Carolina Connection

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.

Facing multiple lawsuits, The Trump Administration has restored the status of many international students who lost their visas, including at least five at UNC. Researchers at UNC say lifesaving studies are under threat due to federal funding cuts. Employers expect to hire fewer graduating seniors this year, and the class of 2025 is feeling the effects. Spiking property values in the Triangle could make it harder for residents of traditionally Black neighborhoods to keep their homes. A UNC English class has a unique final exam: writing and performing their own original songs.

Triangle college students react to the State Department’s termination of international students’ visas. A North Carolina Senate bill could further restrict DEI in higher education. State health agencies across the U.S. lost billions of dollars in funding, and that’s threatened many programs in North Carolina. UNC is renovating some dorms, which could make it harder to find campus housing. And people take a swing at history - and each other - through a local sword fighting club.

After Big Lots filed for bankruptcy last year, the company owned by North Carolina businessman Art Pope - Variety Wholesalers - acquired roughly 200 of the retail locations. But Pope's company is far more than just cheap items and good deals; it's arguably the fuel for North Carolina's Republican Party. Carolina Connection's Madeleine Ahmadi talked with Pope to better understand his business plan and politics.

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.

The Trump administration’s tariffs have already shocked the stock market. And one expert says grocery prices might shock you soon. Ttwo NC State University students have left after their visas were revoked - leading to more concerns among other international students. Carrboro has a brand new library, and, as for Chapel Hill - It has a another fried chicken place. AI has a growing role in academia, but can it ever replace human teachers? A UNC club wants to prevent bird strikes by putting stickers on the windows of buildings they fly into.

The Trump administration has thrown local Ukrainian refugees’ legal status into flux. TikTok might get banned, and that could cost some UNC influencers a lot of money. A UNC panel reflects on how Black digital spaces have added an important perspective to cultural conversations. After the men's basketball team's early departure from the NCAA tournament, some fans are questioning whether coach Hubert Davis should return. A longtime Carrboro barber is hanging up his shears. While most of us are playing our PS5s and Nintendo switches, people at a Durham arcade come together over pinball tables.

Protestors at UNC vow to fight back against the Trump administration’s efforts to deport two pro-Palestinian students from Columbia University. The Town of Chapel Hill unpublished webpages concerning LGBTQ history, minority loan programs and more. But after community criticism, the pages are back. Egg prices are down from their record highs but Triangle businesses and consumers are still feeling the effects. Environmental groups install "trash traps" to catch litter in area creeks. North Carolina elementary and middle school test scores still have not recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students fear UNC is leaving them out of the conversation about whether to move the men’s basketball arena off campus. Upcoming college graduates are scrambling after the federal government rescinded their job and internship offers. The UNC System tries to adapt to the Trump Administration's threats about DEI initiatives. Wilson Library’s newest exhibit visualizes the Carolina student experience. A new initiative documents how racist housing policies have shaped where people live in Wake County today. A "Death Faire" in Pittsboro tries to change people's views about death and dying.

UNC leaders urge patience as faculty express concerns about President Trump's funding cuts. A UNC study finds concerning trends in mental health among black middle schoolers. Some North Carolina colleges are teaching classes in prison to reduce the inmates recidivism rate. UNC students are helping draft legislation that they hope will protect kids on social media. The Daily Tar Heel is trying to expand its coverage of marginalized communities. Declining enrollment might make 2026 the last class of music education majors.

The community memorializes the tenth anniversary of the murders of three local Muslim students. The Trump Administration’s funding cuts have brought an end to some UNC programs, and faculty members worry that more will be eliminated. Advocacy groups aim to address fears and rumors about potential ICE raids on campus. A longstanding campus publication amplifies Black voices. And we hear from some musically-inclined students. Some sing a cappella. Others work all night on the student radio station.

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.

UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts faces backlash after he says the university will comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Local Congresswoman Valerie Foushee details how Democrats are opposing President Donald Trump’s aggressive effort to remake the federal government. A Carrboro music shop balances its role in the community with keeping the doors open. And students and community leaders explore how to celebrate Black history beyond February.

Immigrants in the Triangle area are uncertain and anxious about President Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship. A freeze on federal funding could impact the town of Chapel Hill, but the mayor says it's not clear exactly which services might be affected. The recent cold snap left the local unhoused population in danger. UNC plans to increase enrollment, even though some current students can’t get on-campus housing. A quilter is stitching together more than fabric; he’s creating a community. Groundhogs will have their day Feb. 2, but a Chapel Hill organization cares for them all year long.

Helene disrupted college applications for high school seniors in Western North Carolina. With schools closed and resources limited, counselors helped students navigate through the storm and submit their applications. Carolina Connection's Hannah Adams has talked with students and counselors in the western part of the state. She joins host Kevin Parris to discuss how students, high schools, and universities are dealing with the aftermath of the storm.

After Donald Trump's election, local clinicians are reporting a spike in demand for long-term contraceptives. In advance of the second Trump administration, students from immigrant families are also preparing for what lies ahead. Students are using Artificial Intelligence for almost everything in college – and professors are trying to keep up. UNC is raising student fees, but a lot of people are happy about how the money will be spent. Instead of Thanksgiving, Indigenous Americans counter popular narratives during Truthsgiving.

Student activists are strategizing ways to approach climate change and labor rights after Donald Trump’s election. The UNC Rowing team is bonding after a thief steals their vital equipment. Helene makes it harder for high school seniors in Western North Carolina to apply for college. A non-profit organization supports North Carolina women with cancer. The student-run Meantime Coffee Company opens a second location.

The UNC community reacts to President-Elect Donald Trump’s victory, and we hear from both students and experts as they try to make sense of election results. While the nation was gripped by politics, western North Carolina is still recovering from Helene; we’ll hear how a college radio station is keeping its community informed. UNC has eased restrictions on the campus Y that were put in place during the pro-Palestinian protests this spring, but students say the culture in the building has changed. A local group is working to make sure North Carolina is still a welcome stop for migratory birds.

On Carolina Connection's election preview: Presidential candidates descend on North Carolina, taking their final swing at swing state voters. Candidates are trying to win your vote both in traditional and new ways - from old fashioned rallies to trending podcasts and live streams. We speak with young voters concerned with an issue candidates aren’t talking about. And are you petrified by the presidential race? You are not alone.

At a Carrboro campaign event for Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff said Harris is the candidate who actually cares about young people. The UNC System is working with fire departments to dispose of toxic chemicals in firefighting foams. A UNC expert says the aftermath of Helene shows the difficulty of preparing for inland storms. The N.C. State Fair offers new and exciting attractions including Pickled Dr Pepper. A Carrboro staple offers an unorthodox place for students to get their Halloween costumes.