Column: Transparency from our politicians should not be a luxury

By Mary Blake Nobles | April 12

"What Jeff Jackson is doing here matters. For one, it’s increasing political engagement by reaching millions of Americans through the most dowloaded app in the world. As much as political news is available to the average American, many do not seek it out. Jeff Jackson is able to reach his constituents and more on a free app that most people already have downloaded."

---

Column: Why do so many UNC athletes join the transfer portal?

By Rebecca Savidge | April 12

"Fans of college sports teams have a significant impact on the players and the games in general. It’s important to remember that every athlete is still a person and that words affect them."

---

Column: Sports betting is a dangerous game

By Franklin Payne | April 11

"North Carolina needs to properly address the industry of online sports betting with safeguards and preemptive policies to help our vulnerable youth. We have seen the spread of addiction in the schools of surrounding states, and we have no reason to bet against it."

---

Column: Combatting Asian American 'study culture'

By Edward Lezada | April 10

"Although Asian study culture's emphasis on academic success has proven to be practical for furthering one's career, factors such as wellness, individuality and creativity can not be undervalued. Asian American students today are acknowledging this, and doing work to break the stereotypes of the model minority myth. By continuing to do so, we can create a healthier academic culture at UNC and beyond."

---

Editorial: GTHTC (Go to Hell, Tricia Cotham)

By Editorial Board | April 10

"It is clear that she has no interest in protecting progressive values in N.C. Instead, she put Republicans in a prime position to commandeer legislative policymaking and agenda-setting that would not have otherwise been possible."

---

Column: L is for 'Learning to love yourself'

By Jessica Pelaez | April 10

"There have also been pros to my lack of high school dating experience. When most of my peers had their trials and errors in relationships, I had time to 'date myself.' I was able to take care of myself mentally and physically, invest time into hobbies or new activities, and, most importantly, learn to love being alone. At the end of the day, you will always have yourself to fall back on."

---

Column: Ramadan mubarak! The importance of Islam's holiest month

By Mariam Ali | April 9

"The significance of fasting in Ramadan cannot be exaggerated, as it is a practice that emphasizes personal growth and development that many people around the world pursue. So, remember to respect those practicing it this season, and Ramadan mubarak (Happy Ramadan)!"

---

Column: Protect Indigenous children

By Savannah Clay | April 4

"Imagine how tired Indigenous communities must feel. Petition after petition, protest after protest, speech after speech, only to still not be heard. Imagine being stripped of your rightful land, your country and your livelihood. Imagine being proud of your heritage and culture only to be forced to conform to whiteness, shipped off to boarding schools and made to feel as if you are nothing. After being denied almost everything, overturning ICWA would deny Indigenous people the right to even raise their own flesh and blood."

---

Column: TikTok ban misdirects outrage on data abuse

By Zari Taylor | April 4

"What Republican and Democratic lawmakers are concerned with is the inappropriate use of data, but targeting TikTok misdirects their frustration, thinly cloaking it in nationalism and xenophobia. Rebuking TikTok for the dangers of their data practices fails to acknowledge the practices of American companies — a real pot and kettle situation."

---

Column: Naloxone accessibility saves lives

By Maya Ticku | April 4

"Although Narcan is readily available in many parts of the country, its previously prescription-only status created hurdles for individuals to obtain the lifesaving drug."

---

Office DJ: Songs to listen to while walking to morning classes

By Aiko Rachel Peterson | April 3

"On the days when I’d wake up too late to pick up a cup of coffee (we’ve all been there), my morning playlist never fails me. Music can be a powerful motivator."

---

Column: Finding silence and solitude as a student

By Micah Davies | April 3

"In college, daily noise can hamper spiritual and creative growth. However, in the arboretum and woods, UNC students can find the solitude and silence necessary for expanding their artistic, spiritual, and personal realms."

---

Column: UNC was not in the men’s NCAA Tournament, and I’m okay with that

By Mary Blake Nobles | April 3

"UNC’s absence from the 2023 NCAA Tournament has led me to realize that the next season can only get better. This troubling season means that their next victories will only be sweeter – after all, who doesn’t love a comeback?"

---

Column: Future environmental disasters must be stopped

By Mary Thomas Watkins and Maya Ticku | April 2

"Prevention is everything and vigilance is essential. Big corporations and the EPA must work hand in hand to take the crucial steps forward to update safety protocols and refuse to take the cheap way out, not when the health of communities and citizens is on the line."

---

Column: A look at the 2023 Dreamville Festival lineup

By Kailee Sullivan | March 31

"Hip-hop artist J.Cole and his record label are headed back to Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh this weekend for the third annual Dreamville Festival. As a huge fan of the Dreamville artists and based on my attendance at the 2022 festival, here are my rankings of the artists I am most excited to see this weekend."

---

Column: The NIL policy is saving college basketball

By Mary Blake Nobles | March 30

"Rather than having five skilled but out-of-sync players that often make up a predominately first-year team, veteran-led teams are those of development and experience. And among the list of reasons that encourage players to stay, we now also have NIL to thank for that."

---

Column: Do I need my degree?

By Olivia Henley | March 30

"The world is changing, and our education system and the way we view the prominence of education needs to adjust with it."

---

Column: Learning to handle stress during midterms, not cure it

By Spence Whitman | March 29

"Taking action is always my go-to. When I feel a problem bubbling, I squash it before it breaches the surface. But when problems breach from all around like whack-a-mole, going on a walk won’t help."

---

Column: The N.C. Supreme Court is in crisis

By Samad Rangoonwala | March 29

"Ultimately, elections have consequences. N.C. voters chose to give these justices a seat on the court and we’ll have the opportunity to take that seat away from them in a few years. That doesn’t absolve the justices of the harm they can do to the state when making decisions based on partisanship rather than law, but at least it means their influence is not permanent."

---

Office DJ: Songs for unproductivity

By Allie Kelly | March 28

"Being still is a stellar use of my time — even if it takes energy. If you need me, I'll be using my unproductive skills to photosynthesize on the quad. And I think I'll stay there a while."

---