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Some in AU's South Africa program claim disorganization, insensitivity

By Kate Oczypok and Dave Hodges | September 20

Some AU students in South Africa said that their study-abroad program requires too much work and is disorganized, though AU Abroad officials disagree and say they are working to meet student needs. In a series of e-mails several AU students in South Africa said that changes to the program were not adequately explained, and that the program's new director, School of International Service professor Caleb Rossiter, is insensitive and assigning too much work.

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U.S. hit by multiple waves of hurricanes

By Kate Oczypok | September 20

The southern United States have experienced an unusually strong wave of "monster hurricanes" this season. Now, Floridians and citizens of the Gulf Coast can add Charley, Frances and possibly Jeanne to their list of deadly hurricanes within the past two years.

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007 Week finishes

By Anna Drabant | September 20

James Bond ruled last week as the Class of 2007 held "007 Week," which included a Guapo's party, forum and a sophomore-hosted, Bond-themed TDR dinner.

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Saturday's political comedy fest features legendary comedian

By Mary Specht | September 20

The School of Communication's Political Comedy Festival continued Saturday at AFI Silver Theatre with screenings of "The Great McGinty" and "Election" introduced by Turner Classic Movies host Bob Mankiewicz, a live episode of "Political Dish" hosted by The New York Times' Todd Purdham and "An Evening with Dick Gregory" featuring Gregory himself, co-hosted by the First Amendment Center's Gene Policinski and SOC alumnus Good Morning America's Tony Perkins.

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Police Blotter

By Caroline Solomon | September 20

The weekly police blotter.

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Hundreds attend opening of political comedy fest

By Mary Specht | September 20

AFI Silver Theatre's 400 seats were filled at 7 p.m. Thursday for the D.C. sneak preview of "Silver City," followed by a question-and-answer session with director John Sayles and producer Maggie Renzi, moderated by AU professor and director of the Center for Social Media Patricia Aufderhiede.

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Some foreign students face visa regulation changes

By Kelly Kerr | September 20

Restrictions on one federal program dealing with foreign students and researchers who enter the United States may soon be relaxed, but the changes would not affect anyone at AU.

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Student's death spurs drive for new legislation in Congress

By Brendan Steidle | September 20

The death of Georgetown University junior David A. Shick may result in a federal provision that would make the outcomes of campus judicial proceedings less secret. Shick died in 2000 from injuries sustained from an alcohol-related fight with a fellow student.

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Joe Klein speaks about Primary Colors

By Kristen Northrop | September 20

Joe Klein, Newsweek columnust and author of the best-selling book "Primary Colors," participated in an interview with AU adjunct professor Pat Dowell Friday night as part of SOC's Political Comedy Festival. Following the screening of "Primary Colors," a film starring John Travolta, based on Klein's ...

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Beslan victims receive aid

By Anna Drabant | September 20

Since hundreds of people were taken hostage at a school in Beslan, Russia, two weeks ago, several organizations have formed to help aid the victims and their families.

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Campaigns hunger for humor

By Stokely Baksh | September 20

Panelists at Sunday night's American Forum agreed that this year's election is "grim and lacking humor" common in past elections and the desire for a funnier election is palpable. The forum "Presidential Shtick and Political Speechwriters" discussed the importance of political humor for politicians.

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National ban on assault weapons expires

By Theodora Blanchfield | September 20

The national ban on assault weapons expired Sept. 13, making it legal to purchase AK-47s, Uzis, TEC-9s and other assault weapons. The expiration of the ban, imposed by former President Bill Clinton in 1994, pleases some gun owners, but has critics furious.

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Dewey says multilateralism necessary

By Claire Maude | September 20

A State Department official stressed the importance of a multilateral approach to humanitarian aid and reconstruction for the United States that involves the United Nations at the Mary Graydon Center Thursday night.

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Alum, 'Wag the Dog' director Levinson discusses political satire

By Stokely Baksh | September 16

In the political satire "Wag the Dog," a U.S. president is caught in a sex scandal 14 days before an election, so his adviser and Hollywood manufacture a war that deceives the American people and he ultimately wins the election. This movie has become a pop culture icon and synonymous with government propaganda and manipulation.

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Senator's son's death spurs anti-suicide bill passed by Congress

By Maggie Brink | September 16

Citing suicide as the third leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 10 and 24, Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) created a bill aimed at fighting it. The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act is named after Smith's son, who committed suicide as a college student last year.

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House bill will make it easier to charge illegal downloaders

By Amanda Jane Rodriguez | September 16

Last Thursday the House Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would expand the definition of illegally traded music and movie files, thus increasing the number of people charged with illegal downloading and companies who "willfully" distribute copyrighted works.

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Gay Republicans, Democrats find common ground in '04 election debate

By Khai Ha | September 16

Representatives of the Log Cabin Republicans and the Stonewall Democrats found some issues to agree on during a political debate hosted by AU's GLBTA Resource Center on Tuesday.

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