Maddie Policastro

N.C. health agencies may lose as much as $230 million to federal cuts

April 11, 2025 Lily Kane and Maddie Policastro

Nationwide, the Trump Administration is cutting $12 billion in funding for state health agencies. Orange County and UNC will be affected.

The immigration crackdown on international students at other universities has left UNC students shaken

April 4, 2025 Andy Zhao and Maddie Policastro

The UNC office of International Student and Scholar Services sent an advisory Monday cautioning students of a heightened risk of international travel. And at N.C. State, two students left the U.S. this week after their visas were revoked.

Could ChatGPT be the teacher of the next generation?

April 4, 2025 Maddie Policastro

Artificial intelligence has made its presence felt in academia. But AI still can’t understand how to account for emotions and lived experiences like, say, a human teacher would.

Deportation case raises major First Amendment questions for non-citizens

March 21, 2025 Maddie Policastro

After the detainment of two Columbia University students for their involvement in Pro-Palestinian protests on campus, many at UNC are worried they could face similar consequences.

Problematic language and making a statement: the trans community reacts to executive orders

February 7, 2025 Maddie Policastro and Twumasi Duah-Mensah

The Trump administration has issued a slew of executive orders targeting trans Americans. Trump’s orders have barred trans people from serving in the military, banned trans women from competing in female categories of sports, and outlawed gender-affirming care for anyone under 19.

Local demand for contraceptive services spikes after Trump’s re-election

November 22, 2024 Maddie Policastro

Many healthcare providers have seen an increase in clients seeking contraceptive services following the election. Some are opting for long-term birth control methods like IUDs or tubal ligation.

Some students struggle to process the election results, while others celebrate

November 8, 2024 Sarah Ellis and Maddie Policastro

Many students were shocked when Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States. At UNC, where the vast majority of students voted for Harris, those disappointed with the election results sought spaces to decompress and express complicated emotions.

Trump hopes his appeals to the ‘Bro vote’ will increase turnout of young male voters

November 1, 2024 Maddie Policastro

Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has heavily focused on mobilizing young conservative male voters to obtain the “bro vote.” From podcast appearances to attending tailgate parties, the campaign seeks to encourage turnout among one of the least active demographics.

Sharon Lawrence poses in front of a Carolina Playmakers Banner.

UNC honors actor Sharon Lawrence for supporting aspiring performers

October 11, 2024 Maddie Policastro

Among this year’s recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award is Sharon Lawrence, an Emmy-nominated actress who graduated from UNC in 1983.

The Ackland Art Museum has begin making these glasses available to guests through the EnChroma Color Accessibility program. (Maddie Policastro / Carolina Connection)

The Ackland is helping colorblind people enjoy great works of art

October 4, 2024 Maddie Policastro

In a partnership with EnChroma, colorblind visitors at Ackland Art Museum in Chapel Hill are now able to use color corrective lenses in the galleries. EnChroma has a similar partnership with the Davis and Health Sciences Libraries on campus that began in early 2023.