Sarah Ellis

Carolina Connection podcast: Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship leads to legal challenges and uncertainty

April 30, 2025 Gowri Abhinanda and Sarah Ellis

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.

‘Your friendly neighborhood WhizthKid’: Meet the crossing guard supporting students

April 25, 2025 Sarah Ellis

His real name is Hasan Wilson Jr., and in his eight months working the crosswalk on South Road, he has created a community of good vibes and music.

Raw milk is moooooving up in popularity despite expert warnings

April 11, 2025 Sarah Ellis

Raw milk connoisseurs say pasteurizing milk kills good nutrients, and raw milk is healthier. Health experts disagree, and some raw milk drinkers are getting sick from it.

Carolina Connection podcast: Raw milk popularity surges as experts warn of health risks

April 7, 2025 Sarah Ellis

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.

How climate change is making urban areas in the Triangle hotter

March 28, 2025 Sarah Ellis

As spring brings higher temperatures to North Carolina, the paved surfaces and dense buildings in cities can create the “urban heat island” effect.

The town of Chapel Hill has restored DEI websites after backlash from residents

March 21, 2025 Lily Kane and Sarah Ellis

The sites on the town website related to LGBTQ+ history, racial equity, loans and grants for minority-owned businesses, and other subjects.

DEI initiatives left in limbo after Trump executive order and Education Dept. letter

March 7, 2025 Sarah Ellis and Twumasi Duah-Mensah

Some UNC System schools have begun to flag course titles and take other measures in response to the Trump Administration’s directives.

UNC leaders urge patience after Trump’s funding freeze

March 1, 2025 Twumasi Duah-Mensah and Sarah Ellis

At a meeting of the Faculty Council, Chancellor Lee Roberts and other UNC leaders told researchers to continue their work unless they hear otherwise.

Carolina Connection podcast: Enrollment growth may worsen UNC’s housing shortage

February 18, 2025 Mia Khatib and Sarah Ellis

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.

How will young adults’ mental health be affected if Tiktok’s time is up?

February 7, 2025 Sarah Ellis

If TikTok is banned in the U.S., users may find other apps to replace it. But there are still ways for young adults to reduce their social media use if they’re concerned about the amount of time they spend online.