February 2026 Archives

Carolina Connection – Feb. 28, 2025

February 28, 2026 Editor

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.

UNC abruptly reverses controversial new policy that allowed unannounced class recordings

February 27, 2026 Alice Scott

The policy allowed administrators to record classes without instructor knowledge in the event of “an investigation into alleged violations of University policy” or for “any other lawful purpose.” Many faculty were worried about the implications.

Possible CHCCS school closures spark strong emotions for parents and families

February 27, 2026 Allison Helms

Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Leaders say school closings may be necessary because of decreased funding and lower enrollment rates. Parents were adamant at a Board meeting this month about protecting their kids’ schools.

Black History Month event brings together student athletes to celebrate culture and community

February 27, 2026 Zoe Behrendt

Open to all athletes, Student Athletes Facilitating Equity brings together people of all backgrounds in an environment where participants can both learn and have fun.

UNC researchers are developing high-tech glasses that could provide a window into your brain

February 27, 2026 Henry Nicholls

A trio of UNC researchers, led by 24-year-old Ellora McTaggart, are developing biosensing glasses that can track and detect internal psychological issues.

Ackland exhibit explores masculinity as boys become men

February 27, 2026 Lauren Mallett

The exhibit titled “Boys Will be Men” is a collection of photographic portraits from local artist Bill Bamberger.

Carolina Connection – Feb. 21, 2026

February 21, 2026 Editor

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.

Carolina Connection Podcast: A UNC alum has a viral hit with an anti-ICE protest song

February 20, 2026 Henry Nicholls and Reyna Drake

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.

Doctors say the state’s low vaccination rate is making the flu more common and more severe

February 20, 2026 Anthony Guerra-Flores

North Carolina has reported more than 200 flu-related deaths this season. Experts say vaccine hesitancy is playing a role.

A Black History Month event remembers the past by promoting Black-owned businesses today

February 20, 2026 Alice Scott

The Community Spend Week was put on through a partnership with The Town of Carrboro, the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro and the Black Business Alliance.