October 6, 2020

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

TUESDAY • OCTOBER 6, 2020

MNSU Welcomes First eSports Varsity Program ASHLEY OPINA STAFF WRITER Anna Lillie loves gaming.

But when she heard there were gaming clubs on campus, she hesitated joining.

Despite its growing numbers of girls and women, the gaming world has a checkered past when it comes to girls and women feeling welcomed in the gaming community.

So, despite having played League of Legends for seven years, she wondered whether she’d be accepted in the various gaming-related clubs at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Then she wandered through the Centennial Student Union, where she saw two women with a display set up for a League of Legends registered student organization. After speaking with the women at the table, she decided to join.

“I have made some of my best friends and best relationships through here,” Lillie said. “Even after joining, I didn’t get treated differently because I was a girl. Everyone is treated equally and it’s super inclusive.”

BAILEY BRENDEL STAFF WRITER

Students play a video game during the MNSU eSports Tournament held in the CSU Ballroom, Saturday Oct. 3, 2020 in Mankato. (Photo courtesy of Sam Tran)

Now, it seems the gaming presence on campus is about to get not only more inclusive, but more robust and possibly sanctioned for competition by the university.

The MNSU eSports and gaming community has successfully advocated for the first eSports Varsity Program

on campus and unveiled its new training facility at a live ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday.

An eSports tournament followed the day after with about 150 tournament participants nationwide, including 14 states and a team from Canada. MNSU was home to one

of the fastest growing events in the community, both in person and online.

The nine-hour event included five games available to players, including: League of Legends, CS:GO, Call of

GAMING page 3

Get to Know the Residence Hall Association JULIA BARTON STAFF WRITER Residence Hall Association (RHA), is the campus-wide government for students living in the residents community. The RHA’s main goal is to support and ensure the success of Minnesota State University, Mankato’s residence hall students.

All residence hall students are members of the RHA. They also have representatives from each floor community, including the Stadium Heights buildings, to voice opinions of concerns or issues regarding their environment and living conditions. These opinions and concerns are then heard

by Residential Life and MNSU administration.

The RHA has weekly meetings 4 p.m. Mondays via Zoom. Every member of the residence community is able to

WoW Continues With Floats, Votes and BINGO!

attend and take part in these meetings as well as bring any problems about living on campus to light.

This meeting is led by the executive board of student leaders that is elected by the RHA Assembly.

“I joined the RHA board because I wanted to help the student body that lives on campus. Also to help out the community in some way instead of sitting back and doing nothing.” Zane Sadauskis, a member of the executive board and MNSU sophomore.

Other responsibilities the exec board has include programming and hosting events throughout the school year.

RHA holds events throughout the year while promoting a safe and positive place for the residence communities. An example of events they held in the past was the welcome week’s volleyball tournament.

Unfortunately, due to

IN THIS SOCIAL MEDIA ISSUE: A BAD THING?

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COVID-19, welcome week activities were altered to ensure all MNSU students maintained good health during the pandemic.

“My experience at Stadium Heights has been really good.

It is a very nice space overall and has easy access to main-

tenance. I have attended two or three of the meetings but it was mainly in the first month, they were very informational about who to contact if I had any issues,” MNSU freshman Maddie Quinn said.

Zoom link: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/94917810913

A student studies in the lobby of the Preska Residence Community on campus Monday Oct. 5, 2020 in Mankato.

(Dearest Welwolie/The Reporter)

CSU BULLPEN UPDATE

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“Floats and Votes,” BINGO, Halloween decorating and crafts are on tap for this week’s What’s on Wednesday.

What’s on Wednesday is a Residential Life initiative to engage students during the new normal of students being confined to dorm rooms.

This week, Stadium Heights Apartments and the McElroy Residential halls will be holding an event called “Floats and Votes.” At this event, students will be able to chow down on a root beer float while getting registered to vote for the next election.

This WoW will be huge as it is crucial for students to learn the importance of voting and how they can get registered to vote. If you’re already registered or don’t want to register, you can still come grab a float.

Preska residents will be decorating hallways for the Halloween season this Wednesday. Come decorate the halls with wall and window decorations to put a spooky spin on the Preska dorms.

Crawford residents this week will be doing clay and craft projects. Participants can enjoy snacks and good company while learning how to make cool crafts with clay.

According to Crawford resident Jacob Brangitsch, “I think the events are a great way to meet other people on your floor. I went to the Volleyball WoW last week. It was pretty fun, and I met a lot of people.”

“BINGO!” is what you will hear if you stop by the Julia Sears residential hall this week. Students can stop by and play a few rounds of Bingo with friends while enjoying snacks. There will also be a chance for everyone to win prizes.

WOW page 3

THEATRE: ‘HAIR’ TO TAKE THE STAGE

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2 • MSU Reporter

News

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Minnesota Blue Earth Republican Party Prepares for Election Day COLIN HANKE STAFF WRITER Whether it’s the release of President Donald Trump’s tax returns, the urgency to fill Former Justice Ruth Badger Ginsburg’s U.S. Supreme Court seat or the president’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, tensions between Democrats and Republicans are running high.

With just weeks to go until Election Day, Minnesota Republicans hope to do whatever they can to turn the state red.

Historically speaking, a majority of Minnesotans have voted for Democratic presidential candidates. In fact, Democrats have taken Minnesota for the past 11 presidential elections.

In 2016, however, Hillary Clinton won Minnesota only by a couple of points. Looking at neighboring states, Wisconsin, which voted Democrat for numerous presidential elections, showed streaks can be broken because President Donald Trump won Wisconsin back in 2016. MNSU’s College Republicans are spending time in the Centen-

The office of the Blue Earth County Republicans which is located in Downtown Mankato.

(Prasad Pol/The Reporter)

nial Student Union registering students to vote in the election to ensure victory for Trump in a few weeks.

Even though the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area is usually progressive and Democratic, rural Minnesota is where President Donald

Trump can gain momentum in Minnesota. Here in Southcentral Minnesota, Doug Hitzmann, treasurer of the Blue Earth County Republicans and MNSU alumnus, said, “For the community, we have an office located in the downtown Mankato mall. We are

open two days a week for yard signs, literature, and just to talk to us about issues.” Hitzmann also noted, “But we are mainly a venue for yard signs.

We are open Wednesday evenings from 5-7 p.m. and then Saturday mornings 10 a.m.

-12 p.m.”

Republicans generally oppose abortion and want to defund Planned Parenthood.

They support lower taxes across the board, oppose government regulations that hinder free market capitalism, and take a more individualistic approach when examining politics and government.

Amongst the COVID-19 global pandemic, Republicans are generally opposed to mask mandates because they argue it should be up to individual businesses and people to make the decision about whether or not to wear a mask.

There is controversy among Democrats and Republicans on the way voters should be voting this year. In some states, Republicans are pushing for in-person voting, saying mail-in voting can lead to inaccuracies and is more vulnerable to voter fraud. (It should be noted that there are virtually no credible cases of widespread voter fraud.)

Trump has expressed interest in defunding the U.S. Postal Service, and has encouraged voters to vote in person this year.

Epic Scale of California Wildfires Continues to Grow SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The staggering scale of California’s wildfires reached another milestone Monday: A single fire surpassed 1 million acres.

The new mark for the August Complex in the Coast Range between San Francisco and the Oregon border came a day after the total area of land burned by California wildfires this year passed 4 million acres, more than double the previous record.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the amount of land scorched by the August Complex is larger than all of the recorded fires in California between 1932 and 1999.

“If that’s not proof point, testament, to climate change, then I don’t know what is,” Newsom said.

The August Complex began as dozens of fires ignited by lightning in the Mendocino National Forest in mid-August and became California’s largest fire on record in September. As of Monday, it covered nearly 1,566 square miles (4,055 square kilometers).

Since the beginning of the year, more than 8,200 California wildfires have scorched “well over 4 million acres” or 6,250 square miles, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Sunday in a statement. There have been 31 deaths and nearly

In this Sept. 17, 2020, file photo, an air tanker prepares to drop retardant while battling the August Complex Fire in the Mendocino National Forest, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File)

8,700 buildings have been destroyed, the governor said.

Numerous studies have linked bigger wildfires in America to climate change from the burning of coal, oil and gas. Scientists say climate change has made California much drier, meaning trees and other plants are more flammable.

Mike Flannigan, who directs the Canadian Partnership for Wildland Fire Science at Canada’s University of Al-

berta, says the escalation of fires in California and the U.S. West is “largely, not solely, due to human-caused climate change.”

The August Complex has destroyed 242 structures and damaged a half dozen. One firefighter has died and one has been injured. Containment was estimated at 54% on Monday.

A fire burning in Northern California wine country has burned more than 102 square

miles (264 square kilometers) and destroyed more than 1,200 buildings since it started Sept. 27.

California remains largely warm and dry but fierce winds that fanned infernos a week ago were gone. Cooling at the coast was expected to expand into the interior and a Pacific storm system remained in the forecast for Northern California by next weekend.

But authorities in wine country said there it like-

ly would not be enough rain to halt additional fires. Cal Fire meteorologist Tom Bird said the North Bay has just around a 25% chance of a quarter-inch of rain, the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reported.

“Whereas we may see some rain on the fire this weekend, I do not believe it will be significant enough to be a season-ending event,” he said.

Authorities on Monday made public more information about the Sept. 17 death of Charles Morton, 39, a squad boss for the Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Crew battling the El Dorado Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest east of Los Angeles.

The U.S. Forest Service’s two-paragraph report released by the interagency Wildland Fire Lesson Learned Center states that “it appears he was burned over by the fire and passed away.”

The report dated Sept. 24 said a review team was conducting interviews with personnel “to learn from this tragic event.” It did not elaborate on the circumstances that claimed the life of the 14-year veteran.

The El Dorado Fire was ignited Sept. 5 by a pyrotechnic device a couple used for an event revealing the gender of their baby, authorities have said.

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

News

MSU Reporter • 3

Poll: Many Americans Blame Virus GAMING Continued from page 1 Crisis on US Government WASHINGTON (AP) — More Americans blame the U.S. government instead of foreign nations for the coronavirus crisis in the United States, a rebuke to the Trump administration’s contention that China or other countries are most at fault, a new poll shows.

The poll by The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research was conducted before President Donald Trump tested positive for the virus Friday and was hospitalized. Trump has downplayed the severity and impact of the pandemic in recent months.

Although many see plenty of blame to go around and there’s a wide bipartisan divide over who is responsible, 56% of Americans say the U.S. government has substantial responsibility for the situation. That compares with 47% who place that much blame on the governments of other countries and only 39% who say the same about the World Health Organization.

“It reflects a general lack of confidence in the way the government has handled the situation,” said Austin Wright of the Harris School for Public Policy.

More than 1 million people worldwide, including more than 200,000 Americans, have died of COVID-19 in the outbreak. Trump has squarely blamed the virus’ spread on China, where it originated, and an inadequate response from the WHO. As he faces a rough reelection contest in November, Trump has steadily ramped up criticism of China for the virus and announced the U.S. would halt funding for and withdraw from the international health agency over alleged Chinese interference in its work. Critics, including public health experts, have said China bears some responsibility but have also harshly criticized Trump’s response.

The poll shows Democrats are especially likely to say the U.S. government is responsible for the situation, while many Republicans are likely to place the blame elsewhere. Among Democrats, 79% say the U.S. government has a great deal of responsibility, while 37% say that about other countries’ governments and 27% about the WHO. Among Republicans, 38% say the U.S. government is responsible, compared with 60% for the governments of other countries and 55% the WHO.

The White House is seen in the background as sign of the National COVID-19 Remembrance, event at The Ellipse outside of the White House, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Self-described conservative Republican Ralph Martinez, a 67-year-old grocery store manager from the Fort Worth, Texas area, said he wasn’t sure that any government could have handled it better and dismissed criticism that Trump had downplayed the matter.

“It’s an open question, honestly,” he said. “I don’t care who’s in office, I think they’re going to do their best for everyone. But how much can they do?”

Martinez, who said he had to throw a customer out of his store for not wearing a mask recently, lauded Trump for not wanting to create panic in the early stages of the outbreak in the U.S. He also recalled unprecedented runs on items such as toilet paper and paper towels when people realized the virus was not a momentary phenomenon.

“You would not believe how crazy these people got,” he said. “I can’t imagine how bad it would have been if the government had come out and said this is the end of the world.”

Nathan O’Neil, a 38-yearold Democrat who lives in Virginia, said he thought the country was on track now but that the government had bungled its early response.

“I think they should have taken it more seriously earlier,” he said. “Granted they were hamstrung by lack of information from China and the WHO, but I think they should have been pro-mask a lot sooner.”

“They should have told us early on how serious this was,” said O’Neil, who said he knows at least one person who contracted the virus but recovered. “Instead they said it’s going to be fine, it’s not going to affect us. That’s really going to hit their credibility.”

The poll also showed that most think the U.S. should play a major role in the development of a coronavirus vaccine, but many also think

other countries should play a role, including both European countries and China.

But if the U.S. develops a vaccine first, about 6 in 10 say it should be kept for Americans first, even if it means fewer people around the world get vaccinated. This view is especially common among Republicans, with about 7 in 10 saying a U.S.-developed vaccine should be saved for Americans first, but about half of Democrats also agree with that assessment.

That’s true even though about half of Republicans say they don’t intend to get a vaccine. Overall, 65% of those who do intend to get a vaccine say a U.S.-made vaccine should go to Americans first, but so do 56% of those who don’t intend to get one.

For Wright, that was a surprising finding. “One piece that’s really striking that shockingly few people in the U.S. would be willing to take (a vaccine) ... and the open hostility toward providing the vaccine to other countries.

And, that’s strongest among Republicans, despite the fact that more Republicans say they won’t take the vaccine themselves.”

About 8 in 10 Americans — Democrats and Republicans alike — say the U.S. should play a major role in the development of a vaccine. At least half say the same about the WHO (57%), European countries (55%) and China (51%).

WOW

Continued from page 1 Meeting new people is always difficult, but in the current state we are in, it is so much harder to build lasting connections. “I think the WoWs are more important now with COVID going on because it’s a drive to get people out of their dorms,” says Brangitsch.

Duty, Smash Ultimate and Tekken. Only MNSU students were allowed to play on campus due to COVID-19 regulations. The rest played remotely.

Regardless of location, all players competed for monetary prizes, which included an Alienware laptop, a backpack, a bluetooth speaker, and more throughout the event. Spectators were welcome to watch in person, or by streaming it online through twitch.tv.

The eSports Varsity Program is now actively recruiting a varsity League of Legends team and a varsity CS:GO team. Registration for both can be found at eSports. mnsu.edu. More information about the gaming community at MNSU can be found at mavgamers.com.

Varsity head coach, Jaquie Lamm, a recent graduate of MNSU with a masters degree in higher education, thanked those who made the eSports Varsity Program possible.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank IT Solutions for giving the eSports Varsity Program a spot within Minnesota State, Mankato,” Lamm said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She also thanked the eSports RSO Clubs, specifically the League of Legends RSO, the CS:GO RSO, and the Maverick Gaming Community RSO. The advocacy of the gaming community at MNSU about the creation of an eSports Varsity Program paid off, she said, along with the support of the

program’s ambassador, Greater Mankato Growth.

According to Lamm, “eSports is one of the number one growing programs within universities right now and it is a perfect time for our program to be up and running.”

Following Coach Lamm’s speech was lead coordinator and member of the Maverick Gaming Community RSO, Andrew Weinzierl.

“The main purpose of the Maverick Gaming Community,” said Weinzierl, highlighting what was most important, “is to connect people who play video games.”

Since eSports is virtual, finding an in-person community can be a challenge, especially in a college environment during times of social distancing due to COVID-19.

The creation of two collegiate varsity eSports teams brings students with similar interests together and promotes the different gaming communities at MNSU. When asked if she would be trying out for the new League of Legends varsity team, Lillie humbly said that she would try but that she expects others to be better suited. She will, however, continue to compete on the side.

As for Weinzierl, on the topic of competition, he said he does not play professionally.

“I play games for fun, as most people do, to just relax and take a break from everything else going on in the real world,” he said.

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4 • MSU Reporter

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

FALL 2020 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN

Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword?

maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

MADISON DIEMERT

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

Editorial

When you look at Facebook, you are seeing something completely different from everyone else in the world. This is because Facebook’s algorithm is designed to keep you engaged and on the website.

The site feeds you more and more of what it thinks that you would enjoy, or what you might engage with. This creates an entirely unique point of view on the world than any other user on the website.

So if you lean liberal, you may get more anti-Trump memes or articles on your page. If you are a Trump supporter, on the other hand, you may get more anti-Biden memes and news articles.

This culminates in people being fed only what they want to hear and leads to divisive and toxic conversations about sensitive issues.

The more and more we stay in these lanes of our own beliefs, it is inevitable that we become even more divisive, learning to hate those who disagree with us.

For risk of sounding like a “boomer,” there is something to be said about the bygone days of Walter Cronkite, and news that came from one unwavering voice, with everyone never questioning if it was in fact “the way it is.”

The increased amount of news sources, some of which being false, leads to distrust and disagreement in all media, rather than just the false kind.

This distrust sews the seed in people’s own version of reality, backed up by their

NEWS EDITOR: Jenna Peterson jenna.peterson-3@mnsu.edu WEB/PHOTO EDITOR: Mansoor Ahmad mansoor.ahmad@mnsu.edu

ADVERTISING SALES: Anna Lillie 507-389-1063 anna.lillie@mnsu.edu Yasir Wedatalla 507-389-5097 yasir.wedatalla@mnsu.edu

This July 10, 2019, photo shows an Associated Press reporter holding a phone showing the Instagram app icon in San Francisco. Instagram is expanding a test to hide how many “likes” people’s posts receive on its photo-sharing app as it tries to combat criticism that such counts hurt mental health and make people feel bad when comparing themselves to others. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

own versions of fact. This drives people further and further away from each other.

That being said, social media can also be an amazing tool for connection and self-development. It can allow people to meet up with long lost friends.

It can give a platform for independent creators. It can be an amazing place for people to connect with one another.

Not only is social media an amazing place to connect with others, it can also give way to creating a “brand”

or image of oneself that one wishes the world would see.

Instagram is extremely useful in this regard. Users are allowed to create their own unique profile, showing off all of the traits they want the world to see. While yes, this can lead to a disjoint in how someone truly is and how they want to be seen, the ability to design a public image can be helpful in discerning who one wants to be.

The use of social media as a way to reflect on who

you want to be as a person can have great effects on who you choose to be.

In today’s day and age, it is nearly impossible to just up and quit social media all together. It is central in communication among people our age. What is not impossible, however, is to control the way we partake in it.

We must ask ourselves: why do we use social media?

Once we know that answer, we can alter how we use it.

“Is social media good or bad?

Why?” Compiled by Julia Barton

ALLIE KALKBRENNER, FRESHMAN

HALIE JOHNSON, FRESHMAN

“Both, good because you can meet a lot of new pwople, bad because it’s easier to bully.”

“Bad because of cyber bullying, good because it can spread important info.”

KATIE MARR, FRESHMAN

APRIL GROFF, FRESHMAN

KATIE HOFFMAN, FRESHMAN

“Depends on the material and “I would say bad just because “Bad because it’s easy for how it’s used” the cyber bullying can get out girls to compare themselves to of hand fast on social media.” others.”

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.

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

News

MSU Reporter • 5

Polls Can be a Helpful Tool When Done Right Opinion CHRISTIAN LOHRENZ COLUMNIST According to most polls, it appears as though Joe Biden is leading quite a bit over President Trump in regard to the general election. While results across different polls are certainly varied, the consensus is a Biden edge so far. This is interesting though, since the polls around this time in 2016 were so similar. At the time, Hillary Clinton also held rather extensive leads. Since then, many across the country -- including myself -- have wondered: how accurate can those polls truly be?

Polls have been an excellent source of gathering data for a long time, especially when looking into elections.

The results of the 2016 election, along with the inaccuracies of the polls leading up to election day, have widely been criticized. This comes down to a wide consensus that many modern polls tend not to be as careful as needed when collecting and displaying their data. Every polling organization does have different ways

Christian Goodman, 18, votes for the first time in his life at the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters office Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, in Norwalk, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

and criteria for polling, which can be a good thing when collecting data.

In this election specifically organizations seem to be trying to expand their prac-

tices to include more diverse populations in which they are polling to try to bridge the gap that seemed to be missed in 2016. All this aside, the trust that average citizens seem to have in polls has certainly de-

creased to some extent. The growing amount of information among social media also may contribute to this fiasco.

All in all, as much as we may want to try to predict the future, it is inevitably impos-

sible to accurately do so with certainty. Polls by their nature try to create an educated array of outcomes. While these may be a comfort to some or a worry to others depending on their own opinions, the question may be if they actually impact the outcome of the election.

There have been studies done to try to calculate if polls and their results impact the votes. Often in these studies researchers found that as might be assumed, voters who supported a candidate whose chances were slim tended to vote less. All this to say that in some cases polls being inaccurate could truly impact the outcome.

Over the course of the past four years polling organizations have tried to shuffle their attitudes to make readers feel more confident in their findings. This doesn’t appear to have comforted many across the country though. While Biden may seem to hold an edge for now, the results of the election in their finalization are truly the only thing that will certainly show the way American’s feel.

Trump, Still Infectious, Back at White House -- Without Mask BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — President Donald Trump staged a dramatic return to the White House Monday night after leaving the military hospital where he has been receiving an unprecedented level of care for COVID-19.

He immediately ignited a new controversy by declaring that despite his illness the nation should not fear the virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans — and then he entered the White House without a protective mask.

Trump’s message alarmed infectious disease experts and suggested the president’s own illness had not caused him to rethink his often-cavalier attitude toward the disease, which has also infected the first lady and several White House aides, including new cases revealed on Monday.

Landing at the White House on Marine One, Trump gingerly climbed the South Portico steps, removed his mask and declared, “I feel good.” He gave a double thumbs-up to the departing helicopter from the portico terrace, where aides had arranged American flags for the sunset occasion. He entered the White House, where aides were visible milling about the Blue Room, without wearing a face covering.

The president left Walter

Reed National Military Medical Center, where his doctor, Navy Cdr. Sean Conley, said earlier Monday that the president remains contagious and would not be fully “out of the woods” for another week but that Trump had met or exceeded standards for discharge from the hospital. Trump is expected to continue his recovery at the White House, where the reach of the outbreak that has infected the highest levels of the U.S. government is still being uncovered.

Still Trump indicated he won’t be kept from campaigning for long, tweeting before leaving the hospital, “Will be back on the Campaign Trail soon!!!”

Trump made a point of sounding confident earlier.

He tweeted, “I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. ... I feel better than I did 20 years ago!”

Trump’s nonchalant message about not fearing the virus comes as his own administration has encouraged Americans to be very careful and take precautions to avoid contracting and spreading the disease as cases continue to spike across the country.

For more than eight months,

President Donald Trump stands on the balcony outside of the Blue Room as returns to the White House Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Washington, after leaving Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md. Trump announced he tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 2. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump’s efforts to play down the threat of the virus in hopes of propping up the economy ahead of the election have drawn bipartisan criticism.

“We have to be realistic in this: COVID is a complete threat to the American population,” Dr. David Nace of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, said of Trump’s no-fear comment.

“Most of the people aren’t so lucky as the president,” with an in-house medical unit and access to experimental treatments, added Nace, an

expert on infections in older adults.

“It’s an unconscionable message,” agreed Dr. Sadiya Khan of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “I would go so far as to say that it may precipitate or worsen spread.”

There was political pushback to Trump’s attitude toward the virus, as well.

Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas told the Houston Chronicle editorial board that Trump had “let his guard down” in his effort

to show that the country was moving beyond the virus and had created “confusion” about how to stay safe.

Conley said that because of Trump’s unusual level of treatment so early after discovery of his illness he was in “uncharted territory.” But the doctor also was upbeat at an afternoon briefing and said the president could resume his normal schedule once “there is no evidence of live virus still present.”

6 • MSU Reporter

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

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

Mav Adventures Fostering Fun Since 1982 AMANDA FILREIS STAFF WRITER The Maverick Adventure program is perfect for helping students stay active in the outdoors while working on team building and leadership development through numerous activities.

This program started up in 1982 by a campus professor that wanted to create a rope course on the far South side of campus by the tree line.

“We teach through adventure and challenges since they are part of your life,” said Program Coordinator Sam Steiger.

“Making connections is what we’re all about. We want to help students connect with others and the outdoors.”

Their adventuring events can take place in a variety of locations including, but not limited to, the gymnasium, indoor rock climbing area (one of the most popular options) and grassy fields. While most participants are MNSU students, it’s also open to community schools, programs or businesses. Anyone is welcome.

Maverick Adventures hopes

Photo courtesy of the Maverick Adventure Facebook page

to make the college experience and personal growth of the individuals memorable. They also hope to expand the program.

One of the program’s fo-

cuses is the expansion of an equipment rental system. At this point, people can only rent tents, canoes and snowshoes. The biggest hurdles the program faces is finding space

Maverick Bullpen: Sanitized and Ready to Serve SYDNEY BERGGREN STAFF WRITER It’s not exactly “game over” for the Maverick Bullpen. But the once-bustling hub for students looking to kill some time between classes by bowling a shooting pool is looking more like a ghost town.

Why? Simple: COVID-19.

Like everything else in America and on campus, the Maverick Bullpen has seen a decline in students using the entertainment facility.

Still, staff have to sanitize everything just the same.

“We have to sanitize everything every single time, whenever the students come in. it doesn’t matter how many there are,” said Bullpen employee Sieni Haq. Haq said she couldn’t compare business before and after COVID, as this is her first semester working there. She employees sanitize and disinfect every station and every game to make sure everyone is safe. “[Students] have to wear their masks unless they are eating or having a drink,” Haq added. Employees must enforce the mask policy.

and funding for the expansion.

And there are more changes on the horizon.

Things have changed due to COVID, much like everything going on in the world. In

Theatre Hopes Oct. 14 is a Good ‘Hair’ Day HELEN AKINYI STAFF WRITER

Photo by Muhammad Ibrahim/The Reporter

One might think the Maverick Bullpen would have decrease staffing business being slow, but everyone has maintained their position, and there have even been some new hires. The Maverick Bullpen has added hand sanitizing stations throughout the area.

Ryan Wilson said the added work to maintain safety standards hasn’t been a burden.

“Not really. I mean, there is nothing to do since we are so slow compared to last semes-

ter, so whenever a few students come in, it takes a few minutes to clean up and sanitize everything.”

Wilson also discussed how he doesn’t mind all the cleaning because at least they are still open and keeping everyone safe despite everything that is going on.

BULLPEN page 7

order to keep things safe and sanitary, some parts of Mav Adventure, such as the indoor rock climbing, are temporarily shut down. As things become more stable, they’ll reopen.

They also hope to create a place where participants can find new activities and make new friends. These activities can later turn into lifelong passions and help to calm the mind.

One of the most recent examples of what they can offer to those who are looking for excitement is the 12-mile bike ride and bike maintenance lesson while keeping up with the safety precautions of course.

Fall hikes and a campfire events with s’mores may be offered. They plan on getting three to four more events in before fall semester ends with even more to be expected from spring semester.

The efforts of the contributors are felt by the students of the university. “I would recommend it to my friends,” commented MNSU student Nick Mueller when asked about his thoughts about the program as a whole.

One of Minnesota State University, Mankato’s first musicals of the year is “Hair,” scheduled to open on Oct. 14 in Ted Paul Theater.

The show is described as a “tribal love-rock musical,” with story and lyrics written

by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, and music by Galt MacDermot.

“Hair” showcases the creators’ experiences with the hippie culture and sexual revolution of the 1960s, and songs from the show became rather influential in the anti-Vietnam War peace movement.

“Hair” tells the story of a group of politically active hippies living a bohemian life in New York City and their fight against involuntary enlistment into the Vietnam War. Roommates Claude, played by Ben Siglin, Berger, played by Ryan Feist, and Shelia, played by Chloe Sirbu, along with their friends, struggle to balance

life, love, and the sexual revolution with their rebellion against the war and society.

Ultimately, Claude must decide whether he is going to continue resisting the draft as his friends have been doing or bow to the will of his parents and society, risking his principles and his life.

Rehearsal for the theater department’s modern adaptation of the show began in late August and continued in person up until three weeks ago.

At this point, all shows that were being put on by MNSU’s Theater Department were briefly postponed to handle an outbreak of COVID-19. Rehearsals were continued over Zoom in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Freshman Carlie Tvedt said, “It has been challenging, but my castmates have made it all the more fun and worth it.”

This show includes 23 theater/dance majors.

An updated calendar of this year’s performances will be released Friday.

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Variety

MSU Reporter • 7

Union Market: Worth the Trip Downtown DESTINY KEMPF STAFF WRITER The Union Market is a shop near downtown Mankato that offers a space for artists to display and sell their work.

Their focus is all about supporting local talent, and they do this by offering a more permanent space for artists and entrepreneurs, without the worry of managing a storefront by themselves. The Union Market gives vendors a place to showcase their inventory, meet with clients, and hold classes.

Maddy Loch is a third-year MNSU student majoring in communication studies and double minoring in gender and women’s studies and studio art. She has been working at the Union Market for a little over a year and said the market serves as “an excellent place for creative expression for me and for other vendors.”

“As an employee I communicate with shoppers so they’re able to find what they’re looking for and they know what the market’s all about,” Loch said. “I take part in making sure the market looks its best and portrays a

BULLPEN

Continued from page 6 The workers are hoping for business to pick up, but they really are not sure if that will be possible as weeks go by.

The Bullpen is located in the basement of the CSU and they are open for business 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Friday, and noon-11:30 p.m.

Saturdays and 1-10 p.m.

Sundays.

Answers for last week’s crossword!

1. Blakeslee 2. purple 3. Crookston 4. Taylor 5. bold 6. NSIC 7. CCHA 8. USF 9. Hastings 10. softball 11. five 12. Thiesse 13. Machine 14. ten 15. Stomper 16. Reed

The Union Market, located in Downtown Mankato, can be seen on Monday, Oct. 6, 2020 in Mankato.

(Kjerstin Hall/The Reporter)

fun and creative space. Occasionally, I make sure that the vendors have their inventory up to date and anything else they need and I partially run our social media accounts.”

The Union Market recently had a large remodel with alterations to its color scheme, furnishings, and even the arrange-

ment of all the vendor’s items.

Additionally, as part of the new remodel, one of the vendors transformed some of the space into a salon now called, The Rose Room Salon.

The other core areas of art found at the Union Market are women’s apparel and accessories, men’s apparel and

accessories, health and beauty, home decor, jewelry, vintage finds and kids.

“There’s truly something for everyone. All the vendors are small and local businesses, artists, and designers, so no matter what you find here, you’re shopping small which directly impacts and benefits

the maker,” said Loch. “It’s also such a collaborative and open space for everyone so no matter who walks in, our goal is that they feel welcomed and inspired.”

The market sells a diverse array of items on behalf of many artists and entrepreneurs. Some shops and experiences found here include GinaMarie & Grasmark, North Mallo, Rita Prahl, Amber Rahe, Elseware Vintage, Scatter Brain Vintage, Beasley & Co., Galloping Goat, Anna Lee, True Ethnic, Celina Kane, Coyote Bee, Laura Smith, Kayla Ann, Chloe Rogge Design, The Pink Pig, and Cedar & Cypress.

The Union Market is not just a place to shop, however.

It also is known to be a great place for photo shoots, movie nights, and even painting classes.

When asked why she liked working at the Union Market, Loch responded, “There’s lots of plants, always good music, and good company” The Union Market is located at 615 South Front St. in Downtown Mankato. It is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Cook’s 2 TDs Lead Vikings to 1st Win of the Season HOUSTON (AP) — In a battle between winless teams that made the playoffs last year, one was going to emerge thinking it could turn its season around and the other was going to end up even more desperate.

The Minnesota Vikings have reason for optimism after holding off a late rally by the now-despondent Houston Texans on Sunday.

“You have to string wins together,” Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins said. “One game isn’t going to do anything for us. Certainly nice to get a win and get headed in the right direction. But each week is its own entity and we’ve got to be able to string some together for it to mean something and that’s what’s up ahead for us.”

Dalvin Cook ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns for the Vikings (1-3), who beat Houston 31-23.

“It definitely feels good to win a football game, to help the confidence of our team, to get us back in rhythm of knowing we can go out there and win the football game if we play as a whole in each phase of the game,” Cook said.

The Texans cut the lead to 8 when Deshaun Watson connected with Kenny Stills on a 24-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-10 with 5:52 remaining.

Houston’s defense got a

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) breaks away from Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/ David J. Phillip)

stop and Will Fuller made an acrobatic one-handed catch on fourth down for what was initially ruled a touchdown with 1:12 left. But after a review it was determined that the ball hit the ground before Fuller gained control, and Minnesota ran out the clock from there.

Alexander Mattison added a rushing touchdown and Cousins threw for 260 yards and a TD for the Vikings.

Houston’s NFL-worst run

defense continued to struggle, giving up 162 yards as the Texans dropped to 0-4 for the first time since 2008.

“This is terrible, it’s brutal,” defensive end J.J. Watt said. “It’s depressing. It sucks.

It sucks, I don’t know any other way to put it.”

The loss at home to a previously winless team after a difficult season-opening schedule will ratchet up pressure on coach Bill O’Brien, whose

team won the AFC South the previous two seasons.

“We’ve just got to keep working,” O’Brien said.

“There’s really no way out of it other than that. You have no choice.”

Watson threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns and Fuller had 108 yards receiving and a touchdown before he was unable to corral the last ball thrown to him.

8 • MSU Reporter

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