2019

Federal officials say UNC violated the Clery Act by underreporting crime and mishandling sexual assaults. The UNC College Republicans hosted President Trump’s former campaign manager for a keynote speech, but banned journalists from recording the event. Some UNC students are still struggling to register for next semester’s classes because of a lack of available seats. Local high school students say it’s common to see teenagers vaping products with THC, despite the increase in vape-related illnesses. UNC has its first new women’s basketball coach in more than 30 years. A local businessman is trying to make home milk deliveries popular again.

Some of UNC’s older buildings lack accessible entrances for people with disabilities, and university officials say it’s not easy to bring them up to date. Two professors are developing an app to help get UNC Hosptial pediatric patients out of bed. A new business on Franklin St. mixes coffee, chocolate, and books. Local middle-schoolers are trying to fight climate change by encouraging people to turn off their engines while waiting in the carpool lane. A campus Moviefest gave students a week to produce short films. All-nighters are common for students who are cramming for exams, but they may not be an effective way to study.

Some students are criticizing a report into UNC police conduct during several campus incidents involving Silent Sam and Confederate protesters. Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren campaigned in Raleigh and promised to tackle government corruption. UNC alum and astronaut candidate Zena Carman visited UNC and talked about “Artemis,” NASA’s next moon mission. Mellow Mushroom’s Franklin St. location has closed after 7 years, but high turnover is nothing new for restaurants on Franklin Street. 400 years after slaves were first brought to America, a local exhibit explores the impact of the year 1619 on the U.S.

The NCAA may allow student athletes to profit from their names and images, and reaction at UNC is mixed.  Mold has been a problem at both on-campus and off-campus dorms this school year. UNC Senior Tai Huynh is hoping to be the first student of color elected to the Chapel Hill Town Council. Transgender students say there’s a lack of appropriate housing choices in UNC dorms. Organizers hope a women’s self-defense class can become an official part of the curriculum. We experience Halloween through the eyes of students who are new to the United States.

An anti-abortion group set up a graphic display on campus, sparking student-led counter-protests and even an arrest. While breast cancer awareness month is almost over, fighting the disease is a year-long effort for affected women. As Halloween approaches, creative students are making their own costumes with 3-D printers and other tools. Meanwhile, the town of Chapel Hill is planning for the thousands of people who are expected to flood Franklin St. UNC is considering centralizing data science classes into one curriculum as a part of an effort to help students compete in a data driven world.

UNC celebrates its 226th birthday with the annual University Day celebration. The ceremony highlights the university’s dedication to service. The LGBTQ+ community celebrated National Coming Out Day, but the day is meaningful to many UNC students for many different reasons. UNC alum and Olympic gold medalist Heather O’Reilly has returned to UNC to coach the next generation of female soccer players. College enrollment has dropped nationally because of the strong job market.

UNC students react to the impeachment inqury of President Trump. A suspect in the Shortbread Lofts sexual assault investigation has been arrested. Former UNC Chancellor Carol Folt takes over the University of Southern California, which is trying to get past a series of scandals.  The Southern Village community in Chapel Hill has come together to prevent the Lumina Theater from closing. UNC football player Jake Lawler shares his battle against depression. The Carrboro Music Festival featues almost 200 local bands.

Recent crimes and an ongoing sexual assault investigation in Chapel Hill have left some female students concerned for their safety. Employees of Franklin Street businesses face real safety concerns when working late night shifts. Students for Justice in Palestine is protesting the U.S. Department of Education decision to investigate the UNC-Duke Middle East Consortium. The UNC System Board of Governors is searching for a new chairperson after Harry Smith stepped down. A UNC researcher uses classical music to study the brain.

A UNC senior is remembered for her selflessness and public service after her unexpected death Tuesday. The Trump Administrion threatens to revoke funding for a join UNC/Duke Middle East studies program. Students and community members participate in a one-day strike to demand action on climate change. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders stopped at UNC and rallied student support for his presidential campaign. As part of their committment to telling more diverse stories, UNC Playmakers’ performance of ‘Native Son,” takes on racism and sexism.

Since Silent Sam was toppled last year, UNC has never said where the Confederate monument is being stored. Now, Carolina Connection may have found it. On the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the UNC community remembers the victims. President Trump campaigned again in North Carolina this week; will his 2020 campaign attract student support? UNC’ school of journalism and media has a new name after a big gift. Coach Mack Brown wants students at football games, but they’re having trouble getting tickets.