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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Personnel from CalRecycle, California Department of Food and Agriculture and the State Water Board studying livestock composting piles. Photo courtesy of Kasey DeAtley.

Professor Kasey DeAtley proposes trailblazing livestock composting bill

Elena Mendonsa, Reporter
April 24, 2025

When the average person contemplates the process of livestock production, they might envision a cow being raised on a pasture then sent to a meat-packing facility. However, there is far more that goes...

Seniors shovel dirt over the 2025 time capsule. Photo taken by Lexi Lynn on April 23.

Class of 2025 keeps timeless tradition alive

Lexi Lynn and Chris Hutton
April 23, 2025

Graduating students, friends, faculty and community members gathered outside Kendall Hall to preserve the graduating class of 2025’s memorabilia, commemorating their time at Chico State.  The ceremony...

A restaurant on wheels, the Kelly’s Gourmet Food’s truck operates solely on the Chico State campus. Photo taken by Elena Mendonsa on April 17.

Kelly’s Gourmet Foods truck brings students cheesy goodness

Elena Mendonsa, Reporter
April 23, 2025

On Wednesday afternoon I arrived back at campus after a three hour lab at the University Farm. Tired and hungry, I made the trek across campus to Kelly's Gourmet Foods’ cheesesteak truck located by Holt...

A variety of locally grown produce is one of the main attractions of the Thursday Night Market.

Thursday night market’s impact on downtown businesses

Brynna Garcia, Reporter
April 16, 2025

As the Thursday Night Market kicked off its 27th season on April 10, the streets of downtown Chico were filled with people, vendors, music and entertainment.  Downtown businesses usually close around...

AI Immersion day begins Tuesday to students, faculty and staff heading to Sylvester's 100 to learn more about the new system. Photo taken by Chris Hutton on April 15

Campus community reacts to ChatGPT Edu

Chris Hutton, Entertainment and Features Editor
April 15, 2025

As ChatGPT Edu enters campus, students, faculty and staff consider the ways campus learning will be impacted by the new tool.  ChatGPT Edu is a large language model geared for academia. It was acquired...

The dining hall brings in the most of Dining Service's revenue, offering a wide selection of meal options and a salad bar. Photo taken by Chris Hutton April 14.

Dining Services plans massive changes over the next 5 years

Chris Hutton, Entertainment and Features Editor
April 14, 2025

Emerging from a pandemic, the Camp Fire, enrollment drop, hybridization of classes and the threat of a buyout, Chico State’s Dining Services is gearing up to implement a 5-year plan to reshape all its...

An attendee holds a handmade sign under her arm that reads, “Forever in our hearts.” A photo of Athena and a dove adorn the bottom of the poster. Photo taken by Lexi Lynn on April 10.

A light that won’t go out: Community gathers by candlelight to remember Athena Passidakis

Lexi Lynn, Reporter
April 11, 2025

Around 100 people gathered on Kendall Lawn Thursday night to grieve the wrongful death of Athena Passidakis. Among the poignant crowd were friends, coworkers and community members. Athena was only...

Pitcher Bella Tavares on March 28 at Chico State. She has had six wins this season.

A historic debut sets the tone for pitcher’s first year on the mound at Chico State

Rebecca Gonzalez, Reporter
April 5, 2025

After delivering a no-hitter in her Wildcat debut, pitcher Bella Tavares launched herself into a remarkable inaugural season.  Tavares is a sophomore transfer student from Castro Valley who has had...

Photo credit: Jaime Munoz

Literary submission: ‘Crave’ by Reace Pudvah

The Orion
March 26, 2025

Work submitted does not represent the voice or opinions of The Orion.    "Crave" by Reace Pudvah  I would let you eat my heart.  Gnaw my bones until they’re bare Rip and tear my flesh...

A row of Jersey dairy cows are lined up for feeding and health checks. Photo taken at University Farm Organic Dairy Unit in Chico, California by Elena Mendonsa on Oct. 29, 2024.

Straus Family Creamery: A role model for the dairy industry

Elena Mendonsa, Reporter
March 13, 2025

Correction: name of World Dairy Summit host   Straus Family Creamery is a high quality, organic dairy based in Petaluma. Praised for its revolutionary carbon neutral advancements and dedication...

Lovebird Coffee Company and The Outlet by Lulus collaboration was announced on Lovebird's Instagram Tuesday morning. Photo taken by Alexis Bunch on March 6.

Lovebird Coffee collaborates with The Outlet by Lulus for a pre-spring break sale

Alexis Bunch, Reporter
March 7, 2025

A pre-spring break sale has sprung with a partnership between a Chico State favorite retro coffee company and Downtown Chico’s original outlet. Lovebird Coffee Company and The Outlet by Lulus are collaborating...

The youngest of the Giesbrecht family, Tommy, sorts clean eggs into cartons based on weight. Photo taken by Lexi Lynn on Feb. 25.

Bird flu won’t cage Taste of Freedom Eggs

Lexi Lynn, Reporter
March 6, 2025

Sunshine, grass, dirt and freedom: these are the things that Gorden Giesbrecht, owner of Taste of Freedom Eggs, prioritizes when it comes to raising organic, pasture-raised chickens. But the recent bird...