Daily Tar Heel

2007-08 year in review

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In some ways one year is so short, a whirlwind of thoughts and events and change that's a little too much to absorb. And yet at the same time, there is continuity to this community, so each year that passes and each person who passes through it builds upon our communal identity.

Campus unites

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In the days after the death of Student Body President Eve Carson, tragedy brought a sense of unity to the grieving UNC campus. Carson's legacy of energy and cooperation touched the student body and surrounding community, who turned out by the thousands to remember her.

Carolina North plans moving ahead

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Carolina North has yet to form solid design plans, but it continues to grow and has continued through important approvals.

Most of the sprawling campus, set to occupy about 250 acres of a 963-acre tract of land north of UNC's main campus, is still largely unplanned.

Chancellor search wrapping up

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The school year started off with a huge announcement: James Moeser's decision to step down from his position as chancellor.

That was September.

Now more than seven months later, a search committee to find the next chancellor is almost finished with its task.

Medical school looks to expand amid growing N.C. population

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As North Carolina's population increases, so does the demand for doctors.

In response to the growing need for physicians, UNC School of Medicine officials are planning to expand both buildings and enrollment numbers.

"There was a study prepared by the National Academies of Sciences indicating that there would be an emerging shortage of doctors," said Bob Marriott, associate dean of resource analysis, planning and management at the medical school.

Setbacks mar student elections process

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Legitimacy in student elections this year has suffered setbacks that have caused a review of the elections guidelines. Issues concerning rules and regulations have raised questions about the process of electing student leaders, and the 80th session of Student Congress has begun to keep a closer eye on the elections rules.

Student leaders work through branch tension

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The perpetual tensions that exist between the executive branch and Student Congress have transcended changes in administrations, stemming from inherent differences of opinion. "It's just the natural product of people with different perspectives and different outlooks and different job descriptions who are supposed to be checks and balances," said Dustin Ingalls, Congress speaker pro tem in 2006-07.

Top officials departing UNC

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

While Chancellor James Moeser's resignation was the most publicized administration change this year, UNC is looking to fill several other administrative positions that help determine the University's direction.

In the past year three academic deans - Steve Jones of the Kenan-Flagler Business School, Linda Dykstra of the Graduate School and Tom James of the School of Education - announced that they were leaving their posts.

UNC renovates campus housing

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This year was a year of both sweeping changes and growing pains for housing on campus.

Morrison Residence Hall reopened in the fall after two years of renovations.

While students said they were eager to get a spot in the environmentally friendly dorm, they encountered several problems with maintenance.

UNC steps up promotion of text messaging alerts

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Alert Carolina is the primary emergency alert system for UNC, delivering thousands of texts in a matter of minutes.

And during emergencies, cell phone servers need to be able to manage thousands of phone calls and text messages at once.

The University first used its text messaging alert system when a shooting victim was found a few miles off campus.

University residence halls undergo renovations

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A little goes a long way to keep Chapel Hill residents off the streets

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The area has plowed into the first year of a 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, but many problems still remain to be addressed.

In response to resident and business owners' complaints of excessive soliciting downtown, Chapel Hill is in the middle of a project attempting to take a comprehensive look at the problem.

Changes planned for the next school year

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School district and the Orange County School District will see some changes when school starts again in August.

Morris Grove Elementary

The district's 10th elementary school will open for students in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School district beginning August 25.

Downtown business goes niche

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Chapel Hill residents have lost several longtime businesses this year as new ones pop up to replace them.

But the new businesses might be moving in a different direction than residents are used to.

Toots and Magoo, an antiques and paper goods store, opened Tuesday at 142 E.

Drought effects far-reaching across state

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The rain didn't miss just Chapel Hill and Carrboro last fall.

In response to an ongoing drought, towns across the state have had to evaluate and implement water conservation measures to control what is ultimately decided by nature: water availability.

Durham Water Management Deputy Director Vicki Westbrook said the city has struggled to make water restrictions clear.

New developments going up in chapel hill and carrboro

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Chapel Hill and Carrboro's skylines are set to rise with the looming construction of major mixed-use developments. Greenbridge The multi-use development at 601 W. Rosemary St. will consist of two buildings: one seven-story building and one 10-story building.

Sealed details might be opened in Carson case

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Details about the men charged with former Student Body President Eve Carson's death might be released in the coming weeks.

Monday, a judge could order the release of documents the Chapel Hill Police Department has requested sealed.

"I do think on the 28th there will be some information," Jim Woodall, Orange County district attorney and prosecutor in the case, said April 17.

Several high-profile cases still in court

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Orange County district attorney's office already was handling several major court cases when former Student Body President Eve Carson was shot. One case has wrapped up, but several others still are making their way through the court system. Mohammed Taheri-Azar UNC graduate Mohammed Taheri-Azar was charged with nine counts of attempted first degree murder and nine counts of assault with a deadly weapon after he reportedly drove a sport utility vehicle through the Pit on March 3, 2006 and hit nine people.

Water levels inching back

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Children in Chapel Hill and Carrboro can look forward to long days at the pool this summer because of loosened water restrictions.

Kvetching board

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

kvetch: v.1 (Yiddish) to complain Walking across the Pit without being asked/harassed/pestered/badgered to vote early? A CHANGE I CAN BELIEVE IN!!! Flower children: Leave South Building now! You're making it appear and smell like a real sweatshop. Placing chicken bones in the drink machines of E-haus was yet another reason why you have no friends.

DTH is here for the good and bad

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I fell in love with UNC the moment I stepped on campus four years ago, and I'm not ready to say goodbye.

I've been in denial all semester that I'll really be leaving Chapel Hill, but sitting here faced with the task of writing this column, the fact is undeniable.

In the House, Wright was not right

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Corruption revisited the N.C. General Assembly again this year, with Rep. Thomas Wright, D-New Hanover, being expelled from the House. Wright was the first legislator to be ejected from the General Assembly in 128 years, since Josiah Turner was forced out for "disorderly, contumacious and defiant conduct, violating the rules of this House in a willfully disrespectful manner.

More commercial flight from Franklin

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Franklin Street is falling down, falling down, falling down �

So maybe it's not literally falling down, but the plethora of business closings this year certainly has us worried.

Downtown development was a huge issue during the November municipal elections, and newcomer Matt Czajkowski, who ousted incumbent Cam Hill by a mere 60 votes, earned our endorsement based largely on his plans for Franklin Street.

New hope, same end in tuition talks

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Board of Trustees - surprise - increased tuition again this year.

Out-of-state students got a bit of a raw deal, having tuition increased by quadruple digits again: $1,250.

Graduate students fared little better, with a $400 increase for residents to swallow and an extra $800 levied on nonresidents.

Out with the old, in with the new

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Come July 1, UNC will bid farewell to Chancellor James Moeser and welcome a new face to lead the University of the People.

We have scant clues as to whom that new face will be, as the chancellor search committee has conducted its work shrouded in secrecy, much to the chagrin of the University community and local media.

We are objective in our biases

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Today is my last day as opinion editor, but my successor has yet to be chosen.

This is a cause of concern for me. It's hard to step away without knowing what is going to follow you, and though I have had my frustrations with The Daily Tar Heel during my time here, I can't bring myself to wish ill for the paper.

Bills still alive for the N.C. General Assembly short session

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Senate Bill 849 Title: Board of Governors Student Member May Vote Summary: Allows the student who is president of the Association of Student Governments to vote as part of the UNC-system Board of Governors. Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, D-Orange, said she has introduced this bill six times.

Campaigns gear up for N.C.

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With only 135 delegates dividing Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, delegate-rich North Carolina suddenly matters in a very big way.

The state has 115 delegates up for grabs in the May 6 Democratic primary, and it is the last major stop before the Democratic National Convention in August, when the party will choose its nominee.

Chapel Hill readies state plan

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Last year, UNC-system President Erskine Bowles pulled together the UNC Tomorrow Commission, a committee made up of a diverse group of stakeholders in the state. They attended 11 community and 11 campus forums statewide to understand North Carolina's needs for the next 20 years, and how the UNC system can best meet them.

Experience at heart of N.C. senate race

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The race for N.C. Senate District 23, which represents Orange and Person counties, will likely hinge on how voters define experience.

Only one Republican candidate has filed for the race, leaving voters in the May 6 primary with a choice between six-term incumbent Sen.

Issues at forefront of race to take Dole's senate seat

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Republican Elizabeth Dole's seat in the U.S. Senate has six challengers, two of whom have been campaigning hard against each other in the months leading up to the May 6 Democratic primary.

They are the Democrats who are trying to turn a red state blue, and their policy differences are stark enough to determine how blue that blue will be.

N.C. counties to further enforce immigration policies

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

North Carolina, the first state in the nation to craft a formal partnership with federal immigration authorities, is moving ahead in its efforts to combat illegal immigration.

The state has focused its efforts on identifying undocumented immigrants who have been arrested for other crimes.

N.C. race for governor shapes up before primary

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The first major milestone for the N.C. gubernatorial race is fast approaching, and there are six major candidates vying for nominations: two Democrats and four Republicans.

Gov. Mike Easley has been a generally popular leader throughout his two terms, and he leaves behind a positive public perception of the Democratic Party, said Ferrel Guillory, director of UNC's Program on Public Life.

On the May 6 primary ballot

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Early voting for the May 6 primary started April 17. Voters will pick candidates in local, state and national races. Early voting is available at four locations, including the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, through May 3: Robert and Pearl Seymour Senior Center: Monday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.

Party hopefuls vie for Lt. Gov. office

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Democrats: Walter Dalton Why he's running: "I want to see North Carolina continue to move forward." Background: Dalton has been elected six times to the N.C. Senate for Cleveland and Rutherford counties. Why students should vote for him: Dalton wants to increase access to college through scholarships and continue working to ensure future jobs for students.

Tumultuous year ends in close election

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The UNC-system Association of Student Governments wrapped up the already controversial 2007-08 school year with yet another bang.

By a margin of one vote, Greg Doucette and Ashley Yopp claimed victory last Saturday as the newest ASG president and vice president.

Two Republicans compete to unseat Price

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In the May 6 primary, two candidates will vie for the Republican nomination to run against incumbent Democrat David Price for the 4th Congressional district seat.

Price has been in office for 19 years. He is chairman of the appropriations subcommittee for the U.

Apartment fires sweep area

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When fire survivor Kelli Gaskill smells smoke or hears sirens, it brings her back to that night in September.

In Remembrance

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This school year saw the passing of several long-time members of the University and local community. Frank Wright Frank Taylor Wright, a Durham resident who frequently graced the streets of Chapel Hill with his brightly colored suits, died of breathing complications Jan.

Athletes can be at home in class, too

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Once upon a freshman or sophomore year, Kelly Davies approached me, her mind ill-at-ease.

Davies, a volleyball player, needed to vent about a former Sports Desker's article, which struck her as, um, a teensy bit insensitive.

"There was some opinion piece about what student-athletes should be taking at Carolina," Davies rehashed with me last week.

Boys of summer set Omaha in crosshairs

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With the season winding down, the members of the North Carolina baseball team are facing the same question they thought they answered the past two years: Are they good enough?

To answer, the Tar Heels have the same answer: Try and hit us.

UNC leads the nation in ERA with 2.

Field hockey captures perfection

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The North Carolina field hockey team finished off the 2007 season with its fifth national championship under coach Karen Shelton with a shutout win against No. 9 Penn State on Nov. 18.

Football team hopeful after disappointing year

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

On just his second snap of April 7's Spring Football Showcase, Greg Little took a handoff and began running upfield - only to get smothered by a swarm of white jerseys and driven backward into the ground.

But the sophomore tailback would carry four more times on the drive and eventually wind up in the end zone after a tough five-yard scamper.

NBA on their minds

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The North Carolina men's basketball squad began the year ranked No. 1 in the country with dreams of joining the 2005 Tar Heels and becoming the school's sixth national championship squad.

And after claiming the ACC regular season and conference tournament titles, as well as steamrolling through four NCAA tournament games, it seemed as though all those early season expectations were set to be fulfilled.

Tar Heels rule ACC play

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This was the year the North Carolina women's basketball team was supposed to fall backward.

After graduating Camille Little and standout Ivory Latta - last year's top two scorers - there were doubts about the 2007-08 squad's potential.

UNC suffered another blow when senior point guard Alex Miller suffered a season-ending knee injury November 16.

CPA sees rise in student attendance

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It was a season of surprises.

Aretha Franklin canceled her season-opening performance for Carolina Performing Arts, student attendance to CPA events reached a new high, and of all the shows CPA presented, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Joshua Bell proved to be the most popular.

CUAB brings smaller acts

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In a year marred by cancellations of impending deals with big-name acts such as M.I.A., The Decemberists and Spoon, the Carolina Union Activities Board refocused to bring smaller acts to campus.

After deals with big artists fell through because of scheduling conflicts and exorbitant artist fees, CUAB worked to expose students to different artistic endeavors, such as multimedia presentations and grocery bingo.

Performance space still tight

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Whether it's Mezmerhythm or Modernextension, Cadence or the Clef Hangers, every student-run performing arts group at UNC shares a common need: rehearsal space.

And whether it's Gerrard Hall or Memorial Hall, the Union Underground or the Student Recreation Center, all of UNC's rehearsal facilities also have one thing in common: limitations.

Housing woes rough on Latino immigrants

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The housing market crash and the ensuing troubles in credit markets in the past year have caused home values to plummet, forced mortgage foreclosures, slowed the economy and put many businesses in financial peril.

First-time, low-income home buyers have been particularly hard hit as lenders are increasingly reluctant to take chances on them.

La economía perjudica a Latinos

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Los problemas de la economía y el mercado de crédito del ano pasado han caudado los precios de casas a caer en picado, forzado las ejecuciones hipotecarias, retrasado la economía en general y puesto empresas en peligro financio.

Compradores de casas por la primera vez, especialmente ellos de bajos ingresos, han sufrido particularmente porque prestamistas son mas reacios a correr riesgos.

Evening celebrates diversity in Latino culture

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Roots made of paper stretched from the stage toward the audience between posters celebrating the uniqueness of Latino countries worldwide.

People of diverse heritages gathered Saturday in the Union Great Hall to share a meal, enjoy a variety of performances and celebrate the message of Noche Latina: "One family, many roots.

Noche Latina atrae a muchos

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Raíces hechas de papel se extendieron desde el escenario hacia el público entre carteles, celebrando la singularidad de los países Latinos alrededor del mundo.

Personas de decendencia diversa se reunieron en el Great Hall el sábado para compartir una cena, disfrutar de una variedad de presentaciones y celebrar el mensaje de la Noche Latina: "Una familia, muchas raíces.

Decir adiós - más difícil que parece

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Tener que decir adiós siempre ha sido difícil para mí.

No importa si es algo esperado o si es una sorpresa. Yo nunca sé qué decir cuando sé que no voy a ver a una persona por un tiempo prolongado.

Lo malo es que me ha tocado decir adiós demasiadas veces.

Saying goodbye is never easy

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Having to say goodbye has always been hard for me.

It doesn't matter if it's expected or simply a surprise. I never know what to say when I know that I'm not going to see somebody for a long time - or, worst yet, ever again.

The bad thing is that I have had to say goodbye too many times.

Las experiencias de un Latino en Brasil

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Nota de los editores: Toriello es un estudiante de UNC originario de Guatemala. Él está de intercambio en Brasil este semestre.

Ser un ciudadano de doble nacionalidad de Guatemala y Estados Unidos me ha traído muchísimas bendiciones durante mi vida.

El pasaporte azulito del norte me permite/otorga el extraño honor de poder cruzar su línea imaginaria sin problema alguno.

Unwrapping the gift of dual citizenship

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Editors' note: Toriello is a UNC student originally from Guatemala. He is studying abroad in Brazil this summer. Being a dual citizen of Guatemala and the United States has brought me a lot of blessings throughout my life. The little blue passport from the north has allowed and granted me the strange honor of being able to cross its imaginary line without any problems.

Fiestas Latinas animan el área

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Inmigrantes de Latinoamérica y personas que disfrutan de salsa y otros bailes típicos Latinos no tienen que viajar hasta otros países o ciudades como Miami para bailar.

Varios restaurantes y clubes en el Triángulo tienen noches de música Latina, donde disc jockeys tocan salsa, merengue y reggaetón.

Triangle serves up salsa, merengue

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Latin American immigrants and people who like to dance salsa and other typical Latin dances don't have to travel internationally or to cities such as Miami to dance.

Various restaurants and clubs in the Triangle have Latin music nights when DJs play salsa, merengue and reggaetón.

Briefs

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Robberies victimize local Latinos Latinos in Chapel Hill and Carrboro have been victims of a series of robberies this month. Ten robberies have been reported in Carrboro and three in Chapel Hill. Those in Chapel Hill occurred during the same night. The victims have described the suspect in similar ways, leading the police from both cities to believe that the same people are responsible for the 10 robberies, in which only one victim was not Latino.

Print edition for April 25

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Class of 2008 baby pictures

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Crossword for April 25

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Multimedia: Rogers Road - A community in question

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Since 1972, residents of the Rogers Road community have lived close to the county landfill. And through the years, their concerns have grown.

Slideshow: The year in photos

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT