Sophie Mallinson

Mimi Chapman ends her term as faculty chair at a tense time for higher education

April 28, 2023 Sophie Mallinson

Chapman’s three-year term ends in June. In the past several months, she has guided the faculty through several controversies.

Faculty express deep concerns over new policy prohibiting “compelled speech”

April 14, 2023 Sophie Mallinson

Faculty leaders are questioning the constitutionality of the new policy, which prohibits asking candidates or applicants their views on diversity.

CarolinaCast: When the world of politics meets the world of education

April 13, 2023 Sophie Mallinson

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.

Increased access to food assistance programs may reduce child neglect

March 24, 2023 Sophie Mallinson

A study lead by UNC child health researcher Anna Austin found that states that expanded SNAP eligibility saw a decrease in Child Protective Services, or CPS, investigations for child abuse and neglect.

Chapel Hill Turkish center is among many groups raising earthquake recovery funds

February 10, 2023 Sophie Mallinson

Groups on UNC campus and in Chapel Hill at large are working to raise funds for survivors of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

UNC Trustees plan to open a new school. Critics say they’re creating a ‘conservative safe space.’

February 3, 2023 Sophie Mallinson

The Board of Trustees’ resolution for a School of Civic Life and Leadership has been met with conservative praise and faculty criticism.

‘Hugs and Pups’ puts a pause on the hugs, but they’re still spreading positivity

February 3, 2023 Sophie Mallinson

‘Hugs and Pups’ is a group that provides stress relief to students in the form of dog pets and mom hugs, but health concerns have put a pause on the hugs.

A new role for an ancient practice: Sheep are in demand to trim the grass at solar farms

January 16, 2023 Sophie Mallinson

North Carolina’s solar farms are gaining ‘solar sheep’ as part of a practice combining new technology with the traditional farming industry.

Drink-friendly ‘social districts’ are spreading across North Carolina, but is the idea right for Chapel Hill?

January 13, 2023 Sophie Mallinson

New drink-friendly social districts have come to Raleigh and other cities to help businesses recover from the pandemic, and Chapel Hill is considering a social district of its own.

The holidays are quiet times for businesses that depend on student customers

December 5, 2022 Sophie Mallinson

The hustle and bustle of UNC’s campus means customers for downtown Chapel Hill businesses. But what do college classics like He’s Not Here look like when the students aren’t here?