Entire Programs – Carolina Connection: Recent Episodes
The University of North Carolina Hussman School of Journalism and Media
UNC experts say destructive storms like Helene are becoming more severe. The UNC system has abolished its DEI efforts, which has led to what some students call a less diverse campus. A proposed N.C. constitutional amendment would clarify that non-citizens can't vote, but critics say it isn’t necessary. Some UNC fraternity members are disappointed about how organizers of "Flagstock" spent the half-million dollars they raised from GoFundMe. The Good Neighbor Initiative helps build bridges between UNC students who live off campus and their neighbors. The Ackland Art Museum is hiring its first full time art conservator.
Some UNC students are skeptical about the upcoming election, but campus leaders are hoping to boost voter turnout. Reports that Republican N.C. governor candidate Mark Robinson made lewd online comments shows that the internet can be a harsh world for politicians. Another political candidate fights for the right to take selfies with your ballot. A campus protest for Palestine leads to vandalism –- and more campus tension. UNC Campus Safety put on their pirate hats to host an emergency preparedness festival.
A year after a fatal shooting on campus, some students are calling for more action against gun violence. UNC has disbanded its DEI programs, but administrators say they still want every student to feel welcome. Republicans are trying to prevent students from using digital OneCards as voter IDs. Carolina Connection takes a stroll down Franklin Street, where one longtime store is leaving, and other small business owners are worried about competition from chains.
Some job recruiters say today’s college graduates are unprofessional, and it’s hurting their employment prospects. On Earth Day, students called on UNC to cut its use of disposable plastics. Law students petition UNC to allow a classmate to participate in graduation, after she was arrested for domestic terrorism and banned from campus. Mediterranean Deli, a Chapel Hill staple, is getting close to re-opening after last year’s devastating fire. UNC’s newest barista isn’t a human, but a robot.
Students and faculty react to a new mandate that UNC System students must learn “foundations of American democracy.” The UNC System Board of Governors begins dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies on the state’s campuses. Scientists eagerly await the emergence of millions of cicadas that are coming later this month. A UNC grad has formed a company that's trying to address a shortage of sports concession stand workers. Carrboro gives a big grant to an organization that helps young people. A bar in Raleigh is missing the one thing you’d expect to find: alcohol.
Citing a state law, UNC officials have told protestors to stop wearing masks at Pro-Palestinian demonstrations, but some lawyers say the law is unconstitutional. Students at St. Augustine's University in Raleigh are devastated after the school sends them home amid a crippling financial crisis. A UNC student refused to let a power outage stop her one-woman show. A Triangle organization provides free professional attire to women who can't afford it. UNC's annual Arts Everywhere day features a little bit of everything, including a poetry-writing fox.
UNC plans to increase security by adding license plate readers across campus but privacy advocates are concerned. Apps like YikYak may soon be banned on campus WiFi. UNC housekeepers demand higher pay and lower parking fees. Chapel Hill’s public library has been nominated for a national award. The state wants to banish the invasive and infamous Bradford Pear tree.
An alcohol-related car accident that killed a UNC sophomore in January has led to ten arrests, including six students. It's also changing the way some students think about underage drinking. UNC extends its admission deadline because of delays in federal financial aid. Three months after former Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz’ departure, the search for a new chancellor is underway. Activists want Chapel Hill to rename Cameron Avenue, which is named after a slave owner. Can AI help you fill out a winning NCAA basketball bracket?
Super Tuesday is over and in North Carolina, students and other voters are evaluating President Biden. Sudanese students are calling attention to the civil war in their country. The newest member of the UNC Police force has a wagging tail and a golden coat. The Tar Heels and the Blue Devils men’s basketball teams meet one last time before the ACC Tournament. One of the hottest commodities on campus? Free frogs made of yarn.
Vice President Kamala Harris visits Durham to promote the Biden Administration’s initiatives to help minority and women-owned businesses. Sports betting is coming to North Carolina, but you won’t see ads on college campuses. A new student group is working to fight food insecurity, with the help of Greek Life. UNC’s decision to move spring commencement from Sunday morning to Saturday night is affecting students, parents and restaurants. A roller derby team in Apex is providing a sense of community to its players.
Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts discusses his first month at Carolina, the state's political environment, campus safety, and other issues. Will state leaders punish the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools for refusing to follow a state law concerning LGBTQ+ students? Some UNC faculty members are encouraging students to use artificial intelligence in their classes. Animal shelters in the Triangle are overcrowded. Some changes have come to the traditional art of Contra dancing.
A new effort in Greensboro gives homeless people a safe place to live in their cars. The national FAFSA fiasco is delaying university financial aid. Some UNC students confront their toxic relationship with social media. The alcoholic beverage mead is making a resurgence. Miss America’s Teen of 2024 is planning to enroll at UNC. Students share their mixed feelings around Valentine's Day.
A UNC clinic is helping patients cope with the lasting symptoms of long COVID. The government is working to bring high speed internet access to more than a million North Carolina homes. Sports betting is already popular in North Carolina, but now it will become legal. Artists express what the future of Blackness holds in their creations and for their communities. Chapel Hill businesses are preparing for a busy night as the Tar Heel Mens Basketball team prepares to tip off against Duke.
UNC students are navigating the emotional toll of the Israel-Hamas war. As Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz considers a job as president at Michigan State University, UNC reacts to his potential departure. The Town Council rejects a proposal for what would have been the tallest residential building in Chapel Hill. Ph.D. students at UNC and NC State work to save birds from window collisions. College students spend thousands of dollars on Taylor Swift.
Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz is considering leaving UNC; he's a finalist for the presidency at Michigan State. Students say UNC’s recreational facilities are overcrowded. Some people are boycotting Starbucks because of their labor practices. Carrboro’s Film Fest is featuring work by UNC students and faculty. The Town of Chapel Hill is encouraging residents to put aside their rakes and leaf blowers and leave their leaves in their yards.
North Carolina’s Attorney General says social media illegally hooks and harms kids. Chapel Hill Mayor-elect Jess Anderson says she'll try to balance the concerns of both students and permanent town residents. Inflation is easing, but a lot of people at UNC are still dealing with food insecurity. Student veterans reflect on their transition from military life to college life. A UNC student is serving on the board of education of Boise, Idaho.
A new law requiring a photo ID presents challenges to Chapel Hill residents heading to the polls. Some business owners complain about Franklin Street’s bike lanes. A WRAL documentary explores the racist past of Kenan Stadium’s original namesake. UNC researchers find that certain Chapel Hill neighborhoods have higher temperatures than others. Students are finally starting to feel the change in season.
The U.S. senate unanimously passes a resolution condemning UNC's chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. Scammers are targeting UNC students with bogus emails. A university committee creates AI guidelines for students, embracing the new technology rather than shying away from it. A 48-year old Halloween mainstay returns to campus for a sold-out performance.
The UNC community reacts to the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee, who represents Orange and Durham Counties in Congress, shares her frustration over the Republicans' struggle to choose a new Speaker of the House. The U.S. Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action means changes to the UNC admissions process. The Tar Heel men’s basketball team hopes to improve after underperforming last year. A prominent historic building on Franklin Street comes back to life after a challenging renovation.
As some schools around the country ban books, UNC commemorated First Amendment Day by reading them out loud. A local member of Congress bemoans the "chaos and confusion" this week as the House removed Speaker Kevin McCarthy. A new roadside marker remembers when UNC was a World War II flight school. Students with dietary restrictions share their struggles eating at UNC’s dining halls. University officials promise to upgrade the "ugly" class registration system.
Students react to a new North Carolina law that restricts gender affirming care. North Carolina’s House Speaker says UNC’s campus should no longer be a gun-free zone. US News ranks UNC the fourth best public university in the country. Screenwriting students mark the end of the Hollywood writers strike. UNC’s newest art installation helps add color to a parking deck.
Campus lockdowns can be especially hard for grad students, who face unique pressures. Vice President Kamala Harris visits North Carolina A&T as part of an effort to energize young voters. A UNC initiative is hoping to reduce suicide statewide. A Carrboro Farmers Market program teaches young people about where their food comes from. ACC officials continue to defend their decision to expand the sports conference to the west. For some local families, the start of fall means it's pumpkin-carving season.
The UNC community remembers Professor Zijie Yan, who was killed in a campus shooting. After Professor Yan was shot, the campus went on lockdown for several hours until the suspect was arrested. Then, this week - 16 days after the shooting - UNC was ordered into lockdown again, when a man allegedly pulled out a gun in the student union. The violence has left students, faculty, and staff anxious and angry - and some are demanding action from university officials and state legislators. Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz says the university has learned from these lockdowns and will have a stronger response to future emergencies.
Employees at Durham's REI store are trying to unionize. Former Vice President Mike Pence visited UNC’s campus, attracting supporters and protesters. Professor Mimi Chapman wraps up her term as Chair of the Faculty. A UNC professor pushes for improved classroom safety. Should professors give students "trigger warnings" before discussing potentially upsetting topics? The recently unveiled senior mural in the Student Union reflects a tumultuous four years at Carolina.
Anthony James joins the UNC-Chapel Hill community as the first Director of DEI (or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) for two schools - the School of Education and the School of Information and Library Science.
North Carolina farmers are changing the solar industry with a little help from sheep. Former Vice President Mike Pence plans to visit UNC, making him the first national prominent Republican to come to campus in years. Chapel Hill previously frowned upon restaurant drive-throughs, but that's changing. A UNC study reveals that wild blueberries can keep your brain sharp. A UNC student organization has been picking up campus litter for a year.
UNC System schools invest in improving student mental health resources. Carolina law students protest the ban of a classmate on campus. Transgender UNC students call for more inclusivity due to increasing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. a professor helps actors nailing down accents. A UNC study concludes infrastructure improvements are needed to reduce injuries from e-scooters. Arts Everywhere Day brings student artists together.
There’s a new push from the North Carolina Senate to legalize medical marijuana. Fasting students who observe Ramadan say they don’t get enough support from the University during exam season. A UNC club adapts tech and toys for special needs children. Instead of police, some 911 calls now may be handled by mental health professionals.This April Fools’ Day, one UNC class shows that clowning around is hard work.
Undergraduate enrollment rates are decreasing across the country. A UNC program helps first generation college students find community and support on campus. A new UNC study suggests ways to combat child neglect. Student app developers promote gender diversity in the tech world. The North Carolina tradition of wood-cooked barbeque is declining, but some small businesses are determined not to let the fire die.
North Carolina legislators reach an agreement on Medicaid expansion, which could have profound effects on UNC hospitals, rural healthcare, and 600,000 uninsured North Carolinians. A shortage of Adderall is causing hardship for people with ADHD. A proposed new state law would require businesses to accept cash. Older students at UNC face unique challenges. The men's basketball team nears the end of a disappointing season.
Students at a 32-hour demonstration demand better campus accessibility. Online bus tracking slowly returns to Chapel Hill after more than a year. The term “Latinx” faces scrutiny by the communities it's used to describe. A hack-a-thon promotes gender diversity in STEM fields. The UNC-Duke game has some seniors feeling fury rather than Carolina fever because it’s now even harder to get tickets.
UNC housekeepers are demanding better pay after they received a raise last year that they’re calling “disrespectful.” Some students say they would avoid rooming with somebody who doesn't share their political views. UNC researchers are learning more about traumatic lung injuries associated with vaping. Bus driver shortages leave elementary through high school students without a reliable way to get to school. UNC grads go back to high school to help underrepresented students on their paths to college.
The Republican-controlled N.C. Senate passed a controversial bill related to parental influence over gender, sexuality, and the public school curriculum. Chapel Hill’s Turkish community raises money after catastrophic earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. UNC makes mental health care more convenient. Artificial intelligence blurs the line between the work of students and computers. UNC's new women's field hockey team reflects on her first week. Hundreds of runners wolfed down donuts for the annual Krispy Kreme challenge.
UNC plans a new School of Civic Life and Leadership to balance what some see as liberal bias on campus. A UNC lab is working to reduce the number of laced drugs on the streets. Governor Cooper bans TikTok on state-owned devices, but students haven’t stopped scrolling. UNC graduate Erin Matson will be the next field hockey coach– at age 22. A class brings storytelling to the School of Information and Library Science. UNC's "Hugs and Pups" group has stopped giving hugs because of health concerns, but it's still spreading a positive message.
Though UNC has been mask-optional for about a year, some students and faculty remain concerned about COVID-19. Inflation has started to fall, but local businesses still are feeling the pinch of higher prices. The lunar new year ushers in celebrations and community across campus. A disputed local photography exhibit moves to the National Civil Rights Museum. A Genius Grant recipient leaves students starstruck. Bird watching hobbyists play a crucial role in conservation efforts.
UNC continues to test campus water fixtures for high levels of lead. A student group wants UNC to distribute test strips to detect date-rape drugs. Some local LGBTQ leaders say the same-sex marriage legislation in Congress doesn't go far enough. UNC fees and out-of-state tuition are likely to increase. An aggressive owl frightens students living on south campus. The Taylor Swift ticket fiasco leaves student Swifties disappointed.
Hospitals in the Triangle are overwhelmed by respiratory syncytial virus. An abortion protest on the quad has students debating how far freedom of speech should extend on campus. Critics call on UNC and other universities to reconsider the importance of legacy admissions. A student group works to bring thrifting to campus. American Indian students celebrate their history and culture during November.
When fire alarms blare throughout dorms, some students hear an annoyance rather than a warning. The midterm elections increased the power of North Carolina Republicans. Pedestrian and bicycle crashes in Chapel Hill are at a five-year high. A new startup aims to make late-night trips safer for female-identifying students. Carolina veterans reflect on their time in the service and on campus. A new student production brings reality TV to UNC.
UNC housekeepers are demanding higher pay. The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in UNC’s affirmative action case. The midterm elections could bring about a new Republican supermajority in the North Carolina Legislature. 30 percent more college students have reported feeling burnt out. UNC students reimagine a traditional Greek play with a North Carolina twist. The basketball season starts Monday, but some UNC students may be distracted by a different team’s success.
UNC heads to the U.S. Supreme Court to defend Affirmative Action. As election day draws near, some candidates are focusing their efforts on increasing youth voter turnout . UNC's arboretum is rebuilding its prominent arbor A new mural commissioned by the Campus Y will promote mental health awareness. Halloween isn’t the only time ghosts walk among us.
Gun violence across the country - and in the Triangle - has empowered UNC students to take action. A vending machine comes to Orange County to fight the opioid crisis. North Carolina’s Supreme Court will rule soon on funding for poor school districts. A new Chapel Hill business wants to be the Uber of caregiving. Chapel Hill residents celebrate the Festifall arts celebration downtown.
People who work on Franklin Street say that harassment has become a major problem. Chapel Hill police says there’s been a rise in gun violence throughout the town. UNC will host the World Anti-Bullying forum. A new analysis may change the way you look at characters in Disney movies. Some UNC students get moving on the dance floor.
UNC Graduate students advocate for a livable wage. After a sudden change in leadership, the Kenan-Flagler business school looks to the future. Some UNC graduate schools will no longer require the GRE test for admission. Navigating the Biden Administration's student loan forgiveness plan can be difficult for students. Students commit Acts of Random Kindness to help their classmates get through midterms. The Good Neighbor Initiative holds a cookout to educate students about the communities they live in.
UNC has found dangerous levels of lead in the water in six buildings with the potential for more. North Carolina schools face an increase in teacher and staff vacancies. UNC students struggle to afford housing as rent prices have spiked. Alumni are fighting back against the University’s decision to tear down the ROTC building. Zombies invaded campus this week to urge students to prepare for emergencies.
People who live near campus want the town to crack down on disruptive partying. UNC’s business school dean unexpectedly announces his retirement. A $25 million donation will fund a new suicide prevention institute. A split in the United Methodist Church over LGBTQ issues leaves local congregations re-affirming their values. Students get cheap new wheels at a campus bike auction.
Some North Carolina cities are helping restaurants and bars rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic by creating social drinking districts. The arrest of a Carolina student sparks outrage across campus. UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media welcomes a new dean who hopes to address diversity concerns. A rare trip to Boone for the Tar Heel football team has led to high ticket prices. Seniors are excited to experience their first normal semester in three years.
UNC administrators have been reading faculty members’ emails, but it’s still not clear which faculty members were targeted. A new report finds politics have a heavy influence on UNC System governance. A program seeks to help people who were incarcerated re-enter society. Graduating seniors look for jobs – and homes. As students take their final exams after a turbulent semester, parents gather to show their love.
Students and community members are hoping to get answers and closure after the U.S. Department of Justice reopened an investigation into the 1970 campus killing of James Cates, a Black Chapel Hill resident. UNC is scheduled to launch a new School of Data Science and Society. Kickstarter offers an alternative to traditional funding for minority-owned businesses. UNC students can study Cherokee and participate in the preservation of a dying language. Seniors climb UNC’s famous bell tower to celebrate the end of their time at Carolina.
Fans welcomed home UNC's men’s basketball team following their loss in the NCAA national championship game. UNC has blocked access to Coursicle after the company's owner - a UNC grad - posted vulgar messages and sent unusual notifications to users of the app. School systems in the Triangle have had to adjust to rising gas prices. UNC is working to improve its response to mental health crises, but students say much more needs to be done. Meditation, journaling, and deep breathing are typical go-to methods for stress relief… but what about screaming?
As UNC prepares to face Duke in the Final Four, Carolina Connection's Daniel Myrick talks with fans at the team hotel in New Orleans. Franklin Street businesses prepare for record-breaking crowds for the big game. More people died in traffic accidents last year than any other year in two decades, due in large part to distracted driving. An accident that killed an electric cyclist on Franklin Street has sparked a debate around bike safety. Homeschooling is on the rise since the pandemic. Who do you root for if you take classes at UNC and Duke? That's the dilemma facing duel-enrolled Robertson Scholars.
Students protest against the UNC System for its use of fossil fuels to power its campuses. Student organizations address food insecurity on campus. UNC faculty and staff document their pandemic experiences by decorating postcards. A student-run art gallery takes a dive into the metaverse. Pickleball becomes one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
UNC students and faculty react to their first week on campus without an indoor mask mandate. The Town of Chapel Hill hopes a new safety initiative will keep bikers and pedestrians safer. Experts say North Carolina is “the epicenter” of gerrymandering disputes, and a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision isn’t likely to change that. Women’s collegiate sports are starting to get more airtime on national television. A popular Franklin Street bar tries to revitalize Chapel Hill’s comedy scene.
For the first time in two years, UNC students will be able to go to class without masks. The university is dropping its indoor mask mandate effective Monday. Some students are pushing for UNC to create more gender-neutral restrooms. As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, the UNC community showed its support for the Ukrainian people. The 24-hour recycling center at University Place will close at the end of May because the owners plan to redevelop the property. "Creek Week" organizers hope to teach residents about the importance of local waterways.
A photographer says he's being censored after UNC leaders abruptly canceled an exhibition that documented Black life and Black activism in Chapel Hill. The UNC System is lifting its mask mandate, but UNC-Chapel Hill won't follow suit until Orange County also drops its mask rule. As Russia attacks Ukraine, a Ukrainian professor at UNC is both trying to keep up with relatives at home and educate students about the invasion. Some UNC students say the recognition of Black culture should go beyond the month of February. The Carolina Beekeeping Club is buzzing with participants in its second annual “Bee School.”
Though Orange County says its mask mandate will remain in place for now, some students aren't complying with the campus mask requirement. After several recent accidents, Chapel Hill police are stepping up their pedestrian safety efforts. 2020 saw cigarette sales increase for the first time in 20 years, with anecdotal evidence suggesting young adults may be among those smoking more. In Carrboro, a trans woman tattoo artist is proudly working in a white-male dominated industry. A UNC program is engaging undergraduates in discussions of race, racism, and racial equity.
Orange County has implemented a new bail policy to prevent people from spending days in jail because they can’t afford to post bond. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that challenges UNC’s admissions policy, which could change how colleges consider race in admissions. A Black History Month exhibit in the student union displays student art that celebrates activism. Three UNC students have opened a coffee shop on Franklin St. Dean Dome "hypeman" B Daht hopes to bring energy and positivity to basketball games.
UNC classes that started the semester remotely are starting to transition back to in person instruction. Unlike in previous semesters during the pandemic, UNC is not offering readily accessible isolation dorms for students affected by or exposed to COVID-19. Library officials have reduced hours because COVID infections have increased staff absences. Four of UNC’s community engagement centers have formed a partnership. A Duke student has designed a free archive of previous Wordle games. The end of an era brings an opportunity to shape the storied Duke-UNC rivalry, as Coach K visits Chapel Hill one last time.
UNC renames two campus buildings to honor underrepresented alumni. It’s exam season and some students say they’re feeling more stressed than ever before. UNC will add a wellness day to the spring 2022 calendar and make them a permanent part of future semesters. A shortage of the medication Naloxone could make it harder to save people from drug overdoses. Students show off their skills at a new high-tech gaming arena on campus. A UNC student writes a musical about his OCD.
UNC holds a daylong summit to address campus mental health, and speakers pressure the university to put more resources into keeping students healthy. Student volunteers keep UNC's COVID-19 testing center running. Using tests they developed, Duke researchers found elevated levels of lead contamination in the soil in Durham. While more women are serving as judges in North Carolina, they still face barriers to entry. Esteemed UNC professor Bland Simpson's latest work, North Carolina: Land of Water, Land of Sky, shares stories of places and people. It's mid-November; is it too early to start decorating for the holiday season?
UNC plans to transform one of the busiest blocks in Chapel Hill and demolish the building that houses some longtime Franklin St. businesses. A new study is telling us more about how recovering college students manage their struggle with alcohol. For the first time in more than a year, the Smith Center is welcoming full-capacity crowds. A UNC alum is competing on The Bachelorette It’s fall in Chapel Hill, and falling acorns are driving some UNC students nuts. A team of UNC alumni is hoping to win an Oscar.
The UNC community is mourning the loss of Senior Katherine Acierno, who was hit by a car last week while she was crossing the street in Greenville. After multiple student suicides, UNC officials say they’re trying to respond to a greatly increased need for mental health resources. With the help of the UNC law school, Army veteran John Spencer receives his Purple Heart 50 years after serving in Vietnam. After a two-year hiatus, the audio/visual dance party known as Office Hours is returning to the Cat's Cradle.
Crowds and COVID-19 are two of the scariest things that could hit Franklin Street this year, according to Chapel Hill officials. The Chapel Hill municipal election is Tuesday, and this year features a competitive mayor's race. Political signs pop up everywhere during election season, yet some studies say they don't actually make a difference. UNC researchers are studying the impact of climate change on sea turtles. UNC students have added a twist to the campus tradition of taking bricks from sidewalks; they're now painting the bricks and returning them.
As UNC grieves multiple student suicides, university leaders are weighing how to best support students through tragedy. Some UNC community members say the mental health services on campus are inadequate for students in need. After Chancellor Guskiewicz cancelled classes for a "wellness day," parents rallied at UNC with a message of love for students. UNC students and faculty have begun getting COVID-19 booster shots. YikYak is back, but the app's anonymous posting feature and its troubled past are raising concerns. The N.C. State Fair - back after a year off for the pandemic - is a place where homegrown apples get to shine.
A recent count found that homelessness in Orange County increased more than 40 percent during the pandemic. UNC is making deep cuts to the library budget, sparking concern from researchers and faculty. The Class of 2020 gets its long delayed graduation ceremony. Student beekeepers try to make the campus friendlier too pollinators. Brands are paying students to go viral on TikTok.
The American Association of University Professors plans to investigate political interference in the UNC System. The Chapel Hill Police Department starts a new program designed to find out which bars and restaurants are serving people who later drive drunk. A new class registration system tries to end registration-day panic for students signing up for popular classes. Two students have started a doughnut business as a unique way to carry out their religious faith. A UNC student is a gold medal winner in the 2021 Paralympic games.
The Faith Hedgepeth murder case has sparked a broader discussion of violence against Indigenous women. UNC housekeepers struggle to do their jobs amid COVID-19 and staffing problems. Amid controversy, UNC's Hussman School of Journalism and Media seeks a new dean. Despite "high anxiety" on campus, Chancellor Guskiewicz says he’s confident about UNC’s COVID response. Mushroom foragers find delicacies in the most unlikely places. Paperhand Puppets are back, exploring themes of renewal in the pandemic.
Chapel Hill Police have announced an arrest in the 2012 killing of UNC student Faith Hedgepeth, but the investigation has just begun. UNC students continue to push for a COVID-19 vaccinate mandate, but UNC System President Peter Hans is deferring to state health officials. Smoke shops and hemp stores are selling Delta-8 - a legalized version of the psychoactive compound in marijuana. After two years, members of the UNC Campus Safety Commission decided to disband, saying their recommendations are being ignored. Two UNC juniors create a support group for people with OCD. Now that student athletes can profit off their name, image and likeness, some Chapel Hill small businesses are signing them to endorsement deals.
UNC remembers the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. For many student veterans, the anniversary has special meaning. North Carolina is expanding a program that help community college students finish their teaching degrees at UNC System schools. Protesters hold a "Vaccinate UNC Now" rally to demand a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students. 22 Chapel Hill restaurants have closed during the pandemic, and others have tried to adapt to stay alive. UNC upperclassmen want the first floor of Davis Library to be loud again.
UNC students are back on campus, but without a vaccine mandate, some people are wary about returning to full-capacity classrooms. Some UNC students who've sought weekend COVID-19 tests on campus have faced high fees and limited availability. Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz and Student Body President Lamar Richards engage in a strongly-worded exchange about whether UNC is doing enough to keep the campus safe from COVID-19. UNC libraries are eliminating overdue fines for most items, hoping to make their collections more accessible to everybody. First-year and sophomore students work to find their niche at Carolina. A Franklin Street cafe is expanding, despite opening just before the pandemic hit.
UNC seniors are stressed about finding employment after they graduate because of how COVID-19 is affecting the job market. Some LGBTQ student of color at UNC have created their own spaces after they've felt excluded from mainstream on-campus groups. North Carolina is gaining a 14th seat in Congress. The Chapel Hill Town Council has declared a climate emergency and developed a climate change action plan. Summer is going to be the season of the cicada. Two Broadway professionals traded in stage lights for light fixtures as they started a business to renovate RVs.
Some North Carolinians view Derek Chauvin's conviction as a step forward in police accountability but want to see more criminal justice reform. Women are questioning their safety after incidents of harassment on Franklin Street. UNC announces a climate action plan which aims to have net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder struggle with pandemic-related stress. Virtual proctoring is becoming the new normal for people who take tests during remote learning. UNC's Athletic Director launches a video series to discuss collegiate athlete compensation. Movie fans are heading back to theaters.
A new study finds student loan debt continues to purge graduates' wallets well into their adult lives. UNC suggests new names for campus buildings that previously honored white supremacists. University administrators are hoping for a full in-person campus in the fall. UNC has stopped administering Johnson & Johnson vaccines, forcing students to find other options. From pick-up games to video games, intramural sports at UNC have gone virtual to keep people connected and active. One student-run theater group held in its first in-person performance in more than a year.
Hubert Davis makes history as the first Black head coach of a major revenue sport at UNC, but he faces an uncertain roster with several key players transferring out or entering the NBA draft. A recent study shows Black first-years are struggling with their mental health at a higher rate than their classmates. Health experts are debunking COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy theories. North Carolina's drag culture creates a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Sets of siblings at UNC are struggling to differentiate themselves from the family members they can't seem to escape, even in college.
UNC men's basketball coach Roy Williams announces his retirement after 33 seasons in Division One basketball. Williams said he takes personal responsibility for his team's struggles the past few years and felt he was no longer the right man for the job. This announcement shocked many in Chapel Hill and left Tar Heel fans wondering who would fill Williams' sneakers. Also this week, UNC opens an on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinic. A new study is examining what life could look like once more people are vaccinated. UNC students reflect on one year of remote learning as they hope to returning to a normal campus experience in the fall. Students share how they'll spend their last day off before finals.
UNC is planning to open an on-campus vaccination site for students and staff. Asian American members of the UNC community shared their stories of racism during a year that's seen a sharp increase in hate crimes. Despite successive mass shootings, gun legislation faces an uphill battle in Congress. After a year without performances, the UNC Marching Tar Heels are preparing to make their debut. A drama professor's play about a pioneering Black journalist is premiering virtually at PlayMakers Repertory Company. Members of the Class of 2020 are angry because of UNC's plans to celebrate them with a "reunion" instead of a full commencement. Resident advisers are struggling to create community on a socially-distanced campus.
Indoor bars are now allowed to open in North Carolina, but some health experts and residents say it's still not safe. A new UNC study finds first-year students are struggling with mental health issues because of social isolation and distance learning. Losing a loved one is always tough, but it's become especially difficult for people who couldn't say goodbye because of the pandemic. Dairy farmers are trying to survive in an industry that was already barely hanging on before COVID-19. In North Carolina, women are still underrepresented in politics despite national strides in equality. Not only can a mask protect you from COVID-19, but it might shield against seasonal allergies.