Beauty

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SPORTS 2/8/25 10:53pm

Elon University softball splits Elon Softball Classic doubleheader, falls short against Ohio St., explodes against NC Central

By Miles Hayford

The Elon University softball team split a doubleheader in the Elon Softball Classic, losing 4-3 to Ohio State University and dominating 13-7 against North Carolina Central. Elon was coming off an 0-2 start to the season after losing to the University of Connecticut and Ohio University in the first two games of the Elon Softball Classic tournament. Elon plays its final game of the Elon Softball Classic at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 9 at Hunt Softball Park versus UNC Greensboro.

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SPORTS 2/8/25 5:49pm

Elon University women’s tennis handles Belmont Abbey

By Benjamin Berfield

The Elon University women’s tennis team started their doubleheader against Belmont Abbey on a high note, winning 7-0 this Saturday morning. In doubles, Elon withheld multiple comeback attempts by the Crusaders in each of the first two games. Freshman Lisa Kranec and junior Simone Bergeron won the first set, while freshman Heidi Bulger and junior Madison Cordisco battled back to win the second set. Elon’s success in doubles gave every player a winning record in doubles matches for the season. They then took control in singles with a mix of forehands and returns, winning every set 2-0. 

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NEWS 2/8/25 4:05pm

Holocaust survivor visits Elon, tells story of courage and reconnecting with faith

By Abby Gravely

At age 4, Renée Fink’s parents loaded her onto a stranger’s bicycle with no explanation. She was taken to live with a Catholic family in Holland, and she never saw her parents again. To a standing-room-only Turner Theatre crowd on Feb. 6, Fink shared her story as a childhood Holocaust survivor to an audience of Elon students, staff and community members. Her conversation with retired professor of journalism Richard Landesberg marked the latest event in an Elon tradition lasting more than eight years: inviting Holocaust survivors in commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. 

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LIFESTYLE 2/8/25 1:27pm

Local businesses play cupid’s helper for Valentine’s Day shoppers

By Megan Walsh

The bright petals of flowers and the sweet smells of fresh-baked desserts — just two common Valentine’s Day gifts that local businesses in Elon and Burlington are ready to serve up. As Valentine’s Day approaches, both Roxie’s Florist in Burlington and Cakes, etc. by Cindy in Elon are preparing for an increase in orders and purchases. Roxie’s Florist is already taking orders for students who are looking to purchase bouquets, and Cakes, etc. by Cindy will begin putting out Valentine’s treats and selling treat boxes this week.

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LIFESTYLE 2/8/25 10:38am

Asian-Pacific Student Association, Chinese Club, Truitt Center host the 9th annual Lunar New Year festival

By Kate Gray

Elon’s Asian-Pacific Student Association and Chinese Club kicked off the Lunar New Year on Feb. 7 with song and dance performances, a buffet of traditional food and snacks, and activities such as origami and calligraphy. The Lunar New Year is historically a time for renewal, reflection and connection with others. The holiday marks the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar and is observed in many Asian countries. For some, APSA events like Lunar New Year are a way to connect to their heritage and bond with fellow Elon students.

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LIFESTYLE 2/7/25 4:24pm

“Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” creates, fosters connection

By Megan Walsh

The lights go down, the room fills with the sound of the accordion as the stage begins to lighten and the melodic voices of the cast join in, telling the story of “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812.” The show, based on a section of Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” is Elon University’s winter musical, which is set to be performed Feb. 7 through Feb. 9 in McCrary Theatre. Featuring only one line of spoken dialogue, the show is almost completely portrayed through song.

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SPORTS 2/7/25 2:06pm

Women’s basketball star lights up the court in freshman campaign

By Miles Hayford

Freshman Jayda Angel began her Elon women's basketball career with a combined 35 points and 9 rebounds in her first two games. Angel, who boasts an impressive high school career as well, said a key factor in her decision to choose Elon was the fact that they were her second ever offer and never lost contact with her. She currently leads the team in 3-pointers with 18 and averages 10.6 points per game and has 44 steals — two categories that she ranks second on the team in. 

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NEWS 2/7/25 9:21am

East Burlington residents fight for environmental equity

By Julia Donaghy

Just five miles east of Elon sits a 22-acre property called by different names within the east Burlington community. Some refer to it as Western Electric, others, the Tarheel Army Missile Plant. The property’s buildings are dilapidated and come with a list of public health concerns. Because of this, Donna Vanhook, an Alamance County soil and water conservation district supervisor, believes it needs to be torn down. Originally constructed in 1927 as a synthetic fabrics factory, the 22-building site has a checkered past and present.

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NEWS 2/6/25 5:27pm

Q&A: Professor emphasizes the impact the TikTok ban could have on the First Amendment

By Charlotte Pfabe

As time ticks on President Donald Trump’s 75-day extension for TikTok, millions are wondering about the fate of the app and the precedent the ban may set. TikTok has been unavailable to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store since the platform’s original ban on Jan. 19. Under Trump’s recent executive order, he advised the U.S. Attorney General to not enforce the ban. Elon professor of journalism Israel Balderas, has been outspoken about the impact the executive order and ban could have on future interpretation of the First Amendment.

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LIFESTYLE 2/6/25 3:40pm

Huemanity of People showcases inclusive excellence through storytelling

By Lilly Molina

The Huemanity of People is a storytelling project sponsored by the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Education. Its goal is to showcase the wide range of diversity that makes up Elon, according to Randy Williams, vice president of inclusive excellence and education. The project started with a blank wall. Williams said when the division of inclusive excellence and education emerged out of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many empty walls within the second floor of the Powell Building where their offices are located.

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LIFESTYLE 2/6/25 9:12am

Elon encourages students to celebrate Black History Month at campus-wide events

By Trista Panagakos

As Black History Month begins, Elon’s Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education has planned nine events for students to celebrate and educate themselves about the month and their identity. The Black History Month celebrations will end Feb. 28 with the Black Solidarity Conference. Other events include a Black Table Talk about legacy on Feb. 12 and a Health and Hustle event meant to teach students how to eat healthy on a budget while also maintaining their mental health. The CREDE is bringing a Carnaval celebration to Elon, with steel pan performers Feb. 26. 

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LIFESTYLE 2/5/25 8:38pm

Ora Teahouse brings handcrafted, ethically-sourced tea to North Carolina cafes

By Liya Rike

Ora Teahouse, launched in 2020, offers handcrafted tea blends and sustainably sourced products from countries like Japan, China and India. Customers can order online for shipping or find its products in select North Carolina stores through local partnerships. With a background in baking, Trista Sanford, founder of Ora Teahouse, uses her skills in flavor profiles to create teas that engage with all senses. For Sanford, tea isn’t just a beverage; it’s a means of connection, care and empowerment. Despite its success, running Ora Teahouse hasn’t been without challenges. Sanford described funding as a common hurdle for small Black-owned businesses.

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NEWS 2/5/25 10:00am

Town of Elon’s diversity committee stands firm amid DEI rollbacks

By Fiona McAllister

The town of Elon’s Diversity, Equity and Belonging Committee held its first meeting of 2025 on Feb. 3. As the meeting unfolded, the committee covered its plans for the next few months, along with addressing the possibility of issues with diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the near future.The DEB was started around two years ago and holds monthly meetings. President Donald Trump recalled DEI programs within the federal government through an executive order during his first few days in office. Through this executive order, Trump said he aims to target DEI within private businesses and higher education.

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NEWS 2/4/25 8:36am

Elon Haggard corridor project finalizes grant plan during federal cutbacks

By Alex Nettles

Elon’s Haggard Avenue corridor project submitted its plan in hopes of federal grant funding this week. The project is the result of years of community feedback and would require an estimated $7.6 million. This move coincides with a government vocalization for cutbacks and a now-rescinded memorandum freezing all federal aid. The corridor plan was approved by the town council on Jan. 14. The Haggard Avenue corridor project proposes enhanced safety, increased visibility and looks to encourage multiple types of transportation. The plan places an emphasis on connectivity and safety with pedestrian and bicycle routes.

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LIFESTYLE 2/3/25 10:07pm

Black History Month Kickoff honors Black innovation, influence, legacy

By Monika Jurevicius

Black History Month kicked off at Elon University on Feb. 3 with a celebration of this year’s theme, “This Is How We Do It: Honoring Blackness Through Influence, Innovation, and Legacy.” The Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education organized the event, placing emphasis on Black individuals that have been at the forefront of shaping culture and leading in fields of innovation, creativity and social progress. Assistant Director of the CREDE Abdul-Malik Harrison began the event by explaining that the selected theme was an example of how “Black and brown people unite together to make something out of nothing.” 

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LIFESTYLE 2/2/25 8:30pm

Department of Performing Arts brings Eden to Elon in Paradise Lost

By Evan Cooper

Elon’s Department of Performing Arts concluded its production of “Paradise Lost,” adapted from John Milton’s epic poem by playwright Erin Shields, on Feb. 2. This was the department’s fifth performance of the school year and the second stage play of the 2024-2025 season, after “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.” The production was directed by professor of theatre Susanne Shawyer, with senior Grace Minton as assistant director. Minton said Shawyer’s direction is reflected in the show’s minimalist set, costumes and scene composition. 

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SPORTS 2/2/25 4:18pm

Elon University women’s basketball team loses to Monmouth amid poor shooting

By Miles Hayford

After a brutal loss marred by turnovers to William & Mary on Jan. 31, the Elon University women’s basketball team fell 62-47 to Monmouth University. on Feb. 2. The Phoenix struggled to shoot efficiently, shooting 21-72 from the field. Elon’s defense attacked the ball on defense and made it hard for Monmouth to get shots off by utilizing a communication-driven defense that favored double teaming to overwhelm the Monmouth player with the ball. However, Elon’s ability to shoot well went away as they went on a sequence where they missed 10 of their last 11 shots.

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LIFESTYLE 2/2/25 1:37pm

Elon Music Department hosts the first Joseph Bologne International Piano Competition

By Kate Gray

The inaugural Joseph Bologne International Piano Competition was hosted by the Elon University Department of Music on Feb. 1 in Yeager Recital Hall. The competition honors 18th century composer, violinist and conductor Joseph Bologne, known for being one of the first artists of African descent to follow European classical style. Twelve high school students competed, with first place winner Benjamin Luo from Raleigh, North Carolina earning $1000. The event was inspired by the discovery of a lost manuscript in the French National Library by professor of music Douglas Jurs and Eden Brown ʼ07.

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SPORTS 2/1/25 10:37pm

Elon University men’s basketball bounces back after two game skid, beats Northeastern

By Miles Hayford

The Elon University men’s basketball team got a crucial win over Northeastern after losing consecutive games for the first time all season. The 71-60 victory highlighted by graduate student Matthew Van Komen’s 14 points and 14 rebounds puts the Phoenix back on track to finish the regular season out strong. His efforts made way for an impressive effort on the glass by the Phoenix, as the team racked up 2 more rebounds than the Huskies. It is the first 15 win season for the program since the 2014-15 season.

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SPORTS 1/31/25 10:24pm

Turnovers plague Elon University women’s basketball, fall to William & Mary

By Miles Hayford

Despite almost a miraculous comeback late in the fourth quarter, the Elon University women’s basketball team lost to William & Mary 64-59. Elon’s 23 turnovers were hard to overcome and 11 straight missed shots to open the fourth quarter allowed William & Mary to secure the victory. Turnovers were a constant source of irritation for the Phoenix, as the Tribe forced 23 turnovers — 12 less than Elon. Smith attributed the turnovers to a lack of organization on their offense. 

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