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By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

Elliott Watkins

Elliott Watkins, Staff Reporter

Staff Reporter – Spring 2022

All content by Elliott Watkins
Courtesy of Pexels

If we collectively believed that tents were “beautiful”, anti-homeless architecture wouldn’t exist.

Elliott Watkins, Columnist
June 1, 2022

We find cars, skyscrapers and bridges to be appealing, so why not tents? Anti-homeless architecture, also known as “hostile” architecture, is implemented in many cities to create an unwelcome environment...

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Polynesian dancers perform for PolyFest.

Polynesian culture celebrated at PolyFest

Elliott Watkins, Staff Reporter
May 25, 2022

The SURC ballroom was lit up by green and yellow lights around the room, while those overhead dimmed. As the audience slowly flooded in to find their seats, they were greeted with Polynesian music. The...

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Ellensburg City Hall where the DEI Commission meetings take place

La Comisión de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión de Ellensburg celebra su quinta reunión pública de 2022

Elliott Watkins, Reportero del personal
May 18, 2022

La Comisión de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión (DEI) de Ellensburg se reúne para debatir temas y eventos de diversidad de la comunidad cada segundo martes de cada mes.  La DEI se estableció en...

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Ellensburg City Hall where the DEI Commission meetings take place

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission discusses concerns and Pride month

Elliott Watkins, Staff Reporter
May 18, 2022

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Commission of Ellensburg discussed LGBTQ+ centric issues at their meeting on Tuesday, May 10.  To begin the meeting, the agenda was approved by the commission...

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African Night Ubuntu celebrates culture across the globe

African Night Ubuntu celebrates culture across the globe

An eruption of laughter resonated around the SURC Ballroom as two members of the audience  weaved their way from their seats to the stage, bathed in purple lighting in front of the crowd.  Comedian...

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Courtesy of The Royal Society | See bottom of story for attribution

Elon Musk’s recent Twitter buy-out is the demise of free speech for minorities on Twitter

Elliott Watkins, Columnist
May 4, 2022

Elon Musk is the world’s wealthiest man, the owner of Tesla and most recently the owner of Twitter. The ownership of Twitter was a pursuit in the name of “free speech” for Musk, but it seems to be...

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Courtesy of Living Pictures Production

‘Courage’ documentary highlights protest culture in Belarus

Elliott Watkins, Staff Reporter
May 4, 2022

The room was quiet and waiting in anticipation for the documentary to begin. The lights turned low, the screen went dark and the audience sat in silent anticipation as they prepared to observe a glimpse...

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Afternoon jam session exclusively for women and nonbinary people

CWU Jazz Education Network celebrates fourth annual Women In Jazz Day

Elliott Watkins, Staff Reporter
April 27, 2022

Upon entering the CWU music building, fliers and Jazz Education Network (JEN) club members greeted Women In Jazz Day participants on April 22 as the sound of trumpets and bass welcomed attendees down the...

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Crater Lake and OBF 2008

THC induced hunger brings business to local eateries

Elliott Watkins, Staff Reporter
April 20, 2022

Munchies are “the compelling and intense feeling of hunger after smoking weed,” according to Cooldad101 on Urban Dictionary. Those that choose to partake in cannabis-related activities likely know...

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Sam DeSmith Jr. Psychology

Autism Awareness Month: Community members share experiences

Katherine Camarata and Elliott Watkins
April 13, 2022

Maybe you are someone that has a loved one on the autistic spectrum. Maybe you have taken a few special education courses and feel you have a solid grasp on the ins and outs of autism. Maybe you feel you...

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