Explosives vanish in Iraq, U.S. searches for answers

On Monday, Oct. 25 U.S. officials announced that over 380 tons of explosives were missing in Iraq. The lack of security at the facility that is 30 miles outside of Baghdad seems to be the problem that led to the explosives to be stolen. Officials are not in agreement as to when the explosives actually disappeared, but it is certain that it is possible for the materials to bring down aircrafts and destroy buildings. President Bush, who found out about the information on Oct. 15, ordered an investigation looking into whether or not nuclear weapons were involved. Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry used the breaking news to his advantage as he campaigned throughout the country. Secretary of State Colin Powell refused to comment when asked about the incident, according to MSNBC.

Flu vaccine readily available at Capitol Hill

As many Americans stand in lines outside grocery stores nationwide waiting to get inoculated from the flu, members and employees of congress have already been able to receive a flu shot at no charge from Capitol Hill physician, John F. Eisold. Dr. Eisold has urged all 535 members of congress to get the vaccination even if they are young and healthy because, “(members of congress) shake hands with a lot of people and then visit veterans centers and other concentrations of susceptible people,” a spokesman for Eisold said. Since this shortage of flu vaccinations has occurred, the government has stressed to the public that only those that fall within certain guidelines are to be inoculated. All others are instructed to forego the shot to keep from depleting the reserve vaccines, according to the Washington Post.

The numberof soldiers wounded in Iraq breaks 8,000

KATIE HODGINS STAFF WRITER KAH722@CABRINI EDU

The Presidential campaigns are nearing the end, and the race is closer than ever-therefore, each vote will be incredibly crucial. The election that some people say may be the closest ever is becoming more unpredictable every day

As of Sunday, Oct. 24, the Rumussen Presidential poll reports that President George W Bush is estimated to have 47.6 percent of the vote and Senator Kerry has 47.2 percent, with 3.6 percent of voters still undecided.

As of right now, it is estimated that President Bush will get 222 Electoral votes and Senator Kerry will get 190 Electoral votes. Of course, this could very easily change in the upcoming days.

Since the race is so close, some may wonder why any person wouldn't cast their vote, especially college students, since we are incredibly dependent on whoever will be the next to hold the office of President. When asked if she will vote, junior Kathleen Costello said, “Yes…why not?”

This may be the way some college students think, but unfortunately, the numbers of young peo- ple between the ages of 18-29 that voted in the last election is not too promising.

Everyone is now aware that the young vote is incredibly important. According to Dr Hedtke, Chair of History and Political Science, as of now the young vote seems to be in favor of Senator Kerry. This can even be seen on this campus, with the majority of campaign signs being that of the Kerry-Edwards campaign.

Hedtke stated that the four main issues that will determine the fate of the election are terrorism, Iraq, education and social issues. The main question many people are asking is “Who's going to protect you here at home?,” Hedtke said. The campaign strategy as of now includes the candidates putting “scary labels on each other.” They are not so much saying how they will specifically give benefit to the country, but how their opponent would hurt the country

There are a handful of states that each candidate is desperate to win. These states are given the nickname of “swing states.” These include Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida. So far, it looks as if Kerry will take Michigan. The first polls out of the state of Florida showed that Kerry had a three point lead with the margin of error.

The biggest question mark, Ohio, is an incredibly vital state, especially for President Bush.

“No Republican candidate who has lost the state of Ohio has ever won.” Hedtke said. Hedtke predicts that Kerry would have to win three out of the four swing states and Bush would have to win two of the four. Since Pennsylvania is one of these states, each vote here is incredibly important.

The number of US troops wounded in Iraq since the war in the country began in March 2003 has topped the 8,000 mark, according to figures released by the Pentagon last Tuesday. The total number is 8,016, a number that is double what it was six months ago. On April fifth of this year, the number wounded was 2,988; by the end of April it was 3.864. Along with the increase of men wounded, the number of men killed has risen as well. As of last Tuesday, the death toll stands at 1,102. Six months ago on April 2, the number stood at 598 according to the Associated Press.

College Student dies afterBoston Red Sox game

Acollege student died last Thursday night after being injured along with two dozen other people in the violence that erupted outside Fenway Park after the Boston Red Sox victory over the New York Yankees to advance to the World Series. Emerson College in Boston confirmed the death of 21-year-old Victoria Snelgrove, a student of that college. The school said she got caught up in the celebrations around Fenway Park that drew at least 60,000 people. Boston police said they arrested eight people and 16 others were taken to area hospitals after some fans turned violent according to Reuters.

Stewart makes an appearance on CNN's “Crossfire”

“The Daily Show's,” Jon Stewart recently made an appearance on CNN's “Crossfire.” During his appearance he told the hosts of the show how the show is, “hurting America,” as well as the fact that, “You have a responsibility to the public discourse, and you fail miserably.” He also told them that they are, “hacks,” saying Crossfire, “basically just brings in a hack from the left, a hack from the right, lets them fight, and calls it a day.” However, “Crossfire” cohost told Jon Stewart that he shouldn't tell them how to do their jobs as journalists in response to the interview Jon Stewart did with Sen. John Kerry a few weeks back. Jon Stewart replied, "You're on CNN. The show that leads into me is puppets making crank phone calls,” according to CNN.