Skip to Main Content
Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

George Johnston

George Johnston, Breaking News Editor

All content by George Johnston
Photo credit: Sean Martens

Former psychology professor dead at 77

George Johnston
May 11, 2017

Mike King, a former Chico State psychology professor, passed away April 16 at the age of 77. King was born in Georgetown, South Carolina. He grew up in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, Panama City and Florida....

After finishing his term in office, Pratt will continue in the masters program Photo credit: George Johnston

Pratt says goodbye to A.S. Presidency

George Johnston
May 2, 2017

Associated Student President Michael Pratt was responsible to represent the voices of 17,557 Chico State students.Pratt humbly said he did his best to represent those voices while helping with the transition...

Climber Miranda Santana hangs from the boulder as she attempts to pull herself back up. Photo credit: Miguel Orozco

WREC climbing competition brings on the ‘Ruckus’

George Johnston
April 24, 2017

The Wildcat Recreation Center hosted an all-day climbing competition called the “Ruckus” April 23. Rather than using ropes or safety harnesses like the traditional method, climbers were only allowed...

A marcher is seen chanting and holding his sign that reads: Make America Smart Again. Science! Photo credit: Floritzel Salvador

Chico Science March draws thousands

George Johnston
April 23, 2017

An estimated 2,500 to 3,000 people filled Trinity Commons to march for science April 22. Like the other 600 other demonstrations happening worldwide, Chico’s March for Science brought professors,...

The team of San Jose State makes last minute checks before they go up in the bridge competition Photo credit: George Johnston

Students flock to Chico State for engineering conference

George Johnston
April 21, 2017

Students from across the world came to Chico State Thursday, to participate in the American Society of Civil Engineers Mid-Pacific Student Conference. During the Mid-Pacific Student Conference, students...

Students filled plastic bottles with their  pledges of  practicing better sustainability.   They then hung the bottles on the chandelier. The chandelier itself might be auction that a later date. Photo credit: George Johnston

Student club raises awareness on sustainability practices

George Johnston
April 20, 2017

With a giant a plastic chandelier honing inside a canopy as their set piece, Student Sustainability Practices hosted "Plastic by the Numbers."This event took place at Trinity Commons on Thursday from 11...

An audience member said during the town hall  she does not want LaMalfa to have a say over her body. LaMalfa says that's fine but the tax payer shouldn't have to pay for it. Photo credit: Screenshot from Emily Bertolino's periscope

LaMalfa faces tough crowd, walks off stage

George Johnston
April 18, 2017

First District Congressman Doug LaMalfa heard many boos and some cheers at the town hall in Oroville April 17. The Oroville State Theatre hosted a meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Residents from the 1st...

Desmond Phillips (far right) holding a member of his family. His father says Phillips was very religious and spent most of his time reading the Bible or watching his videos Photo credit: Sean Martens

Desmond Philips police shooting ruled justified by DA

George Johnston
April 15, 2017

There was “no criminal liability” for the two officers involved with the police shooting and death of Desmond Phillips, Butte County District Attorney, Mike Ramsey said Thursday. Phillips...

Many are left wondering if  insurance will cover the damage done to their cars

Lightning splits Bidwell Mansion tree

George Johnston
April 13, 2017

Many are left wondering if insurance will cover the damage done to their cars

Fifty six year-old John Blachley collapsed Thursday on the seventh floor of Butte Hall. His wife was called and she was with him in the ambulance ride to the hospital Photo credit: George Johnston

Professor collapses in Butte Hall

George Johnston
April 13, 2017

John Blachley, a political science and criminal justice professor, was carted away from the seventh floor of Butte Hall by emergency medical technicians on Thursday. A witness said Blachley came into...

Katerina Cameron (far left) and Malaika Fraley (center) celebrates the Pulitzer Prize win with The East Bay Times. Photo credit: Photo from D. Ross Cameron's Facebook

Chico State alumni win Pulitzer Prize

George Johnston
April 12, 2017

Malaika Fraley was cuddling her infant daughter at 4 a.m. when messages came across her phone saying a fire had broken out at an electric music warehouse rave. Little did Fraley know that herself and fellow...

Photo credit: Sean Martens

Cleaning crews clear fallen tree

George Johnston
April 11, 2017

Michael Groom was sitting at home April 7 when he received a call from University Police. The call told Groom a tree, near a bridge on Chico State's campus, was ready to collapse. The tree already had...

From Angela Scatena's Facebook page.

Chico resident dies on César Chávez Day

George Johnston
April 5, 2017

Angela Scatena, a Chico resident, died over César Chávez weekend. Scatena was born in 1992. Scatena passed away March 31. No services are planned as of now. A vigil will be held for her April 5. My...

"You can't get to work if your roads don't work" assemblymen Gallagher says on the lack of focus in infrastructure Photo credit: George Johnston

Assemblyman comes to Chico; discusses plans for Oroville Spillway future

George Johnston
March 31, 2017

James Gallagher, the assemblyman to California's 3rd State district, visited Chico March 30 to participate in a discussion of the Oroville Dam crisis at the Chico City Chambers.Gallagher began the discussion...

Besides protesting the repeal of Obamacare, the marchers want to educate Chico citizens on women's rights and other issues Photo credit: George Johnston

Chico group to protest Trump for next four years

George Johnston
March 23, 2017

Jan Andrews has been protesting since the late 60s. Andrews and her group gathered on the corner of Broadway Street to being protesting the Trump administration and its policies March 23.The group started...

March offers a great number of movies in 2017 Photo credit: George Johnston

March is the month for Cinema in 2017

George Johnston
March 23, 2017

March has been called the season of madness. It’s insane how many good movies are coming out this month, and because of the vastly different selection offered, March will go down as the best movie month...

Tuition increase approved for all CSU's. Photo courtesy of Matthew Ramirez

Tuition increase for Chico State

George Johnston
March 22, 2017

Chico State will now be more expensive to attend, after the California State University Board of Trustees voted to increase tuition by 5 percent March 22. To be exact, this tuition increase will cost...

Chico Police investigate train collision involving a pedestrian. Photo credit: Garrett Isley

Pedestrian killed by train identified

George Johnston
March 21, 2017

Martin Mikolajczak was identified by Butte County Sheriff’s Office as the man killed by a train in Chico, March 17. The 34-year-old was struck by the train around West Fifth and Sixth Streets at about...

Chief O'Brein at the press conference Monday says the police shooting was tragic for all involved. Photo credit: Cathy Fung

Chico State alumnus involved in St. Patrick’s Day police shooting

George Johnston
March 20, 2017

Alex Fliehr and Jeremy Gagnebin were identified in a press conference March 20 as the two Chico Police officers involved in the police shooting that lead to the death of Desmond Phillips. Officer Fliehr...

Friends console the Phillips family for their loss. Photo credit: Sean Martens

Family and neighbors react to Chico Police shooting

George Johnston
March 19, 2017

Desmond Phillips died March 17 after police shot him while responding to a 911 call. Phillips was 25-years-old. Chico police arrived at the Knoll apartments on West 4th Avenue after Phillips' father,...

A 25 year old mentally ill man was shot by two Chico Police officers and died Photo credit: George Johnston

Chico Police shooting leaves one dead, neighborhood shaken

George Johnston
March 18, 2017

Pop, pop, pop were the sounds filling the streets of West 4th Avenue as a police involved shooting left one man dead. Chico Fire Department and Emergency Medical Training Services responded to a 911...

Photo credit: Kayla Fitzgerald

College of Business professor dies, Chico State lowers flag in his honor

George Johnston
March 16, 2017

David Heinze, a retired College of Business professor, died on March 3 at the age of 75. Heinze taught at Chico State for 30 years, retiring in July 2001. He kept teaching during the next three years though...

Gayle Hutchinson speaks with those protesting the potential tuition increase outside of her inauguration ceremony. Photo credit: Ben Hacker

President Hutchinson talks unity at inauguration

George Johnston
March 5, 2017

Gayle Hutchinson made history when she was inaugurated as the first woman president of Chico State. Before the inauguration started, students gathered outside Kendall Hall to protest a proposed tuition...

Gloria Steinem at the beginning of her Book in Common lecture. Photo credit: Floritzel Salvador

Gloria Steinem returns to Chico State, interacts with students

George Johnston
March 2, 2017

Gloria Steinem’s last visit to Chico State was in 1984. The feminist icon returned to the university  March 1, providing with an interactive experience and several lectures based on her book, “My...

City of Chico parking lot on Normal and 2nd Streets. Photo credit: George Johnston

Parking garage closing for President Hutchinson’s inauguration

George Johnston
February 28, 2017

President Gayle Hutchinson might cause some members of the Chico State community to spend more time looking for parking on Friday. Her inauguration happening that day will cause parts of the parking garage...

Chico Firefighters using all methods to tackle the fire on Chestnut and W. 7th street Photo credit: George Johnston

Fire on Chestnut and W. 7th street

George Johnston
February 24, 2017

Savannah Epstein woke her boyfriend up and told him they needed to leave their apartment, the house next to them was on fire. Epstein says at 4 a.m. she heard people breaking into house. She began...

Host Jimmy Kimmel doing promotional ad for the Academy Awards. Screenshot from The Oscars' youtube page.

The Orion’s Oscars Predictions

George Johnston
February 21, 2017
Nostradamus or wild guesses, can The Orion get the Oscars right this year?
Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Man caught masturbating in park

George Johnston
February 19, 2017

Chico Police Department Call Type: Indecent Exposure Tuesday: 12:47, Peterson Memorial Dr. Male subject found inside park masturbating.   Call Type: Suspect Circling Wednesday: 12:30,...

Family packing up there things and heading home. Photo credit: George Johnston

Oroville evacuees returning home

George Johnston
February 14, 2017

Joyful cheers came from the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds as the immediate evacuation order was changed to an evacuation warning. An estimated 1,650 people were at the fairgrounds, according to the American...

Mark Haley reflecting on what's happening in the evacuations Photo credit: George Johnston

Oroville evacuees adjust to life in shelter

George Johnston
February 13, 2017

At least 1,100 people have taken shelter at the Silver Dollar Fairground, according to the American Red Cross. Five buildings have been converted into dorms for incoming evacuees, and volunteers are...

Volunteers helping show those evacuated where to park in the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds Photo credit: George Johnston

Silver Dollar Fairgrounds becomes shelter for Oroville evacuees

George Johnston
February 13, 2017

The Butte County Sheriff announced a mandatory evacuation for Butte, Yuba and Sutter County residents because an imminent failure warning was issued for the Emergency Spillway at the Oroville Dam Sunday. Shortly...

Photo credit: Jason Halley/ Chico State

Vice President of Student Affairs to retire

George Johnston
January 26, 2017

It was announced Thursday that Drew Calandrella, vice president of Student Affairs, will retire. The last of former Chico State President Paul Zingg's administration will now be replaced. Calandrella...

Protesters from Mobile Chico were out Wednesday from 11-2pm Photo credit: George Johnston

Protesters demonstrate near campus

George Johnston
January 25, 2017

With signs reading "2017 not 1984" and "2017: Hate is not the new normal," protesters from Mobilize Chico took to the streets of West Sacramento Avenue and Warren Street on Jan. 25. The protesters started...

Scoville references the scale in which cooks measure the spiciness of food. Photo credit: George Johnston

Marketplace Cafè undergoes transformation

George Johnston
January 25, 2017

Students returning to Chico State may notice big changes in the Market Place Cafe. Over winter break, construction was completed to give the student dining center a makeover. Three new concepts were...

Photo credit: Jovanna Garcia

Marchers fill Chico streets

George Johnston
January 23, 2017

An estimated 2,000 to 4,000 people packed the Chico City Plaza Jan. 21 to participate in the Women’s March. Like the other marches taking place all over the world, this gathering was conceived as a way...

Promotional photo for "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" courtesy of Warren Bros.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” gives a fresh start to new franchise

George Johnston
November 29, 2016

Don’t worry, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” has enough spectacular acting and wonder in it to make the movie a joy to watch. Eddie Redmayne stars as Newt Scamander, a magical creature’s...

Photo credit: Aurora Evans

CSU system won’t aid deportation of undocumented students

George Johnston
November 17, 2016

The anti-immigration rhetoric of president-elect Trump has many undocumented students worried whether they can stay in the country and continue to attend college. California State University Chancellor...

Photo credit: George Johnston

Campus reacts to Trump election

George Johnston
November 10, 2016

Protest against Trump at the BMU @theorion_news pic.twitter.com/bY2Z7g8ifm — Jenice Tupolo (@JayTupolo) November 10, 2016 Protesters gathered at the Bell Memorial Union steps to share stories...

Promotional photo for the Netflix original series "Easy".

Netflix’s ‘Easy’ is worth binging

George Johnston
September 25, 2016

On Sept. 22 Netflix premiered “Easy”, a new show created by Joe Swanberg. It’s about sex and other things, but mostly about sex.Unlike most Netflix series, this eight episode show tells...

The Harry Potter Universe keeps growing with each new J.K. Rowling publishes Photo credit: George Johnston

The year of Harry Potter spin-offs

  J.K. Rowling keeps spelling magic into the world. The Harry Potter author has recently released three new tie-in ebooks into the potterverse; "Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics...

Photo courtesy of Colleen AF Venable via Creative Commons.

Study break: 5 free podcasts worth the listen

George Johnston
September 14, 2016

College isn't cheap. After all the books, rent and tuition, it adds up. Fortunately, there's a trending medium of entertainment that is completely free— podcasts. Here are five podcasts worth listening...

Mediano calls out to the team mid game. 
Image Credit: The Orion

Pregame Playlist Pump Ups

George Johnston
September 13, 2016

It’s a ballet of balance nobody sees, but everybody hears at the Chico State athletics games. Playlists must be prudently constructed to warm up the Wildcat teams, while also serving as fuel to excite...

According to reports, the El Ray theatre might be sold soon Photo credit: George Johnston

Potential buyer looks to purchase El Rey Theatre

George Johnston
September 5, 2016

The historic EL Rey Theatre may be up for sale according to a real estate website. The theatre located in downtown Chico, has a reported potential buyer who is considering plans of turning the building...

Union Pacific employee works to get the train moving again Photo credit: George Johnston

Man killed by train identified

George Johnston
September 2, 2016

The individual hit and killed by a cargo train Wednesday morning has been identified by the Butte County Sheriff's Office as 30-year-old Isaac Marquez. Around 6 a.m. a Union Pacific train traveling...

Chico State students climbing over the stopped train to make it to their classes Photo credit: George Johnston

Pedestrian hit by train

George Johnston
August 31, 2016

An individual was hit and killed by a train near the Amtrak station on Orange Street. The incident occurred around 6 a.m. according to Chico police. The police are still investigating this matter and...

Screen Shot from Cinema Paradiso (Miramax)

Fall movie preview for college students

George Johnston
August 30, 2016
Too many movies are coming out in the fall and this guide will help narrow down the choices.
Since the birth of the film industry and football in Los Angeles, there has always been a relationship between the two forms of entertainment. Photo credit: George Johnston

OJ Simpson, Snoop Dogg and the history of football in hollywood

George Johnston
August 29, 2016
A look at the sporting history of Los Angeles and how it became the celebrity capital of the world.
Chico State opened the nation’s first thin-film solar charging station Photo credit: George Johnston

Chico State Opens Nation’s First Thin-Film Solar Charging Station

George Johnston
August 25, 2016

Chico State unveiled the nation's first thin-film solar charging station, Tuesday afternoon. This student-led project took over a year of designing, planning and reviewing in return for academic credit.The...

Training with her heroes and having no fear of the Zika virus, former Chico State track runner Kim Crosby takes part in the 2016 ParaOlympic games 
(From Kim Crosby's Facebook page)

Paralympic games has former wildcat running for gold

George Johnston
August 20, 2016

Chico State track star Kym Crosby sat down with The Orion for a Q&A on her world trip to win a medal for Team USA. It's a blistering 95 degrees in Brazil. The lights are blindingly shinning down...

MGM Construction works to improve AT&T fiber optics in downtown Chico Photo credit: George Johnston

Better Highspeed Internet Coming for Local Businesses

George Johnston
August 18, 2016

Traffic delays were to be expected Aug. 17 and 18 on East 2nd St. Construction crews began work on reinforcing ground structures for AT&T. The phone company stated this construction to advance their...

Close to 6,000 people came to see Bernie Sander speak at Chico State Photo credit: Elizabeth Helmer

Bernie Sanders holds rally at Chico State

Chico felt a bern Thursday night.Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders made a stop at Chico State to give a stump speech before the Super Tuesday election in California on June 7.While at...

The humanities building will be open for classes in the 2016 fall semester. Photo credit: George Johnston

Move-in dates set for Arts & Humanities Building

George Johnston
May 18, 2016

A massive immigration is taking place at Chico State after students leave the college for the summer. On May 23 through the month of June, Chico State staff and faculty will start moving into the new Arts...

Donald Trump speaking at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland. (Photo source 
Gage Skidmore from Wikipedia)

Wildcats react to presumptive Trump nomination

George Johnston
May 3, 2016

On Tuesday, Senator Ted Cruz dropped out of the presidential race leaving Donald Trump as the presumptive presidential nominee for the Republican Party. Cruz, a senator from Texas, bowed out of the...

Students took a field trip to learn about water usage in California. Photo courtesy of Heather Kirkendal

Wildcats wet their toes with water field trip

Amelia Storm and George Johnston
May 3, 2016

Last weekend, 36 students and three faculty members got a firsthand look at water rights and usage all across Northern California. The overnight trip was put on by Eric Houk, a professor in the College...

Supporters decide which six ballots to select out of 51 for Bernie Sanders. Photo credit: George Johnston

Butte County residents vote for caucus in presidential primary

George Johnston
May 2, 2016

California just took one step closer to deciding who should run for president in the Democrat primaries.On May 1, doors opened at the ARC pavilion and Chico Grange Hall for any registered Democrats in...

Police will be monitoring the new stoplight on Nord Aveune to make sure everything goes  safely. Photo credit: George Johnston

New stoplight on Nord Avenue makes crossing safer

Kayla Fitzgerald and George Johnston
April 29, 2016
Did you hear about the safer way to cross Nord Ave.?
Analicia Hawkins prepares supporters for the march. Photo credit: Ryan Corrall

‘Take Back the Night’ at Chico State

George Johnston
April 24, 2016

A silent candle-lit march ignited hope in downtown Chico Thursday night. Earlier that evening, the Gender & Sexuality Equity Center hosted "Take Back The Night" as part of sexual assault awareness...

After working in Chico State housing for two years, Brett Rahtz feels like he can do more to help the university. Photo credit: George Johnston

Newly elected A.S. vice president talks plans for future

Yang Dai and George Johnston
April 15, 2016

After nearly a day of fierce voting, the A.S. vice president of business and finance of Chico State was elected on April 13. Brett Rahtz, the new vice president of business and finance recently sat down...

Graphic by Katie Durham

Associated Students election results

George Johnston
April 13, 2016

On Tuesday, April 12, Chico State students voted online in the Associated Students government election. This morning voting ended and the results of the election were counted. Here are the election results...

April 8- Students starting their morning off by getting their coffee fix at common grounds coffee

[Photo] Photo of the day

August 21, 2017

April 8- Students starting their morning off by getting their coffee fix at common grounds coffee

Photo source: CFA website

CFA and CSU management reach tentative agreement

George Johnston
April 8, 2016

The California Faculty Association and California State University management have reached a tentative agreement.The tentative agreement includes:A 5 percent general salary increase on June 30, 2016 for...

Strawberries are a favorite item to buy at the Thursday Night Market  Photo Credit: George Johnston

Thursday Night Market celebrates 20 years

George Johnston
April 8, 2016

With the taste of fresh fruit and sounds of live music in the mild spring air, the Thursday Night Market opened April 7 in downtown Chico. This marks the 20th anniversary of local Chico businesses and...

Photo from the California Faculty Association website

Chico State faculty strike on hold

George Johnston
April 6, 2016

There might be a change of plans for the upcoming California Faculty Association strike. In an email sent by CFA president Jen Eagan to California State University faculty, she states discussion between...

Chico State sent an email Monday answering students' question about the upcoming strike. 
Photo courtesy of George Johnston's Instagram.

Chico State answers student questions about upcoming strike

George Johnston
April 5, 2016

Chico State has spoken on what the university plans to do during the California Faculty Association strike. In a mass email sent by Drew Calandrella to students, the vice president for student affairs...

Gov. Jerry Brown speaking at Chico State on the Prop 30 bill on Oct. 29, 2012. Photo courtesy of George Johnston's Instagram.

Gov. Brown to raise minimum wage

George Johnston
April 4, 2016
He is raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
From left to right: CFA field representative Jason Conwell, Professor Tim Sistrunk, and Counselor Mimi Bommersbach discuss the best way to hand out fliers to students. Photo credit: Ryan Corrall

Report sides with California Faculty Association in upcoming strike

George Johnston
March 28, 2016

A fact-finding report into the bargaining agreement between the California Faculty Association and California State University management became public Monday. It sided with the California Faculty Association...

An explosion at Zaventem airport killed 11 people tuesday Photo Credit: From Creative commons

Brussels attack kills 34 people

George Johnston
March 22, 2016

Two explosions rocked Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday. The first explosion happened around 07:00 GMT at the Zaventem airport, killing 11 people and injuring another 92. An hour later, the second explosion...

Rabbi Lerner
From Creative Commons via Wikipedia

Famous Rabbi to lecture at Chico State for 2016 Hodgkins Endowment Peace Lecture

George Johnston
March 20, 2016

The 2016 Hodgkins Endowment Peace Lecture will have a special guest this year. Renowned Rabbi Micheal Lerner is giving the lecture at Chico State on March 29. He will speak at 7:30 p.m. in the Rowland-Taylor...

Step Into Sustainability will happen March 23 from 11-4 p.m. Photo credit: George Johnston

Trinity Commons event offers free music and raffle

George Johnston
March 20, 2016

Chico State's Trinity Commons is soon to be filled with the sounds of free music and raffles. On Wednesday, Step into Sustainability will take place in the Trinity Commons from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Live...

Gayle E. Hutchinson was named the new president of Chico State (Photo courtesy of Chico State).

Newly selected president discusses role at Chico State

After a secretive selection process, Dr. Gayle E. Hutchinson was named the new president of Chico State on March 9. Although she is joining the university after a vote of no confidence and amidst a potential...

Screen Captured from Google Maps

Man shot in leg by Highway 32

George Johnston
March 14, 2016

On March 2. a man was shot in the leg near west Chico by Highway 32. According to a press release, around 9 p.m. a 23-year-old man was walking on Highway 32 and East Avenue when he was confronted by two...

Dr. Gayle E. Hutchinson, is the first female president of Chico State. (Photo courtesy of Chico State).

Board of Trustees announces new Chico State president

George Johnston and Eric Mcguire
March 9, 2016
Gayle E. Hutchinson, former dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences, has been announced as the new President of Chico State.
Screen captured from the institutional research website.

Chico State seeks student opinion on new minor proposal

George Johnston
March 6, 2016

A new minor could soon be created at Chico State. In an email sent by the university, Chico State breaks down what this new minor would be to students, "The University is exploring a new minor or certificate...

In an email sent to factually and staff, Paul zingg has said a new Chico State president could be selected in the next two weeks Photo credit: Malik Payton

New Chico State president to be selected within two weeks

George Johnston
February 27, 2016

A new president of Chico State will be selected within two weeks. In an email sent to faculty and staff about selecting a new interim provost, Chico State president Paul Zingg stated, "In particular,...

Photo from The Academy's official Facebook page

The Orion’s Oscar predictions

George Johnston
February 26, 2016
Read to see if we're right or wrong.
Courtney Varela running home helps push Cal State Monterey Bay to a one-run lead over Chico State in the fourth inning Photo credit: George Johnston

Softball team loses second game against Monterey Bay

George Johnston
February 22, 2016
The softball team lost its second game against Monterey Bay, 4-10.
Crew member on West Sacramento Avenue gets ready to slow down traffic as construction to replace the railroad ties begin Photo credit: George Johnston

Rail ties being replaced in Chico

George Johnston
February 21, 2016

Construction to replace the railroad ties running through Chico began Sunday Feb. 21. "They're old and the nails are coming out," John Gaston, a crew member on site explained. By law, railroad ties...

After being hit, the biker was rushed to the hospital Photo credit: Kevin Lucena

Biker hit by Domino’s pizza delivery driver on Nord Avenue

George Johnston
February 20, 2016

A biker was hit by a driver on Nord Avenue late Friday night. The biker was traveling down Nord Avenue toward West Sacramento Avenue and was struck by a Domino's pizza delivery car according to police...

Screen captured from the Chico State portal website

Malicious email shuts down estimated 1,000 Chico State student portals in past month

George Johnston
February 19, 2016

An estimated 1,000 Chico State portals have been shut down because of a phishing email. According to Chico State IT Support Service staff, an email was sent sometime last month with a malicious link...

Interim Provost Susan Elrod is moving to Wisconsin to being her new job at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as the Chancellor of academic affairs on Apr. 15

Photo from the Chico State Website

Interim Provost leaving Chico State for new job in the land of cheese

George Johnston
February 16, 2016

Interim Provost and vice president for academic affairs Susan L. Elrod will her leave position at Chico State on March 30 to start her new career as the Chancellor of academic affairs at the University...

Photo credit: Miles Huffman

Pellet gun shoot out on Nord Avenue

George Johnston
February 13, 2016

Chico PoliceCall Type: Harassment, 10:22 a.m., Citrus AvenueCaller receiving harassing texts from ex-boyfriend. They broke up two and a half years ago and have been off and on. Text messages are very rude...

Robert McClanahan was earning his degree in public relations at Chico State before his passing Photo credit: Molly Sullivan

Chico State journalism student dies

George Johnston
February 8, 2016

Robert McClanahan, a Chico State student, died of natural causes Feb 7. in San Francisco. Born in Mombasa, Kenya, McClanahan moved with his family to California to further his education. He attended...

A woman was almost kidnapped on Ivy Street early sunday morning. Photo credit: George Johnston

Woman escapes kidnapping

George Johnston
January 31, 2016
A woman escaped a kidnapping on Ivy Street

Study Break: Top 5 films of 2015

George Johnston
December 14, 2015

It's the most joyous time of the year, everybody. Children wait all year for December because they all know about this month and the special event that takes place in it. No, it's not Christmas, Hanukkah...

Photo credit: Yotube

Study Break: ‘A Very Murray Christmas’ review

George Johnston
December 7, 2015
Is Bill Murray's Netflix special a lump of coal or a Christmas surprise?
Photo Source MGM

Study Break: ‘Creed’ review

George Johnston
December 1, 2015

A burning fire to be the best is ignited when Apollo Creed‘s son, Adonis Johnson-Creed, seeks out Rocky Balboa to help him step out of his father’s shadow. Michael B. Jordan is tremendous as Adonis....

Study break: ‘Jessica Jones’ review

Study break: ‘Jessica Jones’ review

George Johnston
November 21, 2015

The abuser she thought was dead is actually alive. Now Jessica Jones, a hard-drinking private investigator, has to find the man who traumatized her and stop him from hurting other people. From the first...

Paul Zingg, president of Chico State, was the first person to test out the newly constructed Gus Magnolis bridge. Photo credit: George Johnston

Zingg opens new Gus Magnolis bridge

George Johnston
November 16, 2015
The Gus Magnolis bridge is now officially open to Chico State's campus.
Photo credit: Netflix

Marvel’s ‘Jessica Jones’ comes to Netflix

George Johnston
November 16, 2015
From the trailer, it looks like Jessica's story will be altered in several ways, but the major stuff will stay the same.
Photo credit: Netflix

‘Master of None’ comes to Netflix

George Johnston
November 1, 2015
Find out about the latest Netflix release, "Master of None."
Photo source 20th Century Fox

Study break: The Simpsons “Tree House of Horror XXVI” Review

George Johnston
October 26, 2015

This year's "Tree House of Horror" episode to borrow a phase from Lisa Simpson, "meh." Here's a break down of the tree segments: "Wanted Dead Then Alive" Sideshow bob has been trying to kill Bart...

Season two of CW's "The Flash" premiers Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. Photo courtesy of Sky.com.

Newsflash: ‘The Flash’ is back

George Johnston
October 4, 2015
Find out when "The Flash" races to a screen near you.
Photo courtesy of www.TheMartian.com.

‘The Martian’ author talks book, advice for writers

George Johnston
October 2, 2015
Author Andy Weir chats about his latest work, "The Martian."
The Pageant Theatre, located at 351 E. 6th St., will be showing "Meru," "Partisan" and "A Nightmare on Elm Street" this weekend. Photo credit: George Johnston

Coming up at the Pageant

George Johnston
October 2, 2015
Find out what's playing at the Pageant Theatre this weekend.
Lana del Rey's new album, "Honeymoon," is hit or miss. Photo courtesy of UMG Recordings.

Study Break: Lana Del Rey’s “Honeymoon” album review

George Johnston
September 29, 2015
Will the honeymoon between Lana Del Rey and her listeners work out?
Characters of "Doctor Who" aligned in formation. Photo courtesy BBC Entertainment.

‘The Magician’s Apprentice’ review

George Johnston
September 29, 2015
Was there the magic in "Doctor Who's" season 9 premiere?
Scott Seaston conducting the North State Symphony in Mendelssohn's A Midsummer's Night Dream  last January at Laxson auditorium Photo credit: George Johnston

Introducing the new North State Symphony conductor

George Johnston
September 26, 2015
Meet Scott Seaton, the new North State Symphony conductor.
J.M. Dematteis has enjoyed his career writing Batman comics. Photo courtesy of www.comicvine.com

J.M. Dematteis on writing comics, Batman Day

George Johnston
September 22, 2015
Legendary Batman comic book writer, J.M. Dematteis, sits down with The Orion.
Photo courtesy of www.blackmass.com

Depp finds depth again in “Black Mass”

George Johnston
September 22, 2015
Thanks to a great supporting cast, it seems Johnny Depp has rediscovered his groove in "Black Mass."