The federal government is still in partial shutdown after Congress failed to pass a spending bill on Dec. 22, 2018, due to controversy concerning funding for a border wall. Democrats and Republicans are equally as unwilling to reach a compromise, leaving Congress in gridlock for the foreseeable future. The hotly debated wall was a major component of President Trump’s campaign for the presidency in 2016. A signature feature of Trump’s campaign promise was that the funding for a wall on the … [Read more...]
Needle exchange program reinstated
Since 2002, deaths caused by opioid overdoses in the U.S. have nearly tripled. In 2016, opioids were responsible for more overdose deaths than any other year on record. The effects of the drug crisis are being felt across the nation, and Madison County is no exception. Austin Ross, who works with United Way of Madison County, is a member of AmeriCorps, an organization supported by the federal government with the goal of “helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.” “Most … [Read more...]
SGA announces bouldering wall
AU’s SGA recently began efforts to install a bouldering wall in the KWC. The project will cost a total of $10,000 and will rely heavily on donations from donors, faculty, staff and students. “SGA decided to put our best foot forward by starting the process and donating $3,500 of our budget to this project,” said SGA President Victor Mweu. Mweu says the idea for a bouldering wall came about after talking with a group of students who enjoy climbing in Indianapolis. “After talking to … [Read more...]
HLSA hosts “I Stand With Immigrants” day
A migrant caravan consisting of thousands of Central Americans seeking asylum is nearing the end of its journey through Mexico toward the southern border of the United States. In response, President Trump has ordered upward of 5,000 troops to secure the country against migrants seeking entry outside of one of the 48 legal points of entry located on the southern border. In order to be eligible for asylum, migrants must first be categorized as refugees. The Refugee Act of 1980 defines a … [Read more...]
School of Nursing boasts perfect 2017 NCLEX scores
At 100 percent, AU’s School of Nursing pass rate in 2017 on the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, was the highest in the state of Indiana. Passing the NCLEX is essential for students graduating with a degree in nursing because it licenses them to practice as a registered nurse. In order to take the NCLEX, aspiring nurses must first qualify by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing, or a BSN. The exam costs $200 to take and covers several “categories of client needs,” ranging … [Read more...]
High stakes for midterm elections
Thirty-five U.S. Senate seats will be up for grabs this November, two of which will be contested in special elections. One of those 35 seats belongs to Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly. Donnelly is a Democrat running as an incumbent this fall against Republican candidate Mike Braun and Libertarian candidate Lucy Brenton. Jennifer Culp is a Republican running for state representative in Indiana’s House district 36, in which Anderson is located. Culp says it’s important for college students to … [Read more...]
Kavanaugh confirmation highlights political division
On Saturday, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court. After a confirmation process that went on for approximately three months and was shrouded in political controversy, the final vote was 50-48 in favor of Kavanaugh’s confirmation. Dr. Michael Frank, professor of political science, touts the significance of Supreme Court confirmations and explains the differences between a judicial confirmation and a criminal trial. “It’s not a … [Read more...]
Q & A with Dillon Lockwood
Dillon Lockwood is the RD for the on-campus apartments: Fair Commons, South Campus, Tara East and University Terrace. Lockwood earned his bachelor’s in youth ministry from AU and is currently completing the second year of his master’s in theological studies through the School of Theology. Why did you decide to become an RD? I was an RA for two years, and I really enjoyed doing that. I had a fleeting thought at one point when I was an RA that I might be an RD once I graduated. I … [Read more...]
Reality in fiction: The faith and context of Harry Potter
When he had sacrificed everything and had nothing left to give, Harry Potter made one last selfless decision: to abandon Death’s restful embrace in the hope that he could still make a difference. This choice was made, as most are, in the recesses of the mind. “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry,” Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore explained to the Boy Who Lived. “But why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” This fall, a group of AU students are exploring … [Read more...]
A tribute to Senator John McCain
This week Stars and Stripes across the States are set at half-staff in honor of the late U.S. Senator John McCain. McCain passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 81 after a year-long battle against brain cancer following his decision to discontinue treatment. McCain served as a senator for the state of Arizona for more than 30 years. As a member of the U.S. Senate, McCain was heralded as a bipartisan who was eager to work across party lines in service of the American people. The … [Read more...]