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Articles by Brennan Doherty
Canada’s Hottest Job Market? Taking Care of Old People
Wealthsimple makes powerful financial tools to help you grow and manage your money. Learn more If you spend any time poking around fintwit, you’ve likely seen posts about how health-care jobs have been propping up the U.S. labour market. But did you know an identical trend is playing out here in Canada? From April 2025 to April 2026, the health-care and social-assistance industries alone added 119,000 jobs — a more than 4% YoY jump.
If you’re cycling and collide with a car in Ontario, can you be found at fault?
Updated: May 5, 2026 by Aya Al-Hakim KEY FINDINGS Cyclists in Ontario must follow the same rules of the road as drivers and can be found at fault in a collision. Even without a car, cyclists may still have access to accident benefits through their own or a household auto insurance policy. Auto insurance accident benefits apply regardless of fault and can cover medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care.
Cunningham Relishes Olympic Leadership Role
Note: This article originally appeared on UNC.edu. He won't carry a hockey stick, squeeze into a bobsled, ski down a hill or jump a triple axel, but there will be a Tar Heel at the Winter Olympics. Bubba Cunningham, Carolina's athletic director, is headed to Italy for the Games. Since 2023, Cunningham has served on the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Board of Directors.
OpEd: Black women’s health-care experiences remain marked by structural racism — here’s how institutions should move forward | Future of Good
A new review shows how structural racism continues to shape Black women’s health‑care experiences. Why It Matters Structural racism continues to harm Black women’s physical and mental health, influencing the quality of care they receive and the outcomes they experience. Addressing these inequities requires institutions to adopt anti‑racist practices, rebuild trust, and redesign care systems with Black women’s experiences at the centre.
Canada’s North is warming from the ground up, and our infrastructure isn’t ready
Permafrost thaw is destabilizing Northern Canada’s foundations — and adaptation can’t wait. Why It Matters Permafrost degradation is quietly undermining homes, roads, airports, and fuel systems across Northern Canada, threatening daily life and essential services. Indigenous communities bear the greatest risks, making equitable, ground-temperature management a critical part of climate adaptation. The city of Yellowknife, NWT.
How Canada, and Much of the World, Got Stuck in a Land Trap
Real estate was a trap for Robin Williams in Jumanji (the Citizen Kane of kids’ movies) and it can ensnare entire countries, too. | Sony Pictures Entertainment Money & the World TLDR Newsletter Sign up for our weekly non-boring newsletter about money, markets, and more. By providing your email, you are consenting to receive communications from Wealthsimple Media Inc. Visit our Privacy Policy for more info, or contact us at privacy@wealthsimple.com or 80 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON.
Jingping Nie’s 2025 was a marathon
Faculty and Staff Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 You May Also Like... The former varsity athlete sharpened her sports knowledge and writing skills at Carolina before joining Nike World Headquarters. Matthew Ray now has a new Army rank and a master’s degree from Carolina. Want more Carolina news? The Well newsletter updates Tar Heels on UNC-Chapel Hill’s top stories, upcoming events and campus accolades, arriving in your inbox every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning.
Applied data science grad earns major promotion
When Matthew Ray became a captain in the U.S. Army, he was detailed to the Adjutant General Branch, the military’s version of human resources. He had no experience in this domain but thought it was “going to be a breeze.” “It turned out to be one of the hardest things, namely because of how heavily involved it is with data,” said Ray, a fourth-generation military member who grew up at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Occupational scientist combines research and service
Kierra Peak’s introduction to UNC-Chapel Hill was attending Project Uplift as a rising high school senior. “I think I want to go here,” she thought after her first time on campus. A year later, she made Carolina home and enjoyed her undergraduate experience, majoring in anthropology. After receiving a master’s degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University, Peak returned to Chapel Hill to pursue a doctorate in occupational science at the UNC School of Medicine.
Kerwin Young stays on beat at Carolina
Already an accomplished music producer and DJ, Kerwin Young first realized teaching could be in his future in the early 1990s when a group of Columbia University students visited him in a recording studio. As he finished a mastering session for rap supergroup Public Enemy’s “Apocalypse 91 … The Enemy Strikes Back” album, Young turned the studio into a classroom, seamlessly explaining the how and why of what he was doing.
OP-ED: ‘Quiet, piggy’ and other slurs: Powerful men fuel online abuse against women in politics and media
When leaders fuel misogyny online, democracy and press freedom pay the price Why It Matters Digital misogyny doesn’t just silence women in politics and media — it erodes democratic participation and weakens public trust. For social good leaders, understanding this dynamic is critical to safeguarding inclusive civic spaces and amplifying marginalized voices. Unchecked digital misogyny threatens women’s safety, silences diverse voices, and undermines democratic debate.
They tackle hunger across North Carolina
Did you know that a leading organization making sure North Carolinians have healthy meals year-round is based at UNC-Chapel Hill? The Carolina Hunger Initiative, a grant- and donor-funded operation housed within the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, directs projects and initiatives spanning the Tar Heel State. “Our mission is to create greater access to federally funded meals,” said Lou Anne Crumpler, CHI’s director. Here are five things to know about CHI’s work.
The fast-fix for global warming that the UN climate summit can’t ignore
Cutting methane and other short-lived pollutants could rapidly slow global warming Why It Matters Climate action often focuses on carbon dioxide, but short-lived climate pollutants like methane trap far more heat in the near term. Tackling these pollutants offers governments a powerful “emergency brake” to slow warming quickly, protecting vulnerable communities before mid-century. Burping cows are responsible for about a quarter of human-caused emissions of methane: a potent greenhouse gas.
Speaking Group builds more than English skills
When Ryusei Kimura learned about the UNC Writing and Learning Center’s Speaking Group, he was eager to attend. The sophomore exchange student’s data science skills were already strong, and he wanted to work on his English. “In daily life, it is still difficult to find people to talk with,” he said. “I have friends, but I can’t talk with them all the time.
The University’s new mark is anything but
Press the play button above to watch the video When Carolina began calling itself the Tar Heels, the idea was that the nickname would not only represent the students from UNC-Chapel Hill competing in athletics but evoke pride among people across North Carolina, the Tar Heel State. A similar connection exists with Carolina’s famous interlocking NC logo, long associated with Tar Heel sports but in fact one of the University’s earliest marks.
Prediction Markets Are, Suddenly, Everywhere. Wall Street Wants In
Wealthsimple makes powerful financial tools to help you grow and manage your money. Learn more This story first ran in TLDR, Wealthsimple’s weekly, non-boring newsletter about money, markets, and crypto. We assume by this point you have some familiarity with prediction markets — you know, those yes/no bets folks make on news events, like the one last year on whether Donald Trump would win the U.S. presidential election.
Nate Knuffman breaks down Carolina’s cost-saving efforts
Carolina is moving forward with the implementation of several key decisions to achieve $70 million in savings, said Nate Knuffman, the University’s vice chancellor for finance and operations, at last month’s Chancellor Forum. “We’re asking ourselves some pretty tough questions that take some time to work through,” Knuffman said.
Fire department fees and home insurance coverage: what you need to know
Quick summary: Some Canadian municipalities charge additional fire department fees on top of property taxes, especially in rural areas with volunteer-run services or limited municipal funding. Home insurance often covers these fees, but coverage limits may leave homeowners with out-of-pocket costs. Firefighting expenses can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars, impacting future insurance premiums. This article has been updated from a previous version.
Siphonic Roof Drains Can Move Water More Efficiently
These systems harness the power of the siphon effect, which can reduce costs and increase design flexibility on projects. When it comes to new commercial construction, saving money is always a top priority for builders and property owners. However, many overlook one area that can produce significant savings: choosing the right type of roof drain. The traditional approach to storm drainage has focused on using gravity to move water away from buildings and other structures.
These professors find meaning through mentorship
Teaching isn’t the only way Carolina professors shape students. Whether through formal programs or informally, many Tar Heel faculty members offer advice on everything from academics to career opportunities or even things like being a first-generation college student. “It’s part of the job,” said Zachary Yukio Kerr ’14 (PhD), an associate professor in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences’ exercise and sport science department.
Bob Goldstein’s service spans the state
If Edward Kidder Graham had met Bob Goldstein, he probably would have told him, “Job well done.” At University Day in 1914, Carolina’s 10th president expressed his hope for making campus “co-extensive with the boundaries of the state.” That’s why the University’s faculty service award bears Graham’s name. Goldstein is this year’s recipient. He’s a biology professor in his 26th year at Carolina.
Meet Carolina’s first GenAI faculty fellow
Dana Riger is in her seventh year at Carolina, where she is a clinical associate professor in the UNC School of Education’s human development and family science program. Since May 2024, she’s also served as the inaugural generative artificial intelligence faculty fellow at the Center for Faculty Excellence.
Their Tar Heel experiences bring ‘Best Value’ to life
Carolina students, an alumna and parents share how they found academic excellence and affordability in Chapel Hill. Published Sept. 23, 2025 By Brennan Doherty, University Communications and Marketing Some Tar Heel students have only lived in a world where UNC-Chapel Hill is the nation’s “Best Value” public university.
Explore UNC-Chapel Hill’s lively a cappella scene
Student Stories Friday, September 12th, 2025 No student expects an exam on the first day of classes. But when you’re a member of one of Carolina’s many a cappella groups, you get tested right out of the gate at Sunset Serenade. These singers take the stage at Polk Place and perform for thousands of Tar Heels, from friends and classmates to community members and the chancellor. The annual tradition is a fun way to end FDOC and sets the stage for a school year full of activities.
Here’s how Carolina strives to ensure Tar Heels are fed
Reliable access to food is an issue on campuses across the country. At UNC-Chapel Hill, close to a quarter of students experience food insecurity at some point during their enrollment, said Desirée Rieckenberg, dean of students. Rieckenberg helps lead the Carolina Food Pantry Network, launched in fall 2024, building upon existing efforts across campus. Rieckenberg discussed the CFPN’s work and how Tar Heels — students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members — can help.
Senior played big role at Little League World Series | UNC-Chapel Hill
Hannah Smith had a good reason for showing up a week late for her senior year at Carolina. She had work to do and press conferences to run at the Little League World Series. Smith, who is double-majoring in and exercise and sport science, recently returned to Chapel Hill from South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She spent the summer there as a media relations intern with Little League and played an important role at its 12-day signature event that ended Aug. 24.
How to serve was their first Carolina lesson
As a high school senior, Russell Rockacy defined “service” this way in his UNC-Chapel Hill application: “Using your skills to make a difference but also having a good time while you’re doing it.” That definition sums up the start to Rockacy’s time at Carolina. The first-year student from Pittsburgh, along with 15 other new Tar Heels, came to campus early to participate in the Service-Learning Initiative, run through the Carolina Center for Public Service’s APPLES program. SLI, held Aug.
Strangers become friends in residence halls | UNC-Chapel Hill
Strangers become friends in residence halls By Brennan Doherty, University Communications and Marketing, Aug. 13, 2025 From roommates to best buds Thousands of Carolina students are moving onto campus and into the University’s residence halls, from Old East (the first state university building in the nation) to the newly renovated Avery. Some Tar Heels will find out these buildings aren’t just places to sleep but also where they make some of their best friends.
Recent Carolina graduates advise incoming students
By Brennan Doherty, University Communications and Marketing Published Aug. 5, 2025 It may seem far off in the future, but the students moving into residence halls this week will one day put on Carolina Blue caps and gowns and become UNC-Chapel Hill graduates. So what better sources for advice and tips on having a great Tar Heel experience than those who graduated just three months ago?
Markets Have Been Bananas. Is It Time to Hold Defensive Stocks?
Finance for Humans TLDR Newsletter Sign up for our weekly non-boring newsletter about money, markets, and more. By providing your email, you are consenting to receive communications from Wealthsimple Media Inc. Visit our Privacy Policy for more info, or contact us at privacy@wealthsimple.com or 80 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON. Finance for Humans Ask Lizzie: Is it OK if I Use Shopping to Make Me Feel, You Know, Happier?
Mia Hamm Made Carolina Home Before Her Game Reached The World - University of North Carolina Athletics
Like Hamm, O'Reilly went on to become a Tar Heel, Olympic Gold Medalist and World Cup winner. "She completely inspired me," O'Reilly told the BBC. O'Reilly '07 is far from the only one Hamm '94 unknowingly shaped.
This Royster studies oysters
As an undergraduate student at Bowdoin College, Nick Funnell took an oceanography course and visited the coast of Maine to investigate why many clams died at a farm.
Statistics skills lead to major league career
Several former Tar Heels are preparing to take the field for the start of the MLB season — but they aren’t the only Carolina alums to make it to the bigs. Opening day is also approaching for Neil Pierre-Louis ’23, a software developer with the Boston Red Sox whose job combines his love for sports, analytics and computer science. As part of the team’s baseball systems staff, he creates tools and data visualizations used by executives to make thousands of baseball management decisions each year.
Tar Heels connect through Carolina College Advising Corps
Local & State Monday, March 24th, 2025 When Naima Nelson learned she was accepted into UNC-Chapel Hill, the news was exciting not only for her and her family but also for her college adviser at Lexington High School in Davidson County, about 80 miles west of Chapel Hill.
Student jobs at the Dean E. Smith Center
The story by Brennan Doherty ’19 and photos by Johnny Andrews were originally published at unc.edu. Thousands of Carolina students poured into the Dean E. Smith Center for the men’s basketball game against Pittsburgh last month. They showed up and did their job: loudly cheering on the Tar Heels to a dramatic 67-66 victory. But some of their peers actually reported for work. Meet four UNC-Chapel Hill students who clocked in when the Tar Heels took the court.
Meet four Tar Heels with Fulbrights
Many Tar Heels use their expertise abroad, and some receive the opportunity to do so through the Fulbright Program, the U.S. flagship international educational exchange program available to graduating seniors, graduate students, alumni and faculty. UNC-Chapel Hill was recently named a Fulbright top producer for the 15th time in the last 16 years and has more Fulbright U.S. Students in 2024-25 than any other public university.
George Moses Horton sought freedom with poetry
Arts and Humanities Thursday, February 27th, 2025 George Moses Horton wasn’t from Chapel Hill, but the enslaved man born in the late 1790s and raised in nearby Chatham County decided it was where he needed to be. To sell his poems. To fight for his freedom. In the process, he made history. Horton, who sold love poems to UNC-Chapel Hill students, grew in popularity and developed a reputation as an ingenious poet in the 19th century.
CPALS Tar Heels befriend young cancer patients
Around Campus Friday, February 21st, 2025 Without skipping a beat, Carolina junior Lexi Brantley can recall the day her younger brother Mason found out he had cancer: April 5, 2013. At the time, the 9-year-old was understandably worried about her 5-year-old brother’s acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosis. He thankfully recovered after a yearslong battle at UNC Hospitals and is now a “hardheaded, typical boy” in his junior year of high school, according to his sister.
Try this one study hack: Peer Tutoring
Zhamia Greer, who hadn’t studied Spanish since high school, quickly realized she needed a refresher to help her master a third-level language class at Carolina this fall. Her professor suggested the Peer Tutoring program, run through the Learning Center in the College of Arts and Sciences. “I’ve been coming here ever since the beginning of the semester, twice a week,” said Greer as she waited for a one-on-one session at Dey Hall, six days before her Spanish final.
Twins team up on cancer research
Ryan and Brandon Mouery are used to the surprised looks. Nearly everyone they meet is shocked to learn these twins aren’t identical. “No one actually believes us when we say that,” says Ryan. “But according to the doctor, we’re not.” “One of our genetics professors in grad school still doesn’t believe it,” Brandon adds. While the Mouerys may not share the exact same DNA, the twins have followed identical paths to Carolina where they have a single purpose in their research: Find solutions to cancer.
December graduate pauses studies for hurricane relief
As Hurricane Helene began devastating western North Carolina, UNC-Chapel Hill senior Jessica Bowling closely monitored the group chat she’s in with other National Guard members. “OK guys, be ready for it,” someone messaged, referring to the possibility of being mobilized. Bowling has been ready. After beginning at Carolina as a first-year in 2020, she took a year and half off from school and enrolled in the National Guard. “I like the idea of serving my state,” she says.
Fixed mortgage rates may not follow Bank of Canada cuts, former TD economist warns
Drummond, a former TD economist who has advised Canadian Prime Ministers, believes the ultra-low rates of the last decade were an aberration. “A lot of people, for a lot of years, said rock-bottom interest rates were the new normal. I never believed that,” he said during Mortgage Professionals Canada’s national conference last month. “Obviously, it was a big shock when they went up.” Variable-rate mortgages track the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate, which is now down 125 basis points since May.
Heather Knorr teaches Spanish for engagement
Academics Monday, November 11th, 2024 Heather Knorr discovered her passion for the Spanish language thanks to a childhood neighbor. A Spanish teacher who had lived in Spain, the neighbor also hosted study abroad students in her home each summer. “I started to meet students who spoke Spanish, and I just really wanted to be able to communicate with them,” Knorr said. Those multicultural experiences in her neighborhood stuck with Knorr.
Undergraduates can do research
Maybe you want to find cures to cancer, protect the North Carolina coastline or explore technological advancements. Or perhaps you want to beef up your resume, go to graduate school or make connections with world-class faculty. For both aspirational and practical reasons, conducting research as an undergraduate can be a valuable experience. And the Office for Undergraduate Research is a great place to start.
He applies Army skills to public health challenges
In his Carolina office, above a collage of drawings by his three young children, Dr. Ross Boyce displays a 20-year-old photo of himself with 29 other soldiers. The photo captures a proud memory of U.S. Army service for the man who is now a leading epidemiologist and a research expert on diseases caused by ticks and mosquitoes.
'2025 will be a better year:' 5 broker takeaways on market trends, tech, and client relationships
With home prices still high across Canada and interest rates falling, mortgage professionals are navigating an ever-evolving market where the choice between fixed and variable rates adds new layers of complexity.
Honouring excellence: Welcoming the latest inductees to the Mortgage Hall of Fame
Their paths brings to life the dedication and innovation driving Canada’s mortgage industry forward. Each inductee has made a unique impact, from pioneering new approaches in mortgage financing to advocating for brokers nationwide. As you read their stories, you’ll gain insight into the personal journeys and professional milestones that define these leaders—and inspire the next generation. Gilles Bouillon’s journey started with a string of rejections.
Mortgage Digest: MPC National Conference edition
Thousands of mortgage professionals gathered in Montreal this week for the sold-out 2024 National Mortgage Conference, coming together to network, enhance their businesses, and explore the latest trends and products shaping Canada’s mortgage industry.
Community classes promote digital literacy
Public Service Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 The five patrons in this Durham Southwest Regional Library classroom on a Tuesday afternoon have different reasons for being here. “I haven’t been on the computer in a long time.” “I’m not a computer guy at all.” “I have a lot of online schoolwork.” “I get frustrated with my new computer.” “I don’t really know what I’m doing.” All are ready to learn.
Weaponization of anti-discrimination laws casts pall over start-ups, funders
Series - Editorial fellowship: Inclusion and anti-racism The Fearless Foundation ends grant program for Black businesswomen after conservative lawsuit alleges racial discrimination. Why It Matters Anti-discrimination laws are being used to target those working to end historic inequities. Can better data, more education and cooperation turn the tide?
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