thebattalion
news for you memorial day Overseas troops honor lost soldiers Hundreds of American troops gathered to remember their fallen comrades in one of Saddam Hussein’s former palaces in Baghdad, now a part of U.S. Camp Victory. Troops placed a wreath at the foot of an American flag inside the palace, and a brass band played the national anthem.
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june 1, 2010
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death penalty
Thuesen faces death for killing 2 Aggies Beau Holder The Battalion John Thuesen was given the death penalty Friday after being on trial for the murder of Rachel and Travis Joiner. Jurors sat in court and answered “yes” to whether he will present a danger to society if allowed to live. Thuesen, 26, walked into his girlfriend’s house March 6, 2009, in College Station, and shot and killed both siblings, who were attend-
ing Texas A&M. Thuesen was attending Blinn College at the time of the murders and, according to the police report, called authorities after shooting Rachel Joiner, 21, in the chest and hand, and her brother Travis Joiner, 23. KBTX reported that the source of Thuesen’s anger was a request from Rachel for space in their relationship. He has been diagnosed with severe depression and a form of post-traumatic stress disorder, both in relation to his service in the Marine
Corps and tours of duty in Iraq. Neither condition was mitigating enough to waive the severity of the crime. The defense related disappointment with the verdict. Deliberation over Thuesen’s sentence drew out over two days, during nearly 10 combined hours of court time. After the judge announced the sentence on the trial’s fifteenth day, Wayne Joiner, Rachel
Editorial ◗ Aggies can begin to heal after death penalty verdict is announced in the case of Rachel and Travis Joiner. page 5
See Death penalty on page 2
in School’s out for summer
what to do
www.texasgasprices.com
texas Textbooks struggle to sell out of state Critics feared the new, more conservative social studies curriculum in Texas would spread elsewhere. But publishing experts say those concerns are overblown. The influence of Texas on the $7 billion U.S. textbook market has weakened due to technology that makes it easier for publishers to tailor textbooks to different standards.
nation &world Hurricane season threatens Haiti A hurricane season predicted to be one of the wettest on record opens today in the Caribbean, where thousands of earthquake victims have only tarps or tents to protect them in a major storm. The Haitian government says it’s still working on emergency and evacuation plans.
Scientists predict weeks until oil flow is stopped BP PLC is beginning another attempt to stop oil flow from the blown-out well as early as Wednesday, by putting a lid on the leaking wellhead so oil can be siphoned to the surface. The trial-and-error process could take weeks, but it will eventually work, scientists and BP said. If the relief well doesn’t work, scientists weren’t sure exactly how much or how long the oil would flow. Staff and wire reports
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Above, a young girl escapes the Texan heat at U Paint It, where she adds color to a ceramic turtle. Right, campers take in nature and relax at Lake Bryan.
Explore the Brazos Valley
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Those seeking time outdoors may be interested in the recreational lake, bike trails and camping grounds of Lake Bryan. Matt Peveto, president of Preston Lakes, said that the park was unique in that it offers not only 1,000 acres of water, but an additional 5,000 square foot lakeside patio. Also, the Lakeside Icehouse & Grill on the property hosts free live music almost every night. Upcoming acts for the month of June include the Rockafellas and Texas Twisters. The restaurant also offers various drink and food specials throughout the week. The park is open every day and operates on a first come, first serve basis. Canine friends are welcome to come along for the fun.
Customers peruse a local vendor’s produce on a Saturday morning at the Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market in Bryan, located at William J Bryan Pkwy and Texas Ave. The weekly market offers an opportunity to eat healthier and support the local economy.
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The Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market offers a plethora of locally grown, seasonal produce, including summertime favorites such as strawberries, blackberries, watermelon and peaches. According to Heather Duchscher, president of Friends of the Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market, the fresh produce sold by vendors not only supports the local economy, but also tastes better and is significantly more nutritious. “Last but certainly not least, eating locally-produced foods is better for our communities. The farmers’ market is like a mini festival every single Saturday year-round, where friends and neighbors come to celebrate around an amazing harvest,” she said. The Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon at the corner of Texas Ave and William J. Bryan Pkwy in Bryan, across the street from the Brazos County Courthouse. In addition to a variety of fruits and vegetables, vendors also sell honey, eggs, canned and baked goods, as well as crafts.
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hose with a bit of summer downtime on their hands, and a desire to explore BryanCollege Station and the greater Brazos Valley area will find a diverse array of activities for their choosing. Whether such endeavors are sought as liberation from studying or an escape from boredom, local life offers interesting diversions for everyone. Rebecca Bennett | Photos By Tyler Hosea | The Battalion
More activities ◗ Find out more about touring an ice cream factory, wine stomping, visiting a miniature horse farm and other miscellaneous summer activities.
see story on page 4
tuition
student activities
Regents issue 2.8% increase per semester
Area offers students diverse involvement
The Texas A&M Board of Regents has issued a 2.8 percent increase in total tuition. With this increase, students will be charged an extra $4.81 per credit hour making each credit hour cost a total of $126.55. R. Bowen Loftin, the University’s president, said the 5 percent budget reductions requested by the legislative budget board would also take place. “We have been preparing for this reduction, and many of out colleges and divisions are operating as if the reductions have already been implement-
ed,” Loftin said. “As I have said before, our top priority is preserving the quality of our students’ educational experience.” The hearing for the tuition increase was Wednesday. Loftin said the hearing was a part of a year-long process to get input from students and others. “Our goal is to foremost meet the educational needs of our students, while also maintaining tuition rates that will keep Texas A&M a nationally recognized ‘best value,’” Loftin said. Megan Ryan, staff writer
Megan Ryan | The Battalion sports | 5
Baseball wins Big 12 Senior Brodie Greene hit a two-out, two-run walk-off home run to give the Aggies a 5-3 win over Baylor and the Big 12 tournament championship. A&M now moves on to the Coral Gables Regional.
Walking around the Texas A&M campus is a different place in the summer. There are fewer people, shorter lines and more parking spots, but that does not mean there are fewer activities for students to get involved in. “We feel it is very important to stay actively involved and engaged with campus activities and events over the summer months and students are encouraged to do so,” said Jake Hayes, student development specialist in the department of student activities.
To get involved ◗ Find out what others are doing to stay involved both on and off campus.
◗Learn about the different resources offered by the university to connect students to organizations.
See Student activities on page 4
5/31/10 8:51 PM