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Darby Fox warns of smartphone, AI dangers to youth mental health
Child and adolescent family therapist Darby Fox warns of youth mental health risks linked to early smartphone ownership and AI companionship. Fox explains studies connecting technology to higher eating disorder risks and loneliness.
Confusion and Angst Follow State's Early Rollout of Medicaid Work Rules
In most states, people with Medicaid coverage will have to prove they’re working, volunteering, or studying starting Jan. 1. But Montana put the rules into effect early, and they’re sowing uncertainty and anxiety.
Long After Wildfire Smoke Is Gone, Heavy Metals Could Still Be Harming Survivors’ Lungs
A new study from University of Hawai‘i researchers links metals found in the ash of the 2023 Maui wildfires with impaired lung function.
How elite universities got tangled up in politics and petroleum
Half a century of corporate influence set the stage for Trump's attacks, a new study argues.
How elite universities got tangled up in politics and petroleum
Half a century of corporate influence set the stage for Trump's attacks on higher education, a new study argues.
Why MAHA wants to make health data much more accessible
At a MAHA Institute event, Kennedy and others argued that health data should be more accessible to researchers can study vaccines, chronic diseases, and autism
AB Science’s “Calendar Update” Is a GCP Inspection Disclosure in Disguise
AB Science buried a five-inspector "for cause" GCP inspection inside a financial calendar update. Masitinib's ALS trial and three terminated studies deserve a…
Pregnancy 'Brain Fog' Is Real, Study Finds, And Scientists May Know Why
Researchers found that sustained high oestrogen levels disrupted a brain pathway linked to memory in mice, while a study of 70 women found that higher oestrogen levels were associated with poorer performance on some memory tests during late pregnancy.
Dove Lab links dialogue about racism and Black maternal health
Researchers at the Dove Lab published two studies exploring how communication between providers and Black women can minimize pregnancy risks.
The future of Texas healthcare depends on us
Columnist Abbey Messner urges students to take action amidst Texas’ healthcare shortage.
France: Student protests over conditions at French high schools fuel political clashes
Over 160 people were arrested and dozens injured after student protests in France descended into violence. With a presidential election approaching, senior politicians are pointing fingers at each other.
Monster Hunter Outlanders launches October 29
Free-to-play open-world survival game Monster Hunter Outlanders will launch for iOS via App Store and Android via Google Play on October 29, TiMi Studio Group and Capcom announced. In mainland Chin…
Study across 40 countries: Political activism linked to representation
Not happy with the election result? Don't worry. Election Day is not the only opportunity to influence politics.
Nothing’s New Headphone (1) Pro Are Made for the Studio
With three drivers in each ear and tuning from Metropolis Studios, Nothing wants its new $399 cans to shine in the studio while also making your commute more musical.
Hermiston students show progress in math, science test scores
HERMISTON — Hermiston School District students showed improvements over last year in math and science, while scores decreased in English Language Arts, according to results from the 2025-26 Oregon Statewide […]
Nothing’s new flagship Headphone 1 Pro put you in the studio
Nothing’s new flagship headphones surprised me.
Hermiston students show progress in math, science test scores
HERMISTON — Hermiston School District students showed improvements over last year in math and science, while scores decreased in English Language Arts, according to results from the 2025-26 Oregon Statewide […]
Naughty Dog Will 'Fully Reveal' Intergalactic in 2027, but No Release Window Yet
Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann concluded this year's "The Last of Us Day" by giving updates on the developer's current projects, teasing two new The Last of Us projects that "will expand the canon of The Last of Us beyond Part I and Part II" without confirming whether or not either one of them is a game, as well as saying that its next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Project, will be "fully reveal[ed]" next year.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet to be fully revealed in 2027
Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment and developer Naughty Dog will lift the veil on science-fiction adventure game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet in 2027, Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druc…
Two new The Last of Us projects in “very early stages” at Naughty Dog
Two new projects set in the world of The Last of Us are in the “very early stages” at Naughty Dog, studio head Neil Druckmann said in a note marking the end of The Last of Us Day 2026.
French student protests fuel political clash ahead of Presidential vote
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon traded barbs on Monday over high school students blockading classes to demand more resources. The students cite teacher…
Residents near Maui wildfires show elevated metals linked to impacted lung health, study says
Party leaders widening Washington's political chasm
Most of the polarization currently roiling Congress comes from political parties rather than individual politicians, a study co-authored by University of Miami Business School associate professor Chad ...
Science Hill unveils new $30,000 microscope lab for students
The Johnson City Public Schools Foundation funded a $30,000 microscope lab at Science Hill High School, giving students access to 25 new microscopes for science classes and research.
Arts and Science Color the Outdoors
San Joaquin County students experience arts and science in the mountains at Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center at the Color the Outdoors STEAM camp.
UConn is giving CT students a science project to address air quality
Student-built air purifiers can partially address poor school air quality, but teachers said CT must focus on a larger, long-term fix.
Titan Business EDGE: Building career readiness from the first year to the first job
By Daniel Coats Career prep is most effective when it begins long before graduation. For Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics(opens in a new tab) students, knowing how to build professional skills, gain meaningful experience and ultimately launch a career requires intentional development over time. The new Titan Business EDGE program provides that pathway […]
BMW Manufacturing hosting 900 students for career day Oct. 6
BMW Manufacturing will welcome more than 900 middle and high school students Oct. 6 for the company’s Manufacturing Careers Day 2026.
How to get involved in research at Eckerd College
Research at Eckerd College is not a commodity limited to students with prior experience, but instead something that is available and should be taken advantage of by all students.
The McGraw sisters bring double the trouble
The cast and crew celebrate the film’s Los Angeles premiere at the Warner Bros. Studios lot
TeraOpenScience Launches Global Innovation Contest: Idea • Innovation • Business: A Science Challenge uniting Students & Professionals
WOODBURY, Minn., September 28, 2026--TeraOpenScience, the open-innovation platform accelerating real-world scientific and technological breakthroughs, today announced the launch of its global contest, Idea • Innovation • Business: A Science Challenge. The competition invites students and early-career researchers to lead one of the platform’s featured technologies, build a multidisciplinary team, and propose a full innovation and commercialization plan to bring the solution to industry.
Teens and parents can learn how to build a business together at "Side Hustle School"
Got a teen with big ideas and a passion for business? Harrisburg University is offering families with high school students a new and unique way to try out entrepreneurship together. “Side Hustle School, a new, seven-week program, begins next month, giving student entrepreneurs and their support systems a chance to work together to develop small […]
Person test positive for tuberculosis in Rowan-Salisbury School System, health officials say
Not known if person was student or member of staff
Senate is set to vote on a sweeping college sports bill. Here's what it would do
The bipartisan Protect Student College Sports Act would give the NCAA more power to govern national rules and regulations in college sports.
JBU enrollment hits new record
John Brown University recently said its enrollment has risen to a record 473 new students. The incoming class includes a record 401 freshmen, 60 transfer students, and 12 students returning...
Residents near Maui wildfires show elevated metals linked to impacted lung health, study says
A new study finds that metal mixtures found in smoke, ash and debris after the 2023 Maui wildfires affected human lung health.
Residents near Maui wildfires show elevated metals linked to impacted lung health, study says
A new study finds that metal mixtures found in smoke, ash and debris after the 2023 Maui wildfires affected human lung health.
Metals in smoke, ash from Maui wildfire harmed lung health, study says
A new study finds that metal mixtures found in smoke, ash and debris after the 2023 Maui wildfires affected human lung health.
Residents near Maui wildfires show elevated metals linked to impacted lung health, study says
A new study finds that metal mixtures found in smoke, ash and debris after the 2023 Maui wildfires affected human lung health. Researchers from the University of Hawaii, Honolulu studied
Residents near Maui wildfires show elevated metals linked to impacted lung health, study says
A new study finds that metal mixtures found in smoke, ash and debris after the 2023 Maui wildfires affected human lung health.
Residents near Maui wildfires show elevated metals linked to impacted lung health, study says
A new study finds that metal mixtures found in smoke, ash and debris after the 2023 Maui wildfires affected human lung health
Scientists Squeezed a Leg Bone and Somehow Helped the Brain Heal
Controlled shinbone compression triggered bone cells to release neuroprotective signals, improving brain injury recovery in animal studies, per Nature Neuroscience.
SJSU Students Mentor and Support Small Business Owners at OpenAI Workshop NewsCenter | SJSU
Six San José State students served as AI mentors at an OpenAI workshop designed to help small-business owners integrate AI into their daily work.
Clemson researchers will use AI to explore how plant cells respond to stress
The scientists will study how individual plant cells control their genes. The answers could eventually help researchers and breeders develop more resilient crops.
Stewardship Snippets: Entertainment and Media Studies
Stewardship Snippets spotlights a different Grady major or initiative. This installment features Jenny Turner (ABJ '00) and Skye Holloway.
Graham Norton teases mystery star at Taylor Swift wedding
Graham Norton is keeping at least one detail from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's star-studded wedding under wraps.
Scientists find lunar 'magnetic fossil' in Chang'e-6 samples
The moon no longer has a global magnetic field, but lunar rocks and soils still contain records of ancient magnetism. Studying the magnetic minerals in these samples can help scientists understand how ...
French presidential campaign heats up as student protests fuel political clashes
PARIS (AP) — French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu clashed with far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon on Monday over the actions of high school students who are blockading classes and pushing for a nationwide spread of their fledgling protest movement for more resources.
French student protests shake up presidential campaign
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has clashed with far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon over high school protests demanding more resources for education.
French presidential campaign heats up as student protests fuel political clashes
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has clashed with far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon over high school protests demanding more resources for education
Forest landscapes and birdsong soundscapes have independent physical health benefits
A new study finds that exposure to birdsong soundscapes or forest landscapes reduces physiological stress. These findings of physical health effects complement previous research showing mental health ...
Veteran sports journalists aim to build Marquette’s sports communication legacy
New faculty members Glenn Geffner and Kevin Robbins are teaching students lessons from lived experience.
Scientists Observe Enzymes Breaking Down DNA in Real Time
The study directly visualizes nuclease-DNA interactions and DNA fragmentation in a purified experimental system.
Tennessee Tech Offers In-state Tuition For Huntsville-area Students
For students who want to go to college out-of-state, Tennessee Tech is looking for you.
Montana State students receive prestigious National Environmental Public Health internships
The students will complete projects involving tick-borne illness in Massachusetts and wastewater system mapping in Utah.
Science camp students give presentation to Fennimore School Board
The September monthly meeting of the School Board of Fennimore Community Schools kicked off with a student presentation from five high school students, Sitlalli Acatzihua-Rodriguez, Lucerito Acatzihua-Rodriguez, Riley Horsfall, Peter Volz, and Ivanna Friemoth, along with their teacher, Teresa Stewart, who spent five days at the Morgridge Institute for Research Summer Science Camp at UW–Madison this past summer.
Aarhus Business College Students Bring Global Learning to Brookdale
Brookdale Community College is welcoming students and faculty from Aarhus Business College in Denmark to campus for its Second Annual Study Tour. This immersive international experience combines academics, business, culture, and community. The Danish delegation
Insomnia linked to higher risk of dementia, suicide, stroke and other major health issues: Study
Insomnia may be linked to an increased risk of stroke, dementia and several mental health conditions, a new study finds.
Scientists Studied A Teenager With One Of The Rarest Memory Abilities Humans Can Have. Here’s What They Found
People with highly superior autobiographic memory have incredible recall for events in their own lives.
Saturn’s moon offers clues in search for extraterrestrial life
With a global ocean of liquid water below a thick crust of ice, Saturn’s moon Enceladus is one of the most promising places to search for life beyond Earth. A new study suggests the moon itself may aid in that search by making some ocean compounds easier for future spacecraft to detect.
12 New Things to Expect From Apple This October
October will be an especially busy month for Apple this year, with the company set to release the iPhone Duo, both iOS 27.1 and iOS 27.2, and a new Mac Studio configuration with 512GB of RAM. In addition, up to six more Apple products may be unveiled next month, such as new iPad mini, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K models. Below, we have outlined 12 new things to expect from Apple this October. Confirmed iPhone Duo: The foldable iPhone Duo launches on Friday, October 23.
Carmen Southgate experiencing facilities issue, asks that students be picked up
Carmen Schools of Science and Technology announced on social media that Carmen Southgate is experiencing a facilities issue on Monday morning and asked that students be picked up as soon as possible.
School of Medicine and Public Health receives grant to investigate links between Alzheimer’s environmental exposures
The Neighborhoods Study from the Center for Health Disparities Research at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has received funding from the National Institutes of Health on an upcoming nationwide project, according to director of Center for Health Disparities and Associate Dean for Social Health Sciences and Programs, Dr. Amy Kind in...
Mistrials and maternal health: Sac State professors address the Lindsay Clancy case
Lindsay Clancy’s trial and mistrial bring attention to postpartum mental health. Sac State women’s and gender studies and criminal justice professors share their perspectives.
Risk Of Death, Major Disease High Following Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterMONDAY, Sept 28, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Type 2 diabetes dramatically increases a person’s short-term risk of death or life-threatening illness, a new study says. Within five years of their diagnosis, patients with type 2 diabetes have a 33% increased risk of ...
Award-Winning Advisor Shaping UCF’s Brightest Engineering Minds
After decades of supporting student success at UCF, College of Engineering and Computer Science special instructor and alum Michael Ferrante ’15MSEM is recognized as Florida Engineering Society's 2026 Engineering Faculty Member of the Year.
Chicago school board president candidate Jessica Biggs calls for putting student success over politics
In brief: '9 to 5' headed back to theaters and more
Pour yourself a cup of ambition and head out to your local movie theater. 9 to 5 is headed back to movie theaters for a special, weeklong run starting on Oct. 9. This will be a newly restored version of the classic satirical workplace comedy starring the late Dolly Parton. Additionally, Disney is set to donate net proceeds from each ticket purchased for the rerelease in the U.S. to the Dollywood Foundation in support of its flagship program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Disney is the parent company of ABC News ...Off Campus star Ella Bright has found her next gig. The actress confirmed she will star opposite Mason Thames in the movie Narcs in a post shared to her Instagram Story. This marks Bright's first major studio feature role. The upcoming coming-of-age comedy will be made for Sony Pictures. While the movie's plot is being kept under wraps, it will serve as the directorial debut of John Phillips, the writer of No Hard Feelings, Good Boys and Dirty Grandpa ... TNCMS.AdManager.render({region: 'fixed-big-ad-top-asset', slot: 1, fold: "above"}); Did you miss Evil Dead Burn in theaters? Not to worry. The film is set to make its global streaming debut on HBO Max on Oct. 2. Souheila Yacoub, Tandi Wright, Hunter Doohan, Luciane Buchanan, Erroll Shand and Maude Davey star in the film that was directed by Sébastien Vaniček ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Thank you for reading kmaland.comAt KMA, we attempt to be accurate in our reporting. If you see a typo or mistake in a story, please contact us by emailing kmaradio@kmaland.com.
New UMSOM Research Shows Promising Results for Health Care Professionals Using Ketogenic Diet Therapy to Treat Mental Illness
Specialized high-fat, low carbohydrate diets, known as ketogenic metabolic therapy, are showing promising therapeutic benefits for certain mental illnesses in emerging research. Now, a new study from researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC) shows that an immersive training program can improve health care provider confidence in using a ketogenic dietary treatment plan for their patients.
God of War Laufey pre-orders open September 29, editions detailed
Physical and digital pre-orders for God of War Laufey will begin on September 29 at 10:00 a.m. local time, publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment and developer Santa Monica Studio announced.
KU School of Education & Human Sciences launches online master’s in higher education administration
The University of Kansas School of Education & Human Sciences is launching a fully online M.S.E in Higher Education Administration housed within the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. The program builds on KU's established in-person higher education administration graduate degree.
Snow is critical for Arizona's water, this study found that measurements can vary wildly
A new study from the University of Washington found that snow measurement tools can produce very different estimates for water availability.
How a UTC professor is helping first-year chemical engineering students explore career paths
What does a chemical engineer do? How can a student prepare for medical or pharmacy school? Where can students find people and resources to help answer those questions? Dr. Bradley Harris, head of UTC’s Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS), is helping students begin those conversations through A Moc’s First Year, a campuswide program designed to help incoming first-time, full-time undergraduates make connections to UTC, Chattanooga and one another.
A New Age of Montana Politics
When Finley Warden talks to voters, his age is “an elephant in the room.” The 20-year-old Republican (he’ll turn 21 in October) and fifth-generation Polson resident is mounting a run for his local legislative seat in House District 13, which contains parts of Lake and Sanders counties. The Liberty University student, who attends school virtually […]
Why Cleaning Isn’t the Mental Health Miracle Everyone Believes It To Be - Futura-Sciences
Where the “therapeutic cleaning” idea comes from The belief in cleaning as a kind of moving meditation is tempting: repetitive gestures, a structured task, instant visible results—it all seems reminiscent of mindfulness. This narrative sounds great in theory, but available studies reveal a far more complex picture, one where context...
Do politics belong in sports?
Transgender athletes, ESPN studio shows and sports ads have prompted heated political discussions.
Bridge DePaul is making room for political disagreement on campus
The group is entering its second year with plans to focus on dialogue, voter information and student engagement with different political ideas.
Saturn's frozen moon could host alien life, say scientists | BBC Sky at Night Magazine
Saturn's icy moon Enceladus would theoretically be able to host some forms of microbial life, according to a scientific study.
Why scientists are now revisiting this fatty acid for healthy aging
Scientists are studying C15:0, a fatty acid found in full-fat dairy that may help support cellular health and healthy aging. Here's what to know.
Contraceptives out of reach for thousands of low-income Iowans
Two recent studies cite the difficulties low-income Iowans have in getting contraception. One thing that would help: Evening appointments for those working multiple low-income jobs.
VMI Worldwide Partners With Empire Studios, Rascal Entertainment & Green 13 On Survival Thriller ‘Snow Predator’
EXCLUSIVE: Empire Studios, Rascal Entertainment, Green 13 Films and VMI Worldwide have partnered on Snow Predator, a survival thriller directed by Coz Greenop. The film has been written by Charley McD...
A political scientist studied the rise of grassroots activism in local government. Philly was his case study.
Stephen McGovern's "Mobilization Politics" details how Philly activists employed bottom-up tactics to win major policy victories in criminal justice reform and protections for immigrants and workers.
‘A little sanctuary’: Marine Village School’s science classes will be taught in yurt
New structure on school grounds places students in the middle of the nature they’re learning about.
Patients Warn That Mental Health Surveillance Could Undermine Care
A 2024 study found that the use of surveillance-based technology in inpatient and acute mental health settings is rising despite little evidence that New research finds patients and nurses fear video monitoring could undermine therapeutic relationships, compromise privacy and dignity, fuel mistrust, and replace human care with surveillance.
Scientists Test an Unexpected Sleep Aid Made From Tree Roots
A pilot study suggests that oil from underused Hinoki roots could be used in scented products for relaxation. Falling asleep can be compared to easing down a dimmer switch, with brain activity gradually shifting as sleep deepens. Researchers studying Hinoki, or Japanese cypress, are exploring whether its scent could help smooth that transition for women
Flu shots now available for the UK campus community
UK students, employees and community members can now schedule their seasonal flu shots at convenient campus locations.
Students weigh in on rhetoric in Maine political advertisements
It is no secret that the Senate race in Maine is hotly contested. Republican incumbent Susan Collins and former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, a…
No solid evidence daylight savings time affects mental health, researchers find
Some people experience effects similar to minor jet lag, but no association with significant declines in mental health, study shows
Chaplains and Commissars: An Analysis of the People's Liberation Army’s Political Work System and the Will to Fight
In future conflicts, Western forces can reduce the PLA’s will to fight by undermining belief in the chain of command and CCP more broadly.
Meet ‘platypus man’ Harry Burrell. He transformed Australian science – and put on quite a show
A self-described ‘platypoditudinarian’, Burrell figured out how to keep these animals in captivity – which allowed them to be studied.
Studs and duds from Rams' 30-26 loss to Broncos
Kyren Williams and Davante Adams showed up in a big way, while Emmanuel Forbes Jr. had a rough night for the Rams.
Monitoring Political and Campaign Finance in Asia | The Election Observer S04Ep01 | Asian Network for Free Elections
In Season 4 Episode 1 of “The Election Observer” podcast, ANFREL will discuss what lessons can be learned from the challenges identified from the country-specific case studies, the good practices that can be adopted, and how to apply the framework in monitoring political and electoral campaign finance.
Newly Identified Frog-like Creature Named by Student Scientists After Their Moms
A newly identified frog-like creature that lived before dinosaurs has been named—by 2 student scientists who discovered it— after their moms.
Scientists Watched a Deadly Cancer Physically Reshape The Brain as It Grew
"A major step forward in studying neuro-oncological processes."
Scientists Watched a Deadly Cancer Physically Reshape The Brain as It Grew
"A major step forward in studying neuro-oncological processes."
Locals, students give testimonies for Suicide Prevention Month
The Syracuse Common Council voted to recognize September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month on Sept. 21.
Locals, students give testimonies for Suicide Prevention Month
The Syracuse Common Council voted to recognize September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month on Sept. 21
See the brilliance: Dunn artist creates and sells glass artwork that shines brightly
Cindy Akers-Gilford creates stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork in her studio in Dunn, N.C. Photos provided by Cimply Broken.Self-made Artist and Founder of Cimply Broken, Cindy Akers-Gilford is helping people “see the brilliance” in all things with her glass artwork. Akers-Gilford started her business right after she retired from 20+ years as a civilian contractor at Fort Bragg. The official opening date for Cimply Broken was Nov. 8, 2021.“It’s been quite the adventure ever since. Not only did I have to learn how to manage a small business, but I’ve never taken a class in stained glass or anything I currently do,” shared Akers-Gilford. Her work includes stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork.“I chose glass art just by happenstance. I saw a video on YouTube with a gentleman using plates and resin to make beautiful windows. I used that idea and created a simple picture frame-sized piece for myself. It was beautiful. I put it up in my window and pretty much forgot about it for a few days. Well, one beautiful sunny morning I went up to my studio, and the sun was rising and the light was shining beautifully through that piece. It was absolutely stunning. I thought that it was the perfect reflection of how God’s light shines through each of us. It was broken glass, so it changed ever so slightly as the sun continued to rise in the sky. I thought it poignant – like each of us – we all shine bright and differently in God’s glorious light, and we are all simply broken as well. We are all made beautiful in his light,” explained Akers-Gilford.The name of the business was inspired by the artist’s name and her faith-driven mission. “Simply became ‘Cimply’ as a play on my name and ‘simply’… and ‘Broken’ because we are all Cimply Broken – but each of us is beautiful,” added Akers-Gilford.Akers-Gilford sells her glass art at the Dunn Farmers Market when the weather is bearable, but mostly from her website at www.cimplybroken.com. “I enjoy getting lost in the creative process. I work out of my home, and I often compare my studio to Walmart returns after Christmas time. It’s hectic, busy and there are always at least 10 things being created simultaneously- it is fun!” shared Akers-Gilford. Her goal for the business is to continue to watch customers as they spot a piece of work from a distance and walk up to it in awe. “That is my biggest joy! I don’t speak to them until they speak – that is their moment to ‘See The Brilliance,’ which is my moniker,” shared Akers-Gilford. She also shared she would love to someday become part of an artist collective in Dunn.
Art that serves others: How a Harnett County muralist is making a lasting mark in her community
Van Goat Studios, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself and reflect the spirit of local communities through murals. Photo provided by Elyse Johnson.Elyse Johnson of Van Goat Studios in Dunn wants to spread her artistry and make a lasting mark in her community. Van Goat, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself through murals and decorating electrical boxes in the urban landscapes of North Carolina. On top of traditional mural painting, Johnson offers what she calls “portable murals,” an option tailor-made for structure owners who do not want to commit to a design for their wall.“A contractor builds a framed piece of wood, and then they can frame the ‘mural’ onto the wood, whether it’s into their building, whether it’s interior or exterior,” Johnson said. The beginnings of Johnson’s journey into establishing Van Goat Studios reflect the teachings she wants artists to take away today: everything is a learning opportunity. When she started Van Goat, she shared it was a joint venture with a business partner. “I mainly did that because I didn’t feel like I was ready to go and do this on my own,” Johnson said. Her business partner eventually dropped out of the project, deciding she wanted to pursue other forms of art. That is when Johnson was thrust into growing her business on her own during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I had built up my confidence enough to go out and reach new heights,” she said. “And I was probably one of the few that benefited from COVID.”The moment presented a silver lining for Johnson. One of her first projects was a Farmers Day mural for the town of Coats. “When COVID-19 hit, Coats was not able to hold their annual festival, so they had a little bit of savings. They decided they wanted to do something for their community without getting anyone sick,” Johnson said.From there, word of mouth spread. Now, Johnson has an organic way of approaching projects. “Like a lot of muralists, if I feel inspired by a building, I will just go up and talk to that building owner and tell them a mural is something they should consider,” Johnson said. But above all, Johnson says she wants art to be accessible to everyone. Johnson said she is trying to stick to projects that benefit “the little guys.” “I’m not trying to go for a project in downtown Raleigh to get the eight-foot-tall building,” Johnson said. “I’m not trying to go to those major cities and get those huge buildings for two reasons: one, I don’t want to go that high; two, my passion really lies with the small guys.” But due to financial constraints and the material reality of art commerce, that requires open communication, she added. “I don’t want to just snowball you with this huge price, and then you just shut me down because it wasn’t what you were thinking,” Johnson said. “At the same time, I am an advocate for the arts, so I’m not going to give you a $10,000 mural when you’re only going to pay $5,000.” There is a healthy balance in explaining the artistic process and working with clients and the surrounding community, Johnson said.“Your municipality invested this, and this is why they invested this, and this is how it’s going to help and improve your community,” she noted. “Same thing when I’m talking to a small business. You asked for me to come at you with this that is outside your budget. How do we make this still your same exact goal, but within your budget lines?” Johnson also provides lessons to aspiring artists. She does so with a mission: how do you master the balance between being a great artist and a competent business owner? “We still do art lessons, but I’m also going to give you business scenarios,” she noted.One of the scenarios she has come up with for her students is a T-shirt competition. “The kids have to think about ‘okay, I can’t just draw whatever I want on a T-shirt. I need to think about what colors Miss Elyse likes. What does Miss Elyse’s logo look like? What would Miss Elyse like?’” Johnson said. “So the design needs to be around that kind of concept.” As Johnson looks toward the future of Van Goat Studios, she is thinking of time, longevity and succession. Johnson is a new mom, which she said has shaped how she sees the future of the studio.“I still want my name and my business out there continuing, so that when my daughter is of age and she can be more independent, then I can be out there doing more and more,” Johnson said. “I would love to get a student to pass this on to, or an intern. I would love for this business to be passed on to the next generation and let them go.”