are filing in at Epilogue Books for @wunc.org's Scorched Workers community conversations event tonight! Looking forward to this discussion about extreme heat's impact on outdoor workers
May 8, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Folks are filing in at Epilogue Books for @wunc.org's Scorched Workers community conversations event tonight! Looking forward to this discussion about extreme heat's impact on outdoor workers
Reposted by Eli Chen 陳歆
President Trump has signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's board of directors to "cease federal funding for NPR and PBS," the nation's primary public broadcasters.
Most of the funds for public media go to local stations.
www.wunc.org/2025-05-02/t...
Most of the funds for public media go to local stations.
www.wunc.org/2025-05-02/t...
Trump orders end to federal funding for NPR and PBS
In an executive order, President Trump directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to stop funding NPR and PBS, the nation's primary public broadcasters.
www.wunc.org
May 2, 2025 at 12:31 PM
President Trump has signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's board of directors to "cease federal funding for NPR and PBS," the nation's primary public broadcasters.
Most of the funds for public media go to local stations.
www.wunc.org/2025-05-02/t...
Most of the funds for public media go to local stations.
www.wunc.org/2025-05-02/t...
For @wunc.org, I spoke with Jordan Wang, the owner of Neo-China in Durham.
He's proud of the 35-year-old business his family worked hard to build and wants to continue their legacy. But the U.S. tariff on China have caused inventory costs to spike, which may force him to make tough choices.
He's proud of the 35-year-old business his family worked hard to build and wants to continue their legacy. But the U.S. tariff on China have caused inventory costs to spike, which may force him to make tough choices.
"It’s a terrible spiral," the owner of a Chinese restaurant in Durham said about the tariff. "I have to cut something, which means what do I have to do? I have to cut an employee? That’s not what this is supposed to be about either. I’m supposed to be creating jobs."
www.wunc.org/term/news/20...
www.wunc.org/term/news/20...
As tariffs drive up prices of Chinese goods, Asian restaurants could take a major hit
Small businesses that depend on imported Chinese goods, like Asian restaurants and grocery stores, are grappling with rising costs due to the 145% tariff on China.
www.wunc.org
April 30, 2025 at 2:13 PM
For @wunc.org, I spoke with Jordan Wang, the owner of Neo-China in Durham.
He's proud of the 35-year-old business his family worked hard to build and wants to continue their legacy. But the U.S. tariff on China have caused inventory costs to spike, which may force him to make tough choices.
He's proud of the 35-year-old business his family worked hard to build and wants to continue their legacy. But the U.S. tariff on China have caused inventory costs to spike, which may force him to make tough choices.
Reposted by Eli Chen 陳歆
Radical cultural collaboration is at the heart of American music and it was on full display at the first annual Biscuits and Banjos Festival!
Let’s take these lessons, community, and joy that we have created this weekend, and bring it back out into the world.
Let’s take these lessons, community, and joy that we have created this weekend, and bring it back out into the world.
April 28, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Radical cultural collaboration is at the heart of American music and it was on full display at the first annual Biscuits and Banjos Festival!
Let’s take these lessons, community, and joy that we have created this weekend, and bring it back out into the world.
Let’s take these lessons, community, and joy that we have created this weekend, and bring it back out into the world.
Reposted by Eli Chen 陳歆
WUNC's Brian Burns managed to catch more than a dozen performances and events at this past weekend's Biscuits & Banjos festival in Durham.
Read his recap of stunning live performances, dance parties and celebration of southern Black culture here:
www.wunc.org/wunc-music/2...
Read his recap of stunning live performances, dance parties and celebration of southern Black culture here:
www.wunc.org/wunc-music/2...
Biscuits & Banjos: an unforgettable weekend of live music, Black culture and joy
At the inaugural Biscuits & Banjos festival in Durham, founded by North Carolina’s own Rhiannon Giddens, WUNC music reporter Brian Burns hopped between more than a dozen performances and events. He gi...
www.wunc.org
April 28, 2025 at 5:41 PM
WUNC's Brian Burns managed to catch more than a dozen performances and events at this past weekend's Biscuits & Banjos festival in Durham.
Read his recap of stunning live performances, dance parties and celebration of southern Black culture here:
www.wunc.org/wunc-music/2...
Read his recap of stunning live performances, dance parties and celebration of southern Black culture here:
www.wunc.org/wunc-music/2...
Reposted by Eli Chen 陳歆
RIP Pope Francis, who once circled Tick Bite, North Carolina in his plane www.ncrabbithole.com/p/the-time-w...
The time when the pope (sort of) visited Tick Bite, North Carolina.
A tiny community along a dead-end road got a divine flyover a few years ago. The view on the ground is much different, and two decades after he came, one visitor still can't bring himself to leave.
www.ncrabbithole.com
April 21, 2025 at 11:53 AM
RIP Pope Francis, who once circled Tick Bite, North Carolina in his plane www.ncrabbithole.com/p/the-time-w...