February 1, 2022 by MSU Reporter

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

By MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief

African American Affairs is hosting several events throughout February to celebrate Black History Month here at Minnesota State University, Mankato. This month, from February 23 to 25, the 46th annual Dr. Michael T. Fagin Pan African Conference will be held. The topic of this conference will be “Closing the Equity Gap in Education: Moving Beyond Conversation Toward Identifying Best Practices.”

While the conference will be held in person, students who wish to attend remotely will have another opportunity March 3-4. With events starting as soon as today, with the “Keeping It Real: We’re Tiiired but Resilient,” where students can join virtually or in person in Centennial Student Union 245 to hear from MSU faculty members about the ways that they are tired while remaining strong. African American Affairs is STORIES on page 5 

GOING NUTS

While everyone on campus is busy and trying to rush to class, the campus squirrels, although not stressed out about coursework and exams, were going nut-shopping. With temperatures dropping again soon, these furballs were out stocking up for the remaining cold days of the winter season while being adorably cute. Photos by MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

Black History Month sheds light on stories

‘It happens to us too’ sparks conversations By JULIA BARTON News Director

Last Thursday MayTong Chang from Transforming Generations shed light on domestic violence issues in the Hmong community with the “It happens to us too” event at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Chang, the event’s host, educated those who may not know about the difference between various cultures when talking about domestic abuse. She discussed her experience working with women of color, especially Asian women, in the metro area as they are based in St. Paul. “This is an opportunity to learn and gender-based violence and domestic violence happens to all cultures,” said Chang, the advocacy program director of Transforming Generations. “As a survivor you can also heal, it takes a whole lifetime to heal and anything can trigger you.” Teaching adult-based education before transitioning into an advocacy position, Chang started working as a legal advocate which then turned into her wanting to work with survivors. “As I was healing, I was also making connections with these women who came to me, and that’s when I knew that I wanted to make a change in other survivors’ lives. I knew how unfair it is for Hmong women in our community because of the patriarchal society that we live in. I wanted to make sure that if nobody heard that at least I could be one of them,” Chang shared. Some incidents she talked about in the event included forced marriage practices, victims of incest and domestic abuse within relationships. Also discussed was Asian women and their expected role as a vessel to have children despite their personal wishes. This idea stems from childhood where they are usually being taught to be obedient to the men. Victim blaming was another key issue discussed as this discourages women from SUPPORT on page 3 

2 • MSU Reporter

News

Judge rejects deal for man who killed Ahmaud Arbery

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

California to dismantle death row By DON THOMPSON Associated Press

STEPHEN B. MORTON • Associated Press

Travis McMichael is shown during the sentencing of he and his father Greg McMichael and neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, in Brunswick, Ga.

By RUSS BYNUM Associated Press

A federal judge rejected a plea agreement Monday that would have averted a hate crimes trial for the white man convicted of murder for fatally shooting Ahmaud Arbery, whose parents angrily objected to the deal as unfair and unjust. The decision by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood came just hours after prosecutors gave notice that son and father Travis and Greg McMichael had agreed to plead guilty to hate crime charges that they chased, threatened and killed 25-yearold Arbery because he was Black. But Travis McMichael’s sentencing hearing Monday afternoon turned emotional and contentious as federal prosecutors urged the judge to approve the deal even after Arbery’s parents pleaded passionately for her to deny it. Travis McMichael would have received 30 years in federal prison to be served alongside the penalty of life in prison without parole imposed by a state court judge for the murder conviction. By pleading guilty, he would have given up the chance to appeal his federal sentence. But Arbery’s family object-

ed to a provision that sought to transfer Travis McMichael immediately to federal custody from state prison. Arbery’s parents argued that conditions in federal prison wouldn’t be as tough for the McMichaels. Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, said she felt strongly that Travis McMichael should serve his entire sentence in a Georgia state prison. “Please listen to me,” Cooper-Jones told the judge. “Granting these men their preferred choice of confinement would defeat me. It gives them one last chance to spit in my face.” Wood said she was rejecting the deal because its terms would have locked her into a specific sentence. She said the Arbery family should have a say at sentencing in whatever punishment is ultimately given. Now the question is whether Travis McMichael will withdraw the guilty plea he entered Monday, and whether Greg McMichael, who had been offered the same deal the judge denied, will still plead guilty as planned. The judge gave them both until Friday to return to the federal courthouse in Brunswick and give their answer.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who three years ago placed a moratorium on executions, now is moving to dismantle the United States’ largest death row by moving all condemned inmates to other prisons within two years. The goal is to turn the section at San Quentin State Prison into a “positive, healing environment.” Newsom said Monday it’s an outgrowth of his opposition to what he believes is a deeply flawed system, one that “gets my blood boiling.” “The prospect of your ending up on death row has more to do with your wealth and race than it does your guilt or innocence,” he said. “We talk about justice, we preach justice, but as a nation, we don’t practice it on death row.” California, which last carried out an execution in 2006, is one of 28 states that maintain death rows, along with the U.S. government, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. While other states like Illinois have abolished executions, California is merging its condemned inmates into the general prison population with no expectation that any will face execution anytime in the near future. “We are starting the process of closing death row to repurpose and transform the current housing units into something innovative and anchored in rehabilitation,” California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spokeswoman Vicky Waters told The Associated Press. Oregon similarly transferred its much smaller

ERIC RISBERG • Associated Press

In this Aug. 16, 2016, file photo a condemned inmate is led out of his east block cell on death row at San Quentin State Prison, in San Quentin, Calif.

condemned population to other inmate housing two years ago. Newsom, a Democrat, imposed a moratorium on executions in 2019 and shut down the state’s execution chamber at San Quentin, north of San Francisco. Now his administration is turning on its head a 2016 voter-approved initiative intended to expedite executions by capitalizing on one provision that allowed inmates to be moved off death row. “The underlying motive of the administration is to mainstream as many of these condemned murderers as possible,” said Michael Rushford, president of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, which backed the initiative. “Our objective was to speed up the process.” He added he doesn’t think victims are happy with the administration’s decision. “They’re moving condemned murderers into facilities that

are going to make their lives better and offer them more amenities, while the victims still mourn the death of their family member,” Rushford said. Newsom said voters approved the move, though he doubts many understood the provision. “When they affirmed the death penalty, they also affirmed a responsibility ... to actually move that population on death row out and to get them working,” Newsom said. Newsom is “pouring more salt on the wounds of the victims,” countered Crime Victims United of California president Nina Salarno. “He’s usurping the law.’” Actor Mike Farrell, president of the group Death Penalty Focus, which opposes the death penalty, said he is thrilled with the idea but concerned by transfers he said could turn condemned inmates into “very ripe targets” for other prisoners.

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Tuesday, February 1, 2022

News

Mandate to vaccinate schoolchildren kicking in

MSU Reporter • 3

Effort to keep Biden COVID-free By ZEKE MILLER Associated Press

TED JACKSON • Associated Press

Medical Assistant Micah Dubose, left, and Sandra Castro, right vaccinate a squirming 3rd grader Hailey McDonald, 8 at KIPP Believe Charter School in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022.

By REBECCA SANTANA Associated Press

As school systems across the U.S. struggle to keep classrooms open amid the pandemic, New Orleans is set to become the nation’s first major district to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for children 5 and up, though state regulations will allow parents to opt out easily. Ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, many schools in the city have been holding vaccination events, including one at KIPP Believe school. One by one, dozens of children presented their signed permission slips, pushed up the sleeves of their pale yellow school uniform shirts and — often wincing, but rarely with tears — received a shot. Then they got candy. Some said they had loved ones who had gotten the coronavirus and wanted to do what they could to protect their families. Others said their parents decided. Eight-year-old Nyla Carey had talked to her mother. “She said that the COVID shot was to protect you. And so now I want to be brave,” the third-grader said before go-

ing back to class. Schools Superintendent Henderson Lewis said the requirement, announced in December in the district of nearly 46,000 students, won’t lead to youngsters being kicked out of school come Tuesday. Waivers for those opposed to vaccination are easy to obtain under state regulations, and schools will work with students who aren’t inoculated, he said. But eventually everyone will have to be vaccinated or have a waiver. New Orleans is a Democratic enclave in a red state, and the city and the district are outliers in the South, where many parents and elected officials have balked at measures to control the coronavirus. In fact, Louisiana Health Department guidelines say parents can obtain waivers from any immunization simply by citing medical, religious or philosophical objections. Tulane University epidemiologist Susan Hassig said that even with the waiver option, the mandate is a good way to get students vaccinated. She said parents who were a little unsure or hadn’t gotten around to it will have a stronger motivation to get their kids’ shots.

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When President Joe Biden met with U.S. governors at the White House on Monday, he was the only one given a glass of water — lest anyone else remove their mask to take a drink. The president was seated more than 10 feet from everyone, including Vice President Kamala Harris and members of his Cabinet. A White House staffer who was wearing a surgical mask when Biden entered the room was quickly handed an N95 version. These are just some of the extraordinary efforts on the part of the White House to keep the president from getting COVID-19, even though he’s gotten both of his regular vaccinations and his booster. It’s no surprise that unusual steps are taken to protect any president. But the strict precautions could also threaten to undercut the Biden administration’s own efforts to tell Americans — especially those who are vaccinated and boosted — that they can get on with something closer to their normal lives in the face of the omicron wave. SUPPORT from page 1 speaking up about their abuse. “The community and society always teach that victims should know better, but we all know that isn’t true and we need to start teaching those who cause harm to stop,” Chang said. Some consequences of speaking out about one’s abuse could result in shunning of their family and friends and may af

ALEX BRANDON • Associated Press

President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with the Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, in Washington.

And it’s emblematic of the messaging challenges surrounding the administration’s approach to COVID-19 as the virus becomes endemic, familiar and somewhat controlled but still menacing, with hardto-follow guidelines often unevenly implemented. For months, Biden aides have fretted that the people who are most protected against COVID-19 remain the most cautious, a dynamic they view

as a drag on the nation’s economic and psychological recovery. When the highly transmissible omicron variant hit, Biden said it was a “cause for concern, not cause for panic.” In recent weeks, his aides and science advisers have highlighted study after study showing the strong protection offered by the COVID vaccines against the variant and reassuring vaccinated people they can go about their daily lives.

fect their marital potential. Transforming Generations works with survivors who have been shunned while also understanding the barriers that protect men from being held accountable, and the gaps in the legal system. Also voiced during the webinar is that some survivors do not know the support or resources they need. “Helping people practice

mindfulness, self-awareness and consciousness while working together to solve real problems is a couple things we talk about in our youth program,” Schoua Na, Youth Organizing coordinator, said. The Youth program is one of the programs a part of Transforming Generations starting last year along with others such as the Queer Justice and Community Advocacy program.

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4 • MSU Reporter

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

SPRING 2022 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN

How you can support assault victims

maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

MADISON DIEMERT

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

Editorial Imagine for a moment you have just gone through an extremely traumatizing experience, and when you go to someone you trust to talk about it you are told “You were asking for it” or they come at you with “What were you wearing?” This is a situation that happens way too often. Both of these comments, among a variety of others, diminish the idea of violation that too many people experience in their life. Instead of brushing away these comments, they should be brought to attention and listened to right away. At Minnesota State University, Mankato, sexual assault is nothing unherd of. While this type of incident occurs on campus, students are not alone. There are various organizations and resources on campus that provide support to those who need it. Programs such as the Counseling Center, the Violence Awareness & Response Program, and the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX offer various resources for those who are survivors of sexual assault. Not only do they provide resources for survivors, but they have support systems for family and friends of survivors to help them navigate a functional support system for the one they love. These on-campus resources are essential for students to

NEWS DIRECTOR: Julia Barton julia.barton@mnsu.edu SPORTS EDITOR: Kole Buelow kole.buelow@mnsu.edu VARIETY EDITOR: Emma Johnson emma.johnson.5@mnsu.edu MEDIA/DESIGN DIRECTOR: Mansoor Ahmad mansoor.ahmad@mnsu.edu

Flickr photo

utilize when they need it, but it doesn’t end there. CADA in Mankato is a non-profit organization that helps survivors of abuse and violence. While these places provide the support survivors are looking for, getting that support isn’t as easy as it may seem. Not only is it essential to have those resources on and off campus for survivors, but we also need to believe them and hear their stories as everyone situation is unique. There are many reasons why it’s difficult to speak up about domestic violence

or sexual assault, and one of the main reasons is that they may feel alone and that their voices won’t be heard. In order to normalize speaking up about this type of experience, we need to not second guess someone when they come forward about this issue. It’s already difficult enough to come forward about an incident that is this sensitive and not believing someone can cause more harm to them. Listening to victims and not victim blaming is essential when talking to a survivor.

Having a friend or family member open up to you is bigger than you might think so being judgment free can mean a lot to the person opening up. Overall, if someone has the courage to open up to you and share something so personal, you should listen with compassion. Although it can be a difficult topic to discuss, you may find yourself not knowing what to say. In that case, referring them to counseling or other resources can be just as helpful.

“In what ways can you support assault victims?” Compiled by Dylan Engel

JELANI GASKIN, FRESHMAN “By hearing their stories out and being there for them emotionally.”

LAUREN O’NEIL, JUNIOR

SEBEEN KWON, SOPHOMORE

KAYLESA JERVIS, SENIOR

LATHON ROGGE, FRESHMAN

“Make sure they are seen and heard, and that they are not alone.”

“Listen to them, reference them to a counseling center.”

“Try to encourage them to reach out to enforcement or help them find shelters.”

“Try to get them to a counselor or therapist.”

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• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, contact Editor in Chief Maxwell Mayleben at maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu. The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board. • The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a studentrun newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at 507-389-1776. Subscriptions for the academic school year are $55.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing. • Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation. The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MSU REPORTER ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR STUDENT BODY.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

News

MSU Reporter • 5

No ‘gaming the system’ on Supreme Court pick By COLLEEN LONG President Joe Biden will meet with Senate Judiciary Committee leaders on Tuesday to discuss the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court vacancy and the president’s promise to nominate a Black woman to the high court. Aides said Biden’s list of potential candidates is longer than three. The White House also pushed back Monday on the idea that the president would be open to “gaming the system” by choosing a nominee solely based on her likelihood of garnering bipartisan support. Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and ranking minority member Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, will meet with Biden at the White House to go over potential nominees to replace Justice Stephen Breyer, who announced his retirement last week. Biden himself served as head of the Judiciary Committee when he was a senator and presided over the confirmations of six high court picks, including Breyer. “He’s steeped in this process,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Monday, “and looks forward to advice from members of both parties on the Hill as well as top legal experts and scholars across the

country. I think you will see those consultations start this week.” Biden has said since his campaign that he would nominate a Black woman to the nation’s highest court and he personally interviewed a few of the nominees when they were under consideration for appointment to the federal bench. Some Republicans have already voiced support for U.S. District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs, who is a favorite of key Democratic ally South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn. But the White House pushed back on the idea of choosing a candidate just to get bipartisan support, saying Biden would chose the best woman for the job, period. “The president is going to select a woman, a Black woman, who is qualified, who is prepared, who has impeccable experience to serve on the court. He’s going to do that based on her credentials, of course having a discussion with her and not through gaming out the system,” Psaki said. The White House has yet to designate a official to shepherd the process. But White House officials expect top lawyers in the White House Counsel’s office plus White House chief of staff Ron Klain, who has decades of ex-

perience working on nominees, to help in the selection process. Biden has pledged a pick by the end of February. On Monday, Durbin said he wanted a speedy confirmation but did not want to arbitrarily rush the process. He said he does not want to

put his “thumb on the scale” in talks with Biden, but having a nominee who is a sitting judge “makes the argument more credible” as he is reaching out to Republicans. Durbin, who is serving his fifth term in the Senate, has been having conversations with GOP

senators who he thinks could potentially vote for a Biden nominee. He said his list is “longer than you would imagine,” partly because of his longstanding relationships with Republicans on the Judiciary panel and elsewhere.

STORIES from page 1 also purchasing tickets to MSU Theatre’s production of Dr. Tim Berry’s “Wounded Healers” which debuts on Thursday at the Andreas Theatre. Students interested in this opportunity

can visit the MSU African American Affairs Instagram page to get their ticket. The performance involves music and spoken word, and discusses how Black men have used creative expression to per-

sist through neurological trauma that stems from systemic racism. With these events and many more, including “It’s the Black Girl Magic for ME!”, “Keeping It Real: Let’s Talk About Graduate School’’ and a Black History

Month Gospel Concert, there are ample opportunities to celebrate and learn. For several of the events, there is an in-person as well as a Zoom option to allow for as many people to partake as pos-

sible. For more information on any of the events listed, or for the Zoom link, take a look at the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion event calendar on the MSU website.

Associated Press



ALEX BRANDON • Associated Press

Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., left, Gov. Roy Cooper, R-N.C., Gov. Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., Gov. Phil Murphy, D-N.J., Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Mich., listen as President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting.

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8 • MSU Reporter

Women’s hockey snaps 3-game streak

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

ONE HUNDRED

By KOLE BUELOW Sports Editor

Heading into the weekend the Minnesota State women’s hockey team has been on a roll, first by making history in Minneapolis where they snapped the Gophers’ 53 game win streak, then followed by a series sweep over St. Thomas. With the three game winning streak, the Mavericks moved above .500 for the first time since November but were faced with a tough challenge in Duluth this past weekend. The Mavs split the series earlier this season with Duluth on home ice, but would now have to travel north to the No. 5 Bulldogs’ arena to extend their streak. The Bulldogs came into the series most recently splitting their series with No. 2 Ohio State and would come in with confidence in battling the unranked Mavericks. As the teams opened the first period, Duluth was able to get on the scoreboard first just five minutes into the contest with a goal from Taylor Anderson. Minnesota State tied the game however, with junior forward Kennedy Bobyck picking up a rebound and zipping the puck to the top corner of the Bulldog net to settle the score at 1-1. With Bobyck’s goal came an assist from senior forward Brittyn Fleming which marked her 100th career point which makes her the second women’s hockey player in MSU history to reach the century mark. Fleming joins Maggie Fisher on the list who totaled 109 points in her career. Despite the Mavs’ goal, the tie at one did not last long. UMD’s Elizabeth Giguere reclaimed the Bulldog lead just 54 seconds later on the power play at the 12:12 mark of the first. As the first came to a close all seemed to be done before Duluth’s Clara Van Wieren snuck a goal under MSU goaltender Calla Frank with two-tenths of a second left to go up two. Although they trailed after the first, the Mavericks held the lead in shots 16-7. The Mavs were the only ones to tally a goal in the second period, as junior forward Kelsey King found Fleming on a two-on-one chance to cut the Bulldog lead to one at GOALS on page 9 

Photos by MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

With Saturday’s win over Arizona State, senior goaltender Dryden McKay (29) collected his 100th career win and his 25th win on the season. McKay is now third in career wins behind only Michigan’s Marty Turco (127) and Steve Shields (111).

McKay hits century mark for wins as the Mavs sweep ASU By KOLE BUELOW Sports Editor

Coming into the series on a three-game win streak, the No. 1 Minnesota State men’s hockey team battled with non-conference opponent Arizona State this past weekend in the hopes of extending their streak and building their resume for the upcoming NCAA tournament. And the Mavericks just did that, sweeping the Sun Devils in two games this weekend. With Saturday’s win, Mavs’ goaltender Dryden McKay moved into sole possession of third place in total wins with 100. It has been quite the year for McKay, who has become the NCAA hockey leader in shutouts as well as the third

ever goaltender to reach the century mark in career wins. The netminder also collected his 25 win of the season in the final game of the series, and now officially averages 25 wins per season. The Mavericks had to get through the Sun Devils first, a pesky independent team who have wins over several top 20 teams in the USCHO Men’s Hockey Poll throughout the year. Mavericks head coach Mike Hastings noted the Sun Devils success against top teams in the nation and knew ASU would be a great challenge for the Mavericks heading down the final stretch of the season. As Friday came around the corner, 4,332 fans packed into the stadium to watch the two teams play. It was the Sun Dev-

ils who got on the board first quickly in game one, as a one timer from Matthew Kopperud zipped past McKay’s left side 1:01 into the opening period. After missing a pass on a breakaway chance heading into the 10 minute mark, ASU surrendered their first goal of the game as MSU’s sophomore center Ondrej Pavel gathered

the puck from behind the Sun Devils’ net. Pavel swiftly passed the puck into the middle of the zone and senior defensemen Andy Carroll buried it home to tie the game. Despite the Mavs almost heading into the second period up one from a Brendan Furry shot off the post, the two teams headed into intermission tied CENTURY on page 9 

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Sports

MSU Reporter • 9

Women’s hoops wins five straight By KARSON BUELOW The Minnesota State women’s basketball team, who came into the weekend 14-4 overall and 10-4 in the NSIC, completed a successful weekend against MSU Moorhead and Northern State at the Taylor Center. The Mavericks got out to a hot start Friday night against the 6-8 overall Dragons, putting nine points up on the board within the first three minutes before eventually going on an 11-0 scoring run to finish the first. Freshman guard Destinee Bursch hit a buzzer beater which put the Mavs up 25-11 going into the second. It were the Dragons who started out strong during the second quarter, as Aliyah Miller hit a three to start things off. A back and forth second quarter had the Mavs up 52-31 going into intermission. The Mavs dominated all of the third quarter as three of their top scorers started to heat up. Sophomore guard Joey Batt finished off the third quarter with 18 points, which was highlighted by a Maddy Olson assist where she escaped multi-

ple Moorhead defenders to find Batt open for three. Freshman guard Destinee Bursch found a hot hand, hitting back-to-back shots to put the Mavs up by 23. Later in the quarter Bursch would finish off a scoring drive with an outstanding euro-step move. The Mavericks would tally their biggest lead of the night, 26, before heading into the final frame up 70-49. Moorhead would respond, however, getting out to a hot start of their own in the fourth while not allowing a single point in five minutes of play. This hot start wouldn’t be enough, as the Mavericks battled back to beat Moorhead by a final score of 84-70. Saturday afternoon’s affair against Northern State was much tighter of a game than the night before, with a total of eight lead changes throughout the game. The Mavericks had lost eight of their last 10 against Northern State prior to the game, which dated back to 2014. Batt got things rolling for the Mavs, capitalizing off a Wolves’ turnover. This quarter would see several lead changes alone, and have Northern State

CENTURY from page 8 1-1. In the opening 15 seconds of the second period, Arizona State tripped a Maverick player to put MSU on the power play. Senior winger Reggie Lutz made the most of it, as he corralled a Nathan Smith saucer pass from cross ice to give the Mavericks the lead on the power play just 1:10 into the period. Lutz missed seven games due to injury before returning and earned a point in his first game back with the goal. Only four minutes later MSU got on the board again as Pavel scored a circus shot while getting hooked by an Arizona State defender. The sophomore center was able to beat a defender to the puck, and as the puck slid unevenly on the ice, was able to tip it up and over ASU goalten-

GOALS from page 8 the 12:27 mark. Duluth carried their lead for the remainder of the game while also tacking on another goal to give them a 4-2 lead for the remaining minutes. The game was close however, with the shots on goal margin standing at 32-29 heading into Saturday’s contest. The two teams returned to Amsoil Arena to finish the series, and the Bulldogs got on the board first once again. Giguere scored a pair of goals at the 8:18 and the 9:13 marks of the first period and sent the teams into the intermission with MSU down 0-2. The Mavericks came out in the second period on fire as

Staff Writer

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MADDIE BEHRENS • The Reporter

Sophomore guard Joey Batt (1) totaled 32 points, seven assists and eight rebounds over this past weekend.

up 25-23 going into the second. Both teams would start out quiet in the second, with neither team recording a point within the first three minutes. Northern State’s Abby Holmes would break the silence as she finished a Wolves’ steal with a three. The final five minutes of the second quarter would be a back-and-forth battle, but a team effort would put the Mavs up 37-36 before half. After a grueling first half,

the Mavericks needed a similar, high-scoring third quarter like they did against Moorhead. Bursch would ignite for the Mavs, reaching 18 points by the end of the quarter. The Mavericks continued to add pressure, creating several turnovers at this point, and would lead Northern State 6448 heading into the final frame. Bursch would open the fourth quarter with a three, giving MSU their biggest lead of the

game at 19. Northern State would create small scoring runs, but it was too little too late as the Mavs would close out the weekend defeating the now 10-10 overall Northern State Wolves, 85-76. The Mavericks return to action on Feb. 4 against Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. The Mavs will then travel to Sioux Falls for their tilt against the Cougars on Feb. 5.

der Ben Kraws’ shoulder to give the Mavs a 3-1 lead. The Sun Devils got a three on one shorthanded chance in the waning minutes of the period, but it was denied by McKay to keep the MSU lead at two. As we opened the third, senior winger Julian Napravnik got on the board, as he pump faked the goaltender into a wide open net and buried the shot to go up three with 16:51 remaining in the game. Arizona State needed goals quickly, but were only successful in getting one from Kopperud with 5:53 remaining in the contest as he buried his second goal of the game off a McKay save. The Mavs headed home with a 4-2 win on the night, and Lutz earned the first star in his first game back. Smith also reached

the 40 point mark with two assists. In a post game press conference on Friday Lutz stated, “just don’t feed into their offense… they can make you pay in a heartbeat” when asked about what the Mavericks needed to do to improve for Saturday’s game. MSU did their best coming into the game, but were unable to keep ASU from scoring. Despite playing almost the entire first period without a goal, Arizona State got on the board first partly due to a Jake Livingstone holding penalty. Sun Devils’ Jack Becker collected a rebound and shot the puck past McKay’s right side to give ASU a 1-0 lead heading into intermission. More penalties riddled the second period and

Minnesota State took advantage of it. Lutz buried a tic-tac-toe goal for the Mavs on the power play from Smith and junior winger Cade Borchardt, which evened the game at one six minutes into the period. It was not until the final four minutes of the period where MSU opened up the scoring once again, as sophomore defenseman Akito Hirose scored his third goal of the year from the blue line. The Mavs were not finished there, scoring again before the period expired. They did so as Borchardt collected a fast rebound off his own shot to give MSU a 3-1 lead going into the

final period of play. A fourth consecutive goal put the Mavs up three when junior winger Ryan Sandelin scored his 16 goal of the year with less than seven minutes remaining. Arizona State was forced into pulling their goaltender early to help reduce the margin, and they did just that, scoring two goals in two minutes to narrow MSU’s lead to one. ASU’s Josh Doan buried both goals for the Sun Devils but their fate was inevitably decided when Sandelin scored the half-ice empty netter with 14 seconds left. With the series sweep, the Mavs now move to 25-5-0 on the season and remain at 17-3-0 in CCHA action.

freshman Alexis Paddington cut the Bulldogs’ lead to one at the 4:44 mark from a shot over UMD goaltender Jojo Chobak’s glove side. Then exactly one minute later senior defenseman Taylor Wemple tied the game at two as she shot the puck through the UMD goaltender’s five-hole. The remainder of the second period was left scoreless with the Mavericks holding a 17-12 advantage in shots heading into the third. The Bulldogs repeated the short history once again, as they scored back to back goals once again about one minute apart for the second time. UMD’s Gabbie Hughes scored a shot through Frank’s five-hole for

the go ahead goal and the lead was later made two when Van Wieren scored again to go up 4-2 with less than 15 minutes remaining. MSU attempted to come back with junior Charlotte Akervik scoring on a King pass in the slot, but it was not enough as UMD secured the victory on an empty-net goal with just 44 seconds left. With the losses, the Mavericks now fall to 1-3 on the season against the Bulldogs and 12-13-1 overall on the season. The Mavs are now 8-13-1 in WCHA action and the Bulldogs now move to 16-8-0 overall and 13-7-0 in the WCHA. Next up for MSU is No. 2 Ohio State at home the weekend of Feb 4.

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Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Wardah Sabrie showcase at the 410 Project By EMMA JOHNSON Variety Editor

To create beautiful works of art is one thing. To be inspired by those around you is another. Minnesota State University, Mankato senior Wardah Sabrie is lucky to say that she does both. Recently, Sabrie was asked to have her art showcased at the 410 project, a local art gallery in downtown Mankato that allows community members to showcase their art. When asked if interested in showcasing her art, it was a moment that Sabrie realized was a once in a lifetime opportunity. “When I was approached by [Director] Dana Sikkila, I was really nervous because I didn’t know if I could do it or if I had enough projects,” said Sabrie. “I didn’t think that I’d ever be able to get to that point in my life where I could make enough art and be comfortable with it.” Drawing doodles as a child, Sabrie created art as a hobby when she was bored; she never considered it a hobby. The kindness of her art teachers helped her realize that art was a form of relaxation for her. “I had a hard time [focusing] in other classes, but art class brought me joy and peace from working with my hands,” said Sabrie. “It was basically therapy

By SYDNEY BERGGREN Staff Writer

Courtesy photo

MSU senior Wardah Sabrie creates art through printmaking and silkmaking. Pictured above is one of her current pieces at the 410 Project that is dedicated to her sister whom she credits for making an impact in her life.

for me.” Eventually, Sabrie’s doodles gave way to printmaking. Sabrie currently creates silkscreens, a type of art where designs are cut out of paper and either paint or ink is sprayed or rolled over the cut-out surfaces. “I enjoy silkscreens because I

can mess around and pick whatever colors and patterns I like,” said Sabrie. Sabrie’s inspiration for her art comes from her surrounding environment and people that have impacted her or made a big difference in her life. One of her artworks that will

be featured is dedicated to her sister and how she has helped her through life. “I like to give thanks and appreciation to people that I care about or people who made an impact on my daily life,” said Sabrie. ART on page 11 

Students enjoy a fun night of free tubing with friends at Mt. Kato By LILLY SCHMIDT Staff Writer

This past Saturday, Minnesota State University, Mankato Student Events Team hosted a free tubing event for students at Mt. Kato from 7-11 p.m. MSU senior Sophia O’Neal was looking forward to the event and was anticipating being with her friends. “I haven’t gone up [the hill] yet, but I’m excited,” said O’Neal. “I’m looking forward to having fun with my friends and going down the hill.” Something the students love to do while tubing is making chains. Making chains refers to swapping the handles of your tube with a friend so that you two stay connected as you go down the slope. Mt. Kato allows chains of two. MSU senior, Kristalyn Fishler, went to the event for the first time. Fishler was one of many who participated in making chains with her friends. “I’ve wanted to go [tubing] in the past but never did,” said Fishler. “I think it’s a good way to get outside in the winter.”

MSU hosts high school honors band camp

Courtesy photo

Students enjoyed a fun night of free tubing with friends at Mt. Kato last weekend. The event was hosted by the Student Events Team. Dressing warmly, a lot of students came out to enjoy the slopes and hot chocolate.

MSU senior Allison Squires was also attending the event for the first time. Squires was excited to attend after not being able to attend in the past. “Honestly, I’ve actually known about this for years. Every year I was in the National Guard, so I’d hear about it but never could go,” said Squires. “I always thought the event was cool because it’s free and it’s

a good couple hours.” Squires enjoyed Mt. Kato, saying the tubing hills were good for the surrounding area compared to other hills she’s sled down. “I know some of the [hills] in the cities aren’t as big as some of these. At Buck Hill, there’s more rows to them but they’re really scary,” said Squires. “Sometimes when you’re go-

ing really fast, I’ve seen people go over to the next row.” Mt. Kato has four lanes for tubes to go down and a conveyor belt to the top of the hill. Participants prepared by wearing warm clothes while tubing and waiting in line. “Snow pants [are] the biggest thing,” said Squires. ““My fiancé and I are both wearing gear from Hockey Day.” The Student’s Events Team also served hot chocolate to students waiting in the cold, but it was gone before the event was half over. While the event may be over this year, there’s always next winter to look forward to. Both O’Neal and Squires encourage students to go next year if they are able. “Considering that it’s free, it’s very well planned out and pretty fluid. I know a lot of free events can be kind of half-hazard or you can be waiting for hours, but this is streamline and not that busy,” said Squires. “I think free student events are super fun and an easy way to get incorporated into campus,” said O’Neal. “Just giggling with your friends is fun.”

This past Friday Minnesota State University, Mankato hosted a day camp for high school honors band students that hold interest in attending the university. Typically occurring at the beginning of every spring semester, this event is a good opportunity for students to get a feeling for campus and the band program, and vice versa. Director of MSU’s athletic bands Michael Thursby said that the event is primarily a recruiting event for potential future students. “It is an opportunity for upperclassmen high school band students who are looking at colleges right now to think about where they want to go. They get a feel for the school and for us to meet them,” said Thursby. The students began the very packed day right away at 8 a.m. in the Centennial Student Union Ballroom. The students attended workshops, rehearsals and sectionals, all leading up to a final performance at 4:30 that afternoon. “The concert is mainly for band members and their families,” said Thursby. “This whole ballroom typically fills with family and some community members who attend our shows.” Each of the students attending were eager to be performing. “The event has been really good. I have a lot of friends who go here and I’ve had school things here before, so I feel pretty comfortable on campus. I’m really excited to be performing,” said Paige, a high school senior from Farmington. Lily, a student from Tri City United, feels the same way. “Being here has been really fun because I’ve met other bass clarinets that I have been able to learn so much from. There are so many incredibly talented people here.” “I think the campus here is really nice, and the music that we’ve gotten is much more fun and more difficult than stuff I’ve gotten for honor bands in the past,” said Nathan, a student from Farmington. BAND on page 11 

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Variety

Rogan responds to Spotify protest By JAKE COYLE Associated Press

Spotify is pledging to combat the spread of COVID-19 misinformation as part of a damage-control campaign sparked by musician Neil Young, who called out the streaming service’s top podcaster for amplifying vaccine skepticism. Spotify said Sunday it will soon add a warning before all podcasts that discuss COVID-19, directing listeners to factual, up-to-date information from scientists and public health experts. The company also sought to increase transparency about its publishing decisions by laying out the rules it uses to protect users’ safety. Young had his music removed from Spotify last week after the company declined to get rid of episodes of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” which he criticized for spreading virus misinformation. Rogan last month interviewed Dr. Robert Malone, an infectious disease specialist who has become a hero in the anti-vaccine community. Malone has been banned from Twitter for spreading COVID misinformation and has falsely suggested that millions of people have been hypnotized into believing that the vaccines work to prevent serious disease. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said there are “plenty of individuals and views on Spotify that I disagree with strongly.” He added: “It is important to me that we don’t take on the position of being content censor while also making sure that there are rules in place and consequences for those who violate them.”

AMY HARRIS • Associated Press

Following protests of Spotify kicked off by Young over the spread of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, Spotify said that it will add content advisories before podcasts discussing the virus.

Rogan responded to the fallout on Sunday, saying in a video on Instagram that he was only seeking to have conversations on his podcast with people who have “differing opinions.” “I’m not trying to promote misinformation, I’m not trying to be controversial,” Rogan said. “I’ve never tried to do anything with this podcast other than to just talk to people.” He also said that he schedules the guests on his podcast himself, and that he would try to book doctors with different opinions right after he talks to “the controversial ones.” Rogan said he earlier sat down on the show with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the chief medical correspondent for CNN, Dr. Michael Osterholm, who is a member of President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 advisory board, and Dr. Peter Hotez from Baylor College of Medicine.

Rogan welcomed the idea of adding advisories before podcasts related to COVID-19. “Sure, have that on there. I’m very happy with that,” he said. Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who have signed a multi-year deal to produce and host podcasts for Spotify under their production company Archewell Audio, on Sunday urged Spotify to tame virus misinformation. “Last April, our co-founders began expressing concerns to our partners at Spotify about the all too real consequences of COVID-19 misinformation on its platform,” an Archewell spokesperson said in a statement. “We have continued to express our concerns to Spotify to ensure changes to its platform are made to help address this public health crisis.”

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MSU Reporter • 11 BAND from page 10 It was a repeated sentiment throughout the day that the students were really enjoying the music provided. During an afternoon workshop, Hands on Percussion, students were learning the rhythms to songs from “In The Heights”, a popular musical written by composer Lin-Manuel Miranda. “Music is like a tree,” said Thursby, “and the rhythm is the root that everything else grows from.” The joy was palpable throughout the room as students met and mingled with each other and got to experience playing in a “Big Band” setting, some for the first time.

“Music is a huge passion of mine. I am always walking into school with earbuds in, listening to whatever,” said Joey, a student from Farmington. “Music is a lot of fun,” said Alex from Tri City United. “That’s why I enjoy doing it so much; it’s so much fun to just get around and make music with other people.” Lily enjoyed the challenge of playing music at the college level. “Being from a small town, it’s kind of hard to do that being one of the only instruments of my kind. It’s nice to not only play more challenging music, but also to meet more people that play your instrument.”

ART from page 10 “I was trying to think of how I could give back to my sister who has made a difference in my life and helped me get to where I am now. I’m not a billionaire, so the best thing I can do is work with what I have, which is my art.” While choosing artwork for the exhibit, Sabrie had a difficult time picking out her favorites as her creative process impacts her life in so many ways. “Usually, I get an image [in my head] and I try my best to bring it to life as best I can. In a way, they are all something precious to me,” shared Sabrie. “All of my [pieces] are my favorite because they’re pieces of myself that I’m bringing into reality.” Sabrie says that creating art has impacted other aspects of her life, one of them being more in touch with her mental health and creating moments of joy for herself. “[Art] has made me a kind-

er person because of the way it makes me think about my feelings but also being aware of my mental state,” shared Sabrie. “I can’t solve all of my problems and struggles I go through, but if I can bring a moment of peace to myself, it affects me in a good way.” Sabrie’s advice for those who are hesitant to display their artwork is to take it day by day and push themselves to try and go for it when they are ready. “Set boundaries and be able to be comfortable with yourself. Put yourself first if you don’t feel like you shouldn’t be pursuing art,” said Sabrie. “It’s good to push yourself, but waiting until you’re mentally ready and happy with whatever decision you make is the most important part.” Sabrie’s exhibit, “Perspective Through Prints and Installation” runs through Feb. 12 at the 410 Project.

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