The Seahawk

North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion addresses youth mental health issues

Alyssa Alley, Contributing Writer • May 31, 2023

North Carolina has become the 40th state to expand Medicaid. The proposed plan from Roy Cooper addresses mental health, specifically in youths ages 10-18, as suicide attempts have doubled, increasing from 6% to 12% since the pandemic.

As North Carolina ranks ninth nationally for human trafficking, education may be a solution

Amelia Lindsey, News Editor • May 30, 2023

In the 2022 report released by the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH), North Carolina ranked ninth in the nation for human trafficking. As of 2021, 922 signals were received by NHTH, 318 of those being from victims or survivors of human trafficking.

UNCW’s Dr. Ushijima discovers effective probiotic treatment for stony coral tissue loss disease

Anthony Woodruff, Staff Writer • May 30, 2023

On Thursday, April 6, UNCW Biology and Marine Biology assistant professor Dr. Blake Ushijima and his colleagues published a paper detailing their discovery of the first bacterial probiotic that can effectively treat and prevent stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD). An ongoing outbreak of SCTLD in the Caribbean Ocean threatens to eradicate many coral species in the region. If left untreated, it could prevent the areas' reefs from providing crucial habitats for marine life, protection from storms and erosion and opportunities for human jobs and recreation.

New Disability Honors Society conducts first induction ceremony

Sara Warrick, Staff Writer • May 27, 2023

On April 28, 2023, Delta Alpha Pi (DAPi), UNCW’s Disability Honors Society, conducted its first induction ceremony on UNCW’s campus. The society, currently led by Jennifer Uber from the Disability Resource Center, inducted its executive board including Shay Webb, Aurora Gregory, Jay Sumakeris and Morgan Brumfield, along with all of their new inductees. Chancellor Aswani Volety attended the event and spoke of his support for the new organization, specifically how this society will further disability inclusion and advocacy on campus.

Making ends meet: students speak out about low wages on campus

Nate Mauldin, Photography Editor • April 30, 2023

Employers on campus advertise a number of benefits to prospective student employees. Flexible hours, discounts, sense of community, opportunities for work-study and convenient location are all touted as reasons why students should choose on-campus employment. However, according to many student employees, paying a fair wage is exceedingly more important to the well-being of student employees in a time of rapid inflation and economic instability.

Sen. Michael Lee receives Razor Walker Award for Public Policy despite protests

Amelia Lindsey and Nate Mauldin • April 26, 2023

On Tuesday, April 25, North Carolina Senator Michael Lee (R) received the Razor Walker Award for Public Policy from UNCW’s Watson College of Education. The award is to distinguish those who overcome barriers and take professional risks to support childrens’ education, and “walk the razor’s edge” alongside students.

An interview with the new 2023-2024 SGA Presidents

Amelia Lindsey, News Editor • April 18, 2023

Beginning in the fall of 2023, Cody Brandon and Skyler Stein will lead the Student Government Association (SGA). By casting a ballot in the SGA presidential election, which finished on March 23, 2023, students elected new leaders for their respective classes. Stein and Brandon agreed to an interview about their vision and hopes to improve initiatives around UNCW’s campus.

Wilmington residents protest for trans rights

Hannah Markov, Editor-in-Chief • April 4, 2023

Dozens of people gathered on the steps of Thalian Hall on International Transgender Day of Visibility to protest for trans rights. Every year, March 31 is dedicated to recognizing trans visibility and rights. Trans Day of Visibility was initially created by transgender activist Rachel Crandall in 2009 to foster joy and celebrate transgender people.

Dr. Aswani K. Volety installed as Chancellor of UNCW

Nate Mauldin, Photography Editor • April 1, 2023

“I look forward to traveling miles of opportunity with you and for you as your chancellor of the University of North Carolina Wilmington,” said Volety. “I hope you will join me on this most exciting journey. Let’s soar high, soar far, and soar together Seahawks.”

False alarm reported at Watson College of Education

Eriq Dixon, Staff Writer • March 21, 2023

Last month, on Monday, Feb. 20, the Office of University Relations (OUR) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington received information from the University Police Department (UPD) regarding an inaccurate report of an active shooter near the Watson College of Education.

The Salvation Army’s downtown shelter set to close, new location under construction

Nate Mauldin, Staff Writer • February 10, 2023

On Jan. 10, Wilmington’s city council voted unanimously to purchase The Salvation Army’s N 2nd St. property for $4.8 million. The city is currently leasing the property to the organization until its eventual closure in May of this year. A new facility off Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy. is still under construction and will not be completed for at least a year.

WAVE Transit pays tribute to Rosa Parks with reserved seat

Amelia Lindsey, News Editor • February 10, 2023

In honor of Rosa Parks' birthday, Feb. 4, Wave Transit in Wilmington, North Carolina reserved a seat through Feb. 6 in the front of the bus in remembrance of her contribution to the Civil Rights Movement. The seat contained a placard describing Park’s role in desegregating public transportation.