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Articles by Ella Palmer
The Daily Tar Heel
This is The Daily Tar Heel’s weekly campus crime brief, in which staff writer Ella Palmer summarizes the crimes reported on campus in the last seven days, every Sunday. A hate crime, sexual assault incidents and an instance of fraud were all reported at UNC within the past week, from Sunday, March 22, through Saturday, March 28.
Campus crime: Sexual assault, fraud and a hate crime reported at UNC last week
This is The Daily Tar Heel’s weekly campus crime brief, in which staff writer Ella Palmer summarizes the crimes reported on campus in the last seven days, every Sunday. A hate crime, sexual assault incidents and an instance of fraud were all reported at UNC within the past week, from Sunday, March 22, through Saturday, March 28.
UNC System Board of Governors approves planning for proposed UNCW medical school
News May 27, 2026, 9:37 PM During its meetings last Wednesday and Thursday, the UNC System Board of Governors discussed workforce-focused academic reforms, approved initial planning for a proposed medical school at UNC Wilmington and made leadership and governance appointments and recognitions.
The 2026 Carrboro Bluegrass Festival creates a space for local artists
Lifestyle Local string band performs live at the annual Carrboro Bluegrass Festival in North Carolina on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Assistant Audience Engagement Editor May 27, 2026, 7:17 PM On Saturday afternoon, a chill in the air and rain in the forecast brought the Carrboro Bluegrass Festival out of Cat’s Cradle’s backyard and into their two indoor venues. 10 bluegrass artists played throughout the day and into the night, filling the atmosphere with banjo plucks and twang.
Venturing off campus? Here are seven of Chapel Hill's hidden gems to check out
City & State Flyleaf Books hosted a book drive and pumpkin party on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. May 27, 2026, 2:38 AM UNC students have a lot on their plate as they balance classes, work, extracurriculars and their social lives. There’s so much to see and do on and near campus, and so many beloved campus traditions to take part in — like rushing Franklin Street after beating Duke. But four years is not a long time to explore the vibrant town and community of Chapel Hill.
Five experiences around Chapel Hill to help you have a good time without breaking the bank
City & State Visitors Chris Amos and Laura Luo tour the Ackland Art Museum on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. May 27, 2026, 2:31 AM Beginning the college adventure comes with a lot of unexpected costs. Part of the beauty of being a Tar Heel, however, is our location in Chapel Hill, where having a good time doesn’t need to break the bank.
A guide to Chapel Hill's vibrant music scene
Lifestyle The audience cheers as Let's Sabbath continues their set at Speakeasy on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. May 27, 2026, 2:11 AM Some of my favorite memories at Chapel Hill have taken place in loud rooms lit by colorful stage lights. Listening to live music with friends on a Friday night can be a healing experience after stressful weeks of exams and papers. Chapel Hill is filled with music of all genres and styles, and ranges from major artist showcases to college band debuts.
A new student's guide to Chapel Hill's public transit system
City & State A bus drives down South Road past the Bell Tower on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. May 27, 2026, 2:01 AM Welcome incoming students, both transfers and fresh 18-year-olds, to the University of North Carolina. With all the classes and long-distance walking from North to South Campus, here is an easy guide to navigating the transit system that connects the University to the greater Town of Chapel Hill and beyond.
Three tips to being a great roommate
Lifestyle May 27, 2026, 12:20 AM At some point during your first year at UNC, you may find yourself lying awake in a twin XL bed, staring at the ceiling and wondering whether it is dramatic to be upset about a wet towel on the floor. It is dramatic if you and your roommate have set standards. For many first-years, roommates are the first step into the deep end of college life.
'Molded to be a teacher': LaThanya Campbell awarded CHCCS Teacher of the Year
City & State At the CHCCS Recognition Celebration on May 14, LaThanya Campbell is honored as Teacher of the Year by (L-R) CHCCS Board Chair Riza Jenkins, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation Vice President Denny Marcin of Pinnacle Bank, and CHCCS Superintendent Dr. Rodney Trice. (Photo courtesy of CHCCS) May 26, 2026, 9:16 PM On May 15, LaThanya Campbell, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Mary Scroggs Elementary School, was named Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools’ Teacher of the Year.
Guest essay: BOT’s tenure decision against Dr. Asher could devastate the value of every UNC diploma
Opinion A working-class man (of which I am one) or woman has but two things that keep them fed, sheltered, clothed and then transported to work — so they can keep the big, spinning wheel of their life unstuck: His name and his word. The loss of either is devastating and irrecoverable. More so still for a university.
'Nothing left to give': Momentum slips away from UNC women's lacrosse in national championship loss
Sports NCAA D1 Women's Lacrosse Championship Photo Gallery by Summer Photo Editor Cassidy Toy Reynolds. May 25, 2026, 11:46 PM Déjà vu. For the second straight season, North Carolina dominated its way through the NCAA Tournament. And for the second straight season, the Northwestern Wildcats stood between the Tar Heels and a national championship. One year ago, UNC walked away with the title, undefeated on the season. But this time, the stakes were even higher.
'It's nonsense': North Carolina teachers, advocates react to proposed state budget teacher raises
City & State N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger looks on as Rep. Destin Hall speaks during a press conference at the N.C. Republican Party headquarters in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. May 25, 2026, 3:35 AM William Brady, a physical education and health teacher at Smith Middle School in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district, like many other teachers, needs a second job to make ends meet.
No. 2 seed UNC baseball comes up short against No. 1 seed Georgia Tech, 13-6, in ACC championship game
Sports UNC graduate center Colin Hynek (23) celebrates after a home run during the 2026 ACC Quarterfinals on Friday, May 22, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Tar Heels win 10-4. May 24, 2026, 7:35 PM CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The No. 2-seeded North Carolina baseball team fell to No. 1-seeded Georgia Tech, 13-6, on Sunday afternoon at Truist Field in the ACC championship game.
No. 2 seed UNC women's lacrosse falls to No. 1 seed Northwestern, 14-11, in heartbreaking NCAA championship loss
Sports UNC Women’s Lacrosse ruthlessly battles for the ball during the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship against Northwestern at Martin Stadium on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The Tar Heels are tied 6-6 at halftime. May 24, 2026, 6:34 PM EVANSTON, Ill. — The No. 2-seeded UNC women’s lacrosse team (19-2, 10-0 ACC) fell to No. 1-seeded Northwestern (19-3, 7-1 Big 10), 14-11, in the NCAA National Championship on Sunday afternoon at Martin Stadium in Evanstown, Illinois.
Preview: UNC women's lacrosse confront Northwestern in NCAA championship rematch
Sports UNC women's lacrosse team stands together before the game against Northwestern at Dorrance Field on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. UNC lost 16-15. May 24, 2026, 3:53 PM The No. 2- seeded UNC women’s lacrosse team (19-1, 10-0 ACC) will face No. 1- seeded Northwestern (18-3, 7-1 Big Ten) at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Ill., on Sunday for a chance to win back-to-back national championships.
UNC women's lacrosse sophomore class conquer top-ranked defense on chase for second-straight national title
Sports UNC sophomore attacker Chloe Humphrey (2) celebrates after a goal during the game against Northwestern at Dorrance Field on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. May 24, 2026, 1:08 AM For a chance to compete in back-to-back national championships, UNC had to overcome one of the toughest defenses in the country. Scoring, though, was never an issue. The No. 2 -seeded Tar Heels dominated No. 3- seeded Maryland, 16-6, with a relentless offensive attack.
No. 2 seed UNC baseball overpowers No. 14 seed Pitt, 13-5, to advance to ACC championship game
Sports UNC graduate center Colin Hynek (23) prepares to catch an out during the 2026 ACC Quarterfinals on Friday, May 22, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Tar Heels win 10-4. May 23, 2026, 11:05 PM CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The No. 2-seeded North Carolina baseball team defeated the No. 14-seeded Pittsburgh Panthers, 13-5, on Saturday afternoon at Truist Field. The Diamond Heels' offense found its rhythm, hitting six home runs, while the pitching staff prevented Pittsburgh from gaining any momentum.
No. 2 seed UNC women’s lacrosse team ease past No. 3 seed Maryland, 16-6, to earn first chance to defend title in NCAA championship game
Sports The UNC women's lacrosse team celebrates a goal during the game against Northwestern University at Dorrance Field on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. UNC lost 16-15. May 22, 2026, 9:18 PM CHICAGO – The No. 2- seeded UNC women’s lacrosse team (19-1, 10-0 ACC) dominated No. 3- seeded Maryland (18-4, 6-2 Big Ten), 16-6, at Martin Stadium on Friday afternoon, advancing to the national championship game.
Four beach reads to kick off the summer
Lifestyle May 22, 2026, 7:42 PM The most important parts of summer vacation are soaking up the sun, spending time with friends and sleeping until noon. Now is the time to reset so you can start next year fresh and ready to learn. However, it is necessary to prevent your brain from turning into mush, at least a little bit, and what better way to do that than with an easygoing beach book?
No. 2 seed UNC baseball bests No. 7 seed Virginia Tech, 10-4, in ACC quarterfinal
Sports UNC junior infielder Gavin Gallaher (5) prepares to bat during the game against UVA at Boshamer Stadium on Saturday, March 7, 2026. May 22, 2026, 6:31 PM No. 2-seeded North Carolina baseball defeated No. 7-seeded Virginia Tech, 10-4, in the ACC Tournament quarterfinal Friday morning at Truist Field. The Tar Heels survived an early Virginia Tech power surge, retook the lead in the fourth inning and broke the game open with four runs in the eighth to advance in the tournament.
Preview: No. 2 seed UNC women's lacrosse faces No. 3 seed Maryland in NCAA semifinals
Sports UNC sophomore attacker Chloe Humphrey (2) celebrates scoring a goal with UNC sophomore attacker Addison Pattillo (16) during the game against Florida State University at Dorrance Field on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. UNC won 27-3. May 22, 2026, 4:09 PM The No. 2- seeded UNC women’s lacrosse team (18-1, 10-0 ACC) will take on No. 3- seeded Maryland (18-3, 6-2 Big Ten) at Martin Stadium in Evanstown, Illinois on Friday for a chance to compete for back-to-back national championships on Sunday.
Faculty question Board of Trustee's rationale after rejected hiring of WGST professor
Kiran Asher received her letter of hire from UNC’s Department of Women and Gender Studies in March of 2025, following a six-month-long interview and application process. Asher applied for the distinguished professorship position in the fall of 2024. She said she'd been asked to apply for dean positions at other universities, but chose UNC to return to a place that felt closer to home — she completed her Masters degree down the road at Duke University.
'The Devil Wears Prada 2' survives the sequel trap with a story everyone wants
Lifestyle Red heel with cityscape in the background. Editorial Board Member May 21, 2026, 11:04 PM This spring and summer brings us new patterns, reemerging 2000s trends and layoffs at major news outlets. We itch for aestheticism and heels tapping across NYC streets amid dizzying changes in media and communication. "The Devil Wears Prada 2" tries to give this to us by addressing the commercialization of journalism, but forsakes both a satisfying narrative and fashion itself.
Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Laurie Paolicelli to retire after 21 years of service
City & State After two decades of service to Orange County, Laurie Paolicelli, Executive Director of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau (CHOCVB), announced her retirement effective November 2, 2026. Photo courtesy of Patty Griffin, Communications Director of Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau. May 21, 2026, 10:50 PM The first thing that Laurie Paolicelli noticed about Chapel Hill was its trees.
Three takeaways from UNC baseball's regular season that will determine postseason success
Sports Sophomore pitcher Jason DeCaro (29) pitches the ball during a close matchup against ECU Men’s Baseball at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, NC on Feb 22, 2025. The Tar Heels lead the beginning of the 5th inning, 2-0. May 21, 2026, 8:53 PM After wrapping up the regular season with the second -best record in the ACC, North Carolina baseball (43-10-1, 22-8 ACC) enters the postseason as a probable top-eight seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Andy Hessick named permanent dean of the UNC School of Law
After serving as interim dean since September 2025, Andy Hessick has been named the permanent dean of the UNC School of Law, the University announced Thursday. Hessick, the Judge John. J. Parker Distinguished Professor of Law, previously served as associate dean for strategy and planning under former dean Martin Brinkley. He stepped into the interim role after Brinkley stepped down last year to focus on teaching.
'Jackson' is stunning, but this new biopic lacks substance
Lifestyle Michael Jackson illustration May 20, 2026, 11:56 PM I was sold on “Michael” before I even walked into the theater. Antoine Fuqua’s film comes with the nearly impossible task of turning one of the most documented people in modern culture into a fully realized movie character. The result is less a traditional biopic and more of a visually impressive concert performance that relies on Jackson’s magnetism and music over a well-developed plot.
‘Most special team I’ve ever been on’: UNC men’s lacrosse exits NCAA Tournament despite promising season
Sports The UNC men's lacrosse team celebrates a goal scored by junior attackman Owen Duffy (8) during the game against High Point University at Dorrance Field on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. UNC won 20-9. May 20, 2026, 10:20 PM It wasn’t supposed to end on Saturday. UNC spent the season reestablishing itself as a championship contender, seemingly poised to clinch their first Final Four berth in five years.
School of Civic Life and Leadership's student enrollment is growing, but at what cost?
Investigations Summer Managing Editor May 20, 2026, 9:53 PM The School of Civic Life and Leadership is set to split from the College of Arts and Sciences and become UNC’s 15th independent academic unit, the University announced last week. According to multiple faculty members and a University spokesperson, this was always the plan for SCiLL. In the past, SCiLL was subject to oversight from the CAS on faculty hiring, degree program approval and budgetary matters.
'Still a lot of work to do': N.C. House and Senate compromise on state budget salary raises, tax disagreements
City & State House Speaker Destin Hall, left, and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, talk before Gov. Josh Stein delivered his State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in the House chamber of the Legislative Building.
CHCCS once again faces General Assembly scrutiny over Parents' Bill of Rights compliance
City & State Rep. Brenden H. Jones speaks in Charlotte during debate on Tuesday September 23, 2025 at the NC General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C. May 18, 2026, 9:14 PM Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools earned a bill named in its honor after a second appearance before the N.C. House Oversight Committee.
Orange County seeks tax increase, looks to support schools and social services in 2026-27 budget
City & State The Orange County Board of Education convenes at the Whitted Human Services Center in Orange County on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. May 18, 2026, 8:42 PM On May 5, Orange County Manager Travis Myren proposed a recommended budget to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners for the fiscal year 2026-27. This recommended budget calls for $325 million in total funding, which is about a 6 percent increase from last fiscal year.
UNC Board of Trustees approves master plan designer for Carolina North, addresses personnel actions
The UNC Board of Trustees convened in a special full board meeting on Wednesday held via Zoom from South Building, replacing previously scheduled committee and full board meetings set for May 20 and 21 due to a scheduling conflict. The meeting included major decisions on the Carolina North developmental project, the fiscal year 2027 internal audit and enterprise risk management work plan, approval of board meeting schedules, discussion of remote voting procedures and personnel actions.
No. 5 seed UNC women’s tennis' season ends in late NCAA quarterfinal loss to No. 4 seed Texas A&M
Sports UNC first-year Anna Frey prepares for a serve during the women’s tennis match against Virginia at the Chewning Tennis Center on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. May 16, 2026, 9:45 PM ATHENS, Ga. — By the time UNC women’s tennis team’s NCAA quarterfinal reached its final court Friday night, Anna Frey had nowhere to hide. The first-year’s match on court five became the difference between a Tar Heel trip to the NCAA semifinals and the end of UNC’s season.
No. 3 seed UNC men's lacrosse falls to No. 6 Syracuse, 13-11, in NCAA quarterfinal to halt tournament run
Sports UNC players huddle during the game against Duke at Dorrance Field on Saturday, April 25, 2026. May 16, 2026, 9:36 PM The No. 3-seeded UNC men’s lacrosse team (13-5, 2-3 ACC) fell to No. 6-seeded Syracuse (13-5, 3-2 ACC), 13-11, on Saturday afternoon at James M. Shuart Stadium in the NCAA quarterfinals. This marked the third meeting between the two teams this season, with Syracuse earning its first victory of the series.
No. 2 UNC Baseball routs NC State, 17-7, to clinch series win
Sports UNC junior outfielder Owen Hull (8) high-fives sophomore right-handed pitcher Walker McDuffie (40) during the baseball game against UNC Charlotte at Boshamer Stadium on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. May 16, 2026, 2:21 AM No. 2 North Carolina baseball (43-9-1, 22-7-0 ACC) defeated NC State (31-21, 13-16 ACC ), 17-7, on Friday night at Dail Park in Raleigh.
Kaleigh Harden, midfield lead UNC women’s lacrosse back to the Final Four
Sports UNC junior midfielder Kaleigh Harden (17) carries the ball downfield during the UNC Women’s Lacrosse game against Ohio State on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 at Dorrance Field. UNC won 22-9. May 15, 2026, 10:01 PM Record-breaking goal scorers. Clutch goaltending. But the midfield delivered what UNC needed most: possession. On Thursday night, in its third battle against Stanford this season – and the one that would decide its fate in the NCAA tournament – UNC fought relentlessly to control the ball.
BOT voted against conferring tenure on Women's and Gender Studies Professor, despite approval of Provost
University The UNC Board of Trustees met to discuss audit, compliance, and risk management; university affairs; budget, finance; infrastructure; and external affairs at The Spangler Center in Chapel Hill on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2025.
No. 2 UNC Baseball defeats NC State, 9-4, for first win of the series
Sports UNC junior infielder Jake Schaffner (2) celebrates makes it to third base during the game against Indiana at Boshamer Stadium on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. May 15, 2026, 2:37 AM No. 2 North Carolina baseball (50-9-1, 21-7-0 ACC) defeated NC State (31-20, 13-15 ACC) 9-4 in the first game of the final series of the regular season on Thursday night at Dail Park.
Chapel Hill residents, advocates push back on Orange County's proposed library funding cuts
City & State Local libraries are a staple in many communities, like the Chapel Hill Public Library, pictured here on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. May 15, 2026, 1:54 AM On May 5, Orange County Manager Travis Myren proposed eliminating county funding to the Chapel Hill Public Library over the next two years as part of the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget, drawing concern from residents and library supporters across Orange County.
No. 2 seed UNC women’s lacrosse handles Stanford, 14-11, to advance to NCAA semifinals
Sports UNC women's lacrosse team players celebrate during the game against Duke at Koskinen Stadium on Thursday, April 16, 2026. UNC won 11-5. May 15, 2026, 1:48 AM The No. 2 seeded UNC women’s lacrosse team (18-1, 11-0 ACC) defeated Stanford (17-5, 8-3 ACC), 14-11, on Thursday night at Dorrance Field in the NCAA tournament quarterfinals. The Tar Heels did not trail once in the victory that will send them to the NCAA tournament semifinals for the second season in a row.
'Thank you for callin' me home': UNC's 2026 Commencement ceremony inspires individuality and belonging
University Senior Writer May 13, 2026, 10:25 PM Thousands of graduates celebrated at UNC’s main Commencement ceremony in Kenan Stadium on Saturday evening to the tune of Eric Church ’s “Carolina.” The night kicked off with a speech from Chancellor Lee Roberts as members of the class of 2026 watched from chairs on the field and dozens overflowed into the student section bleachers. Roberts spoke about “the anxious generation” and said there are many reasons for young Americans to feel concerned.
4-star high school wing Kevin Thomas commits to UNC men’s basketball
Sports Photo courtesy of @thekevthomas via Instagram. May 13, 2026, 10:05 PM Former LSU commitment and 4-star wing Kevin Thomas committed to North Carolina men’s basketball on Wednesday. The 6-foot-6 small forward announced his decision following his visit to Chapel Hill on Tuesday. Thomas won two Florida Class 1A state titles at Sagemont Prep in Weston, Fla., including one with UNC transfer commit Matt Able for the 2024-25 season.
Chapel Hill proposes $169.7 million budget, no tax increases
City & State Chapel Hill Town Hall pictured on Saturday, March 6th, 2021. May 13, 2026, 9:49 PM On May 6, Chapel Hill Town Manager Ted Voorhees unveiled the Town’s fiscal year 2026-27 proposed budget, showing a 3.4 percent increase in overall spending compared to the previous fiscal year. This year, the total FY 2027 recommended budget is $169.7 million.
Voters drop years-long battle over N.C. Senate map after Supreme Court ruling weakens Voting Rights Act
City & State The North Carolina Legislative Building sits in Raleigh on Monday, April 24, 2023. Assistant City & State Editor May 13, 2026, 9:09 PM Two voters who argued North Carolina’s Senate Map was illegally drawn dropped their appeal in federal court Monday following a recent Supreme Court ruling that limited racial gerrymandering claims under the U.S. Voting Rights Act of 1965. Rep.
N.C. House and Senate come to 2026 budget agreement, nearly a year late
City & State Phil Berger, president pro tempore of the N.C. Senate, center, speaks at a press conference in 2021. (Juli Leonard/The News & Observer/TNS) Assistant City & State Editor May 12, 2026, 8:41 PM After nearly a year without a state budget, N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger R-Guilford, Rockingham) and N.C. House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell, Watauga) announced Tuesday the two chambers came to a budget deal.
Tar Heel Team Store worker fired after encounter with rage-baiting YouTuber Snarp
Investigations Garry Dobson sits on a stool outside of Sup Dogs on Franklin Street on April 14, 2026. DEI Coordinator May 2, 2026, 2:53 PM When Garry Dobson, team lead at Tar Heel Team Stores, encountered the content creator Snarp and his colleagues, he said they were behaving disruptively. He said he tried to get them to leave without causing a scene. About a week later, Dobson’s district manager called to tell him he was terminated.
UNC's MSTAR program trains medical students to fill gaps in elderly care, research
University Bondurant Hall is home to UNC's School of Medicine located on South Columbia St. UNC medical students were matched with their residency programs on Friday, March 15, 2019. Apr 30, 2026, 6:54 PM In 2010, the UNC School of Medicine’s Office of Research saw a need to offer geriatric- and aging-related training and research to medical students.
Column: Abandon convenience and reject the surveillance state
Opinion Chancellor Lee Roberts speaks on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Apr 30, 2026, 6:25 PM Content warning: This article contains mention of murder. In the 1993 movie “The Pelican Brief,” two U.S. Supreme Court justices are publicly murdered in quick succession. I was in utter disbelief watching the audacity of the killer, waiting for an FBI source to quickly identify him through some kind of surveillance technology.
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