Business

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NEWS 10/22/24 8:55pm

Elon University hosts deepfake discussion 2 weeks ahead of election day

By Monika Jurevicius

Purdue University doctoral student Christina Walker visited Elon University on Oct. 22 to discuss the impact of political deepfakes on social media users and how labeling could help stop the spread of misinformation. Deepfakes are a form of artificial intelligence that can add someone’s face and voice to another user. Walker and her team capture information on who shares these systems on social media and tracks its original source when available. The main goal of the political deepfake database is to track media users’ understanding of a specific watermark for AI-generated content, which signals the material posted is fake.

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NEWS 10/22/24 6:54pm

Railroad arms experience malfunctions in downtown Elon; intersections now cleared

By Miles Hayford

The railroad gate arms at the intersections of West Lebanon Avenue and North Williamson Avenue, West Lebanon and Church Street, and East Lebanon and Oak Street were down, according to Elon Police Chief Joe LeMire. According to an E-Alert sent at 7:21 p.m., the intersections at Oak, Williamson and Church have been cleared. These gate arms have been having issues all day and prevented the flow of traffic in downtown Elon.

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NEWS 10/22/24 3:36pm

Elon Students for Peace, Justice walk through campus

By Fiona McAllister

The Students for Peace and Justice at Elon University walked from Medallion Plaza, throughout Young Commons and eventually ended at the Moseley Center patio. Ten advocates led the march through campus holding signs with slogans like, “Humanity must prevail.” Leading the walk was Elon junior Natalia Sendawy. Sendawy said in a speech to the crowd that their purpose for this event was to stand in solidarity with oppressed people around the world. Adviser to Students for Peace and Justice Thomas Arcaro also encouraged actions of passion and said involvement with current events is something not to be taken lightly.

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NEWS 10/22/24 1:29pm

Former President Trump makes campaign stop in Greensboro

By Nia Bedard and Trista Panagakos

Former President Donald Trump has held multiple rallies in North Carolina in the weeks leading up to election day. On Tuesday, Oct. 22, Trump is campaigning in Greensboro at Minges Coliseum. He is expected to speak at 7 p.m., but attendees have been gathering as early as 11 a.m. Trump gathers in the Tar Heel state as early voting began last Thursday, Oct. 17 and election day is exactly two weeks away. North Carolina is a swing state with 16 electoral votes, and polls have shown Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris virtually tied in North Carolina.

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LIFESTYLE 10/22/24 9:40am

Elon English faculty host discussion on ‘Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder’

By Julia Donaghy

In honor of the annual awareness campaign Banned Books Week, promoted by the American Library Association, English professors Dan Burns and Dinidu Karunanayake decided to co-lead a reading and discussion of Salman Rushdie’s memoir “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder.” While not technically a banned book, “Knife” describes the aftermath of the assassination attempt on the controversial author in 2022. Burns hosted the second meeting covering the memoir on Oct. 21 in Carlton 224. The third and final meeting will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 18 in Carlton 224.

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LIFESTYLE 10/21/24 10:34pm

Gala Latina empowers Latinx, Hispanic communities at Elon University

By Lauren McCowan

To end Hispanic Heritage Month, Elon University’s El Centro hosted its eighth annual gala to support and empower students, faculty and staff who identify as Latinx/Hispanic. With laughter, music and cultural food, there was a community atmosphere in LaRose Student Commons throughout the night of Oct. 18. Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Randy Williams said while these events are open to all, they are crucial for the campus’ Latinx and Hispanic communities to celebrate their heritage and feel a sense of belonging.  

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LIFESTYLE 10/21/24 6:28pm

Pop-up bookstore promotes sustainable, affordable reading in Alamance County

By Sarah T. Moore

Paper Trail Books, isn’t a typical brick and mortar bookstore. Paper Trail has no physical storefront. Instead, the duo vends at different pop-up markets and events in Mebane and the wider Alamance County area, such as Filament Coffee + Tea’s “Gilmore Girls” night. Pop-ups, co-owner Callie Oldham said, help Paper Trail engage more directly with the Mebane community.  Other co-owner Stephanie Batten said she wanted the business to contribute toward sustainable reading habits. Paper Trail Books’ next event is during downtown Mebane’s holiday reveal event Nov. 2.

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NEWS 10/19/24 6:46pm

The Rosemary opens at Elon under Park Place

By Nia Bedard

Following a month of renovations, The Rosemary, located underneath Park Place, opened to the public on Oct. 19. There were no customers present at the time of the opening. Owner and Elon alum Derek Bates ’85 said that The Rosemary will have multiple options for students and Elon locals, including grab-and-go items, coffee, sandwiches and soups and fine dining. The Rosemary will be having a student appreciation and introduction night where they will be giving out free chicken and brisket tacos Oct. 22 from 8 to 10 p.m.

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NEWS 10/19/24 5:37pm

Josh Stein visits Alamance County Democratic Party

By Charlotte Pfabe

With the general election swiftly approaching, Democratic candidate for governor and North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein visited the Alamance County Democratic Party Headquarters in Burlington on Oct. 19. Volunteers at the ACDP showed their support with cheers for Stein as he spoke about his plans if elected as governor this November. The event brought together both local community members, but also students from Elon University. Elon Law student Dimitri McKinney works on Stein’s campaign as a volunteer. An Alamance County native himself, McKinney said local politics are just as important as the federal elections.

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NEWS 10/18/24 2:13pm

Executive director of OpenSecrets shares role of money in 2024 election with Elon students

By Alice Morrissey

Students gathered in the forum space of East Commons on Oct. 17 to learn about the role money plays in a political campaign. In a conversation hosted by Carrie Eaves, chair of political science and public policy at Elon University, students were able to get first-hand insights about donation tracking from Hilary Braseth,  executive director of OpenSecrets. OpenSecrets is a nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit database website dedicated to tracking where and to whom money donated to election campaigns goes.

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NEWS 10/18/24 1:07pm

Elon’s College Democrats host town hall with state house candidates

By Alannah Klingsporn

Elon University’s College Democrats hosted a panel with North Carolina House of Representative Democratic candidates LeVon Barnes and Robin Wintringham on Oct.17. The discussion was held to give students more information about both candidates and what issues they are running on. Wintringham, who graduated from Elon University’s School of Law and previously worked with Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years, is running for a seat to represent District 63. Barnes, who previously worked in education as a public school teacher and coach, is running to represent District 64.

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NEWS 10/17/24 11:56pm

Tim Walz, former President Bill Clinton stop in Durham on first day of early voting

By Fiona McAllister

Durham held two prominent Democratic guests Oct. 17 — vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and former President Bill Clinton. Both Walz and Clinton, accompanied by local political figures such as Durham’s Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton, made key points about why casting an early ballot is important in order to stop Republicans from taking over the state’s elected positions. Clinton repeatedly reminded the crowd that their vote in this election matters and should be for Harris and Walz.

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SPORTS 10/17/24 11:14pm

Timely goals, tough defense propels Elon University women’s soccer over Hofstra

By Benjamin Berfield

The Elon University women’s soccer team defeated Hofstra University 2-1 to win their 11th game of the season Oct. 17. With a late goal and tough second half defense, Elon managed to prevail in a tightly contested matchup against Hofstra. It was Elon’s first win after losing 0-3 to College of Charleston on Oct. 13. Both teams went scoreless until there were three minutes remaining in the first half when Hofstra freshman forward Hailey Moschitta tied the game at 1-1. Despite ranking sixth in saves, Elon ranks second in points allowed with 12, according to CAA Handbook Statistics.

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NEWS 10/17/24 5:04pm

Gubernatorial candidate hosts virtual press conference for North Carolina student media

By Trista Panagakos

As early voting started across North Carolina on Oct. 17, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein held a virtual press conference for student journalists across the state. Throughout the press conference, Stein focused on issues such as public education, the economy and LGBTQ+ rights. He also heavily contrasted his own campaign with his Republican counterpart’s, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Stein said he has made it a priority to energize college students to vote in this election cycle. Stein’s final message to readers of student publications: vote.

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NEWS 10/15/24 11:01pm

Author of 'Wastelands' comes to Elon for sustainability week keynote

By Evan Cooper

Lawyer and author Corban Addison spoke to attendees at Elon University on Oct. 15 about the legal battle between industrial hog farming and residents of eastern North Carolina. This keynote is a part of Elon University’s Campus sustainability week. Oct. 14 to 18 serves as a chance for Elon students, faculty and staff to come together to learn about and celebrate sustainable practices. As part of Elon’s sustainability week, Addison focused on holding Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork producer, accountable for long-time environmental damage.

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NEWS 10/15/24 6:19pm

Elon Votes helps students request absentee ballots

By Alice Morrissey

With elections less than 21 days away, most students are gearing up to vote in their first presidential election. However, the process of registering to vote can seem daunting, especially for students opting to vote back in their home states, according to freshman Madeline Dolan. Elon Votes, an organization on campus geared toward students political involvement, has been helping students register to vote in the upcoming election across campus. Though a lot of resources have been focused on students voting locally, it also provides resources for those looking to cast votes outside of North Carolina. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 29.

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NEWS 10/14/24 8:27am

Campus political engagement surges as Elon Votes mobilizes students

By Cassie Weymouth

Senior Lydia Cohen recently changed her voter registration from New Jersey to North Carolina. Cohen, who is planning on voting for Democratic candidates, felt it made more sense to vote in North Carolina. Lindsay Bialecki, a coordinator for Elon Votes, has seen this in registrations. According to Bob Frigo, assistant dean of campus life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, in the 2020 election, almost 90% of Elon students were registered to vote and 74% cast their ballots. In the 2016 election, almost 79% of Elon students were registered to vote and 49% cast their ballots.

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NEWS 10/13/24 2:26pm

Elon freshman finds passion in local politics, community engagement

By Sarah T. Moore

This election season, Elon freshman Micah Ash McFadden has been running Bryan Norris’ campaign for Alamance County District Court judge. Ash McFadden also serves as third vice-chair of the Alamance County Democratic Party. In 2021, he interned with the town of Green Level. Next, he managed Patricia Jones’ 2021 Green Level town council campaign. Then he was a community organizer for Ricky Hurtado’s North Carolina state house reelection campaign in 2022. Ash McFadden said he’s spent hundreds of hours canvassing across different corners of the county.

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NEWS 10/12/24 12:41pm

2024 election candidates utilize digital advertising to reach first-time voters

By Nia Bedard

Forty-one million members of Generation Z will be voting in the 2024 election, including 8.3 million new eligible voters since the 2022 midterm election, according to Tufts University. With this influx of new voters, candidates are now allocating large amounts of money into digital advertising to reach Gen Z voters using social media. It was predicted that digital advertising for the 2024 presidential election would increase 156% compared to the 2020 presidential election, making the total spending $3.46 billion, according to a report released by Insider Intelligence. Politicians have to start utilizing digital advertising, Michele Lashley, professor of strategic communications, said.

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NEWS 10/11/24 12:36pm

North Carolina voting maps to shift representation in 2024 election

By Madison Powers

North Carolina congressional maps may allow for as much as a 10-4 Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives as opposed to the current 7-7 split, according to Dillan Bono-Lunn, professor of political science and public policy and faculty fellow for Civic Engagement. Bono-Lunn said gerrymandering, which is a term that describes how voting districts are drawn, has been done for years by both Republicans and Democrats. As of Oct. 5, there were 2,418,633 registered Democrat voters, 2,298,019 registered Republicans and 2,912,447 unaffiliated voters, according to the NCSBE.

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