News – Carolina Connection

First Amendment Day takes on added meaning amid threats to speech and academic freedom

October 10, 2025 Brooks Stevenson

First Amendment Day included banned book readings, discussions of free expression, a conversation with former Provost Chris Clemons, and a press conference by Professor Dwayne Dixon, who was briefly suspended last week over allegations he advocated violence.

Losses on the field and controversies off the field lead to questions about Bill Belichick’s future

October 10, 2025 Reyna Drake

UNC says Belichick has the university’s full support, despite a growing list of problems, including the suspension of an assistant coach for violating NCAA rules.

Gamers are often exposed to extremist content, but players say there are ways to avoid the rabbit hole

October 10, 2025 Andrew Sellers

While multiplayer online games – like much of the internet – can expose people to radical content, some gamers say the community should work together to challenge harmful beliefs and make everyone feel included.

Repairs are set to begin on Chapel Hill trails damaged by Chantel

October 10, 2025 Gracie Durham

With federal money in hand, the Town of Chapel Hill plans to begin repairing trails and paths damaged during Chantel. Some of the repairs will be temporary to get the trails open sooner.

As construction begins on NC’s first Buc-ee’s, neighbors are split on its potential impact

October 10, 2025 Marguerite Stouse

A new Buc-ee’s location is coming to Mebane. People are passionate about the incoming mega gas station. There’s both excitement and concern surrounding it.

UNC reinstates professor after investigation of alleged ‘advocacy of politically motivated violence’

October 3, 2025 Andrew Sellers and Brooks Stevenson

UNC had placed Dwayne Dixon on administrative leave after a Turning Point USA spokesperson called on UNC to fire Dixon over his ties to a leftist group. The suspension led to concerns about free speech on campus.

UNC conference to explore the use of AI in the classroom, courtroom, newsroom, and more

October 3, 2025 Gracie Durham

“Converge-Con” will highlight how AI is changing both academics and the professional world.

Advocacy group calls North Carolina the worst state in America for workers

October 3, 2025 Rachel Moody

Oxfam America ranked North Carolina as the worst state to work in, citing low wages, weak worker protections, and limits on rights to organize.

UNC’s School of Dentistry hosts its annual DEAH Day to honor slain student through service

October 3, 2025 Liana Riachi

The day of service honors Deah Barakat, a dentistry student, as well as his wife Yusor Abu-Salha and sister in law Razan Abu-Salha. The three were murdered in their Finley Forest condominium by a neighbor in February 2015.

Despite immigration fears, people celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with pride and hope

September 26, 2025 Anthony Guerra-Flores

Amid ongoing political and legal threats, Hispanic Heritage Month is still a space to proclaim and celebrate. At the Carolina Latinx Center event, multiple organizations demonstrated unity.