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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion
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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion
Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion
Jenna McMahon

Jenna McMahon, Copy Editor

Jenna McMahon is a fifth year student, this is her third semester on The Orion and she is the copy editor this semester. She enjoys photography, reading, anything outdoors, traveling, hanging out with friends and playing soccer for the Chico State club team.

All content by Jenna McMahon
It is tradition before each Bout for the teams to skate around the track and be introduced to the crowd by their derby name. They all crouch down as they are skating so the person being called can stand up and stand out. The crowd, who couldn’t tear their eyes away, was drawn in by the electric energy that the teams were giving off as they got hyped for their Bout.  ”Well, I just kind of always loved skating and then I found out that the daughter of one of my brother's oldest friends lived around the corner from me and she was a roller derby player,” attendee Luisa Garza said. “...my first time was last year for the last match. I think it's really exciting and I love all the wild names that they have and the hustle and bustle and the falling and just the whole crowd. It's very exciting.”

From hits to hugs: The spirit of roller derby

Jenna McMahon, Copy Editor
May 19, 2025

The cheers and screams encompassed me as I stood in the middle of the track, the clack of roller skates ringing in my ears as the players went buzzing by and a slight thud at my feet every time a player...

Junior Itzell De Los Rios hits a home run on April 26 at Chico State in Chico, Calif. They won the final regular season game 9-5.

[Photo] Wildcats finish season with series split against Sonoma State

May 5, 2025

Junior Itzell De Los Rios hits a home run on April 26 at Chico State in Chico, Calif. They won the final regular season game 9-5.

Phi Kappa Tau chapter house on April 4 in Chico, Calif. They were established April 8, 1958, but were first founded as Iota Sigma in 1922.

Phi Kappa Tau temporarily suspended amidst alleged hazing incident

Milca Elvira Chacon and Jenna McMahon
April 4, 2025

Phi Kappa Tau continues to be under temporary suspension after being issued a cease and desist letter on March 11 following an alleged incident of hazing. The university is continuing to investigate...

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

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

April 5, 2025

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

Left handed hitter Kennedy Gustin slap hits the ball on March 28 at Chico State. This hit got her on base.

[Photo] The Wildcats strong offense loses steam as they drop series against Cal State San Bernardino

April 2, 2025

Left handed hitter Kennedy Gustin slap hits the ball on March 28 at Chico State. This hit got her on base.

Number 17, Gracie Dunning, and her coach talk at first base on March 28 at Chico State. They were waiting for the other team to finish their time out at the mound.

[Photo] Wildcats take one in East Bay to avoid second straight sweep

April 23, 2025

Number 17, Gracie Dunning, and her coach talk at first base on March 28 at Chico State. They were waiting for the other team to finish their time out at the mound.

Wildcat number 17, Gracie Dunning, dives for home plate as the Humboldt players scramble to get the ball to their catcher on March 15 at Chico State. Dunning was safe.

[Photo] Wildcats' offense erupts with 19 runs to win series over Humboldt

March 17, 2025

Wildcat number 17, Gracie Dunning, dives for home plate as the Humboldt players scramble to get the ball to their catcher on March 15 at Chico State. Dunning was safe.

Pitcher Rocco Borelli throws the ball and strikes out a Cal Poly Pomona player on March 2 at Chico State. Borrelli struck out three batters in a row, starting the game off strong for the Wildcats.

Pitcher Rocco Borelli throws the ball and strikes out a Cal Poly Pomona player on March 2 at Chico State. Borrelli struck out three batters in a row, starting the game off strong for the Wildcats.

Number 13, Carson Case, sacrificed an out during a pickle which allowed another player to score on March 2 at Chico State.

Number 13, Carson Case, sacrificed an out during a pickle which allowed another player to score on March 2 at Chico State.

Wildcat Carson Case scores a run on March 2 at Chico State. Case had a .242 batting average this game.

Wildcat Carson Case scores a run on March 2 at Chico State. Case had a .242 batting average this game.

Wildcats celebrate number 9, Thade Miller, scoring on March 2 at Chico State.

[Photo] Wildcats' speed proves decisive in series sweep

March 4, 2025

Wildcats celebrate number 9, Thade Miller, scoring on March 2 at Chico State.

Number 22, Phoenix Casias, runs to first base after a dropped third strike on March 2 at Chico State. Casias was safe due to a throwing error by Cal Poly Pomona.

Number 22, Phoenix Casias, runs to first base after a dropped third strike on March 2 at Chico State. Casias was safe due to a throwing error by Cal Poly Pomona.

Catcher Daniel Vierra points to the sky after hitting a line drive double on Feb. 28 at Chico State. He later scored to help put the Wildcat’s in the lead.

Catcher Daniel Vierra points to the sky after hitting a line drive double on Feb. 28 at Chico State. He later scored to help put the Wildcat’s in the lead.

Photo from Pixabay

Trump dead, Melania rich, Musk President

Chris Hutton and Jenna McMahon
February 26, 2025

President Donald Trump was found dead in the Oval Office with a Big Mac in his hand Friday after giving a heated speech about Social Security payments going to dead people. Melania Trump, his third...

Pitcher Rocco Borrelli started the game and pitched five innings on Feb. 14 at Chico State.

Wildcats bats stay hot as they pick up first series-opening win of the season

Jonathan (J.J.) Fain and Jenna McMahon
February 15, 2025

Masterful starting pitching from junior Rocco Borelli and a red-hot offensive performance, which tallied 14 hits including four extra-base hits, carried the Wildcats to their third straight win. Despite...

The Wildcats shuffling around the dugout preparing to take the field on Feb. 8 at Chico State. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

[Photo] Series opener against Colorado Mesa canceled due to rain

Nathan Chiochios, Sports Editor
February 11, 2025

The Wildcats shuffling around the dugout preparing to take the field on Feb. 8 at Chico State. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

Ayden Nordby makes contact with the ball, hitting a ground ball single on Feb. 8 at Chico State. Nordby’s batting average is .273.

[Photo] Wildcats dominate Saturday doubleheader for second series win of the season

Lukas Mann, Sports Reporter
February 10, 2025

Third baseman Michael Baker fields a grown ball on Feb. 8 at Chico State. He threw the ball to his teammate on first for the out.

Wildcats line up along the fence in the dugout to cheer on their teammate at-bat on Feb. 8 at Chico State. The Wildcats played a three-game series against the Nighthawks.

[Photo] Wildcats’ offense struggles in homecoming loss to nighthawks

Jonathan (J.J.) Fain, Reporter
February 8, 2025

Wildcats line up along the fence in the dugout to cheer on their teammate at-bat on Feb. 8 at Chico State. The Wildcats played a three-game series against the Nighthawks.

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[Photo] Downtown Chico spotlight: Hispanic-owned restaurants

December 18, 2024

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Bidwell Mansion under restoration on Nov. 13. They started the project in Spring 2024 and are slated to finish Spring 2025. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

[Photo] Bidwell Mansion plans to reopen spring 2025

November 14, 2024

Bidwell Mansion under restoration on Nov. 13. They started the project in Spring 2024 and are slated to finish Spring 2025. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

Downtown Paradise six years after the Camp Fire. Some businesses have rebuilt while others were not able to come back. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon on Nov. 4.

Rebuilding efforts are still ongoing 6 years after the Camp Fire

Jessica Miller and Jenna McMahon
November 8, 2024

 The Camp Fire scarred the Town of Paradise and burned 18,804 structures six years ago on Nov. 8, 2018. This fire changed the Paradise and Butte County communities and countless people's lives.  Geography...

Wildcat player bumps the ball off of a serve from a Cal Poly Pomona player on Oct. 26 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Wildcat player bumps the ball off of a serve from a Cal Poly Pomona player on Oct. 26 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Cashe Olswang spikes the ball over the net against Cal Poly Pomona Oct. 26 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Cashe Olswang spikes the ball over the net against Cal Poly Pomona Oct. 26 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Chico State player jumps to block a ball hit over the net by a Cal Poly Pomona player on Oct. 26 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Chico State player jumps to block a ball hit over the net by a Cal Poly Pomona player on Oct. 26 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Wildcats celebrate winning a point against Cal Poly Pomona on Oct. 26. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

[Photo] Tough night in San Francisco for the Wildcats

November 2, 2024

Wildcats celebrate winning a point against Cal Poly Pomona on Oct. 26. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

Number 12 Kailie Flores jumps to spike the ball over the net after her teammate number 18 Caitlyn Eichhorst set it for her on Oct. 26. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

Number 12 Kailie Flores jumps to spike the ball over the net after her teammate number 18 Caitlyn Eichhorst set it for her on Oct. 26. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

The Wildcats volleyball team celebrates scoring a point in a set against Cal State San Marcos on Oct. 25. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

[Photo] Chico State volleyball defeats San Marcos in five sets

Trevor Lee, Sports Reporter
October 27, 2024

The Wildcats volleyball team celebrates scoring a point in a set against Cal State San Marcos on Oct. 25. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon.

The wildcats celebrate winning a point on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

The wildcats celebrate winning a point on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Sophomore Maria Wahl stops before trying to hit the ball because it was out on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon. Wildcats were awarded the point.

Sophomore Maria Wahl stops before trying to hit the ball because it was out on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon. Wildcats were awarded the point.

Kassandra Nall jumps up to spike the ball over the net on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Kassandra Nall jumps up to spike the ball over the net on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Claire Nordeen sets the ball for her teammate to spike over the net on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Claire Nordeen sets the ball for her teammate to spike over the net on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Setter Claire Nordeen digs the ball after the serve from Cal Poly Pomona on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Setter Claire Nordeen digs the ball after the serve from Cal Poly Pomona on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Defender Preston Moll takes a shot on goal on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Defender Preston Moll takes a shot on goal on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Goalkeeper Emmanuel Padilla dove to make a save on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

Goalkeeper Emmanuel Padilla dove to make a save on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon.

The ref makes sure the players are 10 yards away on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon. The goalkeeper ensures that the wildcats are lined up to block the free kick.

The ref makes sure the players are 10 yards away on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon. The goalkeeper ensures that the wildcats are lined up to block the free kick.

Wildcat Miles Rice dribbles through Cal Poly Pomona players on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon. He kept possession and was able to drive towards the goal.

Wildcat Miles Rice dribbles through Cal Poly Pomona players on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon. He kept possession and was able to drive towards the goal.

Elijah Beverley(left) and Sylas Sells(right) celebrate after Sells scored a goal on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon. Sells goal tied the game 1-1 before the first half was over.

[Photo] Wildcats and Broncos end with a draw after a four-goal nail-biter

October 27, 2024

Elijah Beverley(left) and Sylas Sells(right) celebrate after Sells scored a goal on Oct. 25 taken by Jenna McMahon. Sells goal tied the game 1-1 before the first half was over.

David Leick, the author of “USS Princeton: The Life and Loss of ‘Sweet P.’” Photo courtesy of David Leick.

Chico State graduate David Leick brings WWII aircraft carrier story to life

Jenna McMahon, Multimedia Editor
October 20, 2024

David Leick, a Chico State alumnus, is having his first book published on Oct. 24 written about the history of the United States Ship Princeton, “USS Princeton: The Life and Loss of ‘Sweet P.’” The...

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Community member and housing developers join for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Shotover Inn apartments Wednesday Oct. 2, in Hamilton City. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon on Oct. 2.

[Photo] La renovación del Shotover Inn proporciona nuevos hogares para inquilinos.

October 22, 2024

Community member and housing developers join for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Shotover Inn apartments Wednesday Oct. 2, in Hamilton City. Photo taken by Jenna McMahon on Oct. 2.

Throughout the month of October there is going to be different art and culture events downtown featuring local artists. It is going to be all over downtown, but most of the events will be on West 3rd Street between broadway and main.

[Photo] Downtown Chico’s annual ARTober FEST is coming back

September 30, 2024

Throughout the month of October there is going to be different art and culture events downtown featuring local artists. It is going to be all over downtown, but most of the events will be on West 3rd Street...

Throughout the month of October there is going to be different art and culture events downtown featuring local artists. It is going to be all over downtown, but most of the events will be on West 3rd Street between broadway and main.

Throughout the month of October there is going to be different art and culture events downtown featuring local artists. It is going to be all over downtown, but most of the events will be on West 3rd Street...

President Keilani Adams showing the group the steps along with the hand movements. This particular hand movement represents the sun.

Pacific Islanders Club offers a piece of Hawaii

Chris Hutton and Jenna McMahon
September 27, 2024

A slice of Hawaii could be found in the basement of the Performing Arts Center last Friday as the Pacific Islanders Club hula danced to the song “White Sandy Beach of Hawai’i” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. “Contemporary...

Chico State classrooms left without power. Taken by Callum Standish on Sept. 26

Classes canceled for rest of day due to outage

Nadia Hill, Jessica Miller, Jenna McMahon, Megan Gauer and Ellie Marty
September 26, 2024

Update 6:20 p.m. Sunday: Power has been restored and classes are set to resume as normal Monday. The power system on campus belongs to Chico State and the issue that caused the outage was not due to...

Christian Nicholas Kepler is a senior in the College of Psychology at Chico State with the intention of becoming a mental health first-responder. In his third semester at The Orion, he serves as Radio Manager/Producer for the newspaper. Kepler is a proud father of three and holds degrees in Behavioral Health and Psychology.

[Photo] C. Nicholas Kepler

August 24, 2023

Christian Nicholas Kepler is a senior in the College of Psychology at Chico State with the intention of becoming a mental health first-responder. In his third semester at The Orion, he serves as Radio...

Chico State University Police is located directly across from campus at W 2nd And, Chestnut St, Chico, CA 95928. They can be contacted at 1(530)898-5555.

[Photo] Man with wooden club taken to hospital on psychiatric hold

September 23, 2024

Chico State University Police is located directly across from campus at W 2nd And, Chestnut St, Chico, CA 95928. They can be contacted at 1(530)898-5555.

The Wildcat Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They can be found in the Student Services building across from the BMU Marketplace.

[Photo] CCLC Pop-Up Pantry to aid Chico State students in need

September 25, 2024

The Wildcat Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They can be found in the Student Services building across from the BMU Marketplace.

The Wildcat Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They can be found in the Student Services building across from the BMU Marketplace.

The Wildcat Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They can be found in the Student Services building across from the BMU Marketplace.

Duffy's is located at 337 Main St, Chico and is a popular hangout for CSU students who are of age. They have a concert on Oct. 6.

[Photo] Family Worship Center and Federale's first ever performance in Chico

October 3, 2024

Duffy's is located at 337 Main St, Chico and is a popular hangout for CSU students who are of age taken on Sept. 25. They have a concert on Oct. 6.

Volunteers throw trash into the correct bins at Hooker Oak Park on Sept. 21. All the trash was picked up from around Bidwell Park and Chico Creeks.

Community rallies for Bidwell Park and Chico Creeks Cleanup

Chris Hutton and Jenna McMahon
September 23, 2024

Over 400 members of the community held trash bags and gloves with family, friends and community organizations to help clean up Bidwell Park on Saturday.  After checking in at Hooker Oak Park and receiving...

Multiple shopping carts were picked up from different locations around Bidwell Park and other clean up hot spots on Sept. 21. Volunteers used the carts to pick up other large trash items along the way.

Multiple shopping carts were picked up from different locations around Bidwell Park and other clean up hot spots on Sept. 21. Volunteers used the carts to pick up other large trash items along the way.

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