Claire Herquet, Editor 

Philadelphia Police were active on La Salle’s campus early Friday morning, Sept. 26, responding to a nearby carjacking, according to various alerts sent to students, parents, faculty and staff via text message and email. 

According to an email issued by La Salle Public Safety, around 2:15 a.m. a car was stolen off-campus by two Black men dressed in all black clothing, reportedly not affiliated with La Salle. The suspects were pursued by police to 20th and Olney, where the vehicle was abandoned in front of Connelly Library, and a transformer pole was destroyed in the process. The perpetrators fled the scene, running through both Main and South campuses. Students were ordered to shelter in place and instructed to call 911 if they heard anything suspicious or potentially helpful to halt the situation. 

At 3:11 a.m. another message was sent to the community, advising everyone to remain sheltered in place. PECO was responding to power outages in the North Residence Halls. About 10 minutes later, an additional alert confirmed that the outage was affecting the entire campus. 

Police completed their search for the carjacking suspects and determined there was no longer a threat to residents or those in surrounding areas. The shelter-in-place order was lifted at 3:41 a.m. However, Public Safety reported that 20^th Street remained closed between Belfield Avenue and Olney Avenue due to downed wires. 

At 5:54 a.m., the University announced a two-hour delay for all classes and non-essential personnel. Power outages in select areas continued until approximately 7:40 a.m., followed by a notice that all classes would be canceled for the day. Internet services remained down until 11:00 a.m., and full restoration of electricity and Wi-Fi across campus was not achieved until noon. 

Even before the official cancellation of classes, many students expressed fear and hesitation about attending classes that day, citing safety concerns and uncertainty surrounding the incident. 

Friday’s events show persistent concerns about student safety in the neighborhoods surrounding the University. While Public Safety officers and Philadelphia Police regularly patrol university grounds, responsibility for off-campus areas falls to local authorities, posing additional challenges in maintaining safety beyond La Salle’s avenues. To stay in the loop of any potentially dangerous incidents in or around areas of La Salle University, download the Rave Guardian app and sign up for the La Salle emergency notification alerts at lasalle.edu/alerts.

Amelia Head, Staff Writer

OREM, UTAH – Sept. 10, Charlie Kirk was hosting a live debate under the organization Turning Point USA at Utah Valley University. Kirk was speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent, surrounded by cameras and other people invested in the debate. During one of his early questions, at 12:23 p.m. local time, a loud shot can be heard; Kirk reaches up with his right hand as his blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Suddenly, as it has become clear that he has been severely shot, the area goes into a pure panic, not knowing whether he will survive or not. This event resulted in the death of the right wing activist Charlie Kirk. His death was announced later on at the hospital as he failed to recover from the wound to his neck.

What is currently known is that the main suspect of the shooting has been identified as Tyler Robinson. He is a 22-year-old Utah resident that was attending an apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College. He grew up in the city of Washington, Utah, nearly a 3 and a half hour drive from the Utah Valley University campus. In 2021, Robinson attended Utah State University for one semester and received college credit through Utah Tech University from 2019 to 2021 while he was still in high school.

On Sept. 11, the FBI released surveillance images showing the suspect. This revealing video shows him jumping off the roof where the shooting is believed to have happened. Authorities also alleged that Tyler Robinson’s roommate was involved in this case as the roommate in question had shown messages on the social media platform Discord that referenced needing to pick up a rifle from a drop point. 

“It is a high-powered, bolt-action rifle. That rifle was recovered in a wooded area where the shooter had fled,”  according to FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake office.

New information is still being released as investigations continue.

Kelsey McGovern, Staff Writer

PHILADELPHIA – SEPTA has recently faced critical financial issues impacting service schedules and fare rates.

In Aug. 2025, SEPTA began cutting services due to a $213 million funding crisis. About 800,000 Pennsylvanians, especially those in the greater Philadelphia area, have been affected. For example, buses have not been able to hold all passengers, impacting people’s daily lives and work schedules.

Because of service cuts, Philadelphia schools reported a decrease in attendance. Other events that would be affected include the FIFA World Cup and PGA Championship. SEPTA warns that if it does not receive the funding needed, it will cut half of its services by January 2026 and not return to a normal schedule for special events.

On Monday, Sept. 8, Gov. Josh Shapiro approved millions of dollars held in capital project funding to help restore services, according to 6abc. SEPTA reported that such cuts were necessary to comply with the $200 million deficit, even though it was quite drastic.

In court, the topic of SEPTA cuts being discriminatory toward lower-income or minority groups was raised. A judge ordered the two-week-old cuts to be undone after they were challenged. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is working to restore services, but SEPTA said it will need $394 million in state funds to avoid issues for the next two years. PennDOT approved the funds to reverse the planned cuts. However, fares will increase 21.5% to generate about $31 million in revenue and return to a normal schedule. While SEPTA recognized this is an increase in fare prices, it said it is needed. A typical weekday ride will rise from $2.50 to $2.90.

The plan of shifting state-provided capital funds to resume service is only a temporary fix to the issue. Every year, the deficit will only grow if it does not receive aid. Pennsylvania must figure out a way to run transportation in a reliable and affordable way. It was estimated that services will return to normal by Sept. 14.

On Sept. 14, NBC Philadelphia interviewed SEPTA riders about the increase in fare prices. Around 700,000 people ride SEPTA each month, so the 21.5% increase in prices will make it harder for some to ride.

One rider mentioned that many people do not pay the fare, but those who do will be affected. This is an important factor to highlight because fare evasion contributes to the debt SEPTA is facing. Riders who do not pay cannot be upset about cuts in the schedule because they are part of the reason SEPTA is in debt. While it can be understood why some people do not pay because there are typically no repercussions, they should realize that the increase in fare prices now is partly because of their actions. Riders who have always paid the fare are now paying more because of those who cheat the system.

Claire Herquet & Peyton Harris, Editors 

Following the closure of the Starbucks location on main campus in December, students, faculty and staff will now find their caffeine fix and study space at “The Hideaway,” the university’s newly branded coffee, taproom and eatery stop.

Located inside the former Starbucks location in the Union lobby, The Hideaway promises to be more than just a place to grab a latte. The La Salle Dining team and their construction workers have been working hard to build and design the space from scratch, carefully considering every detail to create a unique and welcoming atmosphere for our campus community. 

As construction was being done over Spring break (as per a reel posted on the @lasalledining Instagram account), students and faculty came back to campus and saw the Hideaway’s doors open for its soft opening on Friday, April 4. Campus representatives were offering draft beers and free samples for those in attendance and were open to conversation about specifics of the new spot. 

The Union Hideaway, sponsored by Aramark, is a proud partner of La Colombe Coffee Roasters, an American coffee brand originally founded in Philadelphia. In addition to selling La Colombe on-the-go cold brews and lattes, the baristas at the Hideaway also make and sell iced and hot espresso drinks, refreshers/tea beverages and drip coffees. Pastries and breakfast sandwiches, along with a “pub-style” lunch and dinner menu provide students with an array of options. After 5:00 p.m., a selection of alcoholic beverages from draft beers, assorted wines, seltzers and La Salle’s own Explorer Ale are available for patrons aged 21-plus. 

This past Tuesday, with administrators, Aramark representatives, students and staff in attendance, La Salle Dining held the official grand opening of The Hideaway. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, with remarks given by Dr. Gaby, Former SGA President William Goydan and President Dan Allen. Hideaway staff were hard at work behind the counter crafting drinks, as well as mingling throughout the space providing different samples of the food offerings and the canned coffee options. 

Dan Allen stressed to those in attendance that he would like feedback upon the opening of the Hideaway. He stated that this space is made in accordance with the love he has for the students and faculty of La Salle, and the Hideaway is what we make of it, as La Salle University is not just the place where we come to learn – we come here to thrive. He addressed that there will of course be improvements made in the coming months, but he needs to hear from us first.   

The Hideaway was built with Lasallians interests in mind, as Dr. Gaby relayed in a statement to The Collegian prior to the grand opening. 

“I am very pleased that we are able to offer to our students a unique and full eatery experience with extended hours than previously offered, now that we have opened the Union Hideaway. I am looking forward to students creating memories for years to come in our new space available not only for a study spot, but for good food, fun, and laughter,” she said. 

As Hideaway staff have been at work preparing food and beverages for some weeks now, many students have begun to frequent the new space as they try out new menu items. Freshman MyrrhJessica Okwara attended the grand opening ceremonies and was impressed with the various samples provided by staff. 

“When it comes to the food, I would say that it was delectable, it was delicious, especially the pizzas that they had out,” she said. “I have to become a regular.” 

“I really like the new detailed design. It’s really unique and a lot different from the other [places] we have here,” said sophomore Riley Kavchok. “I feel like with [The Hideaway] we have a wider variety of options, food-wise, bakery-wise, than when Starbucks was here. I really like the coffee, too,” she said. 

Both students agreed that a central community space like The Hideaway is essential to supporting students on campus.  

“A coffee spot is not just known for coffee, but just for the fact that you can sit and converse with people. It’s a great place to relax between classes, and most of all, it’s just important to the community that now we have our own space to do stuff,” said Okwara. Kavchok echoed that sentiment, adding, “I would reward myself with a fun drink whenever I was stressed out, especially during finals week. I’m happy now that I can do that again.” 

Starting from scratch in a new venue is no easy feat. Work began immediately after the Fall 2024 semester ended, and the new Hideaway is the culmination of all those efforts. Derek Bray, district marketing manager for Aramark’s Collegiate Hospitality division, says the process is “truly awe-inspiring”. 

“From the work performed by architects and contractors to product research and development and menu engineering and executing a comprehensive and engaging marketing strategy, the end result is really a culmination of these pieces all coming together at just the right moment and in a way that complement each other,” said Bray. 

Echoing statements from Dr. Gaby and Dr. Allen, Bray stressed that the main goal of the new space is to ensure that it meets students’ needs and is crafted from the feedback they receive. Their priority with the new space will continue to be, “creating a vibrant atmosphere and centrally located gathering space for students while enhancing the menu offerings throughout the day and creating a more robust late-night experience.” 

With its doors finally open, The Hideaway stands ready to be a comfortable and peaceful space for the La Salle community. Offering a diverse menu and a welcoming atmosphere for all, this new campus addition promises to be more than just a replacement for Starbucks.

As students, faculty, and staff begin to frequent and implement the Hideaway into their daily and weekly routines, the hard work being completed by university leaders and Aramark representatives suggests an exciting new chapter in the Student Union, one shaped by the people it aims to serve. 

Kelsey McGovern, Staff Writer

Throughout the past few months, conversation regarding TikTok has been circulating, raising questions about whether or not the app will be banned. In April, lawmakers proposed banning TikTok due to suspicious spying by the Chinese government. The Supreme Court decided that if TikTok remained owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based company, the shutdown would take effect on Jan. 19, 2025. The app was not deleted off users’ phones, but a disclaimer was put on the app on Saturday night, Jan. 18, saying TikTok is not available for users in the United States at this time. The app went dark for approximately 14 hours. Donald Trump was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025, with hopes to save TikTok. President Trump said he has the power to shut down the app or continue it for the 170 million American users. On Sunday, Jan. 19, TikTok was restored, sparking conversation to prevent the ban of TikTok. 

On Jan. 20, President Trump issued a 75-day extension order, but said it “requires evidence that parties working to arrange a sale of TikTok to a US-owned company have made significant progress,” according to CNN Business. ByteDance has stated they are not looking to change ownership. This executive order consists of ordering the United States Attorney General to not go through with the ban by communicating through letters that companies will not be punished if they still work with or support TikTok. The federal legislation states that companies that aid users in accessing TikTok could be fined $5,000; although this is not in Trump’s order. 

In President Trump’s first term, he was vocal about banning TikTok; now, however, he is not concerned with banning the app and looks to save it. The extension is set to end on April 5, 2025. Questions are being made on whether or not Trump has the power to initiate such a ban. On USA TODAY, they refer to prosecutorial discretion which allows the government to ultimately decide on laws applying to companies. 

If users had TikTok downloaded before the ban on Jan. 18, 2025, the app still remains on their device able to be used. However, the app is not in the Apple App Store to be downloaded. In Joe Biden’s term he issued a Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to protect the United States from security threats. ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, has responded to such claims saying they are not giving user data to the Chinese government. ByteDance was given until Jan. 19, 2025 to divest of the app, which they failed to do, causing the app to go “dark”. 

Maya Martin, Editor

PHILADELPHIA – Select La Salle students attended a performance of the “Hamilton” North American Tour on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The students attended the live performance, enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour and experienced a meet and greet.

Members of the history and political science departments as well as the Masque executive board were given the opportunity to see the show for free. Dr. Mark Thomas, of the political science department, and Dr. Stuart Leibiger, of the history department, arranged and organized the trip.

“Hamilton” is the popular musical written by Lin Manuel Miranda who also starred in the original cast as Alexander Hamilton. The show was inspired by the book “Alexander Hamiton” by Ron Chernow.

The musical was released in 2015 followed by the Disney+ release of the show for streaming in 2020. It gained a large following and popularity shortly after its original release in 2015. Since then, the show has been known as a lively, modern interpretation of Alexander Hamilton’s life using a variety of music styles. It is very well known for its use of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and soul music styles.

“Hamilton was really great, and I thank Mark Thomas and the political science department for the opportunity to see how history played out – and we had great seats,” said junior Patrick Malloy.

Members of the Masque’s executive board got a behind-the-scenes tour after the show as well. Eric Mayer, the production’s stage manager, led the tour. During this, the students asked questions and learned more about the show’s operations.

“I had to pinch myself. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the inner workings of professional theater,” said the Vice President of the Masque, Allie Ringsdorf. “Eric Mayer was very accommodating, knowledgeable and slid in a joke or two after a wonderful show run.”

Additionally, the students viewed the costumes, props and inner workings of the show. They had backstage access and were able to take pictures and view the set from on stage.

“I was in awe of how beautiful the set was and was fascinated with all of the technical details used to bring this story to life,” said Ringsdorf.

On Nov. 7, the day after the performance, students who attended joined a Zoom meet and greet with the cast in which they got to know the performers behind the historical roles and asked any questions about the show.

The attending students were very grateful to see and have an in-depth experience for such an impactful show, especially in the “Birthplace of America” – Philadelphia – just a day after election day.