The Seahawk

OPINION: DA must explain and reduce charges on Wilmington protesters

Michael Friant, Contributing Writer • June 18, 2021

Although the DA’s office mysteriously dropped the charges, psychologically they won their case. This is because they made him an example of what they could do to future protesters. Any protesters familiar with his case will have second thoughts about whether to protest due to the simple fact that they might end up having to deal with legal consequences. Unfortunately, in many cases, these protesters will probably not protest in the future, which means David effectively silenced future demonstrations.

Wilmington could see more offshore wind farms after recent executive order

Andrew Lemon, Interim News Editor • June 10, 2021

The order lays out targets for electricity production through offshore wind farms, calling for 2.8 gigawatts of offshore wind energy (approximately enough to power 2 million homes for a year) produced yearly by 2030, rising to eight gigawatts by 2040.

OPINION: Political leaders should use their power to accommodate for better transportation options

Michael Friant, Contributing Writer • June 3, 2021

With the current housing crisis in Wilmington, a leader of his stature should use his power to boost the welfare of all his constituents. Rep. Rouzer should not have used one of his earmark requests to secure funds for a road expansion. He should offer an alternative that would be more efficient for everyone involved.

OPINION: The Gaza crisis shows that it’s time to stop glorifying your country at the expense of others

Jacob Sawyer, Staff Writer • May 29, 2021

This senseless violence is another example of patriotism taken way too far. Idolization of the state was a key driving force behind humanity’s bloodiest conflicts, including both World Wars. More recently, right-wing nationalist leaders like former U.S. President Donald Trump nearly caused a further war with policies like imposing universal sanctions on Iran and escalating economic tensions with China. Both moves were harmful to innocent civilians within their target countries and did not help the U.S. in any way.

OPINION: Taxation of feminine hygiene products must stop

Trina Mclean, Contributing Writer • May 11, 2021

The North Carolina General Assembly is pushing for the legislation of an act to exempt feminine hygiene products from sales tax. The products specified in the proposal are limited to: tampons, panty...

North Carolina gains one new house seat

Veronica Wernicke, News Editor • May 6, 2021

This additional seat will bring the total of North Carolina’s congressional districts to 14. Currently, North Carolina's representation in the House is held by eight Republicans and five Democrats. As of yet, there is not any indication on where the 14th district will be located, and that will be determined once the state legislature redraws the district lines.

OPINION: The Chauvin conviction marks the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end

Jacob Sawyer, Staff Writer • April 24, 2021

Derek Chauvin, the officer who killed Floyd, was found guilty of murder Tuesday and hauled off to prison, possibly for decades. The Black community and its allies joyously poured into America’s streets in celebration, relieved that they can now begin to heal from the trauma of both the killing and trial. Many consider the case a turning point in U.S. policing as well as the country overall, but much more and harder work remains ahead.

OPINION: Legalizing cannabis just makes economic sense

Nicolas Ziccardi, Assistant Opinion Editor • April 22, 2021

While the moral arguments for and against cannabis legalization have been thoroughly played out and exhausted, the fiscal incentives and prerogative to legalize far outweigh any moral hesitations. North Carolina has taken the tax revenues from both alcohol and lottery ticket sales and financed public works projects and programs that make the best of potentially detrimental activities.

OPINION: Who is the filibuster for?

Nicolas Ziccardi, Assistant Opinion Editor • April 22, 2021

While it is feasible to eliminate the filibuster as it exists now, many senators, including Manchin and other Democrats, are hesitant to destroy what they see as a key tool of the minority party. With Democrats' Senate and House prospects looking mixed going into the 2022 midterm elections, several Democratic senators are worried that Republicans would be able to do much more damage than they did during the Trump administration if the filibuster is removed.

OPINION: For the LGBT community, an Arkansas bill sets a dangerous precedent nationwide

Jacob Sawyer, Staff Writer • April 20, 2021

In Arkansas, any transgender resident under the age of 18 is about to be denied the medical care required to help them transition genders. This includes the care required to keep them alive. Yes, you read...

OPINION: SGA needs to reform its campaign process

Nicolas Ziccardi, Assistant Opinion Editor • April 20, 2021

The Student Government Association (SGA) announced its 2021-2022 winners for student body president and vice president following the first run-off in 15 years. Robby Fensom and Thomas Wilson won a tight...

North Carolina could be the next state to legalize cannabis

Andrew Lemon, Assistant News Editor • April 12, 2021

This recent slate of cannabis legislation comes off the back of neighboring Virginia, which passed a bill for the substance's legalization to begin in July. 37 other states have already passed laws to legalize cannabis for medicinal use, with 15 states having legalized the substance for recreational purposes.