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The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

Politics Rundown: Omicron cases rise, testing sites are overwhelmed and California creates a relief fund

Politics Rundown: Omicron cases rise, testing sites are overwhelmed and California creates a relief fund
Californians scramble to stay safe amid rising coronavirus cases.
Caleb Jonker and Hannah Larson January 10, 2022

This holiday season marked the rise of the omicron COVID-19 variant. Omicron cases already surpassed previous coronavirus positive tests, according to an article from the Wall Street Journal. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coronavirus cases climbed over the last...

SCORR envisions a nationwide conference

Students and other attendees participate together in activities to increase their knowledge, appreciation and empathy for diverse viewpoints during one of the many workshops for SCORR Conference in 2016.
Separating from Biola, SCORR hopes to broaden its reach, not to signal a decommitment from diversity at Biola.
Caleb Jonker, News Editor December 9, 2021

On Dec. 1, President Barry Corey announced that the Student Conference on Racial Reconciliation will transition into an independent conference.  THE TIME WAS RIGHT Chief Diversity Officer Tamra Malone said that following the 2021 conference, SCORR’s first virtual conference, they realized SCORR’s...

Russian troop buildup sparks concern of invasion

Russian troop buildup sparks concern of invasion
Supreme Court hears arguments on abortion case and Senator Robert Dole dies.
Hannah Larson, Editor-in-Chief December 6, 2021

Between 95,000 and 100,000 Russian troops have amassed on the border between Russia and Ukraine, leading to warnings from the Biden administration that the Russian military may be planning to invade Ukraine as soon as 2022. United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. plans to react...

Biola works to remove the Grove modulars

Biola works to remove the Grove modulars
As Biola adapts to current needs, temporary buildings get cut.
Caleb Jonker, News Editor December 6, 2021

The Grove is currently home to 15 modular classrooms and offices, but after break only the six nearest the tennis courts will remain. The Grove was initially used as a temporary housing for students in 2002-2003 while Hope Hall was built. It also houses a few classrooms and the institute for Spiritual...

Biola welcomes Christmas season with annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Biola welcomes Christmas season with annual Christmas Tree Lighting
For the first time in two years the Biola community gathered to ring in the season.
Caleb Jonker, News Editor December 3, 2021

Students, staff and alumni gathered tonight for Biola’s annual Christmas Tree  Lighting on Metzger Lawn. The tree lighting was the first in two years, President Barry Corey noted. COREY WELCOMES BIOLA COMMUNITY Corey opened with a greeting to students, staff and alumni welcoming those who attended...

SGA Rundown: Cybersecurity tips and Christmas cheer

The new SGA logo
Senators deliberate Boba Bake and discuss artwork controversy.
Hannah Larson, Editor-in-Chief December 2, 2021

Updated Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.  Director of Information Security Anthony Valentino shared his team’s efforts to protect student data with the Senate on Thursday. He explained that hackers target universities because of the wealth of student information available. Valentino said that Biola’s Information...

Coronavirus variant arrives in California

Coronavirus variant arrives in California
State officials respond to a new variant in the country.
Caleb Jonker, News Editor December 1, 2021

As flu season approaches and students prepare to return home, a new coronavirus variant spread to California. According to the Los Angeles Times, health officials detected the first U.S. case of the omicron variant on Nov. 22 from an individual returning to their home in the Bay Area from South Africa.  CALIFORNIA...

Crime Log―Nov. 17–Nov. 29

A picture of a Campus Safety car.
This crime log features multiple cases of hit and run, grand theft and defrauding of an innkeeper.
Andi Basista, News Editor November 30, 2021

Hit and Run: Property Damage ― Lot C Reported Nov. 17 at 1:09 p.m. A staff member reported that the gate in Lot C was knocked off the tracks as a vehicle was exiting on Wednesday afternoon. There was no actual damage to the gate besides the dislodging. The case remains active. Grand Theft ―...

Politics Rundown: US investigates deadly airstrike and seeks to avoid government shutdown

Politics Rundown: US investigates deadly airstrike and seeks to avoid government shutdown
Biden encourages COVID-19 vaccination, but judge halts federal mandate.
Hannah Larson, Editor-in-Chief November 29, 2021

The omicron coronavirus strain was recently discovered in South Africa and shows signs of being more dangerous than other variants. President Joe Biden said the recent omicron variant  is not cause for alarm, but rather for heightened concern. He called on Americans to receive the vaccine and booster...

LAPD to receive 12% budget increase in 2022

LAPD to receive 12% budget increase in 2022
The Los Angeles Police Commission has approved a $213 million budget increase after defunding the LAPD in 2020.
Andi Basista, News Editor November 23, 2021

On Tuesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Police Commission approved a proposal for a $213 million increase in budget for the Los Angeles Police Department, starting next year. The plan will build on all staffing levels within the department, including salary, overtime costs, existing technology and replacement...

Politics Rundown: Gas prices rise and House passes bill

Politics Rundown: Gas prices rise and House passes bill
Last week saw the historic transfer of presidential power to Kamala Harris.
Hannah Larson, Editor-in-Chief November 22, 2021

President Joe Biden asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate rising gas prices as the national average soared to $3.49 per gallon. Biden said illegal conduct and “anti-consumer” behavior caused the recent spike in the cost of fuel. To offset the price surge, the White House continues to...

Deb Taylor steps away from role as Biola provost

Deb Taylor steps away from role as Biola provost
The university begins search for new provost following Taylor's announcement.
Caleb Jonker, News Editor November 19, 2021

Earlier this month Provost and Senior Vice President Deborah Taylor announced her departure from Biola after serving in university administration for seven years. WHAT IS NEXT Taylor will complete the academic school year at Biola, working as a consultant to onboard the new provost through December,...