National

NEWS 11/10/22 2:14pm

Experts, young adults reflect on pursuing a GED

By Kyra O'Connor

Students in North Carolina can drop out of high school at age 16, when most students are in 10th grade. In the 2020-21 academic school year, nearly two students in every 100 dropped out of school — a 27.1% increase from 2019-20, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Male students accounted for 63.3% of all dropouts. 

NEWS 11/9/22 8:00am

As Supreme Court reconsiders importance of affirmative action, Elon University students worry for future of equal opportunities

By Hope Valenti

Checking the box labeled “African American” on her college applications was a proud moment for Uwera Izabayo – one where she was able to own her identity. She said she knew it would be a glaring part of the document, having a significant impact on the decision of the board. Now a sophomore at Elon, Izabayo considers herself lucky that she applied to colleges when she did. 

Latest

NEWS 02/23/2026 5:28pm
Elon University enrollment drops below 6,000 for first time since 2018

Elon University’s undergraduate enrollment has dipped below 6,000 students for the first time since spring 2018, according to the Spring Registrar’s Report released Feb. 23. This decrease comes after an 11.6% drop in enrollment for the class of 2029. Part of this pattern can be attributed to the “demographic cliff,” the decreasing supply of college students from a falling national birth rate that began in 2007. The total undergraduate enrollment of 5,974 is a decrease from the 6,226 students the university reported in the spring of 2025. It’s also roughly 200 fewer students than the 6,191 reported in fall 2025. Though overall student numbers dropped, there was also an increase of 523 seniors, compared to the fall report.

NEWS 02/23/2026 1:55pm
Mebane City Council to expand offices, parking for staff

The Mebane City Council purchased a dentist's office and parking lot for $325,000 in a unanimous vote. The property is located across from the City Hall. North Carolina requires local governments to keep a minimum reserve — called a fund balance — equal to 8% of their annual general expenses.

Advertisement

Latest Show

Latest Pendulum

The Pendulum, February 18, 2026
More Print Editions