Category: Featured
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Richardson residents comment on councilman’s viral tweet insulting Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez
Richardson City Council member Scott Dunn made national headlines last week over a tweet in which he referred to U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a “bimbo.” In a statement on Monday, Dunn said he had received a number of death threats since the incident. The date and context of the tweet are unclear, as Dunn…
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New ATEC coffee bar attracts students
At mid-morning on Thursday, ATEC is still fairly quiet. Suddenly, from under the big staircase, there comes a tiny puff of steam. A moment later, there’s a smooth click and a low hum. 20 seconds later, there’s the unmistakable scent of fresh espresso. The smells and sounds come from an espresso machine at the heart…
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Anderson controversy prompts review of admissions
UTD was thrust into the national spotlight in December 2018 after a student petition to remove Jacob Anderson, a UTD student accused of sexual assault, went viral. Anderson transferred to the university in 2016 after expulsion from Baylor University. University President Richard Benson said in a statement that the university had “admitted a student while…
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Academic scandal highlights need for improved transparency
The recent controversy surrounding the Justice Administration and Leadership program came to light in a Feb. 3 report by The Dallas Morning News, in which transfer students in a criminology master’s program were awarded A’s for classes they did not attend. There still remain unanswered questions. However, The News took things a step further by…
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Chartwells officials deny worker allegations
Chartwells officials denied allegations of workplace harassment and unfair labor practices at their UT Dallas operation. The allegations, published in the Dec. 3 issue of The Mercury, came from numerous current and former Chartwells workers and included sexual harassment and other acts of intimidation, pay withholding and breach of contract. “We launched an investigation for…
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Blue emergency poles to be removed from UV
University Housing is removing Code Blue phones across University Village, replacing the emergency call poles with improved lighting fixtures. Code Blue phones were installed 14 years ago and gave users a direct line of communication to police when most students did not have mobile phones. Instead of continued upkeep for the Code Blue poles —…
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UTD announces acquisition of Crow Museum of Asian Art
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published online on Jan. 24. It has since been updated to include quotes from Sarah Kozlowski, the director of the Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History. UTD acquired the Crow Collection of Asian Art in its entirety, university officials announced Thursday afternoon. In addition to the pieces currently housed…
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New patio, offices coming to Lot U
Restrooms, concession stands undergoing upgrades for future building expansions in summer 2019 The concession stands and restrooms near the soccer fields and Lot U are undergoing renovations to create a new building with more expansive and updated facilities that is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. The renovation project is part…
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Students report raw, moldy food at on-campus eateries
Richardson Health Department conducts inspections of Dining Hall West, IHOP Express to address numerous complaints A series of posts on UTD’s subreddit featured pictures of moldy food and raw chicken allegedly found at various UTD dining establishments, beginning at the end of November. Jamie Lee Harris, a computer science sophomore, said he found a hot…
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Food service workers accuse Chartwells management of misconduct
Food service workers accuse Chartwells management of misconduct Editor’s Note: The Mercury’s publication of a Dec. 3 report, in which former and current Chartwells workers alleged verbal abuse, unfair labor practices and sexual harassment, came amid efforts by workers to form a union, with the support of a local chapter of the United Food and…