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UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

Features

(Kamran Ch/Unsplash)

Over 80% of the world lives with light pollution—what are they missing out on?

Thomas Herrold, Reporter Intern Jun 24, 2024

The stars above Jacksonville are slowly disappearing, becoming dimmer due to increasing light pollution and urban development. But the growing obstruction of our night sky shouldn’t only concern astronomers—it...

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The Lycoming Tri-County NAACP organized a Juneteenth Celebration featuring food vendors, music, and speakers at Brandon Park in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on June 19, 2021. Juneteenth was officially made a federal holiday two days earlier. (Photo by Paul Weaver/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

The significance of Juneteenth to UNF’s Black Student Union

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor Jun 18, 2024

Wednesday is Juneteenth, a federal holiday celebrating the end of slavery for African Americans in the United States. The University of North Florida will be closed for the holiday, and members of the...

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Maynite and White-Bing use the UNF library's new recording studio to make ASMR content. (Sebastian Pandelache/Unsplash)

UNF library employees helping students relieve stress with ASMR content

Thomas Herrold, Reporter Intern Jun 18, 2024

ASMR has made its way to the University of North Florida’s Thomas G. Carpenter Library, and the two librarians behind the videos said they hope this new resource will help students during stressful times.  Scientifically...

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Tattoo artist Paul Booth of the United States works during the International Tattoo Convention Bucharest 2016 in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016. Prominent tattoo artists from across the world displayed their skills in the Romanian capital over the weekend.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Thirty-two percent of Americans have tattoos: Do they still carry a stigma?

Thomas Herrold, Reporter Intern Jun 7, 2024

Once seen as a rebellious symbol of counterculture or an indicator of criminal affiliation, tattoos have long been seen as unprofessional or even threatening. However, with 32% of Americans now having...

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ChatGPT is a large language model chatbot that Open AI claims can “help with writing, learning, brainstorming and more.”

Students using generative AI to write essays and solve problems: Should we be worried?

Thomas Herrold, Reporter Intern Jun 6, 2024

Generative AI has entered the mainstream in recent years, prompting reactions ranging from cautious fascination to dystopian fear. These ever-improving programs are being used for various creative and...

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A rainbow flag waves at the starting line of a Pride Observance Month 5K run at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, June 21, 2019. The rainbow flag is displayed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning events worldwide as a symbol for diversity in the LGBTQ community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Monica Roybal)

Members of the UNF LGBTQ community share their stories for Pride Month

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor Jun 3, 2024

June 1 marked the first day of Pride Month, a time to celebrate and increase the visibility of the LGBTQ community. However, the University of North Florida's LGBTQ Center closed a month before. UNF...

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels.

Hurricane season 2024: What UNF students need to know

Ethan Howick, Sports Reporter May 24, 2024

Being a Floridian means dealing with hurricane season and while the dates of hurricane season always remain the same, the outlook, preparation, and predictions change yearly.  This year is no different....

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FILE - Marijuana plants are seen at a secured growing facility in Washington County, N.Y., May 12, 2023. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a historic shift to generations of American drug policy that could have wide ripple effects across the country. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)

Amendment 3: The probability and impacts of legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida

Thomas Herrold, Reporter Intern May 23, 2024

If approved this November, Florida’s proposed Amendment 3 will legalize the recreational use of marijuana, allowing adults 21 and over to carry up to three ounces of the substance.  In Washington,...

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A QR code sign is displayed at Florida Atlantic University on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in Boca Raton, Fla. for students to register to vote. Abortion and marijuana will be on Florida's November ballot, and these issues are critical issues for young voters. (AP Photo/Cody Jackson)

Florida 2024 ballot measures: Why college students should care

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor May 19, 2024

It's no secret that Americans are divided over Trump and Biden. But there's more to look out for on the November ballot, including the six proposed constitutional amendments Floridians will vote on. According...

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Hannah Kalas and other students gather around Tucker. (Madelyn Schneider)

Campus Canines helping students destress before finals week

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor Apr 29, 2024

Students at the University of North Florida have been flocking to the library before finals week to study for their big exams, and the library organized some events like visits from the Campus Canines...

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Rabbi Novack holds a schmura matza during an interview with Spinnaker. This particular matza, he said, was made in Ukraine.

UNF Chabad and Jewish Ospreys gear up for Passover celebrations at UNF

Sydney Teitelbaum, Police Reporter Apr 22, 2024

Passover begins this Monday, a week-long holiday honoring the Israelites' journey to freedom from slavery in Egypt. At the University of North Florida, the Jewish Ospreys are hosting Passover Seder, a...

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UNF astrophysics professor Marina Kounkel (Photo courtesy of Marina Kounkel)

NASA awards UNF astrophysics professor Marina Kounkel $500,000 grant

Madelyn Schneider, News Editor Apr 19, 2024

This month, the University of North Florida received a $500,000 grant from NASA to research young stars and eclipsing binaries over the next three years. Marina Kounkel, an associate professor of physics...

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