Abstinence. Drug use. Sex. Drinking. These are all issues that teens today are faced with. Church youth groups around the world are combating these negative forces with meetings and activities. Many area churches on Aquidneck Island are doing the same for the youth of Rhode Island.

Record numbers of students are studying abroad in countries like France, Germany and Australia. But thanks to the National Student Exchange, which is offered at two universities right here in Rhode Island, the less-adventurous can test new waters by studying “abroad” in another state.

In light of the 9/11 hearings I have started to question how safe are we as a nation? This seems like a silly question to the untrained eye, we are the strongest nation in the world, so if we are not safe every other nation must be in deep trouble. In truth, with all of the intelligence agencies looking after our best interests, we, as a nation, still are not safe.

One of Salve Regina University’s newest organizations, the Gay, Straight, Lesbian and Bisexual Alliance (GSLBA), will be holding a day of silence on Wednesday, April 21. This event will last nine hours and will recognize and protest the harassment, prejudice and discrimination that lesbian, gay or bisexual people face.

The results of the American Marketing Association’s competition found Salve Regina’s representatives at the top, tying for second behind the University of South Carolina.