Campus

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NEWS 9/24/23 2:19pm

Students express frustrations with Elon University campus crosswalks

By Kathan Gandhi and Katharyn MacDonald

After multiple collisions and near-incidents have occurred on Elon’s crosswalks throughout the first month of students being on campus, students have been voicing concerns and asking for more communication from the university, according to Campus Safety and Police. Campus Police and the town of Elon have opened discussions about possible courses of action, but said with a limited budget, there is little that can be done. All roads that pass through and border campus — crosswalks included — are regulated by both Campus Safety and Police and the town of Elon. 

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NEWS 9/24/23 1:11pm

City of Burlington debuts new social district

By Mollie Lund

The City of Burlington debuted its new downtown social district, which encompasses seven blocks of the city’s downtown. The social district, which launched Friday, Sept. 22,  allows visitors aged 21 and up to take alcoholic beverages purchased from alcohol beverage control (ABC)-permitted restaurants and bars into designated public areas and will be open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Participating businesses have placed stickers on their windows indicating that they are members of the social district, and drinks purchased from these establishments must be in specially-branded cups to be carried around the district. 

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SPORTS 9/24/23 1:03pm

Elon University volleyball defeated by UNCW in CAA home opener

By Jack Prahinski

The Elon University volleyball team was unable to win its conference home opener against the University of North Carolina Wilmington as they fell 3-0 on Sept. 23. After dropping both matches to Hofstra University last weekend, today’s loss placed Elon in a three-way tie for a race to the bottom of the Coastal Athletic Association standings. Elon head coach Mary Tendler said while it was good to be playing in the Schar Center again, she felt like her team lacked energy from the outset of the match.

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LIFESTYLE 9/24/23 10:47am

Multimedia artist highlights work through exhibit, presentation at Elon University

By Rachel Levine

Raleigh-based multimedia artist Todd Jones inspired students, faculty and young creators through his talk Sept. 11 in Arts West. About 25 audience members listened intently as Jones took them on a journey through “The Forgotten.” Jones zeroed in on this collection, which is on exhibit in Arts West until Oct. 19. Jones’ exhibit tells a captivating story of consumerist culture and his artistic career. Attendees were able to view pieces of “The Forgotten” as Jones explained the stories and process behind his work. 

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LIFESTYLE 9/23/23 7:31pm

International Tango Obsession explores the world of Spanish culture at Elon University

By Ruth Cruz

The Camarada Tango Quartet explored a world of passion, mystery, and beauty in McCrary Theatre on Sept. 14. A powerful and smooth melody entranced the audience as the quartet dove into Latino Culture from Buenos Aires, Argentina and brought it to Elon University. The passionate tango dance was a mysterious obsession with intricate movements. The group drew attention with a jarring mix of seductive and smooth notes. The Camarada Tango Quartet was founded in 2020 to expand the complex dynamic of the Spanish tango.

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LIFESTYLE 9/23/23 6:09pm

Carolina Cowboys make homestead debut in Greensboro

By Sarah T. Moore

The Carolina Cowboys, North Carolina’s professional bull riding team, made its homestead debut at the Greensboro Coliseum Sept. 22 — the first night of a three day team series tournament called the PBR Cowboy Days. The Carolina Cowboys is now ranked fourth in the league, moving up one spot after winning against the Arizona Ridge Riders with a 4.5 point lead Sept. 22. 

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NEWS 9/23/23 4:40pm

Pittsboro water under testing due to 1,4-dioxane leak in Burlington

By Abigail Hobbs

The town of Pittsboro is advising citizens to avoid the drinking water until further testing can be done after a 1,4-dioxane leak in Burlington. The town of Pittsboro has partnered with Chatham Marketplace to offer free reverse osmosis treated water to citizens who receive their water from the town. Customers can use the code 64261 to fill jugs and bottles for free. Pittsboro is 30 miles downstream from Burlington and is advising residents to reduce using the water for non-essential uses, including watering lawns and washing cars.

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NEWS 9/23/23 3:44pm

Elon University students emphasize campus resources, elections following SB747 veto

By Keely Garcia

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper recently vetoed the proposed Senate Bill 747 — a bill that would have made it more difficult for young people and people of color to vote. As a result,  Elon Votes is encouraging students to utilize campus resources and learn more about civic engagement. SB747 was proposed earlier this year and would make it more likely for absentee ballots to be thrown away as a result of minor issues. 

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LIFESTYLE 9/23/23 10:33am

Elon University junior uses comedy to bring positivity to campus

By Lilly Molina

Junior Jesse Riback said he is no stranger to making people laugh on Elon University’s campus. Head writer of Elon Tonight and founder of JRibs Entertainment, Riback said he enjoys making comedy content, whether it is through music or videos. His TikTok, @jribscomedy, consists of videos of him walking around campus, interacting with Elon students and promoting his songs. Riback said he wants his music and his content overall to exhibit a positive message through the lens of comedy. 

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LIFESTYLE 9/22/23 8:12pm

Elon University ensemble to perform this weekend

By Emilio Nunez

Elon University’s Contemporary Chamber Ensemble will be performing at 2 p.m. Sept. 24 in the CFA Black Box. The performance will have a focus of music under the category of “contemporary music”. The ensemble was created in 2021 by director Jonathan Poquette, who said he was inspired by artistic advisor for the ensemble, Andy Hudson, and the restrictions they both felt when it came to performing contemporary music. “Contemporary music isn’t really championed or put forth in this part of the region,” Poquette said. “How can we make it more of a culture here on campus, in Elon?”

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NEWS 9/22/23 4:26pm

State fiscal budget released after monthslong delay

By Joseph Navin

The North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 259 on Sept. 22 in a 70-40 midnight vote by the state House of Representatives and a 26-17 vote in the state Senate later in the morning. Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper issued a statement following passage of HB259 on Sept. 22, explaining that while he will not sign the bill into law, he also won’t veto it — allowing HB259 to become law in 10 days.

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LIFESTYLE 9/22/23 2:06pm

El Centro kicks-off Hispanic Heritage Month at Elon University in celebration

By Alex Nettles

El Centro welcomed the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month at a kick-off event in Medallion Plaza. The student-planned surge of culture marks the beginning of the celebration Hispanic Heritage Month on Elon’s Campus. Hispanic Heritage Month is a national celebration of Latinx and Hispanic culture that includes the independence days of many Hispanic countries, running from Sep. 15 to Nov. 15. The event’s planning was spearheaded by a group of passionate student coordinators, including sophomore Cristina Mariné. Mariné said she started volunteering with El Centro because it gave her a reinforced sense of identity. 

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SPORTS 9/22/23 1:40pm

Elon University women’s soccer ties against UNCW

By Jack Prahinski

After holding the lead for almost an entire half of play at Rudd Field, a late goal by the University of North Carolina Wilmington forced a 1-1 draw for Elon University women's soccer Sept. 21. The only win on the season for the Phoenix came last month against Wofford College. Coming into Thursday's Coastal Athletic Association matchup, Elon had lost four consecutive matches. Elon head coach Neil Payne said he felt like Elon handled the Seahawks’ attacks well for large portions of the match. However, Payne said his key takeaway from tonight was that Elon has to learn to put teams away.

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NEWS 9/22/23 12:40pm

2023 Elon University security, fire safety report shows increase in harassment

By Mason Willett and Abigail Hobbs

Elon University released the 2023 security and fire safety report that details reported crimes located on campus and within buildings owned by Elon in 2022. According to Elon University Police Chief Joe LeMire, the university is still adding cases to the report and will officially release them next week — however, a version is available on the Campus Safety and Police reports webpage as of Sept. 22. There were 17 rapes reported within residential facilities — defined as dormitories and other on-campus student facilities — compared to 10 reported in 2021.

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NEWS 9/22/23 8:37am

Q&A: North Carolinians Against Gun Violence encourage students to contact their lawmaker

By Abigail Hobbs

Within the first month of school, there were two lockdowns at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, one resulting in the death of a faculty member. North Carolina saw 1,839 firearm-related deaths in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children in particular are suffering from gun violence now more than ever: firearm-related death rates for children ages zero to 17 increased 231.3% from 2012 to 2021, according to North Carolina’s Child Fatality Task Force. Becky Ceartas is the executive director at NCGV and spoke to Elon News Network about gun violence prevention in North Carolina.

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NEWS 9/21/23 11:04pm

Elon University common reading author encourages curiosity, thoughtfulness

By Madison Powers and Emily Stabell

Mónica Guzmán — author of Elon University’s 2023-24 common reading book “I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times,” — said it is vital for communities to have difficult conversations to create connection. Guzmán’s lecture on Sept. 21 was a part of Elon’s speaker series — presented by WUNC North Carolina Public Radio — and explored themes of “creating together.” Guzmán, a Mexican immigrant, said it is important to listen and learn from others.

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NEWS 9/21/23 7:16pm

Author of Elon University’s 2023 common reading promotes human connection, engagement

By Camryn Banks

Elon News Network sat down with Mónica Guzmán in the studio before her speech, titled “Curious Questions, Sparking Conversations.” Guzmán's speech will focus on her book “I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.” All freshmen were required to read Guzmán’s book for this year’s common reading. She said her book was inspired by the political difference between her and her parents. Guzmán said she hopes students understand that people can’t control others and that not every problem is going to be solved or understood immediately. 

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NEWS 9/21/23 3:10pm

Acorn Coffee Shop reopens at Elon University

By Miles Hayford

Acorn Coffee Shop reopened at its new location on the first floor of Belk Library on Sept. 21. The new location — within the Koenigsberger Learning Center — is a fresh start for the shop, which was previously located in downtown Elon at 116 N. Williamson Ave.  Following its closure in 2022, Mediterranean Deli will be taking over Acorn Coffee Shop’s previous location on Williamson Avenue. The deli will reopen in 2024 following a fire at its sister location in Chapel Hill. 

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LIFESTYLE 9/21/23 1:16pm

Hillel, Chabad celebrate Rosh Hashanah, bring Elon University community together

By Nia Bedard

Elon University Jewish student organizations Chabad and Hillel gathered from Sept. 15 to 17 to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah — which means “head of the year” — consists of many different practices throughout the weekend, including community dinners, services and holiday’s traditions. The blowing of the shofar — a ram’s horn — as well as dipping bread and apples into honey to signify the desire for a sweet new year are just two of the many traditions for the holiday.

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SPORTS 9/21/23 9:25am

Community weighs transgender sports ban

By Miles Hayford

North Carolina lawmakers overrode Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act with the power of the Republican supermajority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The new law went into effect at the start of the academic year and bans “students of the male sex” from playing on all “athletic teams designated for females, women or girls.” This includes teams at the middle school, high school, intramural and collegiate level. With the passing of the bill, North Carolina joins a long list of states that have prohibited transgender women from playing in women’s sports. 

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