Mackenzie Cruz

Producer of ENN On Air

Mackenzie Cruz ’27 is studying environmental and ecological sciences with a minor in communications. She serves as the producer of ENN On Air and the primary weather reporter for ENN Tonight. Outside of the newsroom, Cruz is a member of the Liberal Arts Forum, DanceWorks and KAO, Elon’s environmental professional society. She is working toward a career in meteorology and climate education and outreach.

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Recent Articles

NEWS 4/30/26 6:17pm

First rabies case of 2026 in Alamance County confirmed

By Charlotte Pfabe , Mackenzie Cruz and Miles Hayford

The Alamance County Health Department confirmed the first rabies case of 2026, according to a press release April 30. The county health department wrote that the exposure happened April 29 near South Ashland Drive and Tyron Street in Burlington.

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NEWS 1/23/26 4:49pm

Elon, Burlington declare states of emergency ahead of winter storm

By Mackenzie Cruz

Mayor Emily Sharpe has declared a State of Emergency for the town of Elon, effective 5 p.m. Jan. 23, because of an anticipated winter storm and hazardous travel conditions. The declaration urges residents to stay off the roads, use caution with alternative heating sources, check smoke alarm batteries and allow town crews to safely clear streets. 

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NEWS 1/22/26 8:14pm

Elon University prepares for winter storm to bring snow, ice to North Carolina

By Mackenzie Cruz

Alamance County is under a winter storm watch from Jan. 24 to Jan. 26. The National Weather Service put the watch into effect on Jan. 21 for Alamance County along with many other counties in central North Carolina and Virginia. Mixed precipitation is expected; snow, sleet, and/or freezing rain are possible. On Jan. 21, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. He suggested people stock up on supplies, stay off the roads if they can and be prepared for power outages. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has begun salting roads, overpasses and bridges.

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LIFESTYLE 10/19/25 5:20pm

Emotional support animals help Elon college students destress

By Mackenzie Cruz

Abby Martin did not expect to bring Gracie, a 12-year-old British shorthair cat, to school with her for her sophomore year at Elon University. Martin’s mom flew five hours from Houston to meet her in North Carolina with Gracie under the seat in front of her. She initially got a dog in 2020 to help with her anxiety, until she started college. “When I started coming to school, I kind of started experiencing those issues again, and I really just thought it would be helpful to have an animal with me,” Martin said.

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