The Daily Mississippian | March 21st, 2024

MISSISSIPPIAN THE Daily

Ole Miss Women’s Basketball storms into March Madness

After wrapping up a topthree finish in the Southeastern Conference, the Ole Miss Women’s Basketball team has a date with Marquette on Saturday, March 23 at 3:45 p.m. ET in the Albany 1 Region of the NCAA Tournament.

Head Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin has led her squad through an impressive season with a record of 23 wins and eight losses. They rolled their way into the SEC Tournament, easily rallying past the Florida Gators and beating them by double digits.

Ole Miss then faced the ever-tough LSU Tigers, led by

stars Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson and Hailey Van Lith. Rebel guards Marquesha Davis and Madison Scott led the charge for Ole Miss, but the Tigers pulled away late, winning 75-67. It was a very good regular season for the Rebels, with

Striving to stand out: ASB candidates respond to student concerns

ASB executive board candidates share a variety of ideas for the upcoming academic year at the election debate.

NOAH WALTERS thedmnews@gmail.com

Ahead of the Associated Student Body’s election day on Tuesday, March 26, 14 candidates running for positions on the executive board gathered on Tuesday, March 19, at the Weems Auditorium in the Robert C. Khayat Law Center to answer questions submitted by the student body. The judicial chair candidates mutually decided not to debate, according to Interim Attorney General Sydni Davis. The candidates sought to differentiate their campaigns as they responded to questions posed by moderator Reese Anderson, copy chief for The Daily Mississippian and senior English and interdisciplinary studies double major. All candidates who hold ASB positions during the 20232024 academic year have temporarily stepped down from their positions for

the duration of the campaign period.

Throughout the night, a consistent theme included the need to increase transparency and to extend student body involvement in ASB.

Treasurer

The two candidates for treasurer, Eva Reynolds, a junior accounting major, and Elsa Allmendinger, a junior public policy leadership and finance major, kicked off the debate. They advocated for increased outreach from the treasury department to registered student organizations.

“I think (ASB needs to work on) clarifying and making it incredibly clear how to get the funding so that it doesn’t have to be a back and forth and so it becomes a simpler and easier process on the part of the students who are just trying to get money to use,” Allmendinger said of the changes she would make as treasurer.

Reynolds proposed tabling to increase the treasury’s visibility.

“One thing that I want to do as part of the accessibility part of my campaign platform is actually tabling with the clubs,” Reynolds said. “Clubs are tabling the union, they’re tabling the Circle and they’re trying to attract students to join. I would like the treasury to be a part of that.”

Throughout the night, all candidates were asked the same question: “How do you see ASB reaching all students, and how will you help facilitate that?”

Secretary Candidates for the secretary position, an administrative role that is responsible for maintaining the ASB event calendar, distributing cabinet meeting minutes and maintaining ASB member lists, among other tasks, gave a variety of answers.

‘Shrek the Musical’ swamps the Ford Center

SYDNEY STEPP thedmfeatures@gmail.com

Taking over the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, March 26, “Shrek the Musical” is the stage retelling of the popular story of Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and all of their fairytale companions.

As he did in the DreamWorks Pictures animated film, outcast ogre Shrek aims to rescue Princess Fiona from the tower in which her parents imprisoned her due to a curse. “Shrek the Musical,” based on the film and its sequels, opened on Broadway in 2008, and a national tour followed.

In the national tour coming to the Ford Center, Tori Kocher plays Dragon, the ferocious beast that guards Princess Fiona’s tower.

“We all start out as storytellers, sort of like we’re playing ourselves,” Kocher said. “And then we change into our other characters.”

This role comes with one of the more complicated costume pieces.

“I put on some scales, I put on a wig and a headpiece. I put on a dress, wings and a big tail,” Kocher said.

The show has been adjusted from its original script, which contained some insensitive language, to be more inclusive and to

THAI TRUCK

The owner of the Yum Yum

Thai food truck on campus encourages customers to write on the truck while they wait for their meal.

Guard Madison Scott defends against Mississippi State on Feb. 18.

ANTONELLA RESCIGNO / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Ethan Robertson speaks during the ASB executive election debate on March 19.

RILEY MCCOY / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

continued from page 1

Secretary candidate William Pentecost, a sophomore public policy leadership major, advocated to create more opportunities for ASB members to connect with their constituents.

“The first thing is, the ASB 365 this year I think was a huge success,” Pentecost said. “I’d also like to implement more active service projects with different student groups and organizations on campus. I would like to have a monthly (“Meet Your Senator” night) for the (executive board), maybe even for the senate as well.”

Braxton Dagg, the other secretary candidate and current undersecretary of marketing for ASB, spoke of his experience working alongside the ASB secretary. The sophomore integrated marketing communications major highlighted advancements in transparency over the past year, while also advocating for increased accountability and inclusion to continue these improvements.

“We have increased transparency this year. We have completely revised our website,” Dagg said. “But we need to be held accountable for our actions. In addition to that, we also want to be inclusive to all students to attend all ASB events.

If you can’t access those, you’re not going to feel welcome.”

Attorney General

A variety of proposals arose in the debate for the office of the

attorney general, as the two candidates, Deputy Attorney General of the Code and Constitution Alex Kipping, a junior public policy leadership major, and ASB Senate Chair for the Committee on Governmental Operations Madison Waldrop, a sophomore integrated marketing communications major, proposed a variety of avenues for the office to be more available to students.

“I think that we do a really great job communicating internally. I don’t think that always gets properly communicated with our students externally, and I think a big problem is that maybe we haven’t just found enough outlets to do that,” Kipping said. “Whether that means promoting the student opinion form or having attorney general office hours where (students) are able to come by and visit.”

Waldrop presented some of her own proposals.

“One thing that we can do as the (Department of Justice) is make sure that bills that are dealing with code changes are public before they make it to the senate floor,” Waldrop said. “Another thing that I think will help engage the students is a homecoming candidate forum in the fall, which I think will help students be more engaged in the process.”

Waldrop also shared another idea for campus elections.

“I would like to make it a goal of mine to implement ranked choice voting, which I think not only gives students a better voice, but also gives candidates the opportunity to run where they might not have felt confident enough to run before,” Waldrop said.

Vice President

While the attorney general candidates focused on empowering students to run for campus elections, vice presidential candidates focused on dismantling hierarchies within the senate.

Those running for the position are Legislative Council Chief of Staff Will Griffith, a junior political science major; Presidential Cabinet Chief of Staff Jack Jones, a sophomore economics major; former Sen. Jacks Mitchell, a junior international studies major; and Sen. Omobola Obasanjo, a junior business banking and finance major. Increasing efficiency in the senate, which the vice president presides over, was a major topic of discussion.

“One of the biggest issues within the ASB Senate right now is the overreliance on seniority,” Griffith said. “We see a lot of people get involved in this organization who are incredibly able and incredibly passionate, but because structurally we have to consider the seniority of senators, that makes it a lot harder to get projects done.”

Mitchell concurred, citing his personal experience.

“Throughout my two years in the senate, I believe I’ve noticed that there is a tendency to be a competitive hierarchy,” Mitchell said. “I think that just awarding based on merit would be a good solution to fix that.”

Another topic was ensuring that senators engage with their constituents, which generated a number of ideas.

“A form will go out on day one of office to all leaders and all (registered student organizations) on campus. They will

be able to schedule a meeting with either me or their respective senator,” Jones said. Griffith wanted to turn “Meet Your Senator” into an event resembling the ASB election parties.

“One of the ideas I have is making ‘Meet Your Senator’ more of an event, something with live music or maybe trivia,” Griffith said. “Any of y’all who were around last year for the elections block party, that will be a really good blueprint for how ‘Meet Your Senator’ night could look next year.”

When it came to student outreach, however, Obasanjo came with a different perspective than that of the other candidates, being the only Black candidate running for any position on the executive board.

“Being a minority candidate, I identify with a lot of communities on campus,” Obasanjo said. “I have taken the opportunity to engage with a lot of communities on campus. I will take the time to continue building those relationships. I think the most important thing is to get more people in the room.”

President

The protection of minority groups was a topic of discussion for the presidential candidates as well. The candidates included Attorney General Helen Phillips, a junior public policy leadership major; Secretary Ethan Robertson, a junior political science major; Sen. Jackson Scruggs, a junior public policy leadership major, and Sen. Hannah Watts, a junior English and public policy leadership major. The four offered ideas for pro-

tecting minority groups at UM, and Watts provided a personal anecdote about her friend.

“I had a friend run for an open senate seat this past year who voiced the need for more halal food options on campus, and just yesterday I saw (the Muslim Student Association) post that they were able to work with Ole Miss Dining to improve those options, as well as extended hours for Ramadan,” Watts said. “What that has helped me realize is that we need to find different organizations and be working with and incorporating them into ASB.”

Candidates were also asked how they would prevent personal manipulation of the ASB code and constitution for their own gain.

“I’m not that knowledgeable of the code and constitution, so you really don’t have to worry about me using it for my own personal uses,” Robertson said. “I know everything that is written and how to properly understand it all, but I don’t know how to use that for my own benefit.”

The candidates also discussed the important link between sports and the success of the university, a discussion in which Scruggs showcased some of his platform.

“The success of our athletics program is so intertwined with the success of not only this campus, but also the surrounding community,” Scruggs said. “And when it comes to my overall platform on improving the game day experience, it starts with not paying an arm and a leg for basic concessions. The markup on hotdogs and sodas is unreal.”

The election will be decided at the polls on Tuesday.

Oxford welcomes new resort-style attraction

Residents and visitors of Oxford will soon have a new attraction to help them beat the heat. Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort is set to open in spring 2025.

Located in Lafayette County off of Highway 6, three miles west of the Oxford city limits, the park will span 85 acres with 150 spots for recreational vehicles and 20 luxury cottages. The main attractions of the $22 million resort are a 912-foot lazy river, a miniature golf course, a zip line, golf carts, a fitness center, a sandy beach area and more.

“Oxford is a small town, and there is not much to do, so I feel like it would be fun to go with a group of friends to get out and do something different,” Rae Duplechian, a freshman integrated marketing communications major, said.

According to Roundabout’s press kit, the co-founders, Alison Ross, Andrew Ross, Cris Hughes and Jay Hughes, are four friends who came up with the idea for this resort due to their love of RVs and the demand for a quali-

ty park in North Mississippi. The closest major water park is almost three hours south of Oxford in Philadelphia, Miss.

The construction was approved on Monday, March 4 by the Lafayette Board of Supervisors. When the announcement was made on Roundabout’s Facebook page, Oxford residents were upset that the water park was not going to sell day passes to the public.

The company has made it clear that the water park is primarily for guests staying at the park, similar to a resort or luxury hotel. Some members of the Oxford-University community sympathized with Roundabout’s decision.

“Rules are no different than any other nice resort with pools, except most of those don’t allow day passes when they are underbooked,” Natalie Morgan-Underwood, a UM graduate, said on Roundabout’s Facebook post. “And this allows people the luxury of cottages or their own personal space in their RV they’ve invested in!”

Roundabout stated that when the park has vacant spaces during less busy periods, they will offer day passes for students and locals to

come enjoy a day in the sun.

“It’s always fun to try new places in Oxford, so honestly I would love to buy a day pass,” Carson Wadsworth, a freshman engineering major, said.

So, what will this new resort cost for a weekend getaway?

While no official numbers

have been released, Roundabout explained that RV resorts are often cheaper than normal hotels, and their location will be no different.

“Expect higher rates during popular seasons, just like other RV resorts,” the company said.

Roundabout hopes to officially

School of Journalism connects students and professionals

welcome guests in spring 2025.

“There are more than 11 million RV’s on the road today, and Oxford could be a major draw for these families for a variety of reasons,” Jay Hughes said in the press kit.

“We want to give them a quality place to bring their RV.”

ISABELLE FROST thedmnews@gmail.com

An annual event through the Integrated Marketing Communications program, IMC Connect, is making its annual return on March 25 as an opportunity for students to interact with professionals in their future career fields.

The event, hosted by the School of Journalism and New Media, seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry practice, providing insights into the evolving fields of communications, marketing and public relations.

“IMC Connect is more than just a conference: It’s a career catalyst. It’s an opportunity to absorb wisdom from leading figures in the field, get hands-on with the latest industry tools and

network with potential mentors and employers,” Tatum Chenen, a senior integrated marketing communications major, said. “It’s also an amazing chance for students to step out of their comfort zone and practice talking to career professionals.”

This year’s lineup includes panel discussions, workshops and talks given by industry experts like Tiffanie L. Hedin, corporate communications director for Toyota of Mississippi, Marti Powers, vice president of communications for Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Chris Chiames, chief communications officer for Carnival Cruise Line.

“Particularly for students, the conference serves as an invaluable platform to practice and get comfortable with speaking to industry profes-

sionals. It encourages the development of our own professional voice — a crucial skill in a field where communication is key,” Chenen said. “By engaging in discussions, asking questions and presenting ideas in a professional setting, we’re not just learning, we’re also building the confidence to express ourselves clearly and effectively in our future careers.”

Junior IMC major Gretchen Taylor sees IMC Connect as a networking event that can answer questions students may have about their future careers.

“I think the chance to connect with professionals who put into practice what we study is an extremely helpful resource for students. It gives us the chance to ask successful people the questions that could usually only be answered by real world experi-

S.

ence in the field,” Taylor said. Professionals from companies that have dealt with public relations crises will instruct students on how to effectively handle a negative situation.

“I’m most excited for the Deepwater Horizon (oil spill) case study. I think it will be very interesting to see how a PR team deals with a crisis that is on an international scale,” Taylor said. “I’m also very excited for the chance to connect with IMC professionals that can give me career advice and tips for the future. I think that all of these sessions will be very helpful in preparing me for life after graduation.”

IMC Connect will offer a panel in which student members of fraternities and sororities can learn how to take advantage of their network.

“I’m most looking forward to the Greek Connect panel on Monday evening. It promises to offer unique insights into how Greek life and organizations can leverage IMC strategies effectively,” senior IMC major Olivia Young said.

Young believes that IMC Connect helps students learn practical applications of IMC principles and further prepares them for the realities of the industry.

“It highlights the importance of staying abreast of current trends and technologies, such as AI and digital communications, which are essential for future professionals,” Young said. “Additionally, it fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students, educators and professionals, enhancing our learning experience and career prospects.”

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‘Everything I Thought It Was:’ Justin Timberlake’s bland attempt at a nostalgic cash grab

Put on for your city, for your state” droning on before going into an attempt at a rap verse.

In recent years, early 2000s nostalgia has become an incredibly hot commodity. Between Y2K fashion, incessant remakes of older films and the endless YouTube compilations of iconic pop culture moments from the aughts, new and old generations alike seem to reflect on the era through a deep rosy tint. Naturally, it is no wonder a musician like Justin Timberlake, a gargantuan figure in pop culture back in the day, feels inclined to fall back on old material — and, for the most part, that is what he does on his latest disappointment of an album, “Everything I Thought It Was.”

Consisting of a whopping 18 tracks, the album was hyped by Timberlake as his “best work,” as well as being “incredibly honest” and also “a lot of… fun.” Spoiler alert: None of the above is true.

Based on the aforementioned interview and opening track “Memphis,” Timberlake seems to set up the album to delve into themes of dealing with fame and self-reflection.

“Memphis” is not a particularly good song;if anything, it feels a bit lazy with lackluster lyrics such as “Just be great //

While its theme is trite given the amount of celebrities who write about the cost of fame and fortune, the opener did lead to some heightened expectations of analyzing the pop culture of decades prior. After all, Timberlake has in recent years been called out for participating in the often misogynistic culture of the era, adding onto the strife of female stars such as Britney Spears and Janet Jackson.

Unfortunately, much of the remainder of the album quickly proves the record will not touch on anything of the sort. Instead, Timberlake writes mawkish lyrics about dancing that tend to bounce between some generalized romantic feelings and efforts to be provocative over uninspired R&B-ish instrumentals in tracks like “No Angels,” “Play” and “My Favorite Drug.”

With its lack of compelling lyrics and instrumentals that leave a mark on the listener, the album relies on catchy R&B-inspired pop hooks. The problem is that many of these do not achieve the desired effect; I can hardly remember any particular melody sticking out.

Of course, I will give credit where credit is due — aside from Timberlake’s attempts at rapping, the tracks are all listenable. The album was also not without highlights.

Featuring Tobe Nwigwe, “Sanctified” has the backing of a gospel choir and all the energy from Timberlake and Nwigwe to match it. “Technicolor” is another high point; the song is easygoing yet vibrant, with excellent vocals and an excellent arrangement.

Unfortunately, a few bright spots on an 18-song record cannot save the album. While the record might sound good generally, there is nothing substantial, and the majority of its 77-minute length is painfully boring. It is the musical equivalent of eating nothing but junk food for a week. At the end of the day, having such a huge influence on pop culture means one can get by writing about the same things — bubblegum-flavored love, dancing, flirting — in the same way over and over again for a while, but it is 2024 now. It might be wise for Timberlake to ditch the nostalgia and make an album that does not sound like it is destined to be remade into Kidz Bop covers and played at a middle school dance.

UM Voting Summit seeks to ‘educate, inspire and inform’

TANISSA RINGO thedmnews@gmail.com

The University of Mississippi Center for Community Engagement is hosting its second annual UM Voting Summit from March 19-23. The event seeks to honor and reflect on the history of Mississippi and promote civic engagement.

The focus of this year’s voting summit is the 60th anniversary of Mississippi’s Freedom Summer. Freedom Summer was a 1964 campaign organized largely by college students with the goal of fighting for civil rights in the state of Mississippi. Many of those volunteers helped African Americans in Mississippi register to vote and gain access to education programs, civil liberties that had been denied to Black people during the Jim Crow era.

The voting summit culminates with a trip to Philadelphia, Miss., to remember three activists that were murdered in Neshoba County while conducting their work.

“This year’s voting summit seeks to educate, inspire and inform the LOU community about the 60th anniversary of Mississippi Freedom Summer and the lessons we can learn from it today,” Marshall Pentes, a junior economics major and the student leader for the Voting Engagement Ambassadors, said.

As an ambassador for CCE, Pentes, along with other ambassadors, helps UM students from across the country navigate the voter registration process.

Pentes believes that the voting summit serves two important purposes.

“The first is that it advances an important, and often overlooked topic: the civil rights and voting rights activists working in Mississippi both in the 1960s and today,” Pentes said. “Second, we get to remind people that their vote is important and to exercise that power in this year’s 2024 election.”

Pentes hopes that the voting summit motivates members of the university community to show up at the polls on Election Day.

“We have big dreams about raising this university’s participation in the next elections. This voting summit is only the beginning,” Pentes said.

Pentes also emphasized that engaging with Mississippi’s civil rights history is beneficial to students and members of the Lafayette and Oxford community.

“The legacy of civil rights and voting rights activists in Mississippi is long and sometimes bloody, but it is absolutely worthwhile to experience it. This is why the final event of the Voting Summit is a tour of Philadelphia, Miss.,”

Pentes said. “We are giving the LOU community a chance to visit the places where activists bravely sacrificed themselves for a better future.”

The three volunteers disappeared in Neshoba County on June 21, 1964. The bodies of Michael Schwerener, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney were found 44 days later in Philadelphia, Miss. The incident drew national attention.

Destiny Kirksey, a sophomore biology major and Philadelphia, Miss., native, is proud of the university for acknowledging the civic history of her hometown.

“I think it’s a good thing that the university is holding this event in Philadelphia, because I didn’t realize that not a lot of people know about the murders that specifically happened in my hometown,” Kirksey said. “I think it’s an amazing opportunity for people to truly learn more about the background of Freedom Summer and get more information.”

Pentes said he is proud of the planning that has gone into the summit and anticipates that the events will make an impact.

“I’m proud of what we have accomplished in bringing this summit together. A lot of hard work has been put into every event, and I know that anyone who attends one of our events will come away informed,” Pentes said.

The artwork for Justin Timberlake’s “Everything I Thought It Was.”

PHOTO COURTESY: RCA RECORDS

Yum Yum Thai food truck makes mark on campus

MARY EVANS thedmfeatures@gmail.com

Attention all foodies: the Yum Yum Thai food truck is making waves on campus.

Parked either on the south side of the Grove or in front of Burns Hall, Yum Yum Thai has become an integral part of the campus dining experience over the past two years.

Originally from Thailand, owner and operator Ax Sitthiprasert explained that Yum Yum

Thai’s transition from stationary restaurant to mobile food truck was motivated not only by the flexibility of operating from a food truck, but also by high rent prices in Oxford.

“I used to own my restaurant (Pick Thai), and the restaurant stayed in one spot, but with a food truck, you can move around to find a good spot,” Sitthiprasert said. “Because rent was too high, we had to close. When you’re on campus, you don’t have to worry about the rent being due.”

The food truck allows Sitthiprasert to focus on what he loves: cooking. His favorite meals to make are lo mein,

fried rice and dumplings. Still, hibachi reigns supreme as Yum Yum Thai’s best-selling meal. “(It’s) hibachi all day from morning to close,” Sitthiprasert said.

What sets this food truck apart is its interactive nature. Patrons are encouraged to leave their mark on the truck’s white exterior. Yum Yum Thai provides markers for people to add their own personal touch to the dining experience.

“I think it’s cool. I don’t know if it attracts people, but it’s exploded … I feel like making them happy, then I’m happy,” Sitthiprasert said.

Sitthiprasert has also embraced social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok to connect with customers and showcase his creations.

Sitthiprasert emphasized the role social media has played in attracting a college audience.

“I just do it for fun, like a cool kid. (I) make it funny, and I get views,” Sitthiprasert said.

Like any restaurant, Yum Yum Thai faces its own set of challenges.

“You don’t know how much you’re gonna make

in a day. Cooking (is) not a challenge. Making a living? Eh…” Sitthiprasert said. Landon Wiggins, a junior biochemical engineering major, described his experience eating at Yum Yum Thai.

“That place is so good. They fill up the box like crazy … the sauces are good, too,” Wiggins said.

Sitthiprasert’s plans for the future are simple: Keep the food truck going for years

‘Love Lies Bleeding’ packs a mean punch

camera cannot be understated.

AARON BARROW thedmfeatures@gmail.com

What makes a person good?

Evil? Can love, in all of its forms, transcend true villainy?

Filmmaker Rose Glass poses these questions in her latest film, “Love Lies Bleeding.” None of these questions are directly answered at any point, nor should they be. In fact, they have been rattling inside of my brain in the hours since the credits rolled to the tune of Martin Rev’s “Whisper” at the end of what is sure to be one of my favorite films of this year.

“Love Lies Bleeding” is an incredibly strong film, even outside of its bodybuilding subplot and sharp imagery of rippling muscles and sweaty bodies. Glass’ confidence behind the

Glass deeply understands exactly what to show and when to show it in order to effectively build the world of the film. She applies the most carefully calculated levels of shock to each revelation and major shift.

With well-disciplined editing and gorgeously lit and framed camerawork, the film provides a fully realized and genuinely chill-inducing level of thrill that can be achieved only by an overarching understanding of what must be accomplished by every department involved in this production.

Katy O’Brian crushed as a co-leading actor. Her chemistry alongside the Academy Award-nominated actor Kristen Stewart makes for a riveting and emotionally stirring

dynamic that is more than welcome given the film’s rather bleak backdrop of a desolate city in the late 1980s.

As charming as the dynamic is, the script never gives the characters an easy way out, nor does it give the audience an easy way to justify their actions on screen. Glass wants us to see these characters wrestle with their own morality and force those watching to do the same.

Ed Harris brings an immaculate level of tension to every scene, and I loved seeing him in such a prominent role again.

However, despite all of this talent on display, I found Anna Baryshnikov’s brief supporting role as the character Daisy to be the main standout. Her characterization and subtle tone shifts through -

out made the film an even more thrilling experience.

The film refuses to shy away from the brutality of its world, which is essentially like our own, with a handful of flourishes added when needed.

By taking bold, unrestrained choices in the film’s most pivotal moments, Glass proved she is a creative force to be reckoned with.

Was every choice necessary? Probably not, but I had a massive smile on my face during much of this behemoth of a film. “Love Lies Bleeding” is an overwhelming assault on the senses. The film is not for the squeamish nor the faint of heart, but it is well worth the wincing.

“Love Lies Bleeding” is now playing in theaters.

to come. Despite the gamble of owning a culinary business, Sitthiprasert’s passion for cooking shines through.

“If you like what you’re doing, it’s not really challenging,” Sitthiprasert said.

POSTER COURTESY: A24

The Yum Yum Thai food truck sits outside Burns Hall on March 18.

The poster for “Love Lies Bleeding.”

UM student films ‘a love letter to the Latin community’

JANE DUNN thedmfeatures@gmail.com

University of Mississippi student Alexa Christian is a screenwriter, producer and director. She described her much-anticipated short film “Segundo Muerte” in five simple words.

“Hispanic boy honors his father.”

Christian is a junior majoring in theater. The native Memphian transferred from the University of Cincinnati in fall 2022 and is planning to pursue a Master of Arts in acting post-graduation.

“Segundo Muerte” is a tale about a young, disabled man following in his family’s footsteps to be a matador. Themes of family pressure, self-doubt and perseverance come through to craft a transcendent and heartfelt story.

“After a life-changing accident, the legacy child of a family of bullfighters has to prove to everyone, including himself, that he can carry on the family name with pride,” Christian said.

Her passion for theater and worldbuilding began in childhood and has led to constant creative expression throughout her life.

“Theater, for me, is really just home. It’s safety. I get to celebrate other lives and other people, and I get to learn about things that I never would be able to. You get to see the world through other people’s eyes,” Christian said.

The concept for the film originated in summer 2021 with a short story contest on Instagram.

Drawing inspiration from Latin American music and Pinterest boards, Christian’s writing process began. However, the process was not without challenges.

Upon trying to submit the draft of the story, she realized she accidentally missed the deadline by two hours. Feeling discouraged, she did not think about the story again until later that fall during an introduction to filmmaking class at UC.

“My teacher gave us this book by William Goldman, ‘Adventures in Screentrade.’ The book had a little chapter about turning a short story into a short film screenplay and I was like, ‘Okay God, I’ll turn it into a screenplay,” Christian said.

Even though she loved the completed screenplay, she left it untouched for two years while navigating the transfer to UM and also working a job.

However, in summer 2023, she felt something calling her back to the screenplay and decided to enter it into several contests.

“Segundo Muerte” was awarded Best Script Short in the Vesuvius International Film Festival in August 2023 and was a quarter finalist in the International Screenplay Competition. It was also selected for the Lake Charles Film Festival in September 2023.

Taking this as a sign, Christian flung herself into the production process and began searching for the perfect cast. After reviewing 75 tapes, she narrowed the cast down to a core seven actors.

While most of the crew mem-

bers are UM students, the cast is made up of professional actors from the Latino and Hispanic communities. Christian wanted to be sure the story is authentic and specific to both Latino culture and the bullfighting community.

“It’s its own culture. It has its own language. There are things in the Spanish language that don’t mean the same things for bullfighting,” Christian said. “This is something that can honor the Latin community and bring Latin representation to the forefront.”

This summer, she will begin production in McAllen, Texas, at the Santa Maria Bullring, one of the few authentic bullrings in the United States. She secured this location with the help of Kristie and Geraldo Martìnez of Olè! Entertainment, who specialize in organizing bullfights.

The Martinez duo have also assisted in ensuring the cultural accuracy of the film, informed by their ethnic background and rich history working with professional matadors. They encouraged Christian to portray the American style of bullfighting, in which the bull is not harmed.

Christian was influenced by her childhood to create a story that honored Latino culture. She attended the Foreign Language Immersion Childcare Center at age 3 and was immersed in a Spanish-speaking environment until she began traditional school later in life.

“It’s kind of like a love letter to the Latin com-

Since 1970 2023

munity,” Christian said. Christian plans to hold a premiere in Memphis sometime in August. She is also searching for project funding. This month, her team will be launching a Kickstarter campaign.

“The whole thing about Kickstarter is that you get rewards for donating. It’s a pledge, so it’s all or nothing. (If) we don’t make our goal, you don’t

pay anything,” Christian said. She will also be submitting it to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the live-action short film category, and she hopes to see it develop into a television series.

“I have never handled something this big,” Christian said. “I feel like it’s my life’s work.”

The film will begin streaming on YouTube on Oct. 15.

• Former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

• Former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

• Still practicing at his privately owned law firm for over 50 consecutive - located at the same place, being the Oxford Square, Downtown, Oxford, Mississippi.

• Practiced at his privately owned law firm for 45 consecutive years - located at the same place, being the Oxford Square, Downtown, Oxford, Mississippi.

• Taught the Mississippi DUI Law and 5 different Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure courses each and every semester at the University of Mississippi for 29 consecutive years.

• Taught the Mississippi DUI Law and 5 different Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure courses each and every semester at the University of Mississippi for 29 consecutive years.

• A member of the Chancellor’s Trust at the University of Mississippi since 1981.

• A member of the Chancellor’s Trust at the University of Mississippi since 1981.

• Former Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for over 6 years.

• Former Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for over 6 years.

• Former Municipal Court Judge for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for 8 years.

• Former Municipal Court Judge for the City of Oxford, Mississippi for 8 years.

• Former Vice President and President of the Lafayette County Bar Association; member of the Mississippi Bar Association, etc.

• Former Vice President and President of the Lafayette County Bar Association; member of the Mississippi Bar Association, etc.

• Appointed by the Mississippi State Bar to the Mississippi Commission on Attorney Ethics and Attorney Violations of the Canon of Ethics and All Mandatory Rules concerning the Practice of Law. Occupied the positions of Vice Chairman and Chairman and served for 18 years.

• Appointed by the Mississippi State Bar to the Mississippi Commission on Attorney Ethics and Attorney Violations of the Canon of Ethics and All Mandatory Rules concerning the Practice of Law. Occupied the positions of Vice Chairman and Chairman, served for 18 years.

• A Founding Member of the National College for DUI Defense conducted at Harvard Law School.

• A Founding Member of the National College for DUI Defense conducted at Harvard Law School.

• Selected as one of the Top 50 DUI Attorneys in Mississippi by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense.

• Selected as one of the Top 50 DUI Attorneys in Mississippi by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense.

• Selected as one of the Top 10 Best Attorneys of Mississippi in for Client Satisfaction Award by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys.

• Selected as one of the Top 10 Best Attorneys of Mississippi in for Client Satisfaction Award by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys.

• Selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Organization.

• Selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Organization.

• Recipient of the DISTINGUISHED AWARD OF MERIT for 1989 from the Mississippi State Bar given to one Attorney in the State each year for outstanding contributions to the practice of law.

• Recipient of the DISTINGUISHED AWARD OF MERIT for 1989 from the Mississippi State Bar given to one Attorney in the State of Mississippi each year for outstanding contributions to the practice of law.

• Voted “Best Attorney in Oxford, Mississippi” in the Grove’s Choice Awards.

• Voted “Best Attorney in Oxford, Mississippi” in the Grove’s Choice Awards.

• Member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys

• Member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys

• Member of the National League of Renowned Attorneys - Top 1%

• Member of the National League of Renowned Attorneys - Top 1%

• Awarded the United States Congressional Medal of Distinction by RNCC.

• Awarded the United States Congressional Medal of Distinction by RNCC.

• Member of the American Jurist Institute - Top 10 DUI/DWI Attorney for Mississippi

• Member of the American Jurist Institute - Top 10 DUI/DWI Attorney for Mississippi

• Member of the American Society of Legal Advocates - Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of Mississippi

• Member of the American Society of Legal Advocates - Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of Mississippi

• Selected by the Attorney and Practice Magazine as one of Mississippi’s Top 10 Attorneys, et cetera.

• Selected by the Attorney and Practice Magazine as one of Mississippi’s Top 10 Attorneys, et cetera.

Alexa Christian

CLAY HALE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

CLAIRE REYNOLDS thedmfeatures@gmail.com

Fust wraps up tour at Proud Larry’s

Proud Larry’s hosted the final show of alt-country group Fust’s “Southwest Passage” spring tour. On Tuesday, Mar. 19, the Durham, N.C.-based group followed an opening performance at 7 p.m. by Small Trucks, a Mississippi-based folk rock band.

Composed of multiple artists who have their own musical projects in the works, Fust is held together by its members’ relationships. Some span more than a decade.

“I think recently on this tour, we have had disparate different people say that we sound like we are friends. I think if that is remembered in any way, we succeeded alongside these other goals of songwriting, recording and contributing to the tradition,” Avery Sullivan, Fust’s drummer, said.

The band’s camaraderie was evident to those in the audience, including junior art history major Brennan McInnis.

“I could tell that Fust genuinely enjoyed playing music and that they have good relation-

ships with each other,” McInnis said. “They were cracking jokes, smiling at each other during songs and kept good attitudes.”

While some members of the crowd were new to the band, others knew the intricacies of the artists’ works.

“I knew about Fust a little bit beforehand. My friend Thomas played a show recently with them in New Orleans, and I am familiar with the keyboard player who has a record label called Dear Life Records. They have been putting out a bunch of good records, so it is kind of a funny combination of North Carolina people who play in different bands, and that’s cool,” concert attendee Graham Hamaker from Starkville, Miss., said.

Before Fust took the stage, group Small Trucks serenaded the Proud Larry’s audience.

Daniel Splaingard, the lead singer of Small Trucks, spent the evening playing from his album “Moon Burn.” The intimate atmosphere of the venue allowed the audience to connect with Splaingard as they laughed at his jokes between songs and were enthralled by his stories,

particularly the one surrounding his piece “Blue Heron.”

“Small Trucks was very mellow and low-key. The lead singer was also very personable,” McInnis said. “Not only was his demeanor comforting, but the band’s songs were comforting,

too. I would want to play them while driving with my windows down on a summer evening.”

The Small Trucks set led directly into Fust’s, who wrapped up the show by playing their current most popular song on Spotify: “Violent Jubilee.” The

overall emotion Fust felt toward the audience was gratitude.

“We are very proud to play at Proud Larry’s. We love this town.

Just seeing all of the bands on the walls, it is a very special thing.

Thanks for having us,” Aaron Dowdy, the frontman of Fust, said.

Navy ROTC midshipman flies over gender barriers

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp Midshipman Micaela Espinoza has gained confidence as a female leader in the University of Mississippi unit. The junior biomedical engineering major currently serves as Navy ROTC executive officer, performing administrative duties and planning all unit activities and physical training exercises.

“My freshman and sophomore year, I was not as involved in NROTC because my major is so intensive. The officers gave me a lot of grace to focus on school,” Espinoza said. “Now that it is my junior year, I felt that I did not have as many leadership opportunities as I should have. I reached out to my lieutenant, and he put in a good word for me. He gave me the chance, and here I am.”

A rigorous course load was not the only difficulty preventing Espinoza from taking charge in ROTC earlier. Being a woman in a male-dominated unit posed its own challenges.

“I was the only Navy female my sophomore year. My freshman year there was one other

female midshipman, but she was a senior,” Espinoza said.

“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go this high up (in leadership) because I was afraid the guys would not listen to me. Putting myself out there was hard.”

At times, everyday activities made Espinoza feel like an outsider. This motivated the Madison, Miss., native to stand up for herself and the freshman female midshipmen who later joined the unit.

“It was little things, like when we ran (physical training) tests. The officers would never read out the female requirements, like what mile time we needed to make. They would forget,” Espinoza said. “It was little, but it meant a lot to me. It made me realize I wasn’t making myself present enough, and that needed to change.”

As Espinoza grew her connections in the unit, she soon realized that being a woman should not stop her from being a leader in ROTC. Many of her male colleagues were welcoming and helped her gain confidence to be a role model, she said. This, combined with some hands-on work experience flying planes, inspired her to change her career aspirations.

“Going in, I was 100% going to try to do a medical field job in the Navy. After a whole summer doing aviation on a summer cruise, I decided I did not want to be a doctor just yet. I came home and did research for two months and missed the thrill of the plane,” Espinoza said.

Each summer, Navy ROTC midshipmen embark on cruises with the Navy. Before her sophomore year, Espinoza attended Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID). The month-long paid opportunity allows midshipmen to spend one week shadowing each operational community in the Navy and Marine Corps.

Espinoza experienced aviation life for the first time at CORTRAMID in San Diego.

“(Flying) is like a dream. We were going over the San Diego Bay, and the pilot let go of controls. I was doing it by myself and thought, ‘Wow, I want to do this the rest of my life,’” Espinoza said.

Summer opportunities set Navy ROTC apart from other military branches, Espinoza said.

“The most rewarding part

has been traveling all over the world. I think it’s good to learn from different cultures and people,” Espinoza said. “I got to meet officers that have been in the Navy for 30 to 40 years from all over the world. You come back with a totally different perspective.”

Espinoza, also a Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College member and Luckyday Program scholar, has had an impact on both the ROTC and the university community as a whole. Espinoza went beyond the ROTC community service hour requirement by becoming co-founder of Caring Companions her sophomore year, an organization that assists residents of The Pinnacle of Oxford assisted living facility.

“My friends and I realized that not many people knew they could go to Pinnacle and spend time with the residents, so we decided to start

Caring Companions. We began with five girls, and now we have over 500 members,” Espinoza said. “My mission with this club has been to learn from those older than me and spread love to them from students at Ole Miss.”

Caring Companions is currently partnering with UM’s NROTC and plans to partner with the Ole Miss Baseball and Track and Field teams.

UM ROTC has helped Espinoza find her confidence, her passion and her career goals. While she still dreams of a medical job in the future, Espinoza hopes to pursue an aviation contract after graduation and stay in the Navy beyond her required five years of service.

“It’s a learning process, but nothing is impossible,” Espinoza said. “Take the risk. You learn more about yourself and the world around you.”

Fust performs at Proud Larry’s on March 19.

LYN MOORE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

RAEGAN SETTLE thedmfeatures@gmail.com

Midshipman Micaela Espinoza

ASHTON SUMMERS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

continued from page 1

match the central theme of acceptance in the show.

“If you’ve ever seen the pro-shot (version) that was on Netflix for a while, or the Broadway version, or on YouTube or wherever, it is going to look a lot different,” Kocher said. “It has been revamped. We worked with the original writer and composer to change some things that could be harmful to some communities or just needed to be updated.”

Well-known musical numbers such as “I Know It’s Today” and “Morning Person” reveal Princess Fiona’s inner emotions to the audience, while “Big Bright Beautiful World” and “Travel Song” introduce Shrek’s colorful personality and background.

This funny, upbeat musical offers something for audiences of all ages.

what you think other people think or say you should be.”

“Freak Flag,” an anthem in which that line is repeated often, is performed by the fairy tale outcast characters of the ensemble and encourages the audience to embrace what makes each person unique, simultaneously promoting acceptance and tolerance regardless of background or magical attributes.

“Shrek the Musical” carries the message of love and inclusivity, while also incorporating humorous — and sometimes crude — language to keep audiences entertained and giggling.

Junior music education major Justin Morgan plans to attend “Shrek the Musical.”

“I am excited to see ‘Shrek the Musical’ because I’ve never seen a Broadway production before. I have been hearing the hype around the musical, and I love supporting the arts,” Morgan said.

Kocher encouraged everyone in the Oxford-university community to see the production.

“There are so many scenes that you can recognize from the movies,” Kocher said. “I just love to see the audience members having a good time.”

Actors Nicholas Hambruch and Cecily Dionne Davis share a kiss as Shrek and Princess Fiona.

PHOTO COURTESY: @FULLOUTCREATIVE

Ole Miss Softball upsets No. 2 LSU in shocking 2-1 series win

LILY GREEN thedmsports@gmail.com

After a disappointing showing versus the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs from March 8-10, fans and critics alike had low expectations for the Ole Miss Softball team going into their series against No. 2 LSU in Baton Rouge, La., on March 16-18. Despite being the overwhelming underdog, however, Ole Miss pulled off the impossible and stole two games and the series from the second-highest-ranked college softball team in the country.

Game one (lost 0-3)

Ole Miss dropped the opening game to the Tigers on Saturday, turning up the pressure for the next two games if the Lady Rebels wanted to return to Oxford with a series win. Ole Miss did not score a single run throughout the game and only had two hits. LSU’s top ranking showed in this game, with the Tigers boasting an elite defense and just enough offense to claim game one. In this one, the Rebels commit-

ted two errors, which accounted for two of LSU’s runs. The Lady Tigers also had six hits in this game, granting them enough runners on base to score at will.

LSU was undefeated coming into this game, and that streak looked almost unbreakable after this game one shutout. The challenge was set for Ole Miss.

Game two (won 5-2)

Due to inclement weather, the Lady Rebels took the field at 7 p.m. instead of the original 4 p.m. start time.

The Lady Tigers took the lead by scoring first in the second and fourth innings, with both runs scored on sacrifice flies. While it looked like LSU would claim the series in the Sunday game, Ole Miss answered back in the last two innings to complicate LSU’s plans.

The Lady Rebels took over in the sixth inning, scoring two runs and tying the game. Singles from both catcher Lexie Brady and left fielder Jaden Pone put Ole Miss on the board. Then, three errors com-

mitted by LSU allowed the Lady Rebels to score three runs in the seventh inning, breaking the tie.

When the final pitch hit the catcher’s hand, the Lady Rebels surprised the Lady Tigers by snagging the win and tying the series, handing the elite LSU team its first loss of the season. With this win, Ole Miss also grabbed its best victory of the season.

Game three (won 9-2)

On Monday, Ole Miss won game three and the series over LSU in a 9-2 beatdown. The Lady Rebels started hot in the second inning by scoring three runs. Thanks to the help of centerfielder Jalia Lassiter and Pone’s singles to get those three runs in, Ole Miss had all the momentum.

A home run from the designated player Aynslie Furbush put the Rebels at 4-0 in just three innings.

The Tigers tried to close the gap with a home run in the third inning and another run in the fourth. However, the Lady Rebels did not let them get away with this, and they

scored four runs in the fifth inning.

With 13 total hits and bases loaded a couple of times in the fifth inning, the Tigers could not keep up with the Lady Rebels. LSU had seven hits but did not manage to get far with them, as they only scored two runs. With this huge series win over a top-two team, the Lady Reb-

els moved to an even 3-3 conference record and 20-8 overall.

What’s next?

The Lady Rebels will return home and host the University of Georgia Bulldogs for a threegame series from Friday, March 22, to Sunday, March 24. The first game will be at 6 p.m. CT.

Ole Miss Baseball trounces rival Southern Miss 8-3

LILY GREEN thedmsports@gmail.com

In their yearly in-state rivalry game at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., the Ole Miss Baseball team bounced back from a tough second inning and defeated the University of Southern Mississippi 8-3.

Southern Miss gave the Rebels a slight scare in the first inning with a two-out double. The Rebels got the third out and found their strength with two runs on two hits in the first inning, putting them up 2-0.

The Golden Eagles fired back immediately in the second inning with three hits and three runs, which put Ole Miss in a losing position at 2-3.

After that punch in the face, the Rebels had a scoreless third inning. Ole Miss started the top of the fourth inning by giving up a hit, but the team

was able to get Southern Miss shortstop Ozzie Pratt out as he attempted to steal second base.

The Rebels started out strong in the bottom of the fourth inning with a single from shortstop Luke Hill and a walk from catcher Campbell Smithwick, but they could not get any runs.

Ole Miss then opened up in the bottom of the sixth inning by loading the bases and scoring two runs. This put the Rebels back in the lead for the first time since the first inning.

The Rebels also got their pitching in line, as right-handed pitcher Riley Maddox went for six innings and had six strikeouts and no walks. He also faced 24 batters in those six innings.

The Rebels extended the gap in the seventh inning with a sacrifice fly from designated hitter Bo Gatin, which resulted in a run. Also, an error

ville, Tenn. to take on the University of Tennessee Volunteers in a three-game conference series from March 22-24. The first game will start at 5:30 p.m.

WBB continued from page 1

key wins over Tennessee and Florida. In the games that the Rebels lost, they were always competitive. McPhee-McCuin also secured another 20+ win season, garnering even more momentum for the upcoming run in the big dance.

Ole Miss slides in as a No. 7 seed, which is certainly lower than the players, coaches and fans had hoped, and the Rebels lie in the same bracket as overall No. 1 seed South Carolina. While this is no doubt a daunting placement, but Ole Miss has to focus on the task at hand: beating Marquette.

The Golden Eagles, who are the No. 10 seed, are very good in their own right. Marquette also had 23 wins to only eight losses with key players such as Liza Karlen and Rose Nkumu.

The biggest difference between the two teams is the level of play. Ole Miss’ experience against tough challengers in the SEC should elevate them past Marquette, but March Madness could always chart a different path.

Predictions for the team

After last season’s appearance in the Sweet 16, this year’s Lady Rebels have a chance to make the Elite Eight or the Final Four, but the pathway to victory is treacherous.

McPhee-McCuin has steadily improved as a coach over the years, hinting at a possible deep run in the NCAA Tournament – for proof, consider the Rebels’ upset over No. 1 Stanford last year, only to lose to No. 5 Louisville in the Sweet 16. In order to replicate or even surpass last season’s success, the Rebels will have to lean on both Scott and Davis as the offensive engines and defensive anchors, as they have all season.

Ole Miss should be able to take care of Marquette with the overall experience, talent and coaching advantage. Time will only tell how far those qualities will take them in the NCAA Tournament.

from the Golden Eagles helped Hill score from second base. Ole Miss scored another two runs in the eighth inning with a two-run homer from

infielder Ethan Lege, putting the game well out of reach for the Golden Eagles and clinching victory for the Rebels. Ole Miss will travel to Knox -

Blaise Biringer throws the ball as Ally Mens slides onto the base on Oct. 17, 2020.

PHOTO COURTESY: PETRE THOMAS / OLE MISS ATHLETICS

Riley Maddox throws a pitch to Memphis on March 6.

ARASH ATTAR / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

How will NCAA Women’s Volleyball rule changes affect the game?

CAMERON LARKIN thedmsports@gmail.com

The NCAA Women’s Volleyball Rules Committee has made multiple rule changes that will go into effect for the 2024 fall season. Headlining these changes are amendments to the double-touch rule and how many liberos, or back-row, non-serving players a team can designate during a match.

The double-touch rule refers to the second touch of a point, typically made by a setter, wherein a player can now make double contact with the ball on their set. This rule change has been brewing for years due to mounting frustration with officiating inconsistencies: Many players and coaches cited differences in late-game officiating on what was called a double-touch and what was not.

“The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved allowing women’s volleyball players to contact the ball more than once with any part of the body in a single attempt on a team’s second contact when the ball is played to a teammate,” Greg Johnson wrote for the NCAA. “However, if the ball is played over the net in this type of scenario, it would be ruled a fault, and the team would lose the point.”

It is tough to say exactly how this will affect the game from the jump, but it will be interesting to see how coaches adapt to these rule changes.

“I think it keeps the game alive and takes the judgment out of the ref’s hands, which I think the coaches, players and refs appreciate. Ultimately, making a clean set will still put the attacker and team in the best position to score and win,” Ole Miss Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Bre Henry said. “So, we will still train with the goal of clean setting to put our team in the best position to be successful.”

Just like holding calls in college football, double touches in volleyball happen all the time,

but they often go uncalled. One thing that seems clear is that players appreciate the changes if for nothing else than consistency in officiating late-game situations.

“I don’t believe this rule change will affect how I train or play as a setter. ‘Doubling’ is not taught at the setter position and also doesn’t happen very often at our level,” Ole Miss setter Mokihana Tufono said. “With this new rule change, any player on the court can deliver a ball to their attacker without worrying about their delivery, ultimately making the game more physical and offensive.”

Alongside the double touch rule, the NCAA changed the way teams designate liberos during a match.

“The panel approved each team being allowed to designate two liberos for each set of the match. Only one libero would be allowed on the court at a time, and the libero would be allowed to serve in one position,” Johnson wrote. “The rationale for the proposal is to allow more players the opportunity to compete and to increase action and improve play.”

With the ability to designate two liberos, a coach now has more options for who

they can put on the court.

“I love the flexibility (this rule change provides), and I will be curious to see how teams adapt that into their systems,” Henry said.

Another aspect of this rule change is a libero quality of life improvement. Having two designated liberos means that one can substitute for the other, allowing a team to always have a fresh player on the floor.

“Multiple liberos at the college level is very interesting. However, it was allowed at the club level, so it’s not super foreign to me,” Ole Miss libero Cammy Niesen said. “It’ll be great for teams who have dominant pins that play six rotations and don’t have a set libero. While this new rule has many advantages for those who choose to use it, I think most teams will stick with having one libero so that they can put their next best passer in the lineup.”

People have complained about the double-touch rule for years, and the NCAA has only now made a tangible effort to remedy those concerns. The libero rule change is a nod to the players and coaches, but if everything goes according to plan, it will also improve the overall level of play on the court.

HUGE 2-DAY PUBLIC AUCTION

Wednesday,

Samantha Schnitta and Sasha Ratliff block a hit from Northwestern State on Sept. 4, 2021.

HG BIGGS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

JUSTICE ROSE thedmopinion@gmail.com

If Medicaid expansion dies, so will Mississippians

Access to health care must be treated as a human right, not a topic of political divide, and legislators from the Mississippi House showed their commitment to the health of all Mississippians by swiftly passing Medicaid expansion legislation on Feb. 28.

Medicaid expansion was deemed a “moral imperative” by House Medicaid Committee Chair Rep. Missy McGee. It’s a no brainer: Mississippi’s current Medicaid program is dangerously outdated and leaves many residents without adequate protection. What should be a safety net more

closely resembles the concrete we walk on — laid out a considerable time ago and known for being harsh and unforgiving.

You would think the sense of seriousness and urgency would be enough to inspire our Republican-led Senate to push the bill forward. Instead, there is fear that the upper house will stall a development nearly a decade in the making.

Following an alleged private meeting between Gov. Tate Reeves and state senators, it appears that Medicaid policy will remain unexpanded during the 2024 legislative session. In this meeting, Mississippi Today reported, Reeves would not sign any law increasing the availability of

resources devoted to Medicaid.

As a result, senators have been potentially pressured into allowing House Bill 1725 to die.

If this proposed legislation, one that could benefit every individual in the state, never sees the light of day, we as constituents will have witnessed a gross display of corruption and an appalling lack of integrity on behalf of our state lawmakers. This development itself is another stain on Reeve’s controversial administration. A continued adherence to image politics from our head of state has been detrimental to the well-being and development of our state as a whole. Additionally, it’s a glimpse into the grim reality unfolding within

the walls of our government.

At any rate, Reeves has always been adamant that the state cannot afford to expand Medicaid. Reeves’ stance on Medicaid has been well documented and has served as a major part of his campaign platform in his two successful bids for office. One could condense his views into the idea that Medicaid is welfare and that welfare is a bailout for lazy individuals. Unfortunately, that’s where we stand as a state in 2024.

Well, it may be unfair to attribute that attitude to the entirety of the state. In fact, polls suggest that many Republican voters in the state would have supported and voted for Medicaid expansion. Despite this, Reeves is sticking to his campaign promises, no matter how ridiculous or harmful to Mississippians they may be.

Hire Mississippi.

Beyond that, the House’s general recognition of Medicaid expansion as a moral imperative was a positive change of rhetoric, and the House finding itself in accordance and approving the bill are both steps in the right direction.

The legislation as it stands is not perfect, however. The bill contains a work requirement for Medicaid eligibility, which would alienate many citizens physically unable to work who would greatly benefit from the program. The inclusion of that work clause is contingent on federal gov -

Opinion Policies:

ernment approval, though.

As it stands, Medicaid expansion is in legislative limbo. Sen. Kevin Blackwell, Medicaid Committee Chairman, plans to lead the Republican-led Senate in editing the House’s Medicaid bill in order to reach legislation that they believe both chambers can agree on. Of course, unless they can secure two-thirds of the vote and prevent a gubernatorial veto, Medicaid expansion is in Reeves’ (untrustworthy) hands.

Sen. Blackwell and the Senate will likely propose a legislative strike through which will be just as, or even more, costly as the House bill that originally came to them. Blackwell and the Senate wish to limit the potential losses that have ruined Medicaid expansion in other states.

For the first time in a long time, Mississippians seem to largely agree on a single issue. Parents, students, workers and people with disabilities alike would benefit from the legislation. Somehow, though, the political no-brainer of Medicaid expansion is in dire straits in the state of Mississippi.

It remains to be seen whether or not Medicaid will be expanded this year, but if we don’t spend our tax dollars now, we’ll be paying with the lives of Mississippians — and soon.

Justice Rose is the opinion editor. He is a junior journalism major from Madison, Miss.

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Providing safe, reliable natural gas is our job. But fueling safe and thriving communities is our responsibility. That’s why we work hard to ensure local suppliers and contractors have the opportunity to work with us.

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