Considering the rising costs of fuel, food and housing, the financial side of college life can be a harrowing subject. Quality, up-to-date textbooks are a necessity for every student, but with some editions going for as much as $200 each, buying enough books to be prepared for class can be very difficult for the student on a budget.
Part of the UNA Pride of Dixie marching band is looking a bit different this year. The sideline percussion section, consisting of 13 students, is instead wearing all black because there weren't enough uniforms to go around. "We look at this as a good problem to have," said Lloyd Jones, director of bands.
Barack Obama stepped triumphantly into history Wednesday night, the first black American to win a major party presidential nomination, as thousands of Democrats transformed their convention hall into a joyful, shouting celebration. Competing chants of "Obama" and "Yes we can" surged up from the convention floor as the outcome was announced.
Republican John McCain shook up the presidential race with his surprise choice of little-known Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate last Friday. Democrat Barack Obama, entering a crucial stage of the campaign fresh off his historic nominating convention, began a tour of battleground states.
The federal minimum wage has always been a source of debate for the economic policies of various politicians across the country. Many argue that increases are necessary to keep up with growing inflation and flagging economy, while others say increases in wages can only hurt businesses further.
In the August 26 municipal elections, Florence voters re-elected Bobby Irons to his second term as mayor. Irons won by an overwhelming margin, taking almost 76 percent of the vote, defeating city councilman Scott Carrier (who took 21 percent of the vote), and political watchdog John Hargett (who brought in 3 percent of the vote).
