November 11, 2021

TODAY

Senior art exhibit

43˚

in conkling page

17

27˚

Overcast, windy, and a little bit of rain.

Overall, not looking great.

STUDENT RUN NEWS SINCE 1926

MSUREPORTER.COM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

By ASHLEY OPINA • Variety Editor When mother nature calls, women must answer. There’s no way around it. That’s why Student Government Senator Siene Haq proposed the distribution of free feminine hygiene products all throughout the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus.

Although such products are often available in the women’s bathrooms on campus, they aren’t free. Accord-

Entrepreneurship Week in full stride on campus

ing to Haq, women don’t always carry the cash needed to purchase the products they desire.

“This is a basic necessity for every girl on campus and not a luxury product,” she said.

Haq explained that her experiences as a woman opened her eyes to the reality that although every woman experiences menstruation, when that time of the month comes may be irregular and unpredictable. Women aren’t always prepared

with a menstrual pad or tampon on hand, and having a friend at the ready with one isn’t always possible either.

“There is something known as period poverty and we can say that our campus does face it,” she said.

“We do not have access to it ready, and that is not to say that women cannot afford it but access to it is difficult. There are times when women cannot go up to CVS or HYGIENE on page 9 u

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter

Student Gov. looking to distribute feminine hygiene products

Hygiene products available at Women’s Center.

GOAAAAAL!

Congressman visits Student Government

By MAX MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief

By MAX MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief

Global Entrepreneurship week kicked off its annual celebration at Minnesota State University, Mankato Saturday, hoping to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit in students, faculty, staff and the community.

The week’s worth of events are sponsored by the College of Business Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).

Global Entrepreneurship Week is an annual program held internationally by the Global Entrepreneurship Network, an organization that aims to make it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business, according to their website.

The week itself is a campaign to engage people each November with tens of thousands of activities across the globe to celebrate and inspire entrepreneurs.

David Alimo, a senior at MNSU and entrepreneur, said he is thrilled at the chance for students to explore their ideas as entrepreneurs.

“It’s an opportunity for students to showcase their ideas to other entrepreneurs,” said Alimo.

One of the biggest draws, says Alimo, is the ability for students to network with these business professionals.

“They have been giving good insight on how BUSINESS on page 2 u

Rep. Luke Frederick visited the Minnesota State University, Mankato Student Government Wednesday to talk about his time in the state’s House of Representatives.

Frederick, originally from Mankato, spent a year in the Americorps program before returning to Mankato to attend MNSU, where he recieved a degree in corrections.

Elected in 2020, the new representative visited the student senate to talk about his time in public service.

One of his main points was the importance of listening to constituents.

“Sometimes as a leader, one of the hardest things to do is to just close my mouth,” said Frederick, who went on to stress that this is particularly vital in areas of ignorance. “It just goes back to listening and understanding when I might not know something.”

The representative spoke about his time at MNSU, where he spent most of his time in Armstrong Hall.

Armstrong Hall is currently undergoing planning for demolition and reconstruction. Frederick is currently the house author for the bill on the project.

“It’s a place that means a lot to me,” said Frederick, “but there is a lot of room for improvement.”

STU GOV on page 2 u

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter The Mavericks women’s soccer team won their first round match of the NSIC tournament in an unsual fashion when a UMary player scored an own goal, the only of the match, Wednesday afternoon.

full story on page 12 u

Program gives veterans free dental services

By JENNA PETERSON News Director For the fourth year in a row, Minnesota State University, Mankato’s College of Allied Health and Nursing is hosting Health for Heroes, a free event created to honor and provide services for Mankato-area veterans.

“We just came up with this idea because there are a lot of veterans who don’t have access to dental care. They don’t have dental insurance, so they can’t

get dental treatment,” said Pamela Briese, assistant professor in the Department of Dental Education and a leader with the event. “So, we were made aware of that by veterans that were coming into the clinic and telling us that they did not have dental insurance.”

In this event there will be free services available for veterans to take advantage of.

Some of these services include dental cleanings, exams and fluoride treatments.

Briese explained, “Our

dental clinic offers free and reduced services for people that qualify and so we thought ‘Well, let’s have a day so that we can honor all of the active, reserve and retired military people that don’t have access to care.’”

Along with the dental program, other departments in the college will be offering free services for the veterans. The Communication Sciences and Disorders program will provide free hearing screenings VETERANS on page 4 u

2 • MSU Reporter STU GOV Continued from page 1 Frederick also mentioned meetings he was a part of during his campaign in which he spoke with students about the problems they face, including mental health and food insecurity.

“I was blown away at some of the work that needs to be done,” said Frederick, “and the work that is being done.”

The congressman also spoke about other pieces of legislation such as policing reform and mental health in education institutions.

Social media was a topic for discussion during the presentation, with Frederick warning against improper usage.

“Social media is a huge part of the world today,” said Frederick, “but it is also one of the most harmful things in the world today.”

Frederick made the point that being intentionally inflammatory on social media is not productive to society as a whole, and how he looks to work for his constituency.

“How is that improving the lives of the people, not just in my district, but the state as a whole,” said Frederick.

BUSINESS Continued from page 1 to start your business and just grow,” referring to the several guests that attend the various events during the week.

At MNSU, the CIE has partnered with several organizations on and off campus to put on the week’s worth of events.

The events have included so far informational workshops on LinkedIn for small business, cybersecurity for side hustles, and project management.

This week will also include the kick off of the annual “Big Ideas Challenge,” a competition that encourages innovative solutions to real world problems. The event, held in April, allows students to pitch business ideas, with the winning pitches receiving investments to start up the ventures.

This kick off will bring in industry professionals for students to network their ideas and flesh out a plan for the competition in April.

Alimo said he believes that Global Entrepreneurship Week is a great time for students to explore what it means to be an entrepreneur.

“What I like most about it is that it allows you to build outside of school,” said Alimo. “Shape your future if you want to be an entrepreneur.”

News

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Students reflect on the class registration process

By CLAIRE BRUNEAU Staff Writer As the fall semester winds down, students at Minnesota State University, Mankato are beginning to register for their spring semester classes. Each student is given a designated time to begin this process, creating some problems as students are stressed about getting the right classes before time runs out.

Shailee Nagel, a freshman nursing student, said she is concerned about registering for classes.

“I am very worried about getting the classes I want,” Nagel said. “Actually, I am worried about getting the classes that I need. If I don’t get the classes that I need, that could put my whole progress off and make me have to stay here for longer and there would be nothing that I could do about it.”

One concept Nagel pointed out is how the University could better help students when it comes to registering for classes.

“Having more options and more sections for people would be helpful. It’s not like they would have to have more options upfront, but if it’s late November and there’s a class that’s already filled up it would be a great additional help for people,” she said.

“For example, micro biology is already half full and my time slot to register for classes is a while away. In that scenario they should look at

MADDIE BEHRENS • The Reporter

adding another section. You also have to take some classes at a certain time in the year, so those types of things don’t go hand and hand and that’s just out of your control,” Nagel said.

Nagel said she believes that more sections for classes should be added to help ensure students are able to take the classes they need in order to graduate.

“If there are a lot of classes that fill up they need to make more sections because some people need to take those classes. It’s the college’s job to make it as smooth and easy as possible for us. Also not taking classes on time can make

it hard to transfer to other schools,” she explained.

“The classes that you’re taking freshmen and sophomore year are the classes that fill up the most because they’re the most gen ed. These classes are vital and if there are not enough of them then maybe the campus should be offering more options for people,” said Nagel.

For senior Nadya Sher, taking the right classes is even more stressful.

“Registering for classes is by credits. The more credits you have the sooner you get to apply for classes. It’s kind of like seniority. I think this is very important because

the people that are closest to graduating should come first.

I’m hoping to graduate soon and am happy that the school is making that a priority.

Sher recommends that students who are confused about the registration process should get in contact with their academic advisor.

“One thing I would recommend to students wanting to graduate on time is that you don’t have to do it alone, talk to your adviser, they are always there to help you,” said Sher.

Students can look up classes offered and their registration window by logging into their Eservices account.

Thursday, November 11, 2021

News

MSU Reporter • 3

Malcolm decries ‘alarming spike’ in MN COVID cases ASSOCIATED PRESS COVID-19 hospitalizations have reached their highest level of the year in Minnesota and hospital capacity continues to tighten throughout the state amid an alarming surge in cases, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said Wednesday.

The Minnesota Department of Health on Wednesday reported 5,277 new cases and 43 new deaths, raising the state’s pandemic totals to 831,669 confirmed cases and 8,925 deaths. Minnesota hospitals were caring for 1,159 COVID-19 patients, including 257 in intensive care units.

During a briefing for reporters, Malcolm called the new case and death numbers “extraordinarily high and concerning. ... Right now we find ourselves in a really truly alarming spike” in new cases.

“Every day now we’re seeing dozens of Minnesotans dying from an illness that they didn’t have to get, and that is beyond heartbreaking for all of us doing this work,” Malcolm said. ”The tragedy of this current spike in cases is that more than ever, we have the tools and the knowledge

GRANT SCHILTE • Associated Press Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm discusses measures on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, to alleviate staffing shortages at health care facilities that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 surge.

to minimize the impact of this virus.”

Those tools include vaccinations, masking in public and staying home when sick, she said. Most Minnesotans are vaccinated, but too many still aren’t, she said. The proportion of Minnesotans ages

12 and over who have had at least their first vaccine dose has reached 74%, according to the department’s data. Meanwhile, 70% of the 12-and-over population has completed their vaccine series, and 67% of Minnesotans ages 5 and up have received at least

one dose.

Malcolm and Kris Ehresmann, the department’s infectious disease director, said the problem of “waning immunity,” which appears to show up around six months after vaccination, seems to be a factor in the rise of breakthrough

cases, which tend to be most frequent in older patients, which was the group that was vaccinated first.

Given that hospitals are crowded and many people still aren’t vaccinated, health officials are encouraging everyone to think carefully about their plans for the upcoming holidays, Ehresmann said. She noted that the Centers for Disease Control recently updated its holiday guidance. It is stressing the value of vaccinations; wearing masks in public indoor settings; avoiding crowded, poorly ventilated places; not hosting or attending gatherings if sick or showing symptoms; and delaying travel until fully vaccinated.

“Given the COVID blizzard that’s hitting us in Minnesota, it’s a really good idea to wear a mask even if you’re fully vaccinated ... if a member of your household has a weakened immune system and is at increased risk of severe disease, or if someone in your family is unvaccinated,” Ehresmann said.

Ehresmann recommended getting tested before holiday gatherings and travel especially for anyone with symptoms or who has been exposed .

4 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Rittenhouse: ‘I defended myself.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS

VETERANS Continued from page 1 and there will also be free health and wellness resources available through various other programs in the college.

“After the first year we were asked by Speech and Hearing if they could participate in it too. And then it kind of evolved. We asked the whole College of Allied Health and Nursing to see what services they could offer to the veterans,” Breise said.

“It’s just kind of become a collaborative thing between all of us to provide some help for these veterans to be well.”

Military and Veteran Success Coordinator Tim Adams believes this gives the MNSU veterans the opportunity to focus on their health and not have to worry about the price that typically comes with these services.

“What it really provides is a chance for them to interact with some veterans. And it gives the veterans and the

SEAN KRAJACIC • The Kenosha News via Associated Press Kyle Rittenhouse waits for the jury to enter the room to continue testifying during his trial at the Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha, Wis., on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.

get life in prison.

Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time, went to Kenosha with an AR-style semi-automatic weapon and a medic bag in what the former police youth cadet said was an effort to protect property after rioters had set fires and ransacked businesses on previous nights.

The case has divided Americans over whether Rittenhouse was a patriot taking a stand against lawlessness or a vigilante.

“I didn’t intend to kill them. I intended to stop the people who were attacking me,” Rittenhouse said, who after his morning outburst was largely composed the rest of the day, though his voice seemed to break at times as he came under tough cross-examination.

Prosecutor Thomas Binger went hard at Rittenhouse all

afternoon during cross-examination, walking him through each of the shootings. Rittenhouse continually pushed back.

Rittenhouse said that he “didn’t want to have to shoot” Joseph Rosenbaum, the first man to fall that night, but he said Rosenbaum was chasing him and had threatened to kill him earlier.

“If I would have let Mr. Rosenbaum take my firearm from me, he would have used it and killed me with it,” he said, “and probably killed more people.”

But Rittenhouse also acknowledged that the strap holding his gun was in place and that he had both hands on the weapon.

Binger sought to drive home the state’s contention that Rittenhouse created the dangerous situation that led to bloodshed that night.

community a chance to get some much needed dental or health care,” he stated.

Adams himself has attended this event in the past.

“I was really impressed with the quality of the dental program. I was expecting to walk in and see something out of the 1950s, but they have absolute, state-of-the-art, training,” Adams said. “The people were very professional, it seemed like they were all very focused on patient care.

I was really impressed with the quality of care that they were able to provide. Clearly, the training through the dental program is absolutely top

notch at this school.”

The Health for Heroes not only provides oral and physical health services for the veterans, but it also gives them an opportunity to feel supported.

“What I really like is, I consider our school to be very veteran friendly,” Adams stated. “The dental program looking to say, ‘Okay, we can provide to the veterans on this special day a help that they could need. For some people who have mental health problems with people going to get dental care and such, this is a way for them to show support for veterans.”

Pluto's Taxi Cheaper than other cabs, more reliable than rideshare!

OPEN NOW! 507-519-2291 www.plutostaxi.com

DOWNLOAD THE TAXICALLER APP HERE!

Kyle Rittenhouse testified Wednesday he was under attack when he killed two men and wounded a third with his rifle during a chaotic night of protests in Kenosha, saying: “I didn’t do anything wrong.

I defended myself.”

In a high-stakes gamble, the 18-year-old took the stand at his murder trial to tell his side of what happened on the streets that day in the summer of 2020, sobbing so hard at one point that the judge called a break.

In an account largely corroborated by video and the prosecution’s own witnesses, Rittenhouse said that the first man cornered him and put his hand on the barrel of Rittenhouse’s rifle, the second man hit him with a skateboard, and the third man came at him with a gun of his own.

His testimony was interrupted by an angry exchange in which his lawyers demanded a mistrial over what they argued were out-of-bounds questions asked of him by the chief prosecutor.

The judge, though plainly mad at the prosecutor, did not immediately rule on the request. And later in the day, he instructed the jury to expect closing arguments early next week.

Rittenhouse, 18, is on trial over the shootings he committed during the unrest that erupted in Kenosha over the wounding of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by a white Kenosha police officer. He could

Aid official: Thousands of Afghan refugees fleeing to Iran

VAHID SALEMI • Associated Press Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, NRC, Jan Egeland speaks in an interview with The Associated Press in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Thousands of Afghan refugees are fleeing the Taliban into neighboring Iran every day and the trend could eventually become a crisis for Europe, a top aid official said Wednesday.

Jan Egeland visited refugees this week around Kerman province in eastern Iran close to the Afghanistan border. He warned that Europe could be affected if the influx into Iran continues.

Speaking to The Associated Press in the capital Tehran at the end of his trip, Egeland said more needs to be done to provide hope, food and care for Afghans fleeing the Taliban.

“Many Afghan refugees called their relatives telling them they are on their way to Iran and many want to go on to Europe, so Europe should be less occupied with a few thousand (refugees) sitting on the Polish-Belorussian border.”

“More people came today to Iran than are now on that border,” he added.

More than 120,000 Americans, Afghans and others were flown out of Afghanistan during a massive airlift operation in the days after the capital of Kabul fell to the Taliban on Aug. 15.

But thousands more were left behind, with many fleeing to the borders and seeking help from aid agencies.

ASSISTANT TEACHERS: Various shifts, Monday - Friday. Assistant teachers must have 2 years post-secondary education and at least 1,080 hours of experience with children -ORHigh School Degree and at least 2,080 hours of experience.

PART-TIME AIDES: Full-time hours available, 7:00am-6:00pm with ages 6 weeks to 6 years.

Aides do not require post-secondary education or experience.

DROP OFF RESUME AND REFERENCES OR APPLY ONLINE. ANDROID

APPLE

300 Madison Avenue Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 625-2141

www.mankatolittlestars.com

Thursday, November 11, 2021

News

MSU Reporter • 5

EU accuses Belarus of ‘trafficking’ migrants ASSOCIATED PRESS European Union officials on Wednesday accused Belarus of state-sponsored “trafficking” of human lives by luring desperate migrants to the Polish border — the edge of the EU — where many are now stuck in makeshift camps in freezing weather.

As the crisis showed no sign of easing, an EU leader also said the bloc was, for the first time, considering the idea of funding the construction of a wall or some other barrier on its eastern border. That idea has always been rejected before and still faces many political and humanitarian obstacles.

Polish authorities estimate that about 3,000-4,000 migrants have gathered along its border with Belarus, with hundreds concentrated in one makeshift camp not far from the Kuznica crossing. Warsaw has bolstered security at the frontier, where it has declared a state of emergency.

Polish authorities have tweeted video of migrants, some using shovels and wire cutters, trying to break through a fence on the border to enter Poland.

The West has accused Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko of encouraging migrants from the Middle East to travel to his country and sending them toward EU members Poland, Lithuania and Latvia as a way to retaliate against the bloc for sanctions imposed

LEONID SHCHEGLOV • BeITA via Associated Press Migrants from the Middle East and elsewhere gather in front of the barbed wire at the Belarus-Poland border near Grodno Grodno, Belarus, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.

on the authoritarian regime for its crackdown on internal dissent since a disputed election in 2020.

Belarus denies the allegations, but has said it will no longer stop migrants and others seeking to enter the EU. “From a distance, these events on the Polish-Belarusian border may look like a migration crisis, but this is not a migration crisis, it is a political crisis triggered with the special purpose of destabilizing the situation in the European Union,” said Pol-

ish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Steffen Seibert, a spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said in Berlin that Minsk is engaged in “state-run smuggling and trafficking ... happening 100% at the expense of the people who are lured into the country with false promises.”

Poland says Russia bears some responsibility for the crisis, given its staunch backing of Lukashenko. Germany’s interior minister, Horst Seehofer, also accused Lukashen-

ko of “using people’s fates — with the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin — to destabilize the West.”

Merkel spoke by phone with Putin on Wednesday. “I asked him to exert his influence on President Lukashenko, because people are being used here,” she said.

“They are victims of an inhuman policy, and something must be done against this,” Merkel said in Meseberg, near Berlin. Speaking ahead of a meeting with Latvian and Portuguese leaders, Merkel

thanked Poland, Lithuania and Latvia for protecting the EU’s external borders.

Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins added that “it is what I would call a state-sponsored human trafficking, which is affecting directly my country, Lithuania and Poland.”

The Kremlin’s account of the call with Merkel said Putin proposed a discussion between “representatives of EU member states and Minsk.”

It also said Putin and Merkel “agreed to continue the conversation.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected suggestions

by Morawiecki that Moscow has any responsibility in the crisis, calling them “absolutely irresponsible and unacceptable.” Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also has suggested the EU give Belarus financial aid to stop the migrant flow.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with President Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday and said the White House was aiming to levy new sanctions on the Lukashenko regime by early December.

U.S. Treasury Department officials have already begun working on the sanctions and are looking to unveil them as Europe moves forward with its own, said a White House official who was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Mankato Location

Full-Time & Part-Time Positions Flexible Hours | Fun Place to Work!

Apply online at: jobs.tjx.com

Need to scrap your vehicle?

$$ CALL US $$ ★ Used Parts ★ Highest Prices Paid for All Grades of Metal including Appliances ★ Top Dollar Paid Monday-Friday 8-4:30

507-524-3735 (10 Miles South on Hwy. 22)

BANDRAUTOTRUCKSALVAGE.COM

6 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, November 11, 2021

FALL 2021 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN

Make the most of Veterans Day

maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

MADISON DIEMERT

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

Editorial Veterans Day is more than just saying “thank you.”

While it’s important to recognize what others have done in the service and put the country before themselves, it’s even more important to make a connection with the day and have meaning behind it.

There are plenty of Instagram and Facebook posts reminding you to thank a veteran for their service every November 11, but not enough people are actually paying it forward with a meaningful statement.

There are plenty of ways to make Veterans Day a much more meaningful celebration.

Visiting memorials of past wars is a great way to pay your respect and make a bigger connection.

The Korean War Memorial on E. Main St., the World War I Memorial at Sibley Park, and World War II Memorial at Wheeler Park in North Mankato are just a few of many memorials around Mankato that can give you the opportunity to pay your respects for the day.

Donating to a charity is another great way to give back to those that have risked it at all and put their lives on the line.

The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is a nonprofit organization on a mission to end Veteran Homelessness in Minnesota. The organization has helped over 10,000 veterans and continues to do so.

NEWS DIRECTOR: Jenna Peterson jenna.peterson-3@mnsu.edu MEDIA/DESIGN DIRECTOR: Mansoor Ahmad mansoor.ahmad@mnsu.edu SPORTS EDITOR: Daniel McElroy daniel.mcelroy@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING SALES: Baylee Sorensen 507-389-5097 baylee.sorensen@mnsu.edu

Photo courtesy of Flickr

If you want something more local, Lorentz Post 11 in Mankato and Post 518 in North Mankato are American Legion’s that accept donations, with Lorentz Post 11 hosting a free turkey dinner for all veterans.

One of the most intimate ways to have an impact on Veterans Day is to have a meaningful conversation with a veteran.

If you do end up attending a memorial or a gathering, sitting down and having a conversation with a veteran

can make not only an impact on yourself, but with them as well. Learning about the experiences and hardships they have lived through holds a lot of potential on both ends.

A way to pay your respects to those that have fallen is visiting a military cemetary. Founded in 1869, Glenwood Cemetery in Mankato is home to hundreds of war veterans and a great place to pay your respects forward.

If you have any friends or family that serve, taking them out to lunch and spending

time with them, or even buying them a coffee can go a long way. Making it a learning experience is one of the best things you can do with this day.

There is so much more to Veterans Day than just thanking a veteran. Make it a day worth remembering. Make it a day where veterans feel recognized and respected for their sacrifices. There are plenty of people that try to bypass this and not make much of it.

Don’t be that person. Be the person that wants to make it feel like every other holiday.

“Have you or anyone you know served in the military?”

Compiled by Maddie Behrens

CHEYENNE KRUSE, SOPHOMORE

ETHAN LARSON, GRAD STUDENT

KERRIE JOHNSRUD, JUNIOR

“My sister’s ex served in the army in Iraq.”

“My grandfather served in Vietnam for two years.”

“I served in the navy from 2015-2019 in the Arctic and Mediterranean Sea.”

DREW SCHWAB, JUNIOR

PARKER PERRY, FRESHMAN

“My uncle served in the army “My brother is in the national in the 2000s.” guard and served in Africa for 1 1/2 years.”

BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad 507-389-1926 jane.tastad@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PRODUCTION MGR.: 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, November 11, 2021

SpaceX aims for night crew launch; ailing astronaut now OK

News

MSU Reporter • 7

Judge OKs $626 mill in Flint water ASSOCIATED PRESS

JOHN RAOUX • Associated Press Astronauts, from left, Tom Marshburn, Matthias Maurer, of Germany, Raja Chari and Kayla Barron wave as they leave the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to Launch Pad 39-A Wednesday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS SpaceX counted down Wednesday toward a nighttime launch of four astronauts who have been grounded for nearly two weeks by weather and medical delays.

The Falcon rocket was poised to blast off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center a few hours after sunset. That would put the one German and three U.S. astronauts at the International Space Station by Thursday night to begin a six-month stay.

It was so drizzly that SpaceX employees held umbrellas over the astronauts as they said goodbye to their families. Their wet helmets were wiped down before they strapped into their seats. Forecasters promised the weather would improve.

One of the astronauts was sidelined last week by an undisclosed medical issue. The crew member is fully recovered, according to NASA. Officials won’t say whether it was an illness or injury, but noted it wasn’t COVID-19.

The launch attempt comes just two days after SpaceX brought four station astronauts back to Earth. They should have been up there to welcome the station newcomers, but NASA and

SpaceX decided to switch the order based on Monday’s ideal recovery weather in the Gulf of Mexico.

A balky parachute during descent had SpaceX engineers poring over the data, before giving the go-ahead for Wednesday’s launch effort. One of the four chutes opened more than a minute late, a problem seen in testing and well within safety limits, SpaceX officials said Tuesday.

Other equipment issues involved the toilet. SpaceX redesigned the flushing system after a major leak occurred on a private flight in September.

The capsule returning Monday had the same problem so the crew had to rely on diapers during the eighthour ride.

Good news: The space station was no longer on a potential collision course with space junk. Late Tuesday, NASA said the station was going to have to dodge a piece of an old Chinese satellite, destroyed years ago in a missile-firing test.

But by Wednesday, the debris no longer posed a threat.

Mission Control moved the station higher anyway to accommodate visiting Russian vehicles in the next month.

SNOW REMOVAL

- Starting pay of $15/hour, paid weekly - Reliable individual with transportation

JANITORIAL/CLEANING PERSON

- Reliable individual with transportation - Salary based on experience

Application available online at www.thecaretakersinc.com or call: For the Janitorial Position: Call Linda at 507-388-5384

For the Snow Removal Position: Call Andy at 507-469-0352

A judge on Wednesday approved a $626 million deal to settle lawsuits filed

by Flint residents who found their tap water contaminated by lead following disastrous decisions to switch the city’s water source and a failure to swiftly acknowledge the problem.

Most of the money — $600 million — is coming from the state of Michigan, which was accused of repeatedly overlooking the risks of using the Flint River without properly treating the water.

“The settlement reached here is a remarkable achievement for many reasons, not the least of which is that it sets forth a comprehensive compensation program and timeline that is consistent for every qualifying participant,” U.S. District Judge Judith Levy said.

Attorneys are seeking as much as $200 million in legal fees from the overall settlement. Levy left that issue for another day. The deal makes money available to Flint children who were exposed to the water, adults who can show an injury, certain business owners and anyone who paid water bills. About 80% of what’s left after legal fees is earmarked for children.

“This is a historic and momentous day for the residents of Flint, who will finally begin to see justice served,” said Ted Leopold, one of the lead

CARLOS OSORIO • Associated Press This Jan. 26, 2016, file photo, shows the Flint River in Flint, Mich.

A judge on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, approved a $626 million settlement for Flint residents and others who were exposed to lead-contaminated water.

attorneys in the litigation.

Corey Stern, another key lawyer in the case, said he represented “many brave kids who did not deserve the tragedy put on them.”

Flint managers appointed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder and regulators in his administration allowed the city to use the Flint River in 2014-15 without treating the water to reduce corrosion. As a result, lead in old pipes broke off and flowed through taps.

There is no safe level of lead. It can harm a child’s brain development and cause attention and behavior problems.

Flint switched back to a Detroit regional water agency in fall 2015 after Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha publicly reported elevated lead levels in

children.

Some critics said the disaster in the predominantly Black city was an example of environmental racism.

Flint is paying $20 million toward the settlement, while McLaren Health is paying $5 million and an engineering firm, Rowe Professional Services, is paying $1.25 million.

The deal was announced in August 2020 by Attorney General Dana Nessel and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, both Democrats, who were elected in 2018 while the litigation was pending.

“What happened in Flint should never have happened, and no amount of money can completely compensate people for what they have endured,” Whitmer said Wednesday.

8 • MSU Reporter

News

Interview transcripts in Cuomo harassment

Thursday, November 11, 2021

​​​​Mandates drive up vaccinations at colleges, despite leniency

JOE MAIORANA • Associated Press A historical marker stands near the gate at the Ohio University campus in Athens, Ohio on June 12, 2006.

JACQUELYN MARTIN • Associated Press New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, on May 27, 2020.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Over an 11-hour interview with investigators last July, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo defiantly denied allegations he sexually harassed women and sparred with the lawyers questioning him, accusing one of being out to get him, according to a transcript released on Wednesday.

New York Attorney General Letitia James made public hundreds of pages of transcripts of interviews conducted by two independent lawyers, hired by her office, during their monthslong probe of sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo.

In their interviews with investigators, conducted over several months, the women accusing Cuomo of misconduct laid out their horror stories of working for a boss who made comments about women’s looks, asked questions about sex and gave inappropriate touches and kisses.

The transcripts covered interviews done with 10 of the women who accused Cuomo of misconduct, plus the interview that Cuomo himself gave on July 17.

Most of the allegations, and Cuomo’s defenses, have been aired publicly before in interviews, news conferences and a report published by James’ office in August that sparked public outrage and pushed Cuomo to resign from office. But the transcripts offer a new level of detail on the allegations against the Democrat and Cuomo’s confrontational interview.

During the interrogation, Cuomo insisted he was careful in how he behaved around

women and said several of his accusers had misrepresented what happened. He also bristled at a groping allegation by an aide, Brittany Commisso, who said Cuomo had pulled her toward him and grabbed her breast in the governor’s mansion.

Cuomo, 63, said it would be “not even feasible” for him to have done that, especially since he believed his conduct was constantly under scrutiny by enemies, including one of the lawyers then investigating him, former acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim. “You’ve investigated me for six years,” Cuomo told Kim, referring to corruption investigations conducted by federal prosecutors during Kim’s tenure, including one that sent one of Cuomo’s close friends to prison. “I would have to lose my mind to do some — such a thing. It would be an act of insanity to touch a woman’s breast and make myself vulnerable to a woman for such an accusation.”

“Numerous people have tried to set me up,” Cuomo said. “I’m always wary of people. I have phenomenal precautions. It would be an act of insanity.”

The Albany County sheriff’s office filed a criminal complaint against Cuomo over Commisso’s groping allegation late last month.

In her interview with investigators, Commisso said Cuomo made comments about her appearance, called her “honey” and asked her about her sex life. She said when she wore a dress rather than pants to work, the governor said it was “about time that you showed some leg.”

She also described the al-

leged assault at the governor’s mansion, saying that even as she pushed Cuomo away, she worried she would be the one who got in trouble if she slapped him or made a scene.

“I would be taken away by the state police officers and I would be the one that would get in trouble and I would be the one to lose my job, not him,” she said.

In her interview with investigators, Lindsey Boylan, a former economic development official who was the first woman to publicly accuse Cuomo of harassment, called his famously caustic administration “a terrible environment for everyone, whether they were sexually harassed or not.” But she told the investigators harassment was what spurred her to come forward. “If this was just a toxic work environment, we wouldn’t be sitting here.”

Boylan said Cuomo regularly commented on her appearance, “constantly” looked at her legs and once kissed her on the lips without her consent.

When the governor’s dog climbed on her, Cuomo said, “Well, if I was the dog, I’d mount you, too.”

Asked by investigators whether any sexual harassment training was done while she was working in the Executive Chamber, Boylan said no, adding: “The whole building is sexual harassment.” She and other women described Cuomo as, at turns intensely demanding, furious or egregiously inappropriate.

Cuomo asked Boylan to sing him “Happy Birthday” over the phone and former aide Charlotte Bennett to sing “Danny Boy” as a hazing ritual.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Universities that adopted COVID-19 vaccine mandates this fall have seen widespread compliance even though many schools made it easy to get out of the shots by granting exemptions to nearly any student who requested one.

Facing pockets of resistance and scattered lawsuits, colleges have tread carefully because forcing students to get the vaccine when they have a religious or medical objection could put schools into tricky legal territory.

For some, there are added concerns that taking a hard line could lead to a drop in enrollment.

DRIVERS • • • • •

&

Still, universities with mandates report much higher vaccination rates than communities around them, even in places with high vaccine hesitancy.

Some universities have seen nearly complete compliance, including at state flagship schools in Maryland, Illinois and Washington, helping them avoid large outbreaks like those that disrupted classes a year ago.

Since its mandate two months ago, Ohio University students and employees who reported being vaccinated at its Athens campus shot up from 69% to almost 85%.

“Educating and encouraging was only getting us so far,” said Gillian Ice

MOVERS

Full-Time & Part-Time Available Starting pay $15/hr.

No CDL Required to be a Driver Super flexible daytime hours and days Applicants must take direction well and be in decent shape due to physically taxing job duties.

TO APPLY: Call 507-382-9491 or Email: mankatomovers@gmail.com Message us on Facebook • Walk-Ins Welcome

Thursday, November 11, 2021

News

Ahmaud Arbery ‘trapped like a rat’ ASSOCIATED PRESS One of the three white men standing trial for the death of Ahmaud Arbery said they had the 25-yearold Black man “trapped like a rat” before he was fatally shot, a police investigator testified Wednesday.

Father and son Greg and Travis McMichael armed themselves and chased Arbery in a pickup truck after they spotted him running in their coastal Georgia neighborhood on Feb. 23, 2020. A neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, joined the pursuit in his own truck and took cellphone video of Travis McMichael shooting Arbery three times at close range with a shotgun.

More than two months passed before the three men were arrested on charges of murder and other crimes, after the graphic video leaked online and deepened a national reckoning over racial injustice.

Glynn County police Sgt. Roderic Nohilly told the jury Wednesday he spoke with Greg McMichael at police headquarters a few hours after the shooting. He said Greg McMichael, 65, told him Arbery “wasn’t out for no Sunday jog. He was getting the hell out of there.”

The father told Nohilly he recognized Arbery because he had been recorded by security cameras a few times inside a neighboring home under construction. Greg McMichael said they gave chase to try to stop Arbery from escaping the subdivision.

“He was trapped like a rat,” Greg McMichael said, according to a transcript of their recorded interview Nohilly read in court. “I think he was wanting to flee and he realized that something, you know, he was not going to get away.”

Defense attorneys say the McMichaels and Bryan were legally justified in chasing

HYGIENE Continued from page 1 Walmart or Health Services to get these because they need them immediately.”

That’s why Haq believes in the importance of having them free and ready at every women’s bathroom on campus.

Her idea isn’t a unique one.

According to Haq other campuses in the state and even across the nation have already adopted similar plans.

She did her research by using the other campuses as examples and found the nec-

MSU Reporter • 9

Biden: Infrastructure bill will ease economy woes, just wait

STEPHEN B. MORTON • Associated Press Greg McMichael, center, listens to arguments during the trial of himself, his son Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga.

and trying to detain Arbery because they reasonably thought he was a burglar.

Greg McMichael told police Travis McMichael, 35, fired in self-defense as Arbery attacked with his fists and tried to grab his son’s shotgun.

“He had an opportunity to flee further, you know,” Greg McMichael told Nohilly. “We had chased him around the neighborhood a bit, but he wasn’t winded at all. I mean this guy was, he was in good shape.”

Prosecutors say the McMichaels and Bryan chased Arbery for five minutes before he was shot in the street after running past the McMichaels’ idling truck. Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski has described him as an “avid runner” who lived about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the Satilla Shores neighborhood where he was slain.

Bryan, 52, was on his front porch when he saw Arbery run past with the McMichaels’ truck close behind.

He told police he didn’t recognize any of them, or know what prompted the chase, but still joined in after calling out: “Y’all got him?”

Bryan said he used his truck several times to cut off Arbery and edge him off the road, testified Stephan Low-

rey, the lead Glynn County police investigator on the case. He said police found Arbery’s fingerprints by the truck’s driver-side door, next to a dent in the body. Bryan said Arbery had tried to open the door, but he denied striking the running man.

“I didn’t hit him,” Bryan said, according to an interview transcript Lowrey read in court. “Wish I would have.

Might have took him out and not get him shot.”

Bryan’s attorney, Kevin Gough, asked the investigator if he thought Bryan committed aggravated assault or any other “serious violent felony” with his truck.

“No, that wasn’t the way I interpreted it at the time,” said Lowrey, who agreed that local police considered Bryan a witness to the shooting.

Glynn County police made no arrests in Arbery’s shooting. But Lowrey said he hadn’t closed the case when the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took it over in May. “It was still open but not getting much traction,” Lowrey said. He added: “I think inactive was a fair summary.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton spoke with reporters outside the courthouse, where he held the hands of Arbery’s parents while leading a prayer.

essary steps required to get the job done.

“This is a crucial issue as it requires funding and a budget,” she explained. “This is not a one-day job, and we will need to sit with different departments in order to be able to execute it well and make it possible. I, myself, am going to be meeting with the Women’s Center and Health Services in order to work something out in terms of budget.”

Other funding will come with further research and time, as Haq has yet to contact more sponsors for this

project.

She also hopes to get funding from student fees.

Haq also plans on communicating with surplus in order to figure out the distribution process and if getting more shelving and storage in the bathrooms for the products is possible.

However, as far as internal support goes, Haq explained that the entirety of Student Government is in consensus with this project and supports her plan. With that said, it’s just a matter of time until it does.

JOSEPH ODELYN • Associated Press President Joe Biden talks on the phone after speaking during a visit at the Port of Baltimore, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.

ASSOCIATED PRESS President Joe Biden touted his $1 trillion infrastructure plan Wednesday as an eventual fix for the nation’s inflation and supply chain woes -- if Americans just have the patience to wait for the construction to begin.

The president toured the Port of Baltimore at the start of what is likely to be a national tour to showcase his signature legislation that cleared Congress last week and that he intends to sign on Monday. He declared that the spending would improve transportation of products and supplies from overseas and within the U.S. to help lower prices, reduce shortages and add union jobs.

That message is becoming more critical as the government reported Wednesday that consumer prices in October climbed 6.2% from a year ago.

Inflation has intensified instead of fading as the economy reopened after the coronavirus pandemic, creating a major challenge for Biden whose administration repeatedly said that the price increases were temporary.

During remarks at the port, he acknowledged that consumer prices remained “too high.”

“Everything from a gallon of gas to a loaf of bread costs more,” he said. “We still face challenges and we have to tackle them ... we have to tackle them head on.”

CIGS • CIGARS • PIPES • CHEW • ECIGS • RYO TOBACCO LARGE SELECTION OF E-CIGS/MODS IN STOCK!!!

GREAT DEALS - ALWAYS LOW PRICES!

• Starter Kits • Tanks

• Batteries • E-Juice

CIGS • CIGARS • PIPES • CHEW • ECIGS • RYO TOBACCO

• Accessories • RDA

• Mod Tubes • Mod Juice

CIGS • CIGARS • PIPES • CHEW • ECIGS • RYO TOBACCO

20% OFF 15% OFF ANY E-CIG (Includes Disposables)

ANY MISCELLANEOUS (Includes tapestries, clothing, incense, etc.) *Some exclusions apply.

EXPIRES 12/31/21

EXPIRES 12/31/21

CIGS • CIGARS • PIPES • CHEW • ECIGS • RYO TOBACCO

CIGS • CIGARS • PIPES • CHEW • ECIGS • RYO TOBACCO

20% OFF 30% OFF

ANY CBD/ DELTA PRODUCT

ANY SINGLE GLASSROOM PURCHASE *Some exclusions apply.

EXPIRES 12/31/21

1130 South Riverfront Drive, Mankato Across from Cub Foods

EXPIRES 12/31/21

507-385-7799

Monday-Saturday • 10am-10pm Sunday • 10am-8pm

10 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, Nove

THE REPORTER’S MONTHL ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH Mass Times:

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday.....8:15 a.m.

Saturday................................................................5:15 p.m.

Sunday...............................8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

SAINT JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 302 Warren Street - P.O. Box 1119 Mankato, MN 56001 507-388-1969

Word/Communion Service Times:

Monday & Thursday................................8:15 a.m.

Thanksgiving Day Mass .....................9:00 a.m.

Christmas Eve Mass .................................8:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Mass ................................9:00 a.m.

New Year’s Day Mass ...........................9:00 a.m.

BIBLE STUD ON WEDN

SUNDAY WORSHIP 9:30 a.m.

ALL ARE WELCOME!

507-625-3131

CAMPUS CUPBOARD Tuesdays from 11am-3pm &

632 S. BROAD ST. • MANKATO, MN

FIRST SERVICE - 8:15 a.m. | SECOND SERVICE - 10:45 a.m.

EDUCATION HOUR - 9:45-10:30 a.m.

LUNCH-4-A-BUCK Tuesdays from 11am-1p

Check Facebook for New E

Join us behind the Performing Arts

SUNDAY: Bible Study 9:30 a.m. | Worship 10:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

1210 Warren Street | Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 387-2521 mankatochurchofchrist.org

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE WILL BE AT 5:30 P.M.

354 Carol Court North Mankato, MN

facebook.com/riverridgekato youtube.com/mankatoefree

www.riverridgekato.org

331 DILLON (ACROSS FR

Twitter: @crossroads_mnsu F

MSU Reporter • 11 ember 11, 2021

LY R E L I G I O U S D I R E C T O R Y

DY AT 6PM NESDAYS

D FOOD PANTRY & Thursdays 12-5:30pm

pm

Events

s Building!

ROM TRAFTON EAST)

Facebook: Crossroads@MSU

PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH WORSHIP TIMES SUNDAYS 8:15 A.M. & 10:30 A.M.

(EARLY SERVICE IS LIVE-STREAMED) SUNDAY SCHOOL & BIBLE STUDY | 9:25 A.M.

2090 COMMERCE DRIVE • NORTH MANKATO, MN

GROWING TOGETHER IN CHRIST! WEEKLY WORSHIP Saturdays @ 5:30 p.m.

Sundays @ 8:15 & 10:00 a.m.

Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m.

Free Community Supper on Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m.

Worship with us Thanksgiving Eve at 6:00 p.m.

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

Christ the King Lutheran Church, ELCA • 222 Pfau Street, Mankato, MN 507-345-5056 • ctkmankato.org

Join us Tuesday nights!

Free Supper @ 6PM Bible Study @ 6:30PM 1232 Highland Ave. Call/Text Pastor Ryan: (507) 363-9476 Instagram: @cbfmankato Facebook: @cbfmankato * A ministry of Grace Baptist Church through Baptist Mid-Missions.* www.gbcmankato.org 600 Lind St. Mankato, MN

12 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Soccer take down UMary, set to face AU

By DANIEL McELROY Sports Editor The last time the Mavericks took on the Marauders, the Minnesota State soccer team took down UMary with ease in a 3-0 victory.

This time was not so easy.

In a very close first round matchup, the Mavericks pulled out the 1-0 win in the first round of the NSIC Tournament, pushing them to travel to Bemidji where they will take on Augustana in the semifinals.

Although the Mavericks scored the game-winning goal, no one was credited with it.

Maille Mathis was the last Maverick to touch the ball when she attempted to cross it over to Jenny Vetter. But Mathis was not the one to put it in the net.

A UMary defender attempted to break up the pass to Vetter in front of the net, but while doing so, ended up putting it in her own net. The credit went to a Minnesota State team goal, but Mathis was the one to put UMary under duress on the play.

Minnesota State Struggled in the first half to produce much offense, only getting five shots off, while only one

By DANIEL McELROY Sports Editor

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter Jenny Vetter (4) leads the Mavericks and sits in second in the NSIC in goals on the season with 16 goals through 17 games. Vetter had five shots attempted with two landing on goal in Wednesday’s win.

landed on goal.

UMary managed to get two shots off with both landing on target, but being denied by Mackenzie Rath.

Minnesota State picked it up in the second half, attempting 16 shots on goal, with four landing on goal.

Rath made one more save in the second half, completing her ninth shutout of the season, and improving her record

to 10-1-2.

Rath has also lowered her goals against average to .30, and upped her save percentage to .931, both highest in the conference.

Next up for the Mavericks is Augustana.

Augustana came into the conference as the No. 2 seed in the conference, after winning the tiebreaker over the Mavericks in the head-to-

head.

AU gave Minnesota State their only loss of conference play in a 1-0 contest, also the only loss of Rath’s season.

AU took down St. Cloud State in 2-1 fashion yesterday to earn their spot in the semifinals.

Augustana took an early lead in the match, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first 24 ROUND 2 on page 15 u

Men’s hockey host CCHA rival Bowling Green

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

By DANIEL McELROY Sports Editor One of the fiercest rivalries in the CCHA is set to face off this weekend, when the Minnesota State Mavericks host the Bowling Green Falcons.

The Mavericks are coming off a weekend where they split games with Ferris State on the road, dropping a close 2-1 match on Friday, and coming back with a solid 5-1 win on Saturday.

“I want to give our guys credit for Saturday,” head coach Mike Hastings said about coming off Friday’s loss, noting that the Mavericks started out the game leading in shots 13-0 in the first 11 minutes of play.

“I thought our guys did what we asked them to do. ...I thought they were rewarded for it, and I thought they worked harder,” Hastings said.

Volleyball ready for final series at Minot, UMary

The Mavericks next opponent will hardly come with ease either, taking on the currently tied for first place

Bowling Green State.

BGSU is 5-1-2 on the year, with a 3-1-0 conference record. The Falcons are coming

off a weekend sweep against St. Thomas in a 4-2 win, and a 3-0 win.

The 7-3-0 (3-1-0 CCHA) Mavericks have gotten the best of the Falcons in the last five matches, most recently taking 5-1 and 4-0 wins.

“Very seldomly have we gone into that building and swept, and very seldomly have they come into our building and we’ve swept,” Hastings said.

The last time the two teams met, the rivalry was met with a lot of bad blood in a match that totaled 98 penalty minutes.

To refresh your memory, with 30 seconds remaining in the latter half of the series last season, BGSU’s Will Cullen, now playing for Miami University, hit Jared Spooner from behind into the boards, sparking one of the biggest brawls in college hockey that season.

RIVALRY on page 14 u

The time has come for the Minnesota State volleyball team to play their last series of games of the 2021 season. The Mavericks will travel to Minot State to take on the Beavers Friday, followed by UMary to take on the Marauders Saturday.

The Mavericks are riding a 10 game win streak against the Beavers, having not lost since 2013.

In the 10 game span, the Mavericks have only dropped four sets, and swept Minot State in the last three meetings.

Earlier this year, the Mavericks hosted the Beavers and took the win in dominating fashion (25-14, 25-12, 25-12).

With an overall record of 12-14 and a conference record of 7-11, the Mavericks are 1-7 in their last eight games, snapping their sixgame losing streak with a 3-0 sweep over MSU Moorhead last weekend.

Minot State is having one of the worst seasons in its program’s history, sitting at a 1-23 (1-17 NSIC) record, with their only win coming against the 1-22 Minnesota-Crookston squad, who’s only win is also against Minot State.

Minot State is averaging just 8.2 kills per set, while their opponents are averaging 12.9, and struggle with assists at 7.1 per set, while their opponents are at 10.1 per set.

The Mavericks are averaging a just below average 11.3 kills per set and an above average 10.3 assists per set.

UMary isn’t having too much better of a season than the Beavers, sitting with a 6-21 overall record (3-15 NSIC).

UMary falls below the average in kills and assists as well, with 9.6 per set and 9.0 per set, respectively.

Mara Quam leads the Mavericks in digs with 421 on the season, averaging 4.43 per set. Quam sits fifth in the NSIC in digs per set, while having the fourth most in total digs.

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Sports

MSU Reporter • 13

Mavs head to Winona in finale

Jackson feels he’s right fit for reeling Raiders ASSOCIATED PRESS

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Senior quarterback JD Ekowa (7) has thrown for 1,710 yards through 10 games this season. Ekowa also has thrown for 16 touchdowns with nine interceptions, while rushing for eight touchdowns on his own. Ekowa has also rushed for 275 yards this season.

By KOLE BUELOW Staff Writer Unfortunately all good things must come to an end.

Although the Minnesota State football team has not lived up to its preseason hype this year, it was great to see the team back on the field again.

The Mavs just completed the first of two final road games to close out the 2021 season this past week against Southwest Minnesota State.

It was a dominant 52-0 performance against a struggling Mustangs team that currently finds itself without a win since early October.

The Mavs definitely needed a boost in confidence before heading back on the road to Winona this week to close out the season.

MSU has been hot and cold all season and has struggled against any and all teams currently sitting around or above .500 on the season in the NSIC.

They now face a Winona State team that holds the same overall 6-4 record as the Mavericks, on away turf.

The two teams have nearly identical resumes, with the Mavs holding a marginal scoring edge against the bottom half of conference opponents.

Both the Warriors and Mavericks have struggled to beat good teams this season, both losing to Augustana, Wayne State, and Minnesota Duluth.

The two teams do trade wins and losses against Sioux Falls and Northern State, however.

Historically Minnesota State has held the edge on Winona State, winning 37 of the total 59 meetings between the two teams, four of which have been ties since 1923.

The Mavs have won the previous three meetings between the two squads, but nearly all the meetings have been decided within one or FINALE on page 14 u

No change to Cook’s status as Vikes RB faces lawsuit ASSOCIATED PRESS Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, facing a personal injury lawsuit from a former girlfriend for allegedly assaulting her during an altercation at his home last year, maintained Wednesday he was the victim in the fight.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the matter will be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy, but Cook will continue to practice and play with the team.

“We will continue to monitor developments, but there’s no change to his status as this is a civil complaint,” McCarthy said.

Cook’s attorney, David Valentini, said Tuesday, after

JULIO CORTEZ • Associated Press

the lawsuit was first reported by the Star Tribune, his client had the legal right to defend himself because the woman entered Cook’s home with a stolen garage door opener, punched him and sprayed

mace in his face without provocation. Valentini said the woman and her attorney were trying to extort Cook for “millions of dollars.”

At his weekly media availability Wednesday, Cook

declined to divulge further details but said again he was the one who was harmed. He said he was not considering his own legal action but deferred all other comment to Valentini.

“I know that the facts of the situation will come out and clear everything up,” Cook said.

Included as evidence in the lawsuit filed in Dakota County District Court was a message sent from Cook to the woman after the fight apologizing for his actions. She said she suffered a concussion, deep cuts to her face and other bruising. The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $50,000 for claims of assault, battery and false imprisonment.

DeSean Jackson said the first time he attended an NFL game, as a fan around 7 or 8 years old, the Kansas City Chiefs were visiting the Raiders in Oakland.

Ever since then, he wanted to play in the NFL. The Raiders’ new wide receiver will get his first taste of the AFC West rivalry as a player when the Chiefs visit Las Vegas on Sunday night.

“Putting on the black and the silver, it’s definitely gonna be special,” Jackson said after practice on Wednesday.

Jackson was released last week by the Los Angeles Rams and signed with Las Vegas on Monday.

The speedy 14-year veteran hopes have an immediate impact for an offense that stalled last week in a 23-16 loss to the New York Giants.

“I’m not asking to get the ball 100 times, I’m not asking to play 100 percent — whatever that role is that fits, just let me play it to the best of my ability,” said Jackson, who has led the league four times in yards per reception.

“Being that spark, what I’ve been able to do my whole career. Deep threat, vertical threat ... if it’s being a decoy opening it up for other guys, (Darren) Waller, Huner (Renfrow), whatever it is I need to do to be a spark that’s what I’m here for.”

The Raiders had a need at receiver after the team released Henry Ruggs III, who last week slammed his car into another vehicle, leading to the deaths of a woman and her dog. Police said Ruggs was drunk and he faces decades in prison.

Las Vegas also cut another first-round draft pick, cornerback Damon Arnette, after he was seen threatening someone with a gun in a video posted online.

Attempting to move on following the turmoil, the team signed the well-traveled Jackson, who joins his sixth organization.

Jackson was targeted 15 times with the Rams and had eight receptions for 221 yards and one touchdown.

Three of his catches went for 40 yards or more.

Carr said Jackson should be able to stretch the field as the Raiders continue their playoff push.

14 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Why Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were handed COVID fines

RICK SCUTERI • Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS The Green Bay Packers were fined $300,000 and quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Allen Lazard were fined $14,650 by the NFL for violating the league’s COVID-19 protocols.

Here’s an explanation of the NFL’s disciplinary procedures and guidelines in the COVID-19 protocols.

The NFL, the NFL Players Association and their medical directors and independent infectious disease experts put together the protocols. The discipline for violating them was negotiated, with the league and union reaching agreement on specific fines for players. The NFL determines fines for franchises in violation of the protocols.

They are broken down in several categories.

For any player who fails or refuses to fully cooperate with an investigation led by the NFL and/or NFLPA regarding compliance: one week’s salary up to $50,000. And for refusal to submit to required virus testing: $50,000.

For refusal to wear a tracking device when required: $14,650.

An unvaccinated player gathering in any number for any reason with other players and/or members of the club’s staff at a time when the team is “shut down” due to a COVID-19 outbreak is a $50,000 fine.

For any player who is not fully vaccinated, the $14,650 fine applies to: — Gathering outside of the club facility or team travel in groups of more than three players or other individuals.

— Engaging in in-person meetings, practices and/or training activities outside of club facilities with other players and/or staff.

— Attending an indoor nightclub (unless the player is wearing personal protective equipment and there are no more than 10 people in the club). Or attending an indoor bar (other than to pick up food, or unless the player is wearing PPE and there are no more than 10 people in the bar).

— House gatherings of more than 15 people without the player and all guests wearing masks or PPE, or where social distancing for the more than fifteen people is impossible.

— Attending an indoor music concert/entertainment event. And attending a professional sporting event (other than applicable NFL games or events; or unless the player is seated in a separate section, such as a suite or owner’s box, is wearing PPE and there are no more than 10 people in that separate section).

— Attending an event that is prohibited by state and/or local regulation or other executive orders or laws implemented due to COVID-19.

— Refusal to wear a mask or PPE; and/or maintain physical distancing in club facilities or during travel.

The NFL was not specific on that, but Rodgers had been seen without a mask at the Packers’ facility, particularly during news conferences.

Rodgers, who in August said he was “immunized” against COVID-19, said Tuesday: “I made some comments that people might have felt were misleading.

Rodgers said Friday that he sought alternative treatments rather than the NFL-endorsed vaccinations because he is allergic to an ingredient in the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

Thursday, November 11, 2021 FINALE Continued from page 13 two scores.

The Warriors are led by their graduate student quarterback Owen Burke, who currently averages 248 yards per game through the air.

Burke has thrown for 18 touchdowns on the year and 11 interceptions.

Winona State is very balanced in offensive attack, with no one really breaking away from the field and carrying most of the workload in either the rushing or receiving rooms.

On the defense, Winona has weapons all across the field, including two ball-hawking cornerbacks in Mitch Snitker and Aarion Lacy. The two corners combine for five interceptions and 11 pass breakups on the season.

The Warriors’ leading tackler is sophomore linebacker Clay Schueffner, who totals 78 tackles with Snitker right behind him at 77.

Schueffner also has one sack and one forced fumble on the season.

After using senior quarterback JD Ekowa the two previous games exclusively, the Mavericks went back to splitting reps with redshirt freshman Hayden Ekern this past week against Southwest Minnesota State.

The team’s offense was nearly unstoppable last week, so it should be interesting to see what the coaching staff decides is best moving forward into the team’s last game of 2021.

Junior wide receiver Jalen Sample has been on an island of his own in the wide receiver room, which finds him as the team leader in yards and catches by a landslide.

Nyles Williams does however tie up Sample in the receiving touchdowns category at seven, but with nearly 100 yards per game in catches, Sample tops the charts.

The Mavericks defense has been quite good this year despite their struggles against good teams, but that is bound to happen.

The Mavs love the number five on defense, with both their sacks and interceptions leaders holding the team’s top spot in both categories at five.

Junior defensive lineman Bedale Naba is the sacks leader, while senior cornerback Ty’Shonan Brooks finds himself at the top of the interceptions list.

Brooks is also a dangerous return man off punt returns, and has two touchdowns of his own there as well.

The two teams come into this matchup with fairly even resumes, which should make for a great final game of the season.

With playoff hopes out of the equation for both Winona and Mankato, this should be a great game to watch pride get laid out on the table in hopes of ending the season with a win.

FALL TUNE UP Glass & Vacuum $40

(by appointment only)

Interior vacuum, dusting, clean all glass, exterior wash.

Expires 11/21/21

Express Washes Elite Wash $11 Ultimate Wash $9 Better Wash $7

($16 value) ($12 value) ($9 value)

Expires 11/21/21

RIVALRY Continued from page 12 That play alone resulted in 72 minutes of penalties, including three game misconducts and a disqualification.

To say the least, there’s some bad blood between the teams.

Sophomore forward David Silye hasn’t had a taste of the rivalry yet being a transfer

from Clarkson, but is ready for the fight nonetheless.

“We had a tough stretch early on and I think we built a lot of character for the team.

Now getting into conference play we’re super excited, and we’re super excited for this weekend against Bowling Green,” Silye said.

The Mavericks have played games against three teams in the top three in the USCHO

Division I rankings, along with No. 12 Providence.

With the toughest games out of the way and only improving since then, MSU won’t stop there.

“They always make us better. …They expose your weaknesses,” Hastings excitedly said about the opportunity that will present itself this weekend.

Call For Specials!

388-9101

We also do complete interior shampoo and detailing.

906 S. Front St., Mankato champlinautowash.com

s r

r

TM

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Ruggs’ lawyers argue to block medical records release ASSOCIATED PRESS Attorneys for former Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs III launched a bid Wednesday to keep his medical records out of the hands of prosecutors charging him with driving under the influence in a fiery crash that killed a Las Vegas woman and cost Ruggs his spot on the team.

Ruggs didn’t appear in person in court as a prosecutor filed additional felony charges of DUI causing substantial injury and misdemeanor possession of a gun while under the influence that could mean additional prison time if the 22-year-old former first-round draft pick is convicted.

Outside court, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said Ruggs would serve at least a mandatory two years behind bars and could get more than 50 years if he’s found guilty of DUI causing death or substantial injury and felony reckless driving.

Ruggs is accused of driving 156 mph (251 kph) with a blood-alcohol level of 0.16% — twice the legal limit in Nevada — before his Chevrolet Corvette slammed into the rear of Tina Tintor’s vehicle before dawn on Nov. 2.

Tintor, 23, and her dog,

ROUND 2 Continued from page 12 minutes, with SCSU bringing themselves within one in the 81st minute.

St. Cloud State outshot their opponent in the contest, but wouldn’t be enough with their season ending in Sioux Falls.

This is good news for the Mavericks, coming off a game where they outplayed

Max, died as flames consumed her Toyota Rav4 SUV. Her funeral is scheduled Thursday. Family members sat with their attorney Wednesday in court but declined to comment.

Ruggs was released by the Raiders and is on house arrest with strict conditions while his criminal case proceeds.

He posted $150,000 bail for his release from jail a week ago.

Justice of the Peace Suzan Baucum said Wednesday that Ruggs risks a return to jail if he doesn’t comply with restrictions.

According to the court record, Ruggs faces four-timesa-day alcohol testing because his medical condition prevented him from being fitted with an electronic device to detect the use of alcohol.

“Any missed check-ins, any dirty tests would result in revocation of his bail,” the judge told his lawyers.

She set a Dec. 16 preliminary hearing of evidence to determine whether Ruggs will face trial in state court.

Ruggs’ attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, signaled they intend to fight at every step.

They argued that Nevada privacy law is more strict than federal Health Insurance Portability.

their opponent for most of the contest, despite finding trouble putting the ball in the back of the net.

Bemidji is set to take on Concordia-St. Paul in the other side of the bracket, with the winner of both matches moving on to the finals.

Both Matches are set to take place Friday, with the championship game Sunday in Bemidji.

Sports

MSU Reporter • 15

Ducks GM Murray resigns, plans to enter treatment program ASSOCIATED PRESS Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray resigned a day after he was placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into his workplace conduct.

Murray plans to enter a treatment program for alcohol abuse, the team and Murray said in a statement Wednesday.

The 66-year-old Murray has been with the organization since 2005 and has run its hockey operations since November 2008, the third-longest active tenure for a GM in the NHL. A person with knowledge of the Ducks’ front office told The Associated Press that the initial complaints against Murray prompting the investigation all involved verbal abuse of team employees. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team isn’t disclosing details of its internal investigation, which is being conducted by law firm Sheppard Mullin.

“I want to apologize to anyone adversely affected by my behavior,” Murray said.

“I vow to make changes to my life, starting with enrolling in a treatment program. ... As I step away from the Ducks, I will focus my attention on where it should be: improving my life for the betterment of my family and friends.”

DAMIEN DOVARGANES • Associated Press

Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli will pay for Murray’s treatment program, the AP source said.

Jeff Solomon, who joined the Ducks’ front office in May, will be Anaheim’s interim general manager while the club seeks a permanent replacement, the Samuelis said in a statement. Solomon, a longtime employee of the Los Angeles Kings and a former player agent, will be in charge until the conclusion of a “methodical, extensive” search, which could last until the offseason next summer.

The Samuelis said they “apologize on behalf of the organization to anyone affected by misconduct from Bob. We expect every member of our organization to be treated with respect and will not stand for abuse of any kind.

... While we do not condone his conduct, we fully support his efforts to improve his physical and mental health by asking for help.”

After Murray’s resignation, the NHL issued a statement saying the initial complaints against Murray were made to the league’s hotline, which was set up recent to make it easier to report abusive behavior.

The NHL has undergone a reckoning with professional conduct in recent years. The Blackhawks were fined $2 million last month for their handling of sexual assault allegations against then-assistant coach Brad Aldrich in 2010. A recent report on the scandal led to the resignation of Chicago general manager Stan Bowman and Florida coach Joel Quenneville.

NOW LEASING FOR AUGUST 1, 2022 - JULY 2023 3, 4, 5 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AVAILABLE Call 507-345-3342 for a tour Tuesdays & Thursdays between 1:00-3:00 p.m.

SPACIOUS 5 BEDROOM, 2 BATH AT COLLEGE STATION ONLY $358 EACH ($1790 A MONTH)

INTERNET INCLUDED IN RENT!

PARKING ONLY $35 FOR ENTIRE YEAR!

ONLY 4 OF YOU? RENT THE 5 BEDROOM FOR ONLY $447.50 EACH AND USE THE 5TH BEDROOM FOR AN OFFICE OR EXTRA LIVING SPACE!

1341 POHL ROAD 507-345-3342 HOURS: Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm Saturday visits by appointment only!

FAST Application Processing!

Get Started Today! Apply Online!

collegestationapartments.prospectportal.com College Station Apartments

LOCATED ON THE BUS ROUTE ON-SITE PARKING LAUNDRY ROOM IN EACH BUILDING

www.collegestationmankato.com

16 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Thursday, November 11, 2021

A look into week 10 of fantasy football in the NFL

By KOLE BUELOW Staff Writer Week nine of the NFL season is complete, and this week might have been one of the worst overall fantasy weeks of the season. It seemed nearly every stud player we have been counting on to do their part in getting us a load of points fell off the radar this week, but luckily a new week is upon us.

It is never a promise that the next week will be better for our players in fantasy output terms, but we can always look forward to what they might provide to us with the following load of games. It is always important to note which players end up on the “dud” list in a given week, because those players are always sneaky buy-low candidates if your league mate is looking to move on from them.

Some notable players that end up on the list this week include four of the top five PPR wide receivers: Tyreek Hill, Ja’Marr Chase, Deebo Samuel and Devante Adams.

All four of these wide receivers ended up with 11 or fewer points, where they previously averaged at least five more the eight weeks prior.

Unfortunately the list does not end there, but only proceeds into the running back category when swallowing up names such as Austin Ekeler, Aaron Jones and Ezekiel Elliott. Each one of these backs

owners at the start of the season by becoming one of the top acquisitions quickly with a string of dominant fantasy performances.

Unfortunately for Moore, it seems Panthers’ quarterback Sam Darnold has come back down to earth. In the last five games, Darnold has only thrown two touchdowns to his eight interceptions, which is not going to cut it for a high end fantasy wide receiver.

Moore has been on the decline for the past few weeks undoubtedly, but if you can find anyone who still finds his value to be more than it should be, take that value and run.

Outside of buy lows and sell highs, it might be time to start trading or picking up possible values who might boom late in the season.

There were a few players this past week who have not been great this season overall, but are definitely exciting options if they are to get more opportunities in the future.

One option includes 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Aiyuk has been a bust this year for sure, but that was only due to his unbelievably high expectations coming into the season.

Aiyuk was without wingman Samuel most of last year due to injuries, and got all the attention when it came to passing downs. This year has been a different story, with Samuel back in the lineup.

BRYAN WOOLSTON • Associated Press Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase (1) leaps over Cleveland Browns’ Troy Hill (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Cincinnati.

performed under expectations just like the receivers, and should be taken into consideration as buy-low candidates moving into week 10.

One important note is, if you have these guys, keep them. Others will always be trying to do the same in trying to trade for guys that look like they have been having a bad week or two, so make sure you stand your ground when low ball offers come flying at you.

With buy lows come the

sell highs in the fantasy football world. Coming in hot on the sell-high list once again for the second straight week is Alvin Kamara.

Kamara had a great week this past week, putting up 20.4 PPR points with Trevor Siemian at the helm. The problem with Kamara is, however, that his backfield touches are diminishing not only due to the new acquisition of Mark Ingram, but also the loss of starting quarterback Jameis Winston.

Kamara is quickly losing his opportunity share when it comes to backfield and wide out touches, which should not be taken gently. Kamara touched the ball 17 times this past week against the Falcons, which marks his first time under 20 touches since week two of the NFL season when the Saints got blown out by the Panthers 26-7.

Speaking of the Panthers, the next person on the list is wide receiver DJ Moore.

Moore had surprised fantasy

REPORTER REPORTER PICK PICK ‘EM ‘EM •• WEEK WEEK #10 #3 RAVENS @ DOLPHINS

BILLS @ NY JETS

BUCCANEERS @ WASHINGTON

FALCONS @ COWBOYS

SAINTS @ TITANS

JAGUARS @ COLTS

LIONS @ STEELERS

BROWNS @ PATRIOTS

VIKINGS @ LA CHARGERS

PANTHERS @ CARDINALS

EAGLES @ BRONCOS

SEAHAWKS @ PACKERS

CHIEFS @ RAIDERS

LA RAMS @ 49ERS

14 GAMES WEEK #10

DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor

BYE WEEK TEAMS:

KOLE BUELOW Sports Writer

CHICAGO CINCINNATI HOUSTON NY GIANTS

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief JENNA PETERSON News Director MANSOOR AHMAD Media Director DANA CLARK Ad Design Mgr. BAYLEE SORENSEN Ad Sales Rep. ROBB MURRAY Editorial Consultant

STANDINGS After Week #9

1ST PLACE Kole Buelow

Overall (87-49) Last Week (6-8)

2ND PLACE Dana Clark

Overall (86-50) Last Week (7-7)

3RD PLACE Daniel McElroy

Overall (85-51) Last Week (8-6)

4TH PLACE Baylee Sorensen Overall (79-57) Last Week (7-7)

5TH PLACE Maxwell Mayleben Overall (78-58) Last Week (7-7)

6TH PLACE Mansoor Ahmad Overall (77-59) Last Week (5-9)

7TH PLACE Robb Murray

Overall (73-63) Last Week (6-8)

LAST PLACE Jenna Peterson

Overall (72-64) Last Week (6-8)

Thursday, November 11, 2021

MSU Reporter • 17

Conkling’s final fall gallery The art exhibit features work of 10 seniors at MNSU

By SYDNEY BERGGREN Staff Writer

The Effie R. Conkling Gallery, located in Nelson Hall, is featuring the first of this semester’s two Senior Exhibits, where soon-to-be art program graduates display their works for their peers, educators and community to see.

This exhibit features 10 artists who specialize in a multitude of mediums and use their skills for many different goals.

Three of said artists are AylaJean Root, Kim Cao, and Kenzie Burdick-Levang.

Root is an Art Education major, but had not always known that education was the route she wanted to go.

“My junior year of high school I realized I wanted to make art a part of my career,” said Root.

“Originally, I wanted to go to school for psychology and be a high school therapist, but during my junior year, my school unfortunately lost two students to suicide. During

Photos by HANNA MUN • The Reporter The Conkling Art Gallery, located in Nelson Hall, currently has work created by senior MNSU art students on display.

this time, I watch my peers turn more towards their teachers for support rather than the professional therapists my school had brought in,” Root continued, referring to a large shift in her career path, “I realized I would be more success-

ful in making an impact on the future generation- while also sharing my love of art- as a high school teacher.”

“Most of my works speak on experiences I have lived throughout my life; many of them touching on topics of

foster care, adoption, mental health, and traveling,” said Root about her exhibit.

“The piece that I think is most eye-catching to the viewers is a collaboration piece I did with another student, Logan Neal.

It’s a large, coiled pot sculpture

with many sharp angles and points that I then went back in with to create paintings of soft human forms. It touches on the relationship between the artwork and the artist.”

“Since coming to MNSU I GALLERY on page 18 u

Hwang brings creativity to Good Thunder

By EMMA JOHNSON Staff Writer

The second round of Good Thunder happens today, bringing acclaimed author Su Hwang to Minnesota State University, Mankato’s campus.

Hwang is best known for her 2019 debut collection of poetry called Bodega and her essay “Why the Rebellion Had to Begin Here” published in the 2021 anthology, There’s a Revolution Outside, My Love. Hwang was honored to be recognized among 40 other BIPOC writers to write about subjects such as the trends of misinformation, political divides and police violence.

“The entire body of work is a living document, not only of what transpired in 2020, but how and why uprisings and calls

for justice are essential for a viable future of our planet,” shared Hwang. “Literature and art urge us to keep telling stories, and by telling more stories, we create channels of empathy and inspire ways to thrive within our differences.”

Having been born in Seoul, South Korea, Hwang has had a love for travel, living in both New York City and San Francisco before finally living in Minnesota. Hwang says that traveling has impacted her writing by expanding her world view.

“I moved [to Minnesota] because of the generous and supportive literary community that encouraged and nurtured my growth,” said Hwang. “Traveling has offered me the distance to peer back at my life and those places with a mix of objectivi-

ty and nostalgia, expanding my sense of self and our collective experience.”

Hwang is looking forward to the creative writing workshop the most and to help spark creativity in others in a casual environment.

“It’ll be great to spend an hour in an intimate setting with members of the community who are interested in writing,” said Hwang. “To exchange energy and poetry in surprising generative ways will be good for the soul.”

The event will also be attended by third year MFA candidate Robyn Katona who will be reading part of their thesis, a combination of creative nonfiction (CNF) and poetry. Their work compliments Native American Heritage month, a topic near to THUNDER on page 18 u

Courtesy photo Hwang is known for her collection of poetry “Bodega”.

18 • MSU Reporter

Variety

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Ed Sheeran’s new album “=” is perfection

By EMMA JOHNSON

for Sheeran, but worth the listen.The album continues with the lead single “Bad Habits.”

Sheeran is known for having edgy lyrics.

However, instead of pairing them with a mesmerizing guitar beat, Sheeran chooses synth, feeling like fans are listening to pop rather than the slower acoustic vibes they’re used to hearing.

Giving fans what they want, the following few songs are the stadium ballads played on guitar.

Sheeran’s lyricism shines on “The Joker and the Queen,” a slow song packed with card-playing metaphors. The love song is one of several on the album dedicated to his wife. The song describes how his wife could have accepted

“hearts who would give her a diamond ring” when she decided to fall in love with him.

Sheeran’s ability to fluctuate his listener’s feelings is impeccable. Once again, he rises with catchy hits.

Fans will be enthused to find that Sheeran has not lost his signature guitar beats and combination of singing and rapping. “2step” talks about a

night out on the town and is sure to make listeners get up and dance.

“Stop The Rain” brings a ray of sunshine to the album by reassuring that hard times will eventually pass and nothing bad lasts forever.

These songs have been compared to those on his signature album “X,” giving fans a feeling of new nostalgia.

As the album starts to close out, Sheeran delivers hard-hitting songs, packing a punch into the last few songs. “Visting Hours” is dedicated to his mentor Michael Gudinski who passed away in March of 2021.

The soulful lyrics are sure to tug on the heartstrings and make listeners shed a few tears.

Right before the album wraps up, “Sandman” is Sheeran’s lullaby dedicated to his newborn daughter, patching up the sadness of “Visting Hours.”

Sheeran’s latest album is nothing short of a masterpiece, if not one of the best albums he’s put out.

Several accolades are sure to be present in Sheeran’s future as he delivers the promise that love and loss are, in fact, equals.

“My passion for art and design comes very naturally — I feel the desire to create things inside me, and I just follow it,” she said. Cao’s focus for this exhibit was print-based pieces.

“My favorite project is the ‘Pho Anh Restaurant Rebrand,’” said Cao. “It is a project where I feel the connection between me and my own culture. I think the cultural concept behind the project is the reason it stands out for the audience as well.”

“I enjoy the art community that we have here as well as the time that I am able to spend to create and design my work,” she said.

“We have wonderful faculty members who are always there to guide and support us; everything about my experience at MNSU has been very joyful and invaluable.”

Kenzie Burdick-Levang focuses mainly in photography and ceramics.

“Art was always one of my favorite things to do when growing up,” Burdick-Levang said.

“It still feels like yesterday that I was in my first design class figuring out how to bend wire, to now taking advanced art classes and getting ready to student teach this upcoming Spring.”

One of her favorite works in this exhibition is a ceramics piece called “Bork,” where the word itself is modeled to look like a spotted, colorful dog.

“My goal for ‘Bork’ was to get people to think it was funny, and I felt that I reached that goal,” she noted.

Burdick-Levang noted that her favorite part of her time in the art department at MNSU

has been, “getting to know [her] classmates and attending guest artists’ talks when they have visited the school.”

The first Fall Senior Exhibition, featuring the above artist

plus seven more of their peers, runs from Nov. 8-19 in the Conkling Gallery.

Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week, Monday through Friday.

sense of the generational trauma I’ve inherited.”

Hwang wants aspiring authors to know that they shouldn’t worry of what their work could be and to just make art for the sake of making art.

“Writing is to dance with failure because it’s inherently subjective, so do it, whatever form it takes,” said Hwang.

“It’s important to always pos-

sess a beginner’s mind and to be comfortable with experimentation and rejection. It’s part of the journey.”

The Good Thunder events include the Workshop from 10-11 a.m. at the Emy Frentz Art Guild, a Craft Talk from 3-4 p.m. in the Centennial Student Union Room 245 as well as the reading from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Staff Writer

After four long years, Ed Sheeran is back with a new album, “=” which dropped on Oct. 29. “=” covers what Sheeran has been up to since his 2017 album “Divide” that included wildly successful songs such as “Shape of You” and “Perfect.” “=” perfectly blends the number of upbeat dance hits with the slower ballads that fans are used to expecting from Sheeran.

The topics of the songs covered range from the loss of one of Sheeran’s mentors, to ridding himself of old addictions, the birth of his child and the love he has for his wife.

The album starts with the song “Tides,” an upbeat song catching listeners up to what advice he has learned since his last album.

With tones reminiscent of “Castle on the Hill,” it’s the perfect song to introduce you to what to expect. The album continues on the dance high with the popular song “Shivers.” With a toe-tapping beat and fun lyrics such as “dancing till the sunlight cracks,” it’s a step out of the comfort zone

GALLERY Continued from page 17 have been able to not only define my abilities as a teacher, but also define my abilities and my own aesthetic as an artist,” she said.

“I have learned so much from working alongside artists from various backgrounds, as well as working with art professors with so much diversity in their lives, experiences, and artistic processes.”

Kim Cao is an international student from Vietnam, who is currently completing her second bachelor’s degree.

Her first, which she completed in 2020, was in art education, and her current one is in graphic design, which she discovered a passion for when completing her art education degree.

THUNDER Continued from page 17 their heart.

“My work is focusing a lot on how I view my relationships with elders, what it means to be an elder and how my identity is intrinsically tied with my ancestors whether I want it to or not,” shared Katona. “A lot of my work revolves around me being Cree and making

Atlantic Records via AP This cover image released by Atlantic Records shows “Equals” the latest album by Ed Sheeran.

WE NEED A FULL-TIME KITCHEN STAFF:

Duties include: • Preparation, distribution and clean-up of breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.

• General clean-up of the kitchen and kitchen items.

• Federal Food Program documentation.

• Awareness of allergies and menu modifications in classrooms.

• Good communication skills and positive attitude.

DROP OFF RESUME AND REFERENCES OR APPLY ONLINE. 300 Madison Avenue Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 625-2141

www.mankatolittlestars.com

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Variety

MSU Reporter • 19

Crew member sues Alec Baldwin, others over ‘Rust’ shooting ASSOCIATED PRESS The head of lighting on the film “Rust” filed a lawsuit Wednesday over Alec Baldwin’s fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico set of the Western, alleging negligence that caused him “severe emotional distress” that will haunt him forever.

Serge Svetnoy said in the suit that the bullet that killed his close friend Hutchins, narrowly missed him, and he held her head as she died.

“They should never, ever, have had live rounds on this set,” Svetnoy’s attorney Gary A. Dordick said at a news conference Wednesday.

The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court names nearly two dozen defendants associated with the film including Baldwin, who was both star and a producer; David Halls, the assistant director who handed Baldwin the gun; and Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who was in charge of weapons on the set.

It is the first known lawsuit of what could be many stemming from the Oct. 21 shooting, which also injured “Rust” director Joel Souza.

It was the ninth film that Svetnoy and Hutchins had worked on together, and he had taken the job at low pay because she asked him to.

“She was my friend,” Svetnoy said at the news conference.

He said he had seen guns

JAE C. HONG • Associated Press This aerial photo shows the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. The person in charge of weapons on the movie set at the ranch where actor Alec Baldwin fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchin.

sitting unattended in the dirt a few days earlier in the shoot, and had warned the people responsible about them.

On the day of the shooting, he was setting up lighting within 6 or 7 feet (2 meters) of Baldwin, the suit says.

“What happened next will haunt Plaintiff forever,” the suit says. “He felt a strange and terrifying whoosh of what felt like pressurized air from his right. He felt what he believed was gunpowder and other residual materials directly strike the right side of

LEARN HOW TO GET PAID TO STUDY! • No weekend work, unless you request to work • Friday and Saturday nights off • NO work on school holidays (MEA, Thanksgiving, Winter break, etc.)

• NO work on snow days!

• Flexibility. We understand school comes first. We'll work with your schedule, not the other way around.

• You don't have to drive a bus, we have other positions available including van drivers and school bus aides.

• Positions available in:

• North Mankato - 507-385-3650

• St. Clair (15 min. from campus) - 507-317-9432

www.PalmerBusService.com

his face.”

Then, with his glasses scratched and his hearing muffled, he knelt to help Hutchins, the suit said.

The lawsuit seeks both compensatory and punitive damages to be determined later. It was filed in Los Angeles County because the plaintiff and most of the defendants are based there.

Attorneys and representatives for the defendants did not immediately respond to email and phone messages seeking comment on the suit.

Gutierrez Reed’s lawyer Jason Bowles said in a statement Wednesday that “we are convinced this was sabotage and Hannah is being framed.

We believe that the scene was tampered with as well before the police arrived.”

Bowles said his client has provided authorities with a full interview and continues to assist them. The statement did not address the lawsuit.

“We are asking for a full and complete investigation of all of the facts, including the live rounds themselves, how

they ended up in the ‘dummies’ box, and who put them in there,” the statement said.

Gutierrez Reed said last week that she had inspected the gun Baldwin shot but doesn’t know how a live bullet ended up inside.

Santa Fe-area District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said investigators have encountered no proof of sabotage. Her comments, first made on “Good Morning America,” were confirmed Wednesday by agency spokeswoman Sascha Guinn Anderson.

Carmack-Altwies says that investigators know who loaded the gun, though it remains unclear how the deadly round of ammunition got on the movie set. The district attorney said she is concerned that there were so many levels of safety failures.

Dordick said at the news conference that it was “farfetched” to suggest there was sabotage, but that Gutierrez Reed still had the same responsibility to know what was in the gun and who had handled it.

Authorities have said that Halls, the assistant director, handed the weapon to Baldwin and announced “cold gun,” indicating that the weapon was safe to use.

Halls said last week that he hoped the tragedy prompted the film industry to “reevaluate its values and practices” to ensure no one is harmed again, but did not provide details.

20 • MSU Reporter

Advertisement

Thursday, November 11, 2021