July 27, 1996: a day that shocked and stirred an entire nation. While millions of families huddled around their television screens to watch the Summer Olympics, a bomb had been planted in Centennial Park. Locating the bomb mere moments before it detonated, security officer Richard Jewell was able to save hundreds of lives. Jewell’s “hero” title quickly morphed into “villain” when he became a suspect in the FBI’s investigation. 24-hour media coverage of the investigation led to intense public … [Read more...]

By Aaron Hughey Getting better is not just a process—it is a journey. It is a thousand-piece puzzle that not even grandma can finish in a few days. Getting better takes a lifetime because we are constantly trying to become our best selves.  That is the goal, right? To be the best version of ourselves.  But what does it mean when we start going in circles? When we keep passing the same signs and avoiding the exits?  What does it mean when we circumvent any and every … [Read more...]

For the 2018-19 academic year, AU saw the largest freshman class it has seen in years. Thus, it came as a surprise and disappointment to many when the 2019-20 freshman enrollment numbers reflected a significant decline.  Perhaps none felt let down more than the numerous faculty and staff who were consequently terminated. Although the faculty affected by the layoffs had already signed onto 12-month contracts and will be paid through August of 2020, they will be out of jobs next … [Read more...]

By Addison Lavelle The immigration crisis in America is reaching new and profound lows. I do not accept the narrative that immigrants are a detriment to the American dream when, in fact, immigrants are the very reason that the United States of America exists in the first place.  I have listened to politicians discuss this topic with fiery rhetoric over the past four years and have shaken my head in disgust at the increasingly radical position taken by the far right on how we should … [Read more...]

By Chris Luhring Upon exiting the Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1776, Benjamin Franklin was asked by passersby what government the framers had devised for the United States. He replied, A republic, if you can keep it.” I have frankly just passed off the House of Representatives’ impeachment inquiry as just another depressing chapter in the partisan warfare between an unorthodox President and an often-vindictive majority House of Representatives. However, it has become clear … [Read more...]

Rap sensation Kanye West’s transition from “I Am God” to “Jesus Is King” shocked the nation. In 2013, West released his album, “Yeezus” and encouraged people to call him by that name. A definite change has occured. Since the beginning of 2019, he’s spent every Sunday leading pop-up church services called “Sunday Service.” The service included worship led by him and others, along with prayer.  It became a social media sensation, and the talk of the release of “Jesus Is King” came soon … [Read more...]

In the dark days of AU football, it was dreadful to watch the offense jog out onto the field and come away empty time after time. This year, there is a much different buzz in the air when Tyson Harley and his offense hit the field. Harley is a freshman quarterback working with a lot of other underclassmen on the offensive side of the ball, and the group is dynamic.  Having four wide recievers come out almost every play can be predictable after a while, but the Ravens manage to … [Read more...]

By Mckala Lindsey Despite what many college students think, “I want to kill myself” is not an acceptable alternative to, “I am stressed about this paper,” or, “I am upset that I failed that exam.” I know that we all use these suicide-related phrases to express our disgruntlement. Don’t act like we don’t. I hear an abundance of them every day as I walk through the Valley or when I’m doing homework in Mocha Joe’s.   Unfortunately, they have become the new norm, and when people say them, … [Read more...]

With today's continuing technological advances, you can find music anywhere. Whether it's Spotify, radio or the return of vinyls, we all have access to music in some form. It's easy to search a song on your phone, put your headphones in and block out everything around you, but imagine hearing that song live. You can literally feel the drum beats in your chest and hear a room full of fans singing that same song with you. It's an experience.  Because of streaming services like Apple … [Read more...]

By Claire Mountcastle Beethoven, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion: you probably have never heard of any of these people or groups. These names are some of the best things to ever happen to music.  I know what you might be thinking; they probably suck. You didn’t even mention Beyoncé or Taylor Swift. Exactly. Need I say more? Most of the songs out there today are either wildly inappropriate or lack the depth and originality created by past artists. … [Read more...]