November 12, 2020

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

THURSDAY • NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Retired U.S.Army veteran Bill MacCully walks among flag-covered graves in the Veterans Cemetery of Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, in Seattle.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Celebrations marking Veterans Day gave way to somber virtual gatherings Wednesday, with many of the nation’s veterans homes barring visitors to protect their residents from the surging coronavirus that has killed thousands of former members of the U.S. military.

Cemeteries decorated with American flags were silent as well, as many of the traditional ceremonies were canceled.

With infections raging again nationwide, several veterans homes are fighting new outbreaks.

In New York City, a quiet parade of military vehicles, with no spectators, rolled through Manhattan to maintain the 101-year tradition of veterans marching on Fifth Avenue. President Donald Trump took part in an observance at Arlington National Cemetery, while President-elect Joe Biden placed a wreath at the Korean War Memorial in Philadelphia.

More than 4,200 veterans have died from COVID-19 at hospitals and homes run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and nearly 85,000 have been infected, according to the department.

That death toll does not include an untold number who have died in private or state-run veterans facilities, including the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in Massachusetts, which had nearly 80 deaths earlier this year.

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Minnesota State University, Mankato will be transitioning completely online post Thanksgiving holiday break starting on November 30 as final exams and classes for the Fall 2020 semester will continue as they move online and via Zoom, as stated by President Davenport.

As the global pandemic that is COVID-19 has forced many college campuses to host classes completely online already, MNSU has also been taking the precautions to host most of their classes online or via zoom during the fall semester.

As Thanksgiving break approaches fast, students are able to choose to either stay in the dorms through finals week and the rest of the 2020 year, but most are getting ready to move out of the dorms and head home.

“I’m honestly going home to save some money,” Chloe

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Student Government held their weekly meeting in the Ostrander Auditorium Wednesday, Nov. 11.

After roll call, they called up presentations.

The first to present was from the Director of System Relations from Students United, Devin Smith. Here, he talked about the Open Educational Resources at MNSU. Open Educational Resources, or OERs, are teaching, learning, and research resources that are free to use by anyone and can be reused by a student or teacher with whatever they might need.

These resources were made because of the concerns of rising prices of higher education and textbooks. MNSU is currently working on providing OERs for all students to utilize.

A new program at many two-year Minnesota State schools, such as Anoka-Ramsey Community College, is the Z-degree. The Z-degree is a zero textbook cost associates degree.

File photo

Banken, freshman at MNSU said.

If students choose to go back home they will receive a refund that is calculated and processed by Residential Life.

Depending on which residence hall you live in determines how much you will be refunded as different halls have different costs.

“I will be going home after break since we’re going online.

I’ll get over $400 back and also get to spend time with family,” said Gracie Siegler, a freshman at MNSU. Saving money is a common reason why most students at MNSU will be going home for the remainder of the fall semester.

DORMS page 3

CDC Helps Students Plan for After Graduation COLIN HANKE Staff Writer Students thinking ahead to a day when they’ll be moving on from college take note: The Career Development Center (CDC), located in the Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Centennial Student Union, is ready to help you with internship and employment opportunities as well as help building resumes or applying to graduate schools.

The CDC can also help students optimize their LinkedIn profile, practice interviewing skills, explore different majors and minors and take a career assessment if they haven’t declared a major quite yet. According to the university, 93% of graduates find employment.

“I am grateful for the Career Development Center here at MNSU because it allowed me to search for internship opportunities and I have actually landed an internship at a bank in Mankato,” said Kellonie Brissett, a third year MNSU accounting major. “I really don’t think many students realize the services that the center provides. Honestly, I wish that I would have known more about this on-campus resource my first and second years of college.”

The center is also in charge of setting up career and internship fairs around campus and coordinating other opportunities for students

IN THIS STAFF MEMBER ISSUE: STUCK IN ITALY

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File photo This file photo shows career advisor August Hiivala (right) talking to a student about a variety of aspects of her chosen major at the Career Development Center Feb. 10, 2020 in Mankato.

with potential employers. It’s also open to MNSU alumni.

Pam Weller, director of MNSU’S Career Development Center at MNSU, said most services and programs have been virtual because of the pandemic.

She said many CDC services can be accessed through Handshake. This is how the Career and Internship Expo fair was conducted this

INTERNSHIPS

EDITORIAL: TAKE THE VIRUS SERIOUSLY

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File photo

ELAINE THOMPSON • AP

Student Gov: Veterans Day in Classes To Move Completely Online OERs, Otto Rec 2020: Quiet Center Parades, Somber Students Start Packing Up for Thanksgiving Break BAILEY BRENDEL Virtual Events JULIA BARTON

Senate Speaker Kara Svercl

This program is being tested out within the Minnesota State programs in hopes of implementing them into the 4-year universities. If interested in learning more about OERs you should familiarize yourself with OERs and learn about student experiences with their OER, and as your professors about potentially

GOV page 3

LOCAL ARTIST: MICHAEL KRIZZ

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2 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Staff Member Recalls Italian Outbreak Greg Wilkins Recounts his Time in Europe During the Beginning of the Pandemic ASHLEY OPINA Staff Writer If there is one good thing that has come of COVID-19, it is the stories that will go down in history. The stories of the 2020 worldwide pandemic that will be told to the students of a history classroom and the grandchildren of those who lived through it.

Although such stories are difficult when they are experienced first hand, they become the most interesting to tell, and the most desired to be heard.

One story in particular is that of Greg Wilkins, the associate director of Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Centennial Student Union.

Wilkins, an avid traveler, traveled to Italy in March to volunteer in Venice.

The city was still recovering from the great flood of 2019, and Wilkins was ready to help out.

Despite COVID-19 being at its peak around the world, he was determined to continue his trip.

“I knew that the country was having challenges because I saw the news,” says Wilkins. “But I was still going to go.”

When asked why, Wilkins said, “I had done all of this research, bought my tickets and housing, and had everything planned.”

Italy had been set in his agenda for a while, and he was not going to let all of his hard work go to waste.

“My friends thought I was crazy,” says Wilkins. “But that didn’t stop me.”

He packed his bags, got on the plane and headed to Florence, Italy.

Instead of being greeted by the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city, Wilkins arrived to a Presidential Decree that was hammered to the front door of his hostel.

“The day that I arrived was the day they shut down,” Wilkins said. Tourist destinations began closing doors, so Wilkins was unable to visit.

“My heart sank,” he said.

However, he did not regret his decision to go to Italy.

“I told myself that I was going to seize the moment,” he said. “I was in a period of history that was going to be life changing.”

His positivity continued for the rest of his trip despite drawbacks. Within the first three days, all of Florence was quiet.

“The city is normally full of people, but there was no one,” says Wilkins.

“It was like the zombie apocalypse.”

Restaurants, churches, cathedrals, hotels, hostels, shopping centers — all were closed.

“At my hostel, the owner gave me the keys to the estate and I was the only one there.” Wilkins says. “A three-story building, and I was all alone.”

The surrounding areas of his hostel were home to Red Cross tents containing body bags of the deceased.

“Everything was just desolate,” says Wilkins. “It was the most eerie thing in the world.”

The streets of Florence remained

GREG WILKINS • Courtesy photo A COVID-19 screening site in Florence, Italy.

empty during his visit, including the world famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, where locals and tourists alike normally crowd.

“Every once in a while, I would see a Vespa with someone on it going to the grocery store or to the hospital because they were sick,” Wilkins says.

Other than that, the streets were being patrolled by the police and the military.

“You couldn’t be out on the streets unless you had a special government pass,” says Wilkins. “So I had befriended all of the military men that were in their tanks.”

He doesn’t speak Italian, but he spoke some Spanish and English to those in the military.

“They figured out at that point that I was just a tourist trying to get around,” says Wilkins. “Since I was a part of the neighborhood, they al-

“I would sit down and pretend that I’m praying while I actually just looked at pretty things,” says Wilkins.

Wilkins adds, “it was truly an experience.”

A few days later, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. was closing its borders and its citizens had to be back by March 13 if they wanted to reenter the country.

“At that point, I had to find a way to get home,” says Wilkins.

He tried contacting airlines via Facebook but didn’t get a response. He then called the airport and was put on a 12-hour hold.

At 3 a.m. Wilkins grew impatient and went to bed. He figured he would deal with the issue in the morning.

When he woke up, he decided to walk to the airport.

“As I was walking, the police stopped me,” Wilkins says. “They

GREG WILKINS • Courtesy photos

lowed me to go through parts of the city without ever being stopped.”

With permission to roam the streets, Wilkins toured the city.

He noticed magazine and newspaper stands full of products, but no one was there except the owner and his dog.

He managed to snap a few photographs of the newspaper headlines regarding the pandemic at each one.

He also entered a church during a time of prayer.

asked me what was up and then realized quickly that I wasn’t Italian and they let me go.”

He walked another five blocks before he was stopped again by authorities. This time, by the military in their tank.

“They got out and they talked to me,” says Wilkins. “They spoke some English so I described to them what I was trying to do.”

After explaining his situation, the men in the military informed Wilkins

of a cable car running through the city that would get him directly to the airport.

Wilkins, relieved by the news, bought a ticket. He followed the social distancing guidelines on the cable car until he arrived at the airport.

“When I got there, the airport was surrounded by military tanks and the police,” says Wilkins. “There was also a steady stream of tourists with rolling bags all just trying to get out of the country.”

He got in line behind the others.

The line itself was long, especially with everyone remaining six feet apart.

He waited in line until it was his turn to be helped.

When he was finally able to speak with someone, they informed him that all of the flights leaving to Amsterdam that day were booked.

“The next day and the day after that, all of the flights were booked as well,” says Wilkins.

The next flight available was Friday, March 13, the last day United States citizens could return to the country.

“Luckily enough, there was one seat left and I took it,” Wilkins says. “The funny thing is, there were so many people trying to get out of the country that they ran out of tickets so they had to handwrite me one.”

He held onto his handwritten ticket and returned to his hostel for the next two days.

When he got back, he told the police patrolling the front of his hostel what his plans were and they advised him to get out of the walled in part of the city to explore more of Florence.

For the remainder of his trip, that is exactly what he did.

“I did a lot of walking and exploring one end of the city to the next,” says Wilkins. “I made the most of it.”

At the end of his final two days, he left his hostel a thank you note and some famous Italian candy to show his gratitude.

“I left the key on the reception desk with the note and candy,” says Wilkins. “I knew that once I closed that door, there was no looking back.”

Wilkins adds, “I just had to hope that everything would work out.”

Luckily for him, it did.

“Once I got to the airport, everyone was social distancing and the military was still there,” says Wilkins.

In Italy, in order to get on the plane, passengers must take a bus to the tarmac.

“Normally, you could get everyone onto the plane in one to two busses,” Wilkins says. “But because of social distancing, it took us six to eight busses.”

“The funny thing is,” Wilkins adds, “we had to follow all of these rules at the airport and on the bus, but once we got on the airplane, there were no rules.”

According to Wilkins, passengers

GREG page 5

News

MSU Reporter • 3

GOV Continued from page 1

BAILEY BRENDEL Staff Writer

File Photo

utilizing the Open Educational Resources at MNSU. The next presentation was given by Kristi Bakalyer on the Campus Computer Store, where she talked about the new website for the computer store.

This website was launched last week and can adapt to the changing needs of students.

To do so, the website has a showcasing of different products on the home screen that is easy to interchange based on the certain circumstance.

To help students, the store has added additional products including anti-bacterial spray for technology and wireless charging pads. Lastly, with the help of IT Solutions they were able to create a sponsorship between the eSports team and Dell.

To keep up-to-date on technology and store information, there is a newsletter on the website, as well as a new ‘Meet the Team’ page.

After presentations, the meeting moved to an open forum. In this forum, members discussed the new mask requirement in the Otto Recreation Center on campus.

While people are working

Senator Spotlight: Afnan Husain

out, they will now be required to wear a mask at all times, including during physical exertion. This rule change will start Friday, November 13.

With this new rule the center will be allowing 3 vs.

3 basketball and 6 vs. 6 volleyball.

To finish up, Senators Gabbert, Wheeler, Mendonca, and Elsaadi all gave their reports.

In these reports they talked about integrating film students into the video production team on campus by posting jobs for them, adding new recycling com-

plexes at the Highland Hills Apartments, providing more project-based learning in the College of Business, Zoom etiquette, and increasing awareness about the Social and Behavioral Studies program.

Lastly, an announcement about a senator position for the College of Allied Health and Nursing being open was made. If interested, you can check out the Student Government Engage page to apply.

The next Student Government meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 18.

This week’s Minnesota State University, Mankato Senator spotlight is on Senator Afnan Husain. Husain is currently a sophomore majoring in Computer Science with minors in Math and German.

Husain currently holds the position of one of three College of Science and Engineering Technology Senators.

Along with this, she is also the chairwoman for the Ethics and Standards Commission and is on the Academic Affairs Committee.

“I joined the Student Government because I saw people struggling in the CSET department with advising and just getting in touch with their professors in general. I wanted to be able to help them,” Husain said.

“I really wanted to bridge the gap and have their voices be heard.”

Outside of Student Government, Husain is involved in many other activities. She is the President of Student

Association of India, an Honors Ambassador, a Maverick Global Ambassador, and a Learning Community Coordinator.

Courtesy photo

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Afnan Husain

With all of this, Husain may be busy, but she makes sure to get the work done and improve the academic lives for students.

Currently, in her position, Husain is working to reform the CSET Advising Department. With this, it would make it easier for students in that major to have access to help, potential jobs, internships, and learning opportunities.

DORMS Continued from page 1 “I live in Preska and I’m going home since there is a big refund for leaving,” Jack Wohnoutka, freshman at MNSU said.

Sophie Littman, a freshman at MNSU added onto this by saying, “I will be going home after Thanksgiving break be-

cause of the refund they give you for your housing and the meal plan.”

MNSU’s campus will still be open for the students who decide to stay on campus during the two weeks after Thanksgiving break.

“I would like to stay on

campus then go back home because I’ve made so many friends here and I like the aspect of living on my own and doing my own thing,” Cloey Traxler, freshman at MNSU said.

Students and faculty who are attending in-person class-

ASK A LIBRARIAN service is available online 24/7 to assist you with your research questions big and small!

es and FlexSync courses will also transition online and via zoom after Thanksgiving break. Other in-person classes such as labs, clinicals and other events will be available remotely or proceed in alternative ways.

While the University is un-

sure if in-person school will continue during the spring semester, all classes will be completely online for the remaining weeks following Thanksgiving break.

Students can expect a plan possibly over winter break for the spring semester.

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4 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, November 12, 2020

FALL 2020 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

COVID Guidelines: No Bars Doesn’t Mean More Parties

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

AARON LAVINSKY • Star Tribune/Associated Press

Editorial

On Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz released a new set of restrictions on social gatherings after an increase in COVID-19 cases across the state.

Among these new restrictions are limitations on larger events such as wedding and funeral receptions, closing down bars and restaurants at an earlier hour, and limiting indoor gatherings to 10 people and outdoor social gatherings to 25 people.

Starting this Friday, all bars and restaurants must close their dine-in service at 10 o’clock, due to studies showing that people’s social distancing becomes more relaxed as the night goes on.

The closing of the doors to the bars poses a big question for students who are over 21: what are we supposed to do then?

The new guidelines forcing the bars to close early gives way for students and party-goers to seek out their own places to “have fun”.

When the party-goers were confined to the bars, there was at least enforcement of the mask policy. This was due to the severe fines the restaurant could receive if not following ordinances to a tee. Bouncers were encouraged to walk up and down the bar making sure people were socially distanced and wearing their masks.

So, these same party-goers, who already have difficulty wearing masks and remaining socially distant, are going to be looking for other locations to have a good time.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz put his face mask at the conclusion of a press conference Thursday, July 30, 2020.

It is very safe to assume these “other locations” are not going to be models of

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

We, the student population,

“We, the student population, have the power and ability to change the attitude of how we are handling this virus.” perfect social distancing. People will be flocking to their friend’s house party, standing shoulder to shoulder, and “forgetting” about the rules.

These new restrictions are likely to not stop partying, just displace them to more unsafe locations.

have the power and ability to change the attitude of how we are handling this virus.

A vast majority of cases in Minnesota are within our age group, and this most likely comes from the perception that the virus does not affect our age group

as severely as older people.

But just because we may not be as at risk as others, does not mean that we should put others at risk, just so we can hang out in a big group.

Instead, do Zoom happy hours or party with a small group of people. These large get-togethers are where large numbers of people can get infected, who may in turn infect someone at risk.

Students should shame, cancel or call out people for having these big parties. Because these parties are what increases the amount of cases, and puts us closer to having to get locked down completely again, not to mention, put the lives of others loved ones in danger.

“How do you feel about the governor’s new guidelines?”

Compiled by Muhammad Ibrahim

MEKLIT SHIFERAW, FRESHMAN “I think the new guidelines are goof for the future.”

MADISON DIEMERT

LYRESHIA GHOSTLON GREEN, FRESHMAN “There should be changes especially for bar employees.”

ARNAVEE MALTARE, JUNIOR

MOHAMED SEKKAT, JUNIOR

REAUNA STIFF, FRESHMAN

“I think the timings are “I think the guidelines are “There should be minor normal and accessible for the changes for the restrictions for tough right now, but it’s good people.” for the future.” masks.”

NEWS EDITOR: Jenna Peterson jenna.peterson-3@mnsu.edu PHOTO/WEB EDITOR: Mansoor Ahmad mansoor.ahmad@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING SALES: Anna Lillie 507-389-1063 anna.lillie@mnsu.edu Yasir Wedatalla 507-389-5097 yasir.wedatalla@mnsu.edu Logan Larock 507-389-5453 logan.larock@mnsu.edu BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad 507-389-1926 jane.tastad@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PRODUCTION MANAGER: Dana Clark 507-389-2793 dana.clark@mnsu.edu

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

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

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a studentrun newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at 507-389-1776.

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

Thursday, November 12, 2020

News

Texas Tops 1 Million Cases as COVID-19 Surge Engulfs the US

BRIANA SANCHEZ • The El Paso Times/Associated Press Amedical worker stands at a COVID-19 state drive-thru testing site at UTEP, Oct. 26, 2020 in El Paso, Texas.

Texas on Wednesday became the first state with more than 1 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, and California closed in on that mark as a surge of coronavirus infections engulfs the country from coast to coast.

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said all restaurants, bars and gyms statewide will have to close at 10 p.m. starting Friday, a major retreat in a corner of the U.S. that had seemingly brought the virus largely under control months ago. He also barred private gatherings of more than 10 people.

Texas, the second-most populous state, has recorded 1.01 million coronavirus cases and over 19,000 deaths since the outbreak began in early March, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. California, the most populous state, has logged more than 991,000 cases.

The U.S. has recorded over 240,000 deaths and about 10.3 million confirmed infections, with new cases soaring to all-time highs of well over 120,000 per day over the past week. Health experts have blamed the increase in part

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on the onset of cold weather and growing frustration with mask-wearing and other precautions.

Cases per day are on the rise in 49 states, and deaths per day are climbing in 39.

A month ago, the U.S. was seeing about 730 COVID-19 deaths per day on average; that has now surpassed 970.

Among the many health officials sounding the alarm was Dr. Julie Watson of Integris Health in Oklahoma.

“We are in trouble,” she said. “If nothing is done soon to slow the rise in cases, our hospitals will be more overwhelmed than they already are and we won’t be able to be there for all of those who need it.”

Oklahoma’s health department said Wednesday that 1,248 people were hospitalized for confirmed or probable coronavirus, shattering the previous one-day record of 1,055.

Texas reported 10,865 new cases on Tuesday, breaking a record set in mid-July.

One of the hardest-hit places is the border city of El Paso; its county has nearly 28,000 active cases and has suffered more than 680 COVID-19

deaths.

The American Medical Association renewed its plea for mask-wearing, physical distancing and frequent hand-washing.

“With the holidays quickly approaching, each of us must do everything possible to reduce the spread of COVID-19, “ AMA President Susan Bailey said. “Failing to do our part will prolong the suffering and disruption to our lives and inevitably lead to more deaths of our friends, neighbors and loved ones.”

Meanwhile, many traditional Veterans Day celebrations gave way to somber virtual gatherings Wednesday.

Many veterans homes have barred visitors to protect their residents from the virus.

In New York City, a quiet parade of military vehicles, with no spectators, rolled through Manhattan to maintain the 101-year tradition of veterans marching on Fifth Avenue.

More than 4,200 veterans have died from COVID-19 at hospitals and homes run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and nearly 85,000 have been infected, according to the department.

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MSU Reporter • 5

GREG Continued from page 2 just crammed into the plane.

Once he landed in Amsterdam, he noticed that the airport was packed with college students from all over the world.

“All of their study abroad programs were canceled and they were being sent home immediately,” says Wilkins about the college students.

“Some students had three hour notices while others were woken up and told that they had to go.”

According to Wilkins, some students were taking the news well while others were shaken up and in tears.

“It’s something that I’ll never forget,” says Wilkins about his experience.

When asked how he would compare the way Italy reacted to COVID-19 to the United States, Wilkins said that Italy handled it with more diligence.

“In Italy, people immediately followed social distancing guidelines and everyone was masked from the start,” says Wilkins. “Everybody knew somebody that either had COVID-19 or died from

INTERNSHIPS year.

Third-year MNSU accounting student Aaron Velander said, “I really am thankful that I have this resource on-campus because I think it really will help me find an accounting job after I graduate. I was really shocked because they actually coordinate a lot of internship and employment opportunities

it.”

Due to that, the citizens of Italy adhered to the rules and took the pandemic seriously.

“The people honored and respected it,” Wilkins says.

“They were civil, had a lot of regard for the lives of others, and knew the seriousness of what was transpiring.”

Once Italy’s President declared a nationwide lockdown, the citizens abided.

“People locked themselves in and quarantined,” says Wilkins. “Hence why they became stir crazy and went on their balconies and started singing.”

According to Wilkins, people in Italy would go out onto their balconies every day and sing songs with one other.

“It happened every day and it was amazing,” says Wilkins, happy that he was able to witness it.

He admired how the citizens of Italy were able to turn something negative into a positive.

“They created their own happiness,” says Wilkins. “It was inspiring.”

Continued from page 1 in the Twin Cities area and in Rochester. I like that this school has all of the opportunities that a large metropolitan university has, but also has the small town feel to it.”

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6 • MSU Reporter

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8 • MSU Reporter

News

Few Legal Wins so Far as Trump Team Hunts for Evidence

REBECCA BLACKWELL • Associated Press A sign hangs in front of an American flag, as a handful of supporters of President Donald Trump continue to protest outside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — During a Pennsylvania court hearing this week on one of the many election lawsuits brought by President Donald Trump, a judge asked a campaign lawyer whether he had found any signs of fraud from among the 592 ballots challenged.

The answer was no.

“Accusing people of fraud is a pretty big step,” said the lawyer, Jonathan Goldstein.

“We’re all just trying to get an election done.”

Trump has not been so cautious, insisting without evidence that the election was stolen from him even when election officials nationwide from both parties say there has been no conspiracy.

On Wednesday, Trump took aim at Philadelphia, the Democratic stronghold that helped push President-elect Joe Biden over the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the race. The president accused a local Republican election official Al Schmidt, of

ignoring “a mountain of corruption & dishonesty.” Twitter added a label that said the election fraud claim is disputed.

Trump loyalists have filed at least 15 legal challenges in Pennsylvania alone in an effort to reclaim the state’s 20 electoral votes. There is action, too, in Georgia, Arizona, Nevada and Michigan.

In court, his lawyers must walk a precarious line between advocating for their client and upholding their professional oath.

Legal ethicists and pro-democracy activists have questioned the participation of lawyers in this quest, as Trump clings to power and President-elect Joe Biden rolls out his agenda.

“This may be an attempt to appease the ego in chief, but there are real world consequences for real people that come out of that,” said Loyola Law School professor Justin Levitt, a former Justice Department elections official.

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Peru Ouster Throws Nation’s Anti-Corruption Drive into Doubt LIMA, Peru (AP) — When Peru’s legislature voted President Martín Vizcarra from office this week, they may have done more than just oust a popular leader — they likely put the country’s best chance at making a dent on endemic corruption on hold.

The chief of state had emerged as the country’s most vocal proponent in pushing through measures to end decades of dirty politics.

Vizcarra dissolved Congress last year after lawmakers repeatedly stonewalled efforts to curb graft and reform the judiciary. More recently, he tried to get rid of their right to parliamentary immunity.

He may not have succeeded in pushing through major change — and is now under scrutiny for his own possible misconduct — but many Peruvians saw Vizcarra as the leader of a still nascent drive to hold the powerful accountable. Furious at his removal Monday, thousands have taken to the streets daily in protest, refusing to recognize the new government.

“From the political point of view, he was the face of the

RODRIGO ABD • Associated Press Police block supporters of former President Martin Vizcarra from reaching Congress as lawmakers swear-in Manuel Merino, head of Peru’s legislature, as the new president in Lima, Peru, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020.

resistance,” said Alonso Gurmendi Dunkelberg, an analyst and assistant professor at Peru’s Universidad del Pacifico.

“I think we will not see much anti-corruption efforts in this Congress.”

In a region where graft is common, Peru has gone further than most Latin American countries in recent years in investigating high-ranking leaders.

Every former living president is being probed or has

been charged on corruption charges. All but one has been tied to the massive Odebrecht scandal, in which the Brazilian construction giant has admitted to doling out millions in bribes in exchange for public works contracts. The other, strongman Alberto Fujimori, is serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses, corruption and sanctioning death squads during his 1990-2000 administration.

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MSU Reporter • 9

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

Artist Spotlight: Michael Krizz Explores Career in Music DESTINY KEMPF Staff Writer Michael Krizz, an aspiring musician who mainly focuses on Afrobeats, says his favorite accomplishment is chasing his dreams.

“Some people say I’m good, some people say I’m not good, some people say I’m getting better,” Krizz says. “I don’t really listen to the people who said ‘don’t do it.’ I keep on going.”

“And right now they love my music more. The path that I chose I didn’t give in,” he said. “So I feel like it’s my achievement because, right now, so many people love my music. And they just vibe with me. They love what I do.”

Krizz adapted this mindset from his role model, Ayodeji Balogun, who is professionally known as Wizkid.

“My role model also came from nothing. Each time I read about him or watch him tell his story, it inspires me to do more and to keep chasing, to keep moving,” he said. “Even when a plan doesn’t go the way you want it to go,” he said. “You just have to keep going and that’s what I learned

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Singer and produced Michael Krizz poses for a portrait on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2020 in Mankato.

from him.”

One of the hardships that pushes Krizz backwards is trying to keep good grades while making music. He says balancing the two — sometimes by

completing assignments at the last minute — can be stressful.

“There are times where I have to work with a producer to help me on my beats and I have a class at that moment, so

it’s like, ‘What do I do?’” He says. “It’s been hard to balance both. I just think about how I’m going to graduate soon, so that won’t be much of a struggle afterwards.”

Another aspect Krizz struggles with is how, at this stage in his career, he is trying to build himself up in his music and be known. With Krizz putting a hold on live performances for now, making his name known isn’t always easy.

“Writing my lyrics can be kind of hard for me to do, so I have to hear the beats over and over and over again,” he says. “Then I’ll sleep and wake up and do it all over again. It’s difficult to find a way for people to like it.”

When asked where he sees himself five years from now Krizz simply replied, “I am a legend. … I feel like in the next five years from now, I’ll have marked my name globally. I want to use my music to touch so many people, change so many lives, motivate so many people.”

Krizz will soon be dropping a love song as well as an EP filled with six songs. These are scheduled for release in January 2021, and will be available on all streaming platforms.

Krizz stated, “I have things coming up. More music coming out, more videos coming out, more content coming out.”

Hockey’s Jessica Kondas Keeps Skating Amidst Pandemic DANIEL MCELROY Staff Writer When Jessica Kondas came out of Edge School for Athletes, a prep school in her hometown of Calgary, Minnesota State University gave her an offer she just couldn’t refuse.

“It was a place I could come in and have an effect right away,” she said. “That’s what I was looking for in my development.”

Kondas played under the coaching of Carla Macleod, a 2-time Olympic gold medalist for Team Canada at Edge.

Kondas says Macleod has helped with her development not only in hockey, but also as a person.

Although she couldn’t have started without the help of her brother.

“Growing up my brother was my role model. I was always trying to do what he was doing and follow in his footsteps.”

The senior defenseman, who is majoring in exercise

Maverick Athletics

science with a double minor in coaching and sport medicine, had to make the tough choice of which sport to play when entering the collegiate level.

Kondas is a phenomenal softball player, being named the top shortstop at the Cana-

dian U16 Nationals.

“It was tough,” the alternate captain said. “Deep down I had more of a passion for hockey.”

She says she still loves to play all sports, as she tried to play as many as she could

growing up, but hockey was the one that was always on her mind.

As her first year as a captain, she’s grateful to have the trust behind her teammates and coaches to be chosen for the role.

“We want to leave the program better than we found it and keep the program going,” she said.

The Minnesota State University Women’s hockey team has their first game coming up against the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs on November 20. Last season, four of the five meetings between the teams were within one goal of each other, with three of the games going to overtime.

“We have so much depth...

It’s exciting watching what we can do out there in practice,” Kondas said about how they will take the first win of the season. “Hopefully we’ll capitalize on our opportunities more this time around.”

Kondas is hoping to use her degree to pursue a girls hockey training program. But first, she needs to make sure her work here is done.

“I want to get as much experience as I can before I can take any big steps with that, but that’s the end goal.”

10 • MSU Reporter

Variety

Lawyer: Britney Spears Fears Father, Wants Him Out of Career

STEVE MARCUS • Las Vegas Sun/Associated Press Singer Britney Spears makes an appearance in front of the Park MGM hotel-casino Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018 in Las Vegas.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears fears her father and will not resume her career so long as he has power over it, her attorney said in court Tuesday.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny declined to suspend James Spears from his central role in the court conservatorship that has controlled his daughter’s life and career for 12 years as Britney Spears’ attorney Samuel D. Ingham III requested at the contentious hearing. But the judge said she would consider future petitions for his suspension or outright removal, which Ingham plans to file.

“My client has informed me that she is afraid of her father,” Ingham told the judge.

“She will not perform again if her father is in charge of her career.”

The pop star has been on an indefinite work hiatus since early 2019.

James Spears’ attorney, Vivian Lee Thoreen, defended what she said was his perfect record in his run as her conservator, which has seen her net worth go from in debt to well over $60 million.

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Thoreen argued that the disruption caused by his removal would do her the very harm the suspension is meant to prevent.

“I don’t believe there is a shred of evidence to support my client’s suspension,” she said.

Thoreen also objected to Ingham’s statements about the father-daughter relationship as inadmissible hearsay.

The judge did approve that a corporate fiduciary, the Bessemer Trust, will now serve as co-conservator over her estate along with her father, which Britney Spears had requested.

Most of the attorneys involved, along with Britney Spears’ parents, took part in the hearing via phone and videoconference. The pop star did not attend in any form.

The conservatorship, known in many states as a guardianship, began in 2008 when she was having serious mental struggles and an often public meltdown. The arrangements are normally limited to people with severely diminished ability to make decisions for themselves, and are meant to be temporary, but Britney

Spears, 38, has remained under court control longer than anyone expected.

Ingham on Tuesday called her a “high-functioning conservatee” who deserves at least notice of the actions her father is taking, which he has declined to provide.

Ingham said Spears has not spoken to her father in a very long time.

Thoreen argued that the reason father and daughter have not communicated is because Ingham has prevented it.

Britney Spears has acknowledged that the conservatorship was necessary when it began, and probably saved her career, and she remained silent both in public and in court for nearly all of its existence, with her attorney acting mostly as a neutral observer.

But starting in August she began publicly seeking to choose who had power over her, asking for greater transparency in the court’s often secret moves, and even declaring that she was sympathetic to fans who have increasingly demanded in protests and online posts that those in control must #FreeBritney.

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Thursday, November 12, 2020

This Week’s Crossword:

HOCKEY

ACROSS 3. Hard shot bending stick to launch puck 5. Term for assist 7. Reconditions the ice 10. Light the lamp 12. Blue line Zones 14. Leg pads 18. Scoring 3 goals in a game means a ___ 19. Final score is 0 21. Middle line DOWN 1. No goals 2. Hockey term for teeth 4. Riding the pine 6. _________ box 7. Animal term for Referee 8. Audiences are protected by _____ 9. Pastry term for puck 11. Hitting below the knees 13. Playing surface 15. Maverick’s forward is Reggie ____ 16. Stopping a goal from being scored 17. Catching glove 20. Last line of defense

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NEW YORK (AP) — The New Yorker has fired longtime staff writer Jeffrey Toobin after he reportedly exposed himself during a Zoom conference last month. He had already been on suspension and is also on leave from CNN, where he is chief legal analyst.

“I was fired today by @ NewYorker after 27 years as a Staff Writer. I will always love the magazine, will miss my colleagues, and will look forward to reading their work,” Toobin tweeted Wednesday.

In a company memo, Conde Nast Chief People Officer Stan Duncan wrote that its “investigation regarding Jeffrey Toobin is complete, and as a result, he is no longer affiliated with our company.”

“I want to assure everyone that we take workplace matters seriously. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected and upholds our standards of conduct,” Duncan said.

Toobin, 60, is one of the country’s most prominent legal authors and commentators. He is a former associate

CHARLES DHARAPAK • AP

New Yorker fires writer Jeffrey Toobin after Zoom incident

Legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin leaves the Supreme Court after the day’s arguments on a law signed by President Barack Obama in Washington on March 27, 2012.

counsel in the Department of Justice who for the New Yorker has written about everything from the O.J. Simpson murder trial to the impeachment hearings of President Donald Trump.

He has been with CNN since 2002 and is the author of several books, most recently “True Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Investigation of Donald Trump,” published in August.

MSU Reporter • 11

As a Songwriter, Ingrid Andress Discovers her Voice NEW YORK (AP) — In a songwriting session with a group of rappers, which Ingrid Andress was attending to help write a hook, the conversation turned to immature guy talk about “all the different girls they had.”

Uncomfortable and over it, Andress left.

The musician with a publishing deal in Nashville vented to some of her industry friends, popped open a bottle of wine and turned her frustration into songwriting gold.

She began writing “Boys,” a pop bop which later became an international hit for British singer Charli XCX. Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Entertainment Weekly and others named “Boys” one of the best songs of 2017.

The experience of being in rooms with all kinds of artists — pop, rap, R&B, country, rock — helped Andress build her songwriting skills, and now she’s being praised for lyrical prowess on her own album, “Lady Like.” It’s not just one of the year’s best debuts, but one of the year’s strongest albums.

Andress said she’s learned to write honest lyrics and stay

MARK HUMPHREY • Associated Press

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Musician Ingrid Andress poses in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 1, 2020, to promote her album “Lady Like.”

true to herself — even if that means being an outsider.

“You’re not just born with the gift of songwriting.

It takes time just like any sport or learning a language.

You have to practice it,” she said. “I feel like I can adapt to any situation now. To me, it’s about making a good song that makes you feel something. That can be in any genre.”

She added that sometimes “people think if you’re too specific, you’re alienating yourself and not as relatable. I just kind of went for it.”

“Lady Like” is filled with

lyrical gems that reflect the budding star’s maturity and knack for one-liners.

Andress, 29, has also written songs for Bebe Rexha, Halestorm, Lauren Jauregui, FLETCHER, Why Don’t We and Dove Cameron. She’s had writing sessions with Alicia Keys and Sam Hunt, though those songs haven’t been released, and she co-wrote every song on her debut album.

The standout track, “More Hearts Than Mine,” came to life as Andress panicked about whether to bring the boy she was dating home for the holidays.

12 • MSU Reporter

Variety

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Photos: President-elect Joe Biden’s Political Career

Photos by GERALD HERBERT, ANDREW HARNIK, GEORGE WIDMAN, JOHN RAOUX • Associated Press