By Kyle Peveto, Opinion Editor Abilene voters approved a venue tax-which will raise hotel and motel occupancy taxes from 13 to 15 percent-with 64 percent approval. Funds from the venue tax will go to the Frontier Texas! museum, Taylor County Expo Center and Shotwell Stadium. The new tax will provide $400,000 annually, according to historical tax ... [Read More…]

By Paul A. Anthony, Editor in Chief The United States and Israel share many attributes, not least of which is a fight against terrorism, an Israeli diplomat told students Monday. Dana Kursh, vice consul to the Southwest, told members of the leadership and diversity group Love Your Neighbor As Yourself that mutual concerns over safety, technology ... [Read More…]

By Lori Bredemeyer, Copy Editor Some people spend their whole lives waiting for their 15 minutes of fame, but last month on FOX's American Idol, Contestant No. 18068 found his in less than two minutes. Jonathan Rea, freshman sociology major from Conroe, auditioned for the show in Houston in August, and it aired in January. He sang Shakira's ... [Read More…]

By Jaci Schneider, Staff Writer The Bible Department is taking strides to make ACU more culturally diverse As part of ACU's quest to promote diversity, the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry will offer two new courses next fall to broaden the department's cultural scope. Dr. Jerry Taylor, assistant professor of Bible, missions and ... [Read More…]

By Jonathan Smith, Managing Editor Summer online course registration has exceeded the initial target by almost 30 students, and sign-ups will continue throughout the semester. More than 120 have registered for either Message of the Old Testament or Major British Writers I as of Monday, and K.B. Massingill, chief information officer, said ... [Read More…]

By Mitch Holt, Staff Writer Healthy Relationships Week, Feb. 2-6, marked the third annual week of its kind sponsored by the Counseling Center. Several opportunities for spiritual growth and self-reflection were offered through forums, Chapel talks and other assemblies around campus. Mark Lewis, director of Spiritual Life, said he wants students ... [Read More…]

By Paul A. Anthony, Editor in Chief The university's plans for replacing its central tutoring and preparatory classes are slowly taking shape. Plans still to be approved by three faculty-composed academic councils would see the departments of English and Math and Computer Science take responsibility for students with below-average test ... [Read More…]

By Jaci Schneider, Staff Writer The Abilene City Council recently tabled a proposed city-wide smoking ban that would potentially ban smoking in all public areas. Students David Chisholm and Aaron Winn both said they like to smoke on occasion. Although the possibility of a smoking ban in Abilene would not affect their smoking habits, both say they ... [Read More…]