Failed Bill Reflects Growing Tensions Over Transgender Rights in Sports And Beyond

On March 3, a bill that proposed to ban transgender women from participating in women’s sports by redefining Title IX failed to pass through a split Senate. This bill aimed to rescind federal funding from schools who would not comply with the new Title IX criteria, which sought to protect individuals based exclusively on their “reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”

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A Self-Inflicted Trade Wound: Why is Trump Turning America’s Closest Allies Into Enemies?

President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on European Union imports is not just an economic gamble–it is a deliberate act of alienation. At a time when global alliances are more crucial than ever, these tariffs send a clear message: America is willing to sacrifice its closest partnerships in the name of isolationist politics, no matter the cost. 

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What Trump’s Spat with Zelenskyy Means About U.S. Global Alliances

Historically, the United States’ allies, such as the European Union, have continuously supported and aided the U.S. economically and politically. However, this dynamic has begun to shift. As Trump’s conflict with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has continued to create tensions between the two countries, there is concern that it could lead to a decline in America's economic dominance and political stability, potentially ending the geopolitical prosperity it has enjoyed since World War II.

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What’s Next for Chapel Hill: Congresswoman Valerie Foushee’s Legislative Priorities and Their Impact

Foushee, who assumed office on January 3rd, 2024, acts as Chapel Hill’s current voice in Washington, representing North Carolina’s 4th congressional district. Compared to other nearby cities, Chapel Hill voters tend to lean more liberal, aligning with Foushee’s role as a Democratic House Representative. As a woman of color and Chapel Hill native, Foushee is best known for championing and amplifying causes such as protecting minority rights and education reform, among many others. When it comes to her vision for the future of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, there are a few key legislative issues she seeks to prioritize through the remainder of her term.

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The First Amendment on Trial: The Case Against Mahmoud Khalil’s Detention

On March 7, 2025, the Trump administration arrested and detained Mahmoud Khalil, a key figure for pro-Palestinian demonstrators during last year's unrest at Columbia University. The arrest came amidst Trump’s promises to deport foreign nationals who had participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on American college campuses. However, the Trump administration faces several legal hurdles, one of them being the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment. Can Mahmoud Khalil be punished, through deportation, for his speech during last year’s demonstrations?

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Macron and Trump’s Meeting: “A Turning Point” for U.S.-Europe Relations on Ukraine

Following the meeting between Trump and Macron, observers were left hopeful at the prospect of a peace deal that both Trump and Macron indicated could happen soon. However, the disagreements between the two leaders appear discouraging for leading a united front in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. No matter the impact of this meeting between Trump and Macron, one thing is for sure: it has shown that diplomacy for the United States looks starkly different in the new Trump era.

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The wake up call that shook Europe: What J.D. Vance’s Speech means for the Transatlantic Partnership

Shocked is one word to describe the congregation of European diplomats in attendance at the Munich Security Conference last week, as American Vice President JD Vance delivered harsh ideological criticisms on the current state of the European Union (EU) and that of the continent as a whole. In what was expected to be a harrowing speech on American defense assistance helping to bring an end to the Ukraine-Russian conflict, instead what followed was a complete reversal. Standing on the podium, Vance barreled down unto his European counterparts with a long list of criticisms, all centered around this idea that for too long, the EU has deviated from the democratic values it preaches.

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Yoon Suk Yeol’s Impeachment, December 3rd to Today

The representative government of South Korea was thrown into imbalance and chaos on December 3rd, 2023, for the first time since the country’s democratization in 1987. The sitting president, Yoon Suk Yeol, declared martial law and decried the involvement of “foreign agents” in the National Assembly, pointing to the “mammoth opposition” as the main culprits. This unprecedented move, which lasted approximately six hours before being rescinded, has led to widespread political turmoil, legal battles, and public protests, casting a shadow over the nation's democratic institutions.

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Legal Review: Is Judicial Review Obsolete? Examining JD Vance’s Vision of Executive Power

Upon taking office, President Donald Trump began implementing his agenda through an unprecedented use of executive power. However, many of his actions have faced legal roadblocks, being restrained or enjoined by the Courts. In response, Vice President JD Vance suggested that “judges cannot control the Executive’s legitimate power.” To what extent is this statement true under existing constitutional principles and case law?

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[Don’t] Dare To Dissent: A Crackdown On Vietnam’s Decree 147 Law

Vietnam’s rapid economic growth stands in stark contrast to its escalating suppression of civil liberties. While the government portrays an image of progress, restrictive laws such as Decree 147 expose a deepening crackdown on free speech and digital expression, citing national security. The decree grants authorities sweeping control over online content, stifling open discourse, limiting political accountability, and fueling concerns over corporate complicity in rights violations. As Vietnam navigates its global aspirations, the erosion of free expression threatens both domestic freedoms and its international standing.

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Thousands Organize on Days of Mass Protest Against Trump Administration

Signs across the country read phrases like “No one voted for Elon Musk,” “Stop the coup,” and “No kings in America.” In Washington, D.C., where thousands gathered at the Capitol Pool, demonstrators voiced their frustrations with Congress for not intervening, chanting “Where is Congress?” On Feb. 5 and 17, 2025, protestors gathered outside of state capitol buildings, courthouses, city halls, and other locations to protest the significant changes to the federal government that President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, head of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have implemented since Trump took office on January 20th.

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Are Local Governments to Blame for Zillow’s Housing Worries?

The rising cost of living in America has become an inflection point for heated discussions regarding trade economics, foreign relations, the power of tech companies, and much more. Despite the ever-encroaching issue, the bulk of messaging regarding the crux of the housing crises has failed to hit the mark historically, instead chasing after private companies like Zillow as the key culprit. As the housing market continues to be shaped by restrictive zoning laws, high interest rates, and construction bottlenecks, future homebuyers will remain at the mercy of broader economic forces rather than companies like Zillow. 

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UNC System Drops U.S. Diversity Requirement in Curriculum

As of Wednesday, February 5th, the UNC System is no longer mandating course requirements for classes dealing with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). All general education and major-specific DEI graduation requirements besides the FC-POWER focus capacity have been suspended, reshaping how certain courses fit into students’ degree plans. Although FC-POWER is yet to be completely cut out from the curriculum given that the shift is so fresh, university leadership has suggested that further changes might be on the horizon.

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