Author Archives: Richard Clough

Few students can effectively combine their personal and academic lives the way John Slifko has. The Freemason of 30 years is pursuing a doctorate in cultural geography that examines the relationship of print and freemasonry in early American civil society. In so doing, he has managed to balance and ultimately combine the duties of freemasonry […]

When the Geffen Playhouse reopened its doors last month with a renovated main stage auditorium and improved acoustics, it took another step away from its roots. The unassuming stone building tucked away next to Ralphs grocery store on Le Conte Avenue was once a Masonic clubhouse that played host to scores of Freemasons and Masonic […]

In another blow to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s already-tarnished public image, three of the four propositions backed by the governor looked as if they would be defeated by voters in Tuesday’s special election, with the fourth too close to call. As of midnight Tuesday with 75 percent of precincts reporting, all eight propositions on the ballot […]

While debate swirls among liberal groups over U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito’s avowedly conservative views on such controversial issues as abortion rights, considerably less attention has been paid to his prior rulings on issues relevant to universities and university students. As an appeals court judge, Alito has consistently ruled in favor of campus free […]

Despite the historically rocky relationship between universities and the FBI, the two sides are set to begin a reconciliation process today, but busy schedules may hamper this process before it even begins. The National Security Higher Education Advisory Board, an elite group of university heads appointed by the FBI director to increase communication between the […]

Iraq’s election commission announced Monday that it would investigate possible voting irregularities in the country’s weekend referendum on a new constitution, throwing a new kink into the tumultuous democratization process. On the verge of approving their new draft constitution, Iraqis will face continued obstacles in the coming months and years as they try to harness […]

Los Angeles Police Department officials said Tuesday that two juvenile suspects are being sought in connection with the incident involving an explosive device found Oct. 7 on the 500 block of Midvale Avenue. Officials also said police consider the suspects to pose no threat and their actions as tantamount to “some kids playing around,” said […]