Welcome to the eighth installment of The State Press Politics Roundup, where we bring you the week's coverage of on-campus and local politics.
This week, reporters spoke to University researchers who were "heartened" by Congress' recent vote to boost to renewable energy research. In the wake of a case that could set back hundreds of academic futures, students covered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program stood on the steps of the Arizona Supreme Court.
If you missed the last roundup, catch yourself up here.
In recent USG and campus news
ABOR approves ASU tuition increases
The Arizona Board of Regents approved tuition proposals for the next academic year from the state's public universities Thursday. In-state undergraduate students won't see an increase in tuition, but in-state graduate students will pay 1.5 percent more, online students will pay 2 percent more, while out-of-state and international students will pay 3.5 percent more.
Crow said the increases are necessary and are part of efforts to "reconstruct and redesign the entirety of the institution" in response to reductions in state funds for public universities.
USG reflects on abysmal election turnout
Student government elections ended last week, drawing the lowest overall voter turnout since 2008, despite efforts by current and newly elected USG officials to increase "student engagement." Candidates cited a lack of student interest, uncontested tickets and nuances in campus culture as possible factors for the low turnout.
This week's reporting
ASU academics "heartened" by funding boost to solar energy
University researchers rejoiced over Congress' passing of H.R. 1625, which increases funding by 14 percent to the Energy Efficiency and the Renewable Energy Office. The bill approves millions of dollars in funding to ASU for its solar energy research program. Read more here.
Ahead of court case, DACA recipients state case for in-state tuition
ASU DACA recipients stood on the steps of the Arizona Supreme Court Moday, demanding the state keep offering in-state tuition to them. The court is currently hearing a lawsuit brought forth by Attorney General Mark Brnovich in which he claims the group of students are not eligible to receive it. Read more here.
TPUSA tweets photo of Sparky with sign criticizing 'Big Government'
Last week, ASU's chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative political club, posted a photo of Sparky the Sun Devil holding a sign that made a playful jab against the University of Arizona. But some were concerned that the mascot holding the sign seemingly advocated for a political stance. Read more here.
School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership fights national criticism
ASU's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership has faced criticism for its Western-centric philosophy and its financial supporters from some since its founding last spring. But University administration is deflecting criticism, calling it unfair and misplaced. Read more here.
Newly elected Tempe City Council members emphasize student issues
Jennifer Adams, Lauren Kuby and Robin Arredondo-Savage were elected in last month's Tempe City Council elections. Kuby boasted running on ASU student-centric policies while working with some directly on their campaigns, but all three candidates said they are keeping the student needs and issues as major policy priorities. Read more here.
ASU Republican students call for gun control compromise
Marches, town halls and other demonstrations from millions across the country seems to be keeping the conversation surrounding the scope of the Second Amendment going longer than usual. A group of Second Amendment advocates are continuing their side of the conversation as well, saying that the reforms these marchers are asking for are a slippery slope to restrictions on freedom. Read more here.
News Update: Student government elections, new lab tech and the ASU football offseason
In a rush and need a quicker recap of the week's coverage? Reporter Austin Westfall can bring you up to speed with his weekly news reacap. Listen here.
Reach the reporter at Anicla@asu.edu or follow @AndrewNicla on Twitter.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on Twitter.
