Editor

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.

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.

Local residents react as federal immigration officers arrive in the Triangle, detaining people outside stores, at construction sites, and elsewhere. We hear from a UNC student who fears for the safety of his family, his community, and himself. Durham parents stand watch outside schools in case immigration officers arrive. Political leaders argue for and against the law enforcement operation, while a UNC legal scholar discusses the constitutional ramifications. Also this week, UNC graduate students say low stipends are forcing them to take on jobs outside the classroom.  And as many students prepare to head home for Thanksgiving, others are stuck on campus with limited food options. 

Students are bracing to pay more to attend UNC after the Board of Trustees approves the first tuition increase in years. Zohran Mamdani’s historic win in New York City’s mayoral race is inspiring Muslims in Chapel Hill.  A lot of people at UNC are trying to fight food insecurity – and so are some tiny insects. Dancers on campus say they don’t have enough places to pirouette or tap. People are going to DIx Park in Raleigh to see trolls made from trash.

Food pantries are overwhelmed as the Trump Administration holds back SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. Democrats had a surprisingly strong election this week, but a political expert warns against drawing long-term conclusions from the results. UNC has limited access to a lounge that students of color have used for over fifty years – leaving some feeling alienated.  UNC’s schools of library science and data science are merging – leading to concerns that the library side will be overshadowed. A local group is trying to build community through woodturning. 

Hurricane Melissa hits close to home for a UNC student with family in Jamaica. Citing thousands of dollars of squirrel damage to homes and vehicles, residents of a Durham subdivision want the city to regulate wildlife feeders. But the mayor says a proposed ordinance goes too far. Now that college athletes are getting paid, a UNC business class is helping them learn to save and spend wisely. Duke Chapel is commemorating Day of the Dead. A former UNC post-doc has won an award for photographing something that can barely be seen at all. UNC Pauper Players puts its own spin on the cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. 

North Carolina’s congressional districts get even more gerrymandered. Protesters say truth and public service at UNC are under attack. Skateboarders on campus say they have no place to shred. At UNC and Duke hospitals, an atypical therapy is helping patients. UNC students can get their hair cut in the Pit… for free. It’s time for the annual appearance of pumpkin spice … in seemingly every beverage we drink.

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.