September 24, 2020

S T U DE N T RU N N E WS SI NC E 1926

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

shot Mankato protests seeking justice for Breonna Taylor Officers at Louisville protests

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN EDITOR IN CHIEF

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Hours after a Kentucky grand jury brought no charges against Louisville police for Breonna Taylor’s death and protesters took to the streets, authorities said two officers were shot and wounded Wednesday night during the demonstrations expressing anger over the killings of Black people at the hands of police.

Interim Louisville Police Chief Robert Schroeder said a suspect was in custody but did not offer details about whether that person was participating in the demonstrations. He says both officers are expected to recover, and one is undergoing surgery.

He says the officers were shot after investigating reports of gunfire at an intersection

Community members rallied on the Veterans Memorial Bridge Wednesday evening to protest the decision that the two officers who killed Breonna Taylor during a raid on her apartment in March will not be charged.

Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman from Louisville, Kentucky, was killed after the Louisville Metro Police Department executed a “noknock search warrant.”

A Kentucky grand jury brought no charges against the police department for the death of Taylor. Only three charges were brought forward against Officer Brett Hawkinson for wanton endangerment.

These charges were due to Hawkinson firing into a home

BREONNA page 3

Protesters gather on the Veterans Memorial Bridge to protest Breonna Taylor’s death Sept. 23, 2020 in Mankato, Minn. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. (Mansoor Ahmad/MSU Reporter)

Dining Center’s COVID-19 response MEDINA OUATTARA STAFF WRITER Minnesota State University, Mankato made a lot of changes during this COVID-19 period, and the University Dining Center is no exception.

All students who come to dine in the university dining center will receive a “reserved” sign for their seat. The amount of “reserved” signs are determined by occupancy

rules. As the student exits the dining center, they return the sign. Cleaning crews then sanitize and disinfect the sign so it can be reused.

Employees follow strict protocols about personal hygiene and food safety such as wearing gloves, frequent hand washing and frequent cleaning and sanitizing of touched objects and surfaces. In addition to that, they have to respect a travel ban for all non-essential

Students line up outside the University Dining Center, which is adhering to COVID-19 guidelines Sept. 21, 2020 in Mankato, Minn.

(Muhammad Ibrahim/MSU Reporter)

RES LIFE IN THIS ISSUE: COVID RESPONSE

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2

business travel.

“The dining hall always makes sure that employees are wearing face masks and gloves,” Samira Diby, a junior at MNSU, observed.

“I think the staff are doing good, but they should also check people’s temperature at the entrance,” MNSU freshman Mariam Yusuf added.

Adjusting the menu options in order to keep up with satisfaction was also a big focus for the hall. Giving the students a variety of wholesome and fresh foods are paramount for them. With the supply chain being severely impacted by COVID, the dining hall works closely with vendors to ensure they can get items that are on its menu. This is a way to minimize the number of last-minute menu substitutions, and it continues to be an ongoing effort and will be for some time.

One thing hasn’t been affected by the pandemic: students’ eating habits.

FOOD page 3

COPS SHOT page 3

A new look for the men’s basketball team!

PHOTO STORY ON

STUDENTS SHOULD PAGE VOLUNTEER? 4

page 11

WILD BIRD SHOW ON CAMPUS

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10

2 • MSU Reporter

News

Res Life adapts to new COVID guidelines

Students innovate in Integrated Business Experience BAILEY BRENDEL STAFF WRITER

A student walks through the lobby of Preska Residence Hall Sept.

22, 2020 in Mankato, Minn. (Kjerstin Hall/MSU Reporter)

COLIN HANKE STAFF WRITER A Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 global pandemic, on-campus housing for students looks a little different this year.

The number of students who contracted the COVID-19 virus is actually low compared to the first couple of weeks of school. (All COVID-related information can be found on the university’s webpage.)

It is important to note that the Department of Residential Life is committed to ensuring the safety of students and trying to give students the best possible experience given the current circumstances.

Nicole Faust, one of the Department of Residential Life staff members, said, “When Residential Life learns that a student has tested positive for COVID-19, we work with the student to move them to designated housing where they can

isolate safely. Or alternatively, the student may return to their permanent address to fulfill their isolation period.”

When a student moves to a designated housing location, Residential Life provides them with hot meals delivered to their room, laundry service, mail and package service, pharmacy pickup/delivery service and trash-pickup service.

The staff also provides refrigerators and microwaves in every room, according to Faust.

Faust said strict limitations are in place for quarantined students. Staff follows up with Student Health Services to ensure students have access to a health care provider if necessary.

When a resident tests positive for COVID-19, Residential Life follows up with that student’s roommates or suitemates and offers support for them to ensure they have a safe living environment.

“Being a (Community Ad-

Many businesses are struggling to stay alive during the pandemic and must find new ways to remain profitable and make their products marketable to our new society. As this is the first time in many of our lifetimes that we have experienced something like this at this scale, many people do not have the experience or knowledge on how to run a business during these times.

Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Integrated Business Experience — located in the university’s College of Business — integrates four classes in marketing, management, finance and a practicum course all in the same semester.

During the practicum course, students create a business plan, request a bank loan, and run a business with about 20 other students. Profits go to the charity of their choice.

The program teaches entrepreneurial skills as students work together to create, launch, and run a business on their own. They gain handson experience in running a business and leadership skills that will be essential in the workforce.

The program has produced many successful businesses.

One that stands out to Kristin Scott, IBE faculty chair, is Snow Problem, a business that sold windshield covers to keep snow and ice off a vehicle’s windshield.

“They were one of our top

MNSU temporarily drops ACT requirement due to COVID JENNA PETERSON NEWS EDITOR As high school seniors think about their future plans — whether they continue their education or go straight into the work force — it’s important to think about ACT scores and what those scores mean for them.

Minnesota State University, Mankato, has looked over their testing score policies and have made some changes. With COVID changing the course of everyone’s life, this is no different.

MNSU Admissions Officer Rachel Hoehn was able to discuss the university’s changing requirements and how the admissions process for incoming students is being adjusted.

For the freshman classes of fall 2020 and 2021, the ACT score was waived off the university application form. This is due to the difficulty of students being able to access ACT

testing sites.

“We understand these difficult times and we want to be able to help out our students.

It’s almost impossible for students to access these testing sites, so it doesn’t make sense to require it,” Hoehn commented.

Although ACT test scores aren’t being used at the moment, Hoehn talked about why these scores have been used through the years to help determine a student’s acceptance. These scores can help determine which class a student should take in order to understand the material being taught, with the main focus on math and English. If a student’s score is high enough, they can opt out of the lower classes and take higher-level classes, helping them get closer to their graduation goal.

Hoehn personally conducted a study on ACT scores and if they were helpful or not, and she concluded that they’re not

Thursday, September 24, 2020

the most important thing that colleges should be looking at.

“I’ve learned that these test scores are not the number one tool for admission, but rather the class grades and GPA of the student are more important. These help represent the student’s academic skills because they look over their whole high school career, not just a few hours’ worth of knowledge crammed into one test,” Hoehn noted.

Students aren’t fans of the ACT, either.

“I don’t think these tests should be used for college acceptance,” said Julia Bolssen, an junior at MNSU. “Standardized testing isn’t an accurate representation of a student’s success.”

Senior Johnathan Van Eck said, “I’m not sure about these required tests. I’d have to learn more information before giv-

ACT page 3

selling, top profitable companies of all time,” Scott said.

“They found a product that people needed, but weren’t excited to buy. Maybe some people didn’t even know that it existed.”

Another business that stood out to Shane Bowyer, assistant professor of management, is a company that manufactured wooden coasters, as the students partnered with the Mankato Maker Space.

“It was the first real company that did manufacturing, and they engraved four different styles, so they sold sets of four wooden coasters and they had four different designs of something from the state of Minnesota,” Bowyer said.

“This business learned how to manufacture a quality product and then make a profit off it.”

This year, students also have the difficult task of launching a business during a pandemic. According to Scott, students in previous semesters

relied a lot on selling on campus. They would have sessions in the CSU and sell their product face to face with the people coming through.

With COVID-19, many businesses are having to find new ways to market and sell products.

“Things like having a website and digital marketing and using platforms like Facebook and Instagram are a lot more important,” Scott says.

This semester, marketing and social media will be a big topic for these students because they will have to adapt their business strategy to be flexible to the given conditions. The Integrated Business Experience program allows students to think outside the box and provides a hands-on experience.

If you are interested in joining the program, contact Scott at kristin.scott@mnsu.edu.

Muhammad Ibrahim/MSU Reporter

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Thursday, September 24, 2020

News

MSU Reporter • 3

COPS SHOT Continued from page 1

Daniel Marshall, left, and Jasmine D’Avilar speak to a crowd of protesters on the Veterans Memorial Bridge after announcements about Breonna Taylor’s case were made Sept. 23, 2020 in Mankato, Minn.

(Mansoor Ahmad/MSU Reporter)

BREONNA Continued from page 1 neighboring Taylor’s.

Dozens of people lined the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge to protest this announcement.

Armed with a multitude of signs and one megaphone, the crowd encouraged black women to gather on the median of the bridge to speak on their personal experiences.

“I’m terrified, still,” said protest organizer Jasmine Gates-D’Avilar.

D’Avilar, a 2020 Minnesota State University graduate and the administrator for the Facebook page “Stand up!

Mankato” has been actively fighting against racial injustice in the Mankato community.

Anisa Omar, a former MNSU student government president, was also at the

event.

“I am in agreeance with Jasmine who calls for the defunding of this murderous system and abolishing it and creating something that is just,” said Omar, “and that is the only way we can stop the killings and the death of Black and Brown bodies.”

Black students from MNSU arrived at the event to make their voices heard.

“I’m happy this event came on, this event is necessary.

What we are shouting for, what we are protesting for is that Black women matter,” said Shadow Rolan, a graduate student at MNSU. “We need to defund and abolish the police and figure out a way to protect and serve

ACT Continued from page 2 ing an opinion.”

Hoehn has been working with the administration office for four years. During that time the minimum required ACT score has been a 21. This year is the only time this requirement has been changed.

This change will stay in effect for as long as the pandemic is around, but Hoehn believes that if things go back to normal and COVID is no longer an issue, then the university might again require an ACT

score on a student’s application.

The average MNSU student scored between a 21 and 24 on the ACT, which may seem about the same, if not a little lower, compared to other Minnesota State colleges. Hoehn talked about these scores as a way to show the university isn’t looking to turn away students, but instead to show them that doing the average is acceptable.

DORMS

Continued from page 2 viser) this year is definitely different, and I work in a different atmosphere compared to last fall,” said Nina Tulashie, a McElroy CA. “Enforcing policies is hard because I don’t want to get people in trouble, but ultimately it is important for people to follow them so everyone can be safe.”

Tulashie also noted that building relationships with

residents is more challenging this year because enforcing housing policies is more persistent than it was in previous years.

Residence hall students are also encouraged to practice social distancing to ensure that the on-campus infection rate doesn’t reach a point where they have to close campus.

all people, not just certain people.”

Leiah Henderson, another Black student from MNSU, spoke to the need for continuous effort from non-black allies.

“We need you guys to fight for us,” said Henderson, calling for non-black allies to speak out against injustice, “we can’t do this alone, we need everyone there.”

Near the end of the demonstration, several Black women joined hands, standing in front of the group of protesters.

Rolan took the megaphone again with a cry for help.

“We are tired of being the strong black women. When do we get a break?”

where there was a large crowd.

Several shots rang out as protesters in downtown Louisville tried to avoid police blockades, moving down an alleyway as officers lobbed pepper balls, according to an Associated Press journalist.

People covered their ears, ran away and frantically looked for places to hide. Police with long guns swarmed the area, then officers in riot gear and military-style vehicles blocked off roadways.

The violence comes after prosecutors said two officers who fired their weapons at Taylor, a Black woman, were justified in using force to protect themselves after they faced gunfire from her boyfriend. The only charges were three counts of wanton endangerment against fired Officer Brett Hankison for shooting into a home next to Taylor’s with people inside.

The FBI is still investigat-

ing potential violations of federal law in connection with the raid at Taylor’s home on March 13.

Ben Crump, a lawyer for Taylor’s family, denounced the decision as “outrageous and offensive,” and protesters shouting, “No justice, no peace!” immediately marched through the streets.

Scuffles broke out between police and protesters, and some were arrested. Officers fired flash bangs and a few small fires burned in a square that’s been at the center of protests, but it had largely cleared out ahead of a nighttime curfew as demonstrators marched through other parts of downtown Louisville. Dozens of patrol cars blocked the city’s major thoroughfare.

Demonstrators also marched in cities like New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Philadelphia.

FOOD

Continued from page 1 “Before COVID, I always had ice cream for dessert,” MSU senior Gnele Kone said.

“I still do.”

Providing an exciting experience has also been something the hall put a lot of energy into. Hosting events and recognizing national food days gives students a sense of normalcy. To bring back some old traditions, smoothie bikes are coming back next week.

These bikes allow students to choose a flavor smoothie, and

in order to make the drink, they must pedal on a bike for a minute or two.

The dining hall has been very nimble in switching how they operate when state and local codes change.

“Keeping the students and our staff safe is extremely important to us,” said Jamie Waterbury, University Dining Services General Manager.

“Following those guidelines quickly is a must.”

4 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, September 24, 2020

FALL 2020 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN

Volunteering: a great alternative to partying

MADISON DIEMERT

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

Editorial During this time of social distancing, online classes and working, it seems the easy thing for students to do would be to shut their doors and isolate.

This isolation can lead to an increased sense of loneliness. Students can begin to feel extremely confined to their dorm rooms without a way of filling their social buckets.

The world we live in right now is one that is ever in need of help. With many people in our own community facing food or housing insecurity, there is an abundance of need for assistance in our community.

So, these two issues seem to pair well together: A plethora of bored college students in need of meaning and engagement, and a community longing for help.

Students need to start volunteering more.

We, as students, are told that we most likely will not experience the most severe symptoms of COVID-19, simply because of our immune system being young and strong. Why aren’t we using this to help people?

We have to stop using our resistance to the virus as an excuse to party and start using it as a superpower. What do superheroes do?

They help people in need.

The Greater Mankato Area United way has an extensive list of volunteer opportunities that literally anyone can do, and which students are in the perfect position to perform.

One example of volunteering that would be super

maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

NEWS EDITOR: Jenna Peterson jenna.peterson-3@mnsu.edu WEB/PHOTO EDITOR: Mansoor Ahmad mansoor.ahmad@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING SALES: Calli Seston 507-389-5451 calli.seston@mnsu.edu Anna Lillie 507-389-1063 anna.lillie@mnsu.edu Kali Andriano-Allard 507-389-6765 kali.andriano-allard@mnsu.edu Yasir Wedatalla 507-389-5097 yasir.wedatalla@mnsu.edu

MNSU student volunteers distribute food to community members during a COVID Food Assistance Program in the MNSU parking lots. (Maxwell Mayleben/MSU Reporter)

beneficial for the community would be to help deliver Meals on Wheels two to three times a month. The routes for these only take up about 1 to 2 hours at a time.

Another opportunity would be to help the Partners for Affordable Housing to move furniture, dishes, bedding and other things for people moving out of a shelter and into their new apartment.

The YMCA Mentorship

program is also always looking for people to join their “Big Brother/Big Sister” program. As a mentor in this program, you get assigned a child, and weekly you get together for about 2 to 3 hours.

And not only is this good for those in the community, but it is also great for our students. It is so common to feel stuck, alone and without purpose when locked up in Zoom meetings all day.

Volunteer work is a great way to get out of the house, meet new people and help the community — all while staying safe from the virus.

As the MNSU student body, we should strive to make our Mankato community better. During this pandemic we can, and should, prioritize helping those around us who are in need.

“Have you done any volunteer work at MNSU?” Compiled by Jenna Peterson

NOLAN BEKMAN, FRESHMAN

BEN HELDER, FRESHMAN

NICKI JECHA, SENIOR

KRIS HAMANN, JUNIOR

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“No, I haven’t.”

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“I have with ECHO food shelf and Boys & Girls Club.”

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BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad 507-389-1926 jane.tastad@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PRODUCTION MANAGER: Dana Clark 507-389-2793 dana.clark@mnsu.edu

• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, contact Editor in Chief Maxwell Mayleben at maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu.

The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board.

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a studentrun newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at 507-389-1776. Subscriptions for the academic school year are $55.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

• Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation. The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes.

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MSU REPORTER ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR STUDENT BODY.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Fall Car Care Edition

MSU Reporter • 5

What you should look for when buying a used car FILE STORY When buying a used car, things can get tricky, especially if you don’t know what to look for. There are many steps in buying a used car and many things you should look for before making that purchase and cruising away in your sweet ride.

First and foremost, do your research. Brian Taylor, the General Manager of Mankato Motors, says not doing your research is the biggest mistake people make prior to purchasing a used vehicle. “I think sometimes they just look for the lowest price instead of maybe looking at the history as much as they should, or the maintenance records, things like that,” he said.

Like Taylor states, make sure you know the vehicle before buying it. Research the type of vehicle you want.

See what common problems that vehicle might have and the list of inspection items to look for when you go see that car. Many sites offer a used car checklist. Make sure to print one off when heading to your used car dealer or seller.

When you finally reach the dealership and see the car you’ve been researching,

Photo courtesy of Flickr

check the exterior, the body condition, and walk around the car to check for rust, dents, scratches, cracks, etc.

Look at the body panels and see if they line up evenly. If they don’t line up evenly, that may be a sign that the car was involved in an accident.

After checking the panels, open all doors to the car, the hood, and the trunk to see if

they are easy or hard to open.

Next, check the tires. Tires are a great indication of the life of the car. Check if the tires are from the same brand.

Keep note if they’re not, and ask the dealer about them.

Check to see if the tires are free from cracks, cuts, bulges, and scuff marks. Look at the tread of the tires and ask the dealer questions about when

AUTO DETAILING

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The next step in inspecting the vehicle is to look at the lights. Check all the lights such as the high beams, the low beams, the turn signals and the brake lights.

When buying a used car, also check the interior. Do an odor check, and if it smells like mold, mildew, or must, that could be an indication

of water damage. Also test out the seats. Check for tears and whether the seat adjustments work properly. Check the instruments of the cars and switch the ignition on.

All warning lights should briefly come on and go away in seconds. If any stay on, something may be wrong and you should make sure to ask the dealer about it.

Check the controls of the car. Check the windshield wipers, the heat and air conditioning, the climate control, the hazards, etc. Make sure they’re all in working order.

Another important thing to check when buying a used car is under the hood. Check the belts and hoses, radiator, and fluids such as the oil, transmission, power steering, and brakes. It’s important to check the fluids to see if it was recently changed and to see if it’s the right color. For example, if the transmission fluid is brown and has a burnt odor rather than its original pink color, something could be wrong with the transmission.

The most important part of buying a used car is the test drive.

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MSU Reporter • 7

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8 • MSU Reporter

Fall Car Care Edition

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Potential tips & tricks on keeping up with your car FILE STORY DIY tricks for vehicles can be a quick fix when you’re tight on a budget, but you always want to be careful and aware of the risks when you try to fix your car yourself.

James Jorgensen has worked as a mechanic and has over 20 years of experience fixing up cars. In this article, I’ve accumulated a list of 7 “hacks” and asked James for his expertise on whether or not these tricks might work.

You got a crack in the windshield? No problem! Just fill it in with some clear nail polish and you will be good as new. Jorgensen says, “For a small chip this mighthelp,butIwouldnot recommend doing this for a big crack- it’s always best to get cracks fixed before you get pulled over and given a ticket.”

Another thing I heard was using some toothpaste and a soft cloth can clean your headlights. “I think this would work,” said Jorgensen, “just about anything can clean a headlight-all it takes is a little elbow grease.”

Something else: you should pee in the reservoir when your

car overheats. “You can...but your car will stink! I would recommend you pull over, let the car cool down first before removing the cap and pour warm water in instead,” says Jorgensen, “Antifreeze can be watered down if you’re in a pinch. In theory, this should work due to the high water contents in pee. However, as soon as ithitsyourheatercore,the part of the car that sends hot air into your vehicle, the whole cabin of your car will stink like pee.” Keep this in mind!

Another one I heard of is if your drive belt breaks, you can replace it with a pair of pantyhose. Jorgensen says, “I would not recommend using a pair of pantyhose as they’re fragile and might break and cause more problems. I’ve never done it myself, but I’ve heard of people replacing their drive belt with just a regular old belt.”

The fifth thing on this list: can you can swap water with anti-freeze and be just fine?

“As long as it isn’t the winter. If you have really diluted antifreeze or just straight up water, it can freeze inside your engine. If that happens it will

Photo courtesy of Flickr

break all your hoses and possibly even break your engine block,” says Jorgensen.

The sixth thing: use kitty litter to clean up fluid leaks and spills. Jorgensen says this works! “I do it all the time,” he says, “kitty litter can also be poured under your car’s

wheels to give you more traction when you are spinning on ice.”

The last thing to list: you can use your car seat-heater to keep a pizza warm on your drive home. “This could work.

It won’t cook a pizza but might help maintain its temperature

at least long enough for you to get it home and eat it,” he says.

While some of these tips work, others are not recommended. To extend the life of your vehicle and Regular oil changes, way.

Changes you should do on your car seasonally FILE STORY In our present day of advanced technology, cars have served as a support system for us to be on time for meetings, achieve financial turnover, and above all help us to displace ourselves based on our needs.

Driving a car is an exciting experience for those who just got their driving permits, with time we realize those same cars we drive also need attention in terms of its maintenance.

Here are some tips to ensure that you and your car to make it through the season.

In physics, we learn that viscosity of liquids vary with the changes in temperature.

Shaheen Ahmed, the Assistant Professor for the Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology at Minnesota State University, Mankato says, “The motor oils used in vehicles are multi grade; meaning that they can work in a wide range of environmental conditions. For an example, most passenger vehicles use 5W30 motor oil, which can work fine in an outside temperature ranges between negative 40 to negative 30 degrees Celsius.” He says to consult the manufacturer recommen-

Photo courtesy of Flickr

dations if you switch to another grade of oil.

Checking tire pressure is also important. It is a good habit to check the pressure of your tires at least once per month this winter. Properly inflated tires last longer and have better traction on the road.

Additionally, Professor Ahmed says, “four-wheel drive vehicles do not help to stop the vehicle. You must be extra careful if you drive an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle on icy roads.”

He says that it might provide a false sense of safety but it is the brake and the tire traction that slows and stops the vehicle.

Very cold temperatures may reduce your car’s battery power as well, so it’s important to keep the connections clean, tight and corrosion free.

If your battery is more than five years old, you should also consider replacing it.

You should also use the right coolant. As strange as it sounds, your cooling system is one of the most important things to watch during the winter.

In most parts of Canada, a 50/50 mix of coolant and water keeps the coolant from freezing, lubricates the water pump, and protects the cooling system from corrosion. In very cold areas you may need

to change the concentration, but your coolant concentration should never exceed 70 percent.

Check your brakes. When you need to stop on slick and icy roads, every second counts.

Check them for wear and tear and buy yourself some time to stop by replacing worn brake pads.

Check your lights, too.

Over time, your lights may

$uper $aver $

dim or burn out completely and the plastic in your light covers will degrade and cloud, leading to distorted and dimmed illumination.

Be sure to replace both your bulbs and light covers to maintain high quality lighting. Waxing your headlight covers can also help prevent the build-up of ice and snow on your lights during the cold and dark winter months.

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Thursday, September 24, 2020

News

MSU Reporter • 9

US experts vow ‘no cutting corners’ as vaccine tests expand WASHINGTON (AP) — A huge international study of a COVID-19 vaccine that aims to work with just one dose is getting underway as top U.S. health officials sought Wednesday to assure a skeptical Congress and public that they can trust any shots the government ultimately approves.

Hopes are high that answers about at least one of several candidates being tested in the U.S. could come by year’s end, maybe sooner.

“We feel cautiously optimistic that we will be able to have a safe and effective vaccine, although there is never a guarantee of that,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health, told a Senate committee.

President Donald Trump is pushing for a faster timeline, which many experts say is risky and may not allow for adequate testing. On Wednesday he tweeted a link to news about the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine study and said the Food and Drug Administration “must move quickly!”

“President Trump is still trying to sabotage the work of our scientists and public health experts for his own political

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, testifies during a Senate Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Hearing on the federal government response to COVID-19 on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Washington. (Graeme Jennings/Pool via AP)

ends,” Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington state, said before ticking off examples of pressure on the FDA. FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn pledged that career scientists, not politicians, will decide whether any coronavirus vaccine meets clearly stated standards that it works and is safe. Vaccine develop-

ment usually takes years but scientists have been racing to shorten that time, in part by manufacturing doses that will have to be thrown away if studies find they don’t work.

“Science will guide our decisions. FDA will not permit any pressure from anyone to change that,” Hahn said.

“I will put the interest of the American people above any-

thing else.”

FDA has faced criticism for allowing emergency use of some COVID-19 treatments backed by little evidence, but Hahn said if vaccine makers want that faster path to market, additional standards will be coming soon. Vaccines, unlike therapies, are given to healthy people and thus usually require more proof.

But Trump made clear at a Wednesday evening White House news conference that he was skeptical of any regulatory changes that might delay a vaccine’s authorization, even if those changes are aimed at increasing public trust. Asked about the FDA considering stricter guidelines for emergency approval, Trump suggested the effort was politically-motivated.

“I think that was a political move more than anything else,” he said, arguing that that the companies testing the vaccines, such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna, are capable of determining whether they work. “I have tremendous trust in these massive companies,” he said.

A handful of vaccines already are in final testing in the U.S. and other countries.

In one of the largest studies yet, Johnson & Johnson aims to enroll 60,000 volunteers to test its single-dose approach in the U.S., South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Other candidates in the U.S. require two shots.

J&J’s vaccine is made with slightly different technology than others in late-stage testing, modeled on an Ebola vaccine the company created.

Trump won’t commit to peaceful transfer of power if he loses

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday again declined to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the Nov. 3 presidential election.

“We’re going to have to see what happens,” Trump said at a news conference, responding to a question about whether he’d commit to a peaceful transfer of power. “You know that I’ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots, and the ballots are a disaster.”

It is highly unusual that a sitting president would express less than complete confidence in the American democracy’s electoral process. But he also declined four years ago to commit to honoring the elec-

tion results if his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, won.

His current Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, was asked about Trump’s comment after landing in Wilmington, Delaware, on Wednesday night.

“What country are we in?”

Biden asked incredulously, adding: “I’m being facetious.

Look, he says the most irrational things. I don’t know what to say about it. But it doesn’t surprise me.”

Trump has been pressing a monthslong campaign against mail-in voting this November by tweeting and speaking out critically about the practice.

More states are encouraging mail-in voting to keep vot-

ers safe amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The president, who uses mail-in voting himself, has tried to distinguish between states that automatically send mail ballots to all registered voters and those, like Florida, that send them only to voters who request a mail ballot.

Trump has baselessly claimed widespread mail voting will lead to massive fraud.

The five states that routinely send mail ballots to all voters have seen no significant fraud.

Trump on Wednesday appeared to suggest that if states got “rid of” the unsolicited mailing of ballots there would be no concern about fraud or peaceful transfers of power.

“You’ll have a very peaceful — there won’t be a transfer frankly,” Trump said.

“There’ll be a continuation.

The ballots are out of control, you know it, and you know, who knows it better than anybody else? The Democrats know it better than anybody else.”

In a July interview, Trump similarly refused to commit to accepting the results.

“I have to see. Look ... I have to see,” Trump told Chris Wallace during a wide-ranging July interview on “Fox News Sunday.” “No, I’m not going to just say yes. I’m not

going to say no, and I didn’t last time either.”

The Biden campaign responded Wednesday: “The American people will decide this election. And the United States government is perfectly capable of escorting trespassers out of the White House.”

The American Civil Liberties Union also protested Trump’s remarks. “The peaceful transfer of power is essential to a functioning democracy,” National Legal Director David Cole said. “This statement from the president of the United States should trouble

every American.”

Trump made similar comments ahead of the 2016 election. When asked during an October debate whether he would abide by the voters’ will, Trump responded that he would “keep you in suspense.”

It’s unlikely that any chaos in states with universal mail-in voting will cause the election result to be inaccurately tabulated, as Trump has suggested.

It’s unlikely that any chaos in states with universal mail-in voting will cause the election result to be inaccurately tabulated, as Trump has suggested.

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10 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, September 24, 2020

ART, MUSIC, FOOD, MOVIES, SPORTS, GAMING, & ALL THE REST

‘Talon’-ted: Raptor Center shows off birds of prey AMANDA FILREIS STAFF WRITER Students were brought to the wild life with the Wild Birds Show, a free event on the Dining Center lawn Tuesday featuring raptors from the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center.

The Raptor Center is a department in the college of veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota that routinely travels the state to perform at events such as the Renaissance Festival and the State Fair.

“It was small enough to be safe but with a big impact. It puts a smile on peoples faces and that’s what we care about – making maverick memories,” stated Educational Entertainment Chair Maria Rios De Santiago when describing the event overall.

Attendees wore masks while the members of the Student Events Team placed colorful dots on the ground to mark safe social distance spots to stand in.

Presenter Mike Billington,

the education program manager of the Raptor Center, included a bald eagle named Maxim, an American Kestrel named Darner, and a Great Horned Owl named Louis. These birds are native to Minnesota, like many of the students here.

The presentation area had three specific stations for the raptors to stand with squirt bottles and food to help keep them calm. In the middle of the show, Billington laid out a box of items for people to look at, such as bird bones, feathers and claws along with hand sanitizing supplies to be used afterwards. The event mainly consisted of Billington answering questions the audience members asked, describing the birds and their way of life and, of course, the Raptor Center itself.

The Raptor Center clinic takes in and cares for injured raptors. Once well, they release the birds into the wild.

While about 30-40% of those birds are able to return to their previous routines in nature, those that can’t remain at the center. And some of them get

Mike Billington from the Raptor Center interacts with an American bald eagle at the UDC Lawn on Sept. 22, 2020 in Mankato, Minn. (Kjerstin Hall/MSU Reporter)

put to work at shows like the one on campus Tuesday.

“They change from being predators to educators,” stated Billington. The goal of hav-

ing this event wasn’t just to provide a study break; this had many layers to it.

“I wanted to help build awareness since we all share

the same environment. I hope this helps to inspire students to feel excited about the environment,” said Billington.

New tunes from AJR, Demi Lovato, Alicia Keys SYDNEY BERGGREN STAFF WRITER Music has the ability to form emotions and move people, undeniably and often.

With classes being online and quarantines still taking place, this is the perfect time to find new music.

Freshman Carlie Tvedt said of the band AJR’s most recent releases “Bang!” and “Bummerland,” “The energy is so amazing,” and described how she enjoyed getting lost in their music on long drives.

Bridgit O’Brien, a senior, said she also was a fan of their music and enjoyed the recent release of “Bummerland” as well.

AJR’s newest release is something we can all relate too: “Bummerland” describes the thought processes involved with living through a quarantine, with lines like, “It’s sad but I’ve been alone for too long / so I keep getting haircuts,” that show the struggles that can come with isolation, but still encourages listeners to keep their heads up, with lines like “give a cheer / ‘case you’re only going up from here.”

DEMI LOVATO, MARSH-

This cover image released by RCA Records shows “Alicia” the latest release by Alicia Keys. The album, out Friday, features several guest stars, including Jill Scott, Miguel, Khalid, Snoh Aalegra, Sampha, Diamond Platnumz and Ed Sheeran, who co-wrote the single “Underdog.” (RCA Records via AP)

MELLO Demi Lovato and Marshmello recently collaborated on a song that also touches on how difficult being happy can

be in the world’s current situation. The song, entitled, “OK not to be OK,” spreads a message encompassed mostly by its title.

With lyrics like, “You feel too exhausted to pray,” “Lately you’re secluded,” and “No control, it’s out of your hands,” the singer and DJ de-

scribe things that many people may be feeling, especially recently, and then round it out with a repetitive chorus of “It’s ok not to be ok,” which is a sentiment that many needed.

ALICIA KEYS A recent and anticipated release came from Alicia Keys on Sept. 18. The singer’s self-titled album was originally scheduled to be released Mar. 20, then May 15, and then was finally delayed until this past Friday due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She released a few singles off the album along the way, including “Underdog,” a song about underestimated people who exceed expectations which quickly became popular. Keys’ album reverts to her earlier R&B style and holds themes of different social issues through her own experiences. This is her seventh album.

If these artists aren’t what you’re into, Spotify posts weekly ‘New music Friday’, where newly released songs are put out on the music platform. The app also caters to music you already listen to, recommending both songs and artists.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Variety

MSU Reporter • 11

Men’s basketball practices with pandemic restrictions

The Minnesota State men’s basketball team took the court to practice as a team Wednesday afternoon at the Taylor Center. Head coach Matt Margenthaler participated in drills along the student athletes, who were all wearing masks as a precaution to avoid the spread of COVID-19. (Photos by Mansoor Ahmad/MSU Reporter.)

Intramurals amidst pandemic DE’VONTE BRADLEY STAFF WRITER Intramural sports have come back but, like everything else on campus, they have changed a bit due to COVID-19.

Ryan Stevens, program coordinator for intramural sports, said some sports cannot be allowed at this time because of university safety protocols. Several of the main sports that attracted a lot of participants such as basketball, soccer, and flag football have been dropped. Stevens said those sports require too much contact for the players.

There are some usual team sports like bowling that are still being offered. Stevens said other sports, such as Spike ball league, bean bag tourney and sand volleyball have been picked up in hopes for more people to take part.

Even some of the sports that have continued, like volleyball, have been changed. Instead of the normal 6-on-6, there will

now be 4-on-4. The same goes for all other team sports. These changes were made because of the requirement for players to stay four-to-six feet away from everyone else.

There are still other sports that people can take part in.

There are quite a few single player sports, such as golf, tennis, racquetball, table tennis, pool and 501 dart. Each of these games require little, if any, contact at all.

“Intramural basketball being cut off this year makes me feel off-balance because in high school I played basketball for mental health reasons,” senior student Airreon Austin said. “Then in college I played intramural to keep my mental health, now it’s going to be a struggle.”

Sophomore Michael Olaniyi also has similar views. “I really wish it was available,” Michael stated. “It was something I was looking forward to participating in. I am a little disappointed.”

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12 • MSU Reporter

Variety

Thursday, September 24, 2020

This week’s Maverick-themed crossword puzzle!

DOWN 1. This group of five ensembles performs, on average, at over 50 sporting events per season.

5. In addition to athletic events and other sporting activities, this building also hosts MNSU commencement ceremonies.

7. Here you can access an abundance of literary content as well as find a quiet place to study.

10. Minnesota State University, Mankato’s official school colors are purple and ____

ACROSS 2. The University plays NCAA Division I for this sport.

3. This Mankato alumni is now a record producer, clothing designer, and the wife of Billie Joe Armstrong of the band Green Day. 4. This person is an alumni of Mankato and now plays as a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings 5. MNSU’s motto is “Big Ideas. Real-world ___________” 6. Located in the south of campus and is the home field of the Minnesota State Mavericks Division II football team.

8. The institutional anthem of the Minnesota State University, Mankato.

9. This program contains many of the vital services students use such as class registration, online bill pay, address change and degree audit reports.

11. The official app of Minnesota State University, Mankato.

15. The 41st and current Governor of Minnesota who is also a graduate of MNSU. 16. What is the name of the official maverick mascot of MNSU? 15. This is the online resource tool at MNSU for student groups to manage their members, designate their officers, and promote events to the campus community.