Carolina Connection: Recent Episodes
The University of North Carolina School of Media and Journalism
The student-produced newsmagazine from the University of North Carolina Hussman School of Journalism and Media
UNC is facing growing pressure to release its investigation of the internal turmoil within the School of Civic Life and Leadership. Amid backlash against DEI, professors in UNC's Women and Gender Studies department continue to promote open dialogue. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools officials are defending library books with LGBTQ+ content that state lawmakers deem inappropriate. We hear how poetry can help us pay attention to the world around us. Who's inside UNC's Rameses costume? Graduating seniors are posing for their last moments as U-N-C students.
On the latest edition of CarolinaCast, Carolina Connection’s podcast, reporter Lauren Mallett talks with Maddie Policastro about the significance of protests ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. She spoke with protestors and organizers at the recent No Kings protests in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, along with Western Carolina University Professor Christopher Cooper, who studies American politics. While Cooper says we are in the midst of a highly polarized political climate, he affirmed that protests do have a place in the order of a functioning democracy.
A North Carolina death row inmate works with a UNC music professor to produce an album. Media organizations sue to force UNC to release the findings of its seven-month investigation into the School of Civic Life and Leadership. The curator of Coker Arboretum is trying to help plants through the drought and has some advice for your garden, too. A group of people goes to RDU not to catch flights, but to watch them. North Carolina boys may soon be able to play a new official high school sport - volleyball.
Hundreds of Rohingya refugees live under tarps, tin scraps, and spare sheets of wood they've found in the heart of New Delhi, India. They fight the unforgiving heat, inconsistent water supplies, and the threat of deportation to Myanmar, where they fled brutal violence. A United Nations report has recognized the Myanmar army's campaign against the country's Rohingya minority as genocide.While Indian officials have expressed their support for the people of Myanmar, the Rohingya's future is uncertain as human rights experts warn that a lack of legal protection and rights granted by the Indian government jeopardizes their safety.Gowri Abhinanda traveled to New Delhi to gather this report for the Carolina Connection podcast: "Redefining refugee realities."
Eating disorders are typically stereotyped as a girl thing, but boys and men struggle with an obsession over gaining muscle and bulking up – sometimes referred to as "bigorexia." Research shows nearly a third of teen boys in the U.S. report trying to gain weight … and about a quarter report taking supplements, steroids, or eating more. Rachel Moody reports in this edition of the Carolina Connection podcast.
A new men's basketball coach comes to Carolina, joining his daughter, a student athlete, as a Tar Heel. The April Fools’ satire edition of the Daily Tar Heel wasn’t funny to a lot of people on campus and around the country. Several of the newspaper's staff members have resigned after readers complained the satire was insensitive to marginalized communities. North Carolina has a special reason to celebrate the first mission to carry people to the moon in over 50 years. And you’ve heard about a family man; now UNC has a family ram.
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities are reshaping what it means to be a student athlete. But not every sport is benefiting in the same way. As NIL continues to evolve, women in non-revenue sports are finding that success in the marketplace often depends less on performance in competition, and more on the personal brands they build online.Zoe Behrendt, a non-revenue female athlete herself, discuss the situation with host Reyna Drake.
After a Chapel Hill bar was charged in connection with a second fatal car wreck, a former employee speaks out. The firing of Hubert Davis as Carolina's men's basketball coach may end the program's long connection to Dean Smith and usher in a new culture. Artists reimagine noise pollution through an installation in the Coker Arboretum. Triangle residents find community through fixing broken devices. A walking tour around campus marks generations of women’s history. UNC grad and soccer legend Carla Overbeck helped transform women’s sports.
Patients can no longer receive gender affirming care at UNC Health if they’re under the age of 19. This limit exceeds North Carolina state law, which only bans these treatments for minors — or those under 18. Now, doctors and patients at the Triangle’s largest health system are adapting to the new regulation.Carolina Connection's Alice Scott discusses the new restrictions with host Anthony Guerra-Flores.
Climate activists say they're still hopeful despite the Trump Administration’s attacks on environmental regulations. After a fatal crash, a Chapel Hill nightclub is being investigated for serving underage customers – the same nightclub that faced similar charges two years ago. The North Carolina Zoo prepares to welcome visitors and animals to a new Asia exhibit. A local sanctuary allows visitors to cuddle their stress away with cows.
UNC faculty have raised concerns about academic freedom and their rights after three new policies were implemented that change the rules on classroom procedure.One policy, which allowed University administrators to record classrooms without instructor knowledge, was recently scrapped by the Chancellor after faculty pushback. Other policies remain in effect, including a new systemwide academic freedom policy, and a decision by UNC System President Peter Hans that declared syllabi to be public records.Carolina Connection's Alice Scott joined Anthony Guerra-Flores to discuss the controversies.
Fourth District Congresswoman Valerie Foushee’s slim victory highlights tensions in the Democratic party. The war in the Middle East has left people at UNC feeling the weight of the conflict. Experts say rising gas prices are closely related to the Middle East conflict. Students return from Milan, where they helped document the Winter Olympics. A controversial artist demonstrates the power of printmaking as political expression.
After pushback from faculty, UNC has abruptly reversed a controversial new policy that allowed administrators to record classes with the instructors' knowledge. Tuition is increasing throughout the UNC System. Some North Carolina university students have to make long, treacherous walks to purchase fresh food. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education is considering closing schools. An exhibition at the Ackland Art Museum dismantles notions of masculinity and gender through high school students.
A Triangle community is limiting its use of lights and sirens on EMS vehicles to reduce ambulance accidents. Doctors say vaccine hesitancy is one of the causes of this year's active flu season. A local Black History Month event remembers the past by encouraging action today. As Name Image and Likeness reshapes college athletics, some players in less prominent sports are building their own brands. North Carolina is in a severe drought and this month's rain - and snow - isn't helping much. The Triangle rings in the year of the fire horse with Lunar New Year celebrations.
Henry Nicholls and Reyna Drake profile Joseph Terrell and his new viral anti-ICE song, “Genuine American Hero.” The song has almost four million views on TikTok. Terrell is a UNC alum and gained fame through his former band, Mipso. Henry, who talked with Joseph Terrell, discusses the song’s meaning, the intersection of folk music and political protest, and the importance of social media to the growth of protesting.
Faculty members worry a new UNC System policy could cause a chilling effect within the classroom. President Trump's repeal of greenhouse gas regulations will likely bring legal challenges. Chapel Hill businesses continue to reopen after Tropical Storm Chantal, but some are worried about future flooding. "Bulking up" can become an obsession for young men with body dysmorphia disorder. An unlikely mother-daughter duo is reshaping the culture of the UNC gymnastics team. A UNC alumnus uses social media as a new way to connect through protest songs. A Durham museum shines a spotlight on tubas.
College students and Democratic groups are suing state election officials for blocking early voting sites on three North Carolina college campuses. UNC mourns the death of James Spurling, who managed UNC's iconic football stadium and became a local icon himself. Unless Congress acts, most hemp products will become illegal later this year. As UNC and Duke tip off this season’s men’s basketball rivalry, UNC leaders are deciding whether the Dean Dome will remain the Tar Heels' home court. Raleigh is piloting a program to better respond to mental health emergencies. Local children receive free care at the UNC Dental School’s “Give Kids A Smile” day.
After immigration crackdowns in Minnesota, opponents across the Triangle are coming together to speak out. UNC leaders propose deeper budget cuts that some employees fear will mean job cuts. UNC Health is increasing barriers to gender affirming care, reigniting debate over treatment for teens. Business rents are rising in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, but some merchants have found creative ways to limit the effect. UNC unveils a new studio for students to work with AI. Buddhist Monks pass through North Carolina on their 2,300 mile "Walk for Peace."
College can be stressful for any student, but it’s especially challenging for those facing food insecurity. An initiative from the school of social work provides a new student mental health resource. AI is changing the job market for both applicants and employers. UNC’s men basketball team is full of new faces - creating mixed feelings among fans. An English professor holds unconventional office hours to promote poetry- on the basketball court.
Emmy Berger and Maddie Policastro break down the buzz around UNC’s Beekeeping Club and its “Honey for Hunger Initiative." The club processed and bottled more than 200 pounds of honey, and every dollar from sales goes straight to the Carolina Cupboard campus food pantry.While tabling in the Pit, the beekeepers have already raised nearly six thousand dollars, and sales will keep rolling out over the next few weeks. 39)Emmy headed straight to the hives for a closer look at the art of beekeeping. even suiting up to get a firsthand experience with the UNC bee colony tucked inside Battle Grove.
UNC's annual First Amendment Day takes on new meaning this year as people on campus and around the country say their rights are threatened. Losses on the field and controversies off the field lead to questions about Bill Belichick's future at UNC. Online gamers are often exposed to extremist content, but some say the community should work together to challenge harmful beliefs. North Carolina's first Buc-ee’s is coming in Mebane, but some residents worry it will reshape the area. Chapel Hill trail enthusiasts will soon see repairs to paths damaged by Tropical Storm Chantal. Some students are already at work making Halloween costumes.
UNC reinstates a controversial professor after investigating him for alleged "advocacy of politically motivated violence." The investigation concluded that Professor Dwayne Dixon posed no threat and violated no university policies. The UNC Dental School pays tribute to student Deah Barakat, ten years after he, his wife, and his sister in law were murdered in a case that many consider a hate crime. Oxfam America ranks North Carolina the nation's worst state for workers. Some big name athletes and coaches are helping expand UNC's sports communication curriculum. And, we talk AI - how an upcoming UNC conference will examine the future of the technology in everyday life, and how a local artist uses it to re-imagine his work highlighting the power of the Latino community.
This is Hispanic Heritage Month, but celebrations feel different this year because of the Trump Administration's immigration crackdown. Some campus organizations fear losing their identities because UNC has banned DEI. Coffee houses are taking a financial hit due to President Trump's tariffs. Nature and art are coming together this fall at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. The Chapel Hill music scene gets jazzier. More than a year after some scenes were filmed on campus, "The Summer I Turned Pretty" continues to bring out crowds.
Schools across North Carolina are restricting cell phones in the classroom to comply with a new state ban. UNC considers an incentive plan to encourage employees to retire. Student organizations adjust to tighter budgets. It's Muscadine season, and we step through a local farm for a history of North Carolina's official state fruit. In PlayMakers' latest production, "The Royale," boxing is a metaphor for the psychological fight against racial injustice. The North Carolina Folk Festival uses music to send a message about community.
Colleagues honor the life of late Professor Zijie Yan with a new memorial on campus. Computer science students worry about AI impacting their future. A local puppeteer group is back on stage after tropical storm Chantal destroyed much of their warehouse. Amateur and professional poets have a new place to workshop. The hiring of Bill Belichick has changed the football game day experience - for better or worse.
One of President Trump's first executive orders upon taking office seeks to end birthright citizenship for children born to parents who are undocumented or who are in the U.S. on temporary status. Federal courts temporarily blocked the order, after a series of lawsuits challenged it as a violation of the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The case is likely to end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.Carolina Connection's Gowri Abhinanda spoke with legal experts and advocates about the issues in the litigation, as well as the uncertainty that many people are feeling. She joins Sarah Ellis on this edition of the Carolina Connection podcast.
Facing multiple lawsuits, The Trump Administration has restored the status of many international students who lost their visas, including at least five at UNC. Researchers at UNC say lifesaving studies are under threat due to federal funding cuts. Employers expect to hire fewer graduating seniors this year, and the class of 2025 is feeling the effects. Spiking property values in the Triangle could make it harder for residents of traditionally Black neighborhoods to keep their homes. A UNC English class has a unique final exam: writing and performing their own original songs.
Triangle college students react to the State Department’s termination of international students’ visas. A North Carolina Senate bill could further restrict DEI in higher education. State health agencies across the U.S. lost billions of dollars in funding, and that’s threatened many programs in North Carolina. UNC is renovating some dorms, which could make it harder to find campus housing. And people take a swing at history - and each other - through a local sword fighting club.
Businessman Art Pope - who recently acquired more than 200 Big Lots stores, manages a discount store empire that also includes such chains as Roses and Maxway. But Pope also is arguably the fuel for the N.C. Republican Party. Madeleine Ahmadi reports for the Carolina Connection podcast.
Farmers and advocates say unpasteurized milk is healthier. But many doctors warn the risk of bacterial contamination outweighs any potential benefits. And some raw milk drinkers have learned that lesson the hard way. Sarah Ellis reports for the Carolina Connection podcast.
The Trump Administration’s tariffs have already shocked the stock market. And one expert says grocery prices might shock you soon. Two NC State University students have left after their visas were revoked - leading to more concerns among other international students. Carrboro has a brand new library, and Chapel Hill has a another fried chicken place. AI has a growing role in academia, but can it ever replace human teachers? A UNC club wants to prevent bird strikes by putting stickers on the windows of buildings they fly into.
The Trump administration has thrown local Ukrainian refugees’ legal status into flux. TikTok might get banned, and that could cost some UNC influencers a lot of money. A UNC panel reflects on how Black digital spaces have added an important perspective to cultural conversations. After the men's basketball team's early departure from the NCAA tournament, some fans are questioning whether coach Hubert Davis should return. A longtime Carrboro barber is hanging up his shears. While most of us are playing our PS5s and Nintendo switches, people at a Durham arcade come together over pinball tables.
Protestors at UNC vow to fight back against the Trump administration’s efforts to deport two pro-Palestinian students from Columbia University. The Town of Chapel Hill unpublished webpages concerning LGBTQ history, minority loan programs and more. But after community criticism, the pages are back. Egg prices are down from their record highs but Triangle businesses and consumers are still feeling the effects. Environmental groups install "trash traps" to catch litter in area creeks. North Carolina elementary and middle school test scores still have not recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students fear UNC is leaving them out of the conversation about whether to move the men’s basketball arena off campus. Upcoming college graduates are scrambling after the federal government rescinded their job and internship offers. The UNC System tries to adapt to the Trump Administration's threats about DEI initiatives. Wilson Library’s newest exhibit visualizes the Carolina student experience. A new initiative documents how racist housing policies have shaped where people live in Wake County today. A "Death Faire" in Pittsboro tries to change people's views about death and dying.
UNC leaders urge patience as faculty express concerns about President Trump's funding cuts. A UNC study finds concerning trends in mental health among black middle schoolers. Some North Carolina colleges are teaching classes in prison to reduce the inmates recidivism rate. UNC students are helping draft legislation that they hope will protect kids on social media. The Daily Tar Heel is trying to expand its coverage of marginalized communities. Declining enrollment might make 2026 the last class of music education majors.
The community memorializes the tenth anniversary of the murders of three local Muslim students. The Trump Administration’s funding cuts have brought an end to some UNC programs, and faculty members worry that more will be eliminated. Advocacy groups aim to address fears and rumors about potential ICE raids on campus. A longstanding campus publication amplifies Black voices. And we hear from some musically-inclined students. Some sing a cappella. Others work all night on the student radio station.
Many students on UNC's campus are concerned about securing on-campus housing, after Chancellor Lee Roberts announced an enrollment increase of 5o0 new students in the incoming class of 2029. Carolina Connection's Mia Khatib spoke to students who are unable to get dorm rooms for the upcoming school year. Mia and Sarah Ellis discuss the university's "Comprehensive Housing Masterplan" on this edition of the Carolina Connection podcast.
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts faces backlash after he says the university will comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Local Congresswoman Valerie Foushee details how Democrats are opposing President Donald Trump’s aggressive effort to remake the federal government. A Carrboro music shop balances its role in the community with keeping the doors open. And students and community leaders explore how to celebrate Black history beyond February.
Immigrants in the Triangle area are uncertain and anxious about President Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship. A freeze on federal funding could impact the town of Chapel Hill, but the mayor says it's not clear exactly which services might be affected. The recent cold snap left the local unhoused population in danger. UNC plans to increase enrollment, even though some current students can’t get on-campus housing. A quilter is stitching together more than fabric; he’s creating a community. Groundhogs will have their day Feb. 2, but a Chapel Hill organization cares for them all year long.
Helene disrupted college applications for high school seniors in Western North Carolina. With schools closed and resources limited, counselors helped students navigate through the storm and submit their applications. Carolina Connection's Hannah Adams has talked with students and counselors in the western part of the state. She joins host Kevin Parris to discuss how students, high schools, and universities are dealing with the aftermath of the storm.
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.
Sports betting has been legal in North Carolina for more than a month, and state officials say more than 300,000 betting accounts have been activated in the state, enough to generate more than $60 million dollars in tax revenue in its first year. Carolina Connection reporter Hamsini Sivakumar talks with Lorelai Sykes about how sports betting is affecting college campuses.
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.
In 1898, an 18-year-old Black man was killed by a mob of white men near the present day intersection of Old Greensboro Road and Hatch Road. Now, 126 years later, the Town of Carrboro has unveiled a historical marker in honor of his life.In this edition of the Carolina Connection podcast, Jessica Simmons talks with Lorelai Sykes about the lynching of Manly McCauley, the reaction from the community, and the importance of memorializing negative parts of our past.
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.
Time magazine has named Taylor Swift its "Person of the Year" for 2023, and the Washington Post and Research company QuestionPro found that she was responsible for nearly $4.6 billion in consumer spending in the U.S. But there's more to Swift than her music. For some fans, she represents a new concept of modern femininity, in which women can talk about their emotions, wear glitter, be hurt by a breakup, and still be strong, financially literate, politically influential, and unapologetic about their accomplishments. On this edition of CarolinaCast, Samatha Hoffman talks with Sierra Pfeifer about the Swift phenomenon.
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.
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.
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.
We discuss two politically-charged education topics: a bill in the N.C. legislature that would regulate how sexual identity is discussed in the public schools, and the plan to create UNC's new School of Civic Life and Leadership.
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.
Barbecue is one of the best-known and well liked foods in North Carolina, and many agree that the best way to cook it is over wood. However, wood-cooking BBQ restaurants have been closing rapidly in the past decade.
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.
Nearly a year since UNC canceled the showing of the controversial photography exhibition “Tarred Healing,” the photos are on display at the National Civil Rights Museum.On this edition of "Carolina Cast," photographer Cornell Watson joins Carolina Connection's Lorelai Skyes to discuss Tarred Healing and the controversy.
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.
One of Chapel Hill’s most consistent problems is a lack of affordable housing for students and residents alike. But it’s not a new issue. In this edition of CarolinaCast, Will Christensen and Lorelai Sykes discuss the history of racial discrimination in the housing market and recent initiatives to make housing more inclusive in the area
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.
In 1997, the NC Supreme Court delivered a decision in the original Leandro case. The decision said that every North Carolinian has a constitutional right to a sound, basic education. More than 20 years later, the Leandro case was back before the N.C. Supreme Court this fall.This time, the issue in the case is whether the judicial branch can force the Legislature to fund a plan that would seek to address inequity in public education funding.In this edition of CarolinaCast, Walter Reinke discusses the case with William Christensen.
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
Graduate students at UNC-Chapel Hill say their cost of living exceeds the stipends they receive for teaching and research assistance. UNC professors and administrators say they support higher stipends, but the final decision is in the hands of the N.C. Legislature and the UNC System Board of Governors. On this edition of the Carolina Connection podcast, reporter Jailyn Neville talks with Brianna Atkinson about what graduate students are doing to fight for a stipend increase.
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.
For the past year, social drinking districts have been popping up in downtowns across North Carolina. Customers can buy their drinks to-go from participating businesses and enjoy them while walking down the street.
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.
On this edition of CarolinaCast, Chris Kammerer discusses how the United Methodist Church is now officially divided over doctrine regarding homosexuality and queerness.
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.
An electric cyclist lost his life in a traffic accident at a Franklin Street intersection in late January. The tragedy has sparked a debate around bike safety in Chapel Hill.
Meanwhile, even before the January accident, town leaders were working on new road improvement projects to make walking and biking safer for residents. It’s part of an initiative called “Vision Zero.” The town adopted the plan in October with the goal of reducing traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2031.
Carolina Connection reporters Elijah Imlay and Brianna Atkinson talk with Jayda Williams about the latest developments.
The public can now see the controversial images that led UNC to cancel an exhibition by a local photographer. In February, UNC leaders abruptly canceled an exhibition by Durham photographer Cornell Watson that documented Black life and Black activism in Chapel Hill. They said some of the images detracted from the message of “reverence” for the Black community that they hoped the exhibition would convey. Watson called the decision censorship. His photos are now on display at the Chapel Hill Public Library. Carolina Connection reporter Jade Wilson talks with Jayda Williams about the controversy.
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.
In February, though, Coursicle app users began receiving push notifications that said things like “Twitter dies today” or asked for nude photos. At one point, it displayed a large photo of Mark Zuckerberg with a vulgar insult. At first, many users thought Coursicle had been hacked, but Coursicle founder Joe Puccio - a 2016 UNC grad - soon admitted he was the one responsible. Carolina Connection's Sierra Pfeifer talked with Puccio, and she discusses the story with Jayda Williams.
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.
UNC students and community activists held a climate strike March 25. Students demanded that the UNC system transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The Chapel Hill demonstration coincided with Fridays For Future, a global youth-led movement in support of climate action that sponsored sister strikes in Raleigh and Durham. Zachary Turner talks about it with Jayda Williams on this edition of the Carolina Connection podcast.
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.
After a decades-long, largely successful public health campaign against smoking, 2020 hit, and cigarette sales went up for the first time in 20 years. Now, anecdotal evidence is pointing researchers in the direction of a trend: A new generation of young adults may be among those smoking more. Sophia Ramirez talks with Jayda Williams about this trend.
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.
On this edition of the Carolina Connection Podcast, Asian Americans in the Triangle reflect on the history of racism in the United States as they share their personal stories and offer ideas on how to fight for a more just and equitable future.
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.