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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

The Outlet by Lulus decorated with Valentine's decor located on East Second Street. Photo taken by Alexis Bunch on Feb. 5.

Affordable luxury rooted in the heart of Downtown Chico

Alexis Bunch, Reporter
February 12, 2025

Located on the brick-paved streets of Downtown Chico is The Outlet by Lulus where customers can dig through rows of large, white bins organized by size and item type to find their own “near-perfect Lulus...

Signs in both English and Spanish could be seen in the group of protesters. Photo taken by Lexi Lynn on Feb. 3.

Immigration reform protesters gather in City Plaza

Nadia Hill, Chris Hutton and Lexi Lynn
February 4, 2025

“Si se puede,” chanted a crowd of protestors during the late afternoon on Monday, holding signs advocating for immigrant rights in response to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, following...

Downtown Chico spotlight: Hispanic-owned restaurants

Downtown Chico spotlight: Hispanic-owned restaurants

Dominic Curcuro, Writer
December 18, 2024

Chico has a vibrant, varied and delicious Hispanic food scene, and Downtown Chico specifically is an easy place to get to from campus. These restaurants have a lot of standout dishes and good deals,...

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.

Bidwell Mansion plans to reopen spring 2025

Lukas Mann, Reporter
November 14, 2024

Roofing installations and repairs to all the exterior wood components are mainly moving according to plan with the Bidwell Mansion Restoration Project.  The Bidwell Mansion is closed to the public...

Orion News graphic created by Jessica Miller on Aug. 30

Orion news weekly highlights: Oct. 5 to 11

Jessica Miller, News Editor
October 11, 2024

From upcoming propositions to U.S. Senate candidates to arson, here are this week’s –- Oct. 5 to 11 –- news stories: Chico City Plaza closed and fenced off for restoration and maintenance The City...

Thomas Covington has lived in Chico intermittently throughout his life, and is currently homeless due to disability. Taken by Lexi Lynn on Sept. 20.

Stories from the streets: Thomas Covington

Lexi Lynn, Reporter
September 26, 2024

Between captaining a fishing boat in Alaska, bartending in Vegas and sleeping on the beaches of Hawaii, Thomas Covington has lived nothing short of a colorful life.  This is Covington’s story as...

Jose Alvarado-Rodriguez, shown above, has been charged with one account for attempted kidnapping. Courtesy: Butte County District Attorney's Office

Chico man arraigned on attempted kidnapping-related charges

Jessica Miller, News Editor
September 17, 2024

A Chico man — Jose Alvarado-Rodriguez — was arraigned in Butte County Superior Court on charges related to the attempted kidnapping of an 18-year-old woman in downtown Chico, the Butte County District...

From the Chico Police Department Facebook page

Police: Teen rushed to hospital with major injuries after being hit by Chico State student

Michael Arredondo and Jessica Miller
September 12, 2024

Update 9:30 a.m. Thursday: A 17-year-old Chico High student was rushed to the hospital with major injuries after being hit by a Chico State student while in a marked crosswalk on Esplanade near West Sacramento...

A racer navigates a corner while racing through downtown Chico. Taken by Toby Neal on March 10.

Chico Downtown Criterium, one step closer to bringing back Chico Stage Race

Toby Neal, Reporter
March 13, 2024

Cyclists raced through the streets of Downtown Chico on Sunday, as the Chico Downtown Criterium returned after a four-year break, following the pandemic. It marks the first step in bringing back the full...

Upper Crust Bakery and Cafe patio and entryway. Taken by Jessica Miller on Feb. 19.

So, you have an hour? Let’s eat!

Jessica Miller, Food Editor
March 9, 2024

Though for some it may be a rarity, occasionally students find themselves with an hour between classes to grab a meal. Here are a few options to think about for your next long lunch break: In walking...

 Downtown restaurants are happy to help college students with inexpensive and tasty options. Taken at Madison Bear Garden by Alina Babajko on Feb. 29.

Student deals and cheap meals

Alina Babajko, Reporter
March 7, 2024

Celestino’s Pizza  Celestino's is located on East Avenue and First Street across from the Ayres building. Their student special offers a slice of cheese, mushroom or pepperoni and a medium fountain...

Customers enjoying food in the seating area of Mas Amor Mexican Food. Taken by Jessica Miller on March 2.

Mas Amor Mexican Food’s grand opening is just the beginning

Jessica Miller, Food Editor
March 4, 2024

The smell of handmade tortillas and salsa filled the inside of the Phoenix building at 300 Broadway St. just across from Jon and Bon’s. Less than a 10-minute walk from Chico State campus now resides...