Letters to the Editor

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NEWS 10/30/25 12:16pm

Los estudiantes universitarios recurren a medicamentos para perder peso a pesar de los efectos secundarios y los costos

By Charlotte Pfabe and Lilly Molina

Cada vez más estadounidenses recurren a medicamentos para bajar de peso como Wegovy, incluyendo estudiantes de la Universidad de Elon. Si bien muchos de quienes toman estos medicamentos afirman que han mejorado su calidad de vida, algunos expertos están preocupados por los efectos a largo plazo de estos fármacos relativamente nuevos. "Una vez que se apruebe su comercialización, recopilarán datos durante aproximadamente un año, y eso es todo", comentó Alexis Moore, profesora adjunta de estudios de asistente médico y médica de formación. "Por lo tanto, dado que este medicamento es relativamente nuevo, desconocemos sus efectos a largo plazo".

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NEWS 10/30/25 12:16pm

More than a shot: Weight loss drugs are reshaping student health, identity

By Charlotte Pfabe and Lilly Molina

An increasing number of Americans are turning to weight loss drugs like Wegovy to lose weight, including students on Elon University’s campus. While many on the medications said they have changed their lives for the better, some experts are concerned about the long-term effects of these relatively new drugs. “Once it’s approved on the market, they’ll collect data for like, a year, and that’s it,” said Alexis Moore, assistant professor of Physician Assistant studies and a clinician by training. “So, since this drug is relatively new, we don’t know the outcomes over time.”

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LIFESTYLE 10/29/25 10:36pm

Elon University celebrates Diwali with lights, trivia

By Virginia Vance

Flickering candles, a Bollywood dance performance and educational holiday trivia characterized Elon University’s celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, on Oct. 29 in McKinnon Hall. Multifaith programming and event director Hillary Zaken said she wanted Hindu students to feel the atmosphere of the celebration and non-Hindu students to learn something new. “Part of your college experience is learning about traditions you might not have heard about, you might have celebrated before and don’t know anything about,” Zaken said.

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NEWS 10/29/25 9:21pm

Elon University adopts Okanagan Charter, expands commitment to campus well-being

By Cassie Weymouth

Elon University officially signed the Okanagan Charter on Oct. 29 in a ceremony held in the Koury Gym. The Okanagan Charter, originally created at an international health promotion conference in 2015, calls on universities to embed health into all aspects of campus culture and to lead health promotion locally and globally. “Students don't leave their wellness at the classroom door,” Provost Rebecca Kohn said. “Our faculty and staff members don't separate their well-being with their work and the most transformative education development happens when we attend the whole person.”

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NEWS 10/29/25 1:11pm

Released hostage discusses future for Jewish community

By Emma Luckman

The darkness of the past and the promise of the future were shared to more than 220 attendees in Turner Theater as released hostage Moran Stela Yanai shared the story of her 54 days held captive by Hamas with the audience. All the seats in Turner Theater were filled with the students, alumni and community members who came to listen to Yanai’s story. “Every challenge a person faces is not meant to break him or her, but to reveal the strength that was hidden within that person,” Yanai said. 

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NEWS 10/29/25 9:39am

North Carolina Republicans approve new congressional map

By Trista Panagakos

The North Carolina state legislature approved a new congressional map. This change comes after the Trump administration has been pressuring Republican states to change their congressional maps to ensure Republicans continue to control Congress after the 2026 midterm elections. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, North Carolina senate leader Phil Berger said, “The NCGA is ready to help Republicans secure Congress and move Donald Trump’s agenda forward.” The North Carolina House of Representatives voted 66-48 in favor of the new map on Oct. 22. This will affect voters in the 1st and 3rd congressional districts.

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NEWS 10/29/25 9:39am

Los republicanos de Carolina del Norte aprueban un nuevo mapa congresional

By Trista Panagakos

La legislatura del estado de Carolina del Norte aprobó un nuevo mapa congresional el 22 de octubre. Este cambio llega después de que la administración de Trump presionó a los estados republicanos para que modifiquen sus mapas congresionales y aseguren que los republicanos continúen controlando el Congreso después de las elecciones de medio mandato de 2026. La Cámara de Representantes de Carolina del Norte votó 65-48 a favor del nuevo mapa, que afectará a los votantes de los distritos congresionales 1 y 3. El representante Don Davis, demócrata, es el representante del distrito 1, que ganó en 2024 por solo dos puntos. El nuevo mapa aumentaría las posibilidades de que los republicanos obtengan un escaño en las elecciones de medio mandato del próximo año.

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NEWS 10/28/25 3:13pm

Elon University to sign Okanagan Charter

By Cassie Weymouth

Elon University is set to sign the Okanagan Charter Oct. 29. This charter is the outcome of a 2015 international health conference on the promotion of health in universities and colleges. The U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network serves as a support network meant to help campuses define what it means to be a "health promoting campus." Anya Bratić, the student government association president, will also be speaking at the signing event. "I see Elon as an institution that doesn't just talk about wellness and well-being in name," Bratić said. "They're actively trying to implement elements of it in every aspect of life."

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NEWS 10/28/25 10:47am

El condado de Alamance se prepara para las elecciones municipales

By Elon News Network

Candidatos de Elon, Graham, Mebane, Burlington, Green Level, Swepsonville, la localidad de Alamance y Gibsonville se preparan para las elecciones a alcalde, concejal y concejal. El día de las elecciones municipales del condado de Alamance será el 4 de noviembre. Los centros de votación estarán abiertos de 6:30 a. m. a 7:30 p. m. La votación anticipada presencial será el 16 de octubre en la oficina de la Junta Electoral del condado de Alamance. La votación anticipada presencial finaliza el 1 de noviembre a las 3 p. m.

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NEWS 10/28/25 7:43am

Cone Health to open new hospital in Mebane in 2029

By Rachel Holley

Cone Health, a healthcare network in central North Carolina, has been approved  to move forward with construction of a new hospital in the city of Mebane that is scheduled to open in 2029. The new hospital will be a full-service facility holding 46 beds adjacent to Cone Health MedCenter Mebane. Alamance Regional Medical Center President Chad Boore said the 161,578 square foot facility will have three general operating rooms, one cesarean section operating room, a rehabilitation space, an emergency room, and imaging, ancillary and support services. 

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NEWS 10/27/25 9:44pm

Town council approves historic purchase to relocate Elon town hall and Elon Police Department

By John McAllister

Members of town council went into a closed session to discuss the acquisition of the Labcorp property on 112 Orange Drive. The purpose of the purchase is to move Elon Town Hall, the Elon Police Department and provide extra space for events, according to council member Monti Allison. Town Manager Richard Roedner and the council agreed to purchase the land and buildings for $3 million. Council member Randy Orwig emphasized the importance of the purchase. “This is probably one of the biggest things this town has done in a long time,” Orwig said.

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NEWS 10/27/25 3:41pm

Human trafficking in Alamance County and the fight led by CrossRoads

By Anjolina Fantaroni

Christa Hippe was just 12 years old when the sexual abuse began. The abuse was from someone her family trusted, and it went on for years before she knew what human trafficking meant. “As a young child, I was traumatized,” Hippe said. Now, almost 20 years later, Hippe works at CrossRoads Sexual Assault Response & Resource Center, a Burlington nonprofit that supports survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. She found herself using CrossRoads resources in the 1990s after a friend recommended their services.

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SPORTS 10/26/25 9:31pm

Collaborative efforts earn Elon women’s soccer a place in conference quarterfinals

By Elissa Leka

Elon University women’s soccer ended their match with a 0-0 draw against the College of Charleston, concluding the regular season undefeated at home.  As a result, the Phoenix now qualify for the Coastal Athletic Association conference, which prompted postgame enthusiasm and celebration. Head coach Neil Payne said he is excited for the team to head to conference finals. “I’m so excited for the group,” Payne said. “We felt like we’ve been playing well for a long time. Not just a win, but we’re undefeated at home, which speaks volumes for how we’ve played this season.” 

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NEWS 10/26/25 5:28pm

Town of Elon Fire Department celebrates 100th anniversary

By Alannah Klingsporn

The Elon Fire Department celebrated its 100th anniversary Oct. 25 with an open house that included a slideshow of the fire department's history and was attended by residents and town council members. The fire department was established in 1925 following the Elon fire in 1923. The fire destroyed most of the campus including the main building of Elon College, which was replaced with Alamance. “We have student volunteers,” Assistant Chief of the Elon Fire Department Ray Pruitt said. “It's been a great opportunity to be able to work with the students and the community.” 

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SPORTS 10/25/25 11:27pm

Elon volleyball swept in close three sets

By Benjamin Berfield

The Elon University volleyball team lost its fourth straight home game with a 3-0 loss against North Carolina A&T University. Elon fought in most of its sets, losing by two points in each of the first two sets before falling by five in the third. They now fall to 5-16 on the year. Graduate student outside hitter Simrin Carlsen said N.C. A&T was very efficient on offense and managed to utilize all of their players’ strengths. “We were rotating super quickly, so there weren’t a lot of times where we were able to get runs that lasted more than a couple of points,” Carlsen said.

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LIFESTYLE 10/25/25 9:49pm

Altamahaw Ossipee Civitan Club hosts Halloween Hoot-on-the-Farm

By Emma Luckman

The Altamahaw Ossipee Civitan Club hosted Halloween Hoot-on-the-Farm, an event that was specifically created for people with autism and their families on Oct. 25 at Buttermilk Creek Farm. Attendees experienced horseback riding, face painting, pumpkin decorating and live music. According to Steve Smith, the owner of Buttermilk Creek Farm, being one of the few events made for persons with autism, it is a “no-judgment zone” of different characteristics individuals may have. “The parents tell us it's like their state fair,” Smith said. “The kids get to come and have a great time without people staring at them.” 

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LIFESTYLE 10/25/25 8:21pm

Taste of Alamance returns to celebrate food and community

By Mia Torres

More than 15 local Alamance County restaurants came together to host Taste of Alamance, a food festival Oct. 25. There was food and music while people from all over the county and surrounding areas came to support the festival. All of the proceeds from Taste of Alamance benefited United Way of Alamance County which supports programs and initiatives to help families thrive.  “United Way provides community programming,” president of United Way of Alamance County Lacey Dabbs said. “Most people know us for investing money back out in the community. So, for this fiscal year we had 20 nonprofits that we provided funding.”

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LIFESTYLE 10/25/25 5:14pm

Showdown at Schar raises excitement in Elon basketball, Greek Week

By Benjamin Berfield

The beginning of Elon University’s Greek Week was met with anticipation not just for the upcoming events, but for the men’s and women’s basketball season. To kick off Elon’s 2025 Greek Week, fraternities and sororities participated with the basketball teams in an opportunity to earn points in the Showdown at Schar. Freshman guard DeMarco Johnson said he enjoyed getting to interact with some fans. Demarco said it was fun to participate in events such as the men’s basketball dunk contest. “It feels great seeing the atmosphere around, and just getting ready and being excited to play,” Johnson said. 

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LIFESTYLE 10/25/25 12:29am

Gala Latina: Más Que Una Historia empowers the Elon Latine community

By Barbara Duran

Colorful decor, music and laughter filled LaRose Student Commons at the annual Gala Latina. The event was more than just your average gala of people sitting and talking, it was vibrant and lively, full of community bonding and celebration of achievement. Going on its ninth year, the Gala Latina is the closing event El Centro hosts for Hispanic Heritage Month. Since the Gala’s inception, it has created a space for Latine students to come together and share in one another's accomplishments, heritage, and community. Elon University freshman Kimberly Barrera-Paredes said this event highlights Elon’s Latine community. “It really shows the community we have here,” Barrera-Paredes said.

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LIFESTYLE 10/24/25 7:04am

Elon Truitt Center holds Halloween event, creates space for Paganism on campus

By Megan Walsh

Spell bag making, pumpkin painting and tarot card readings were  some of the offerings students engaged in during The Veil is Thin: Spells, Symbols and Stories event. The event was held by Elon’s Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Director of Multifaith Programming and Engagement, Hillary Zaken, said the event marked the second event in the center’s effort to bring more Pagan-centered events to campus. “What Paganism is to me is just having this deep reverence and respect for life, but also the way that you live your life, and living it intentionally,” sophomore Finn Hughes said.

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