February 14, 2023

Brunchin’ with besties

By CARLY BAHR Staff Writer

Valentine’s Dayis focused on celebrating one’s love for their significant other by gifting candy and greeting cards donned in hearts. Last Friday, Minnesota State’s Women’s Center held its annual pre-Valentine’s Day celebration; previously known as “Galentine’s Day,” now “Best Friend Friday.”

The original event was a collaboration with HerCampus and inspired by the television show “Parks and Recreation” and main character Leslie Knope’s pre-Valentine’s Day celebration with her closest female friends.

Liz Steinborn-Gourley, director of the Women’s Center, said the Knope character’s iconic waffle obsession inspired the brunch theme, and said the original event was “really successful,” with high attendance and participation.

In accordance with the “Parks and Recreation” theme, the event had brunch food catered and provided crafts including frosting heart-shaped cookies and making “affirmation jars” filled with positives notes.

According to Steinborn-Gourley, the Women’s Center changed the event’s name to make it more inclusive and because there are negative historical connotations associated with the word “gal,” having been used as a derogatory word for Black women to infantilize them, similar to “boy,” used for Black men.

The event also looked differ-

the event brought old friends closer together while allowing students to make new ones.

ent this year because it was the first year since 2020 that it was held in person.

Steinborn-Gourley said they “snuck one in right before we shut down with COVID,” and in 2021 they made a socially-distanced version with to-go boxes and gift bags, encouraging people to pick them up and

share them with people in their “COVID pods,” or the people closest to them during the period where isolation and distancing was critical.

“I think Valentine’s Day is just fun to program around. Kids in elementary school build the box, then you make the cards and there’s all that excitement,”

Sweet treats for an alternative spring break

By KENDALL LARSON Staff Writer

Alternative Spring Break hosted its second bake sale in the Centennial Student Union last week (the first being during the last semester during finals). The bake sale’s goal was to raise funds for their Alternative Spring Break trip.

This year’s destination is Kansas City, Missouri. Students will help Powell Botanical Gardens and Nourish KC Community Kitchens, among others, said Crystal Watts, one of the graduate advisors for the trip.

Steinborn-Gourley said. “Also February is a rough month for us. It’s dark, it’s cold, we’re in the thick of the semester. So recognizing the value of platonic friendship and the love that we have for the people around us that we’re not romantically involved with is really, really cru-

Graphic Design Club’s cards for conference

By AMALIA SHARAF Staff Writer

Minnesota State’s Graphic Design Club is raising money to travel to the National Student Show and Conference in Dallas.

The event, which occurs annually each April, attracts students from all over the country where they can make new connections, participate in competitions and have new experiences in various fields of design.

“The reason why we want to go there is that it’s one of the best design shows in the whole United States and different students from all over the U.S. will attend it, and a couple of our team members are going there

as well. Just to see how other students design and get some ideas,” said the President of the Graphic Design Club, Naqibul Mahboob.

Mahboob believes participation in the conference will help students learn more about what design is and how people use their skills around the country.

“Hopefully this conference or the trip will help them realize that there are so many things to do with graphic design,” said Mahboob.

Students, faculty and visitors may contribute to the fundraising for the Graphic Design Club. According to Mahboob, the club has created the design

“Bake sales are a great way to engage in conversation with students, staff, and faculty on campus about what is going on in the realm of Student Activities,” said Watts. “Through these bake sales, we have been able to get the word out about our trip. Find additional support for it and finish filling out our travel roster.”

Working alongside Watts to make the spring break trips possible are Atlas James, Spencer Grimes and Addison Reichenberg.

These students helped plan and run the bake sale, which was quite successful, according to Karen Anderson, assistant director for community engagement.

“The time spent at the bake sale was very productive. People came by and made donations to support the trip without buying food, too. We made connections with a student who will take the very last place on our ASB 2023 trip, and someone already interested in being part of the 2024 trip. So, we are getting the message out that the Community Engagement Office promotes this service trip,” said Anderson.

While these bake sales do not cover the larger costs of the trip, the petty cash covers some expenses such as unexpected parking fees or entrance fees to local attractions, explains Watts.

ASB is committed to be-

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter Crafts and sweet treats drew in a number of students Friday for a day to celebrate platonic love. Inspired by “Parks and Recreation,”

LILLY ANDERSON • The Reporter

The Graphic Design Club is selling cards in order to attend a conference in Dallas to expand their skills and gain knowledge on design.

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5 years after Parkland, families cope through good works

GERALD

By TERRY SPENCER

After a gunman murdered 14 students and three staff members at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School five years ago Tuesday, their families were left with a burning question: How do we go on with our lives while honoring our loved one’s memory?

Most have answered by starting foundations or performing other charitable work dedicated to a variety of causes: protecting students; building parks and gardens; providing scholarships; fighting disease and helping the disabled; sending kids to camp; teaching children to swim, dance, create art or play music and sports; and tightening gun laws.

“For all of them, their biggest fear was that their loved one would be forgotten,” said Florida state Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, who was Parkland’s mayor in 2018 when the shooting happened. “They do

this work to keep their spirit alive.”

Still, she said, “it is really important to remember that no matter how many ‘good things’ have come out of the aftermath, no one is ever the same again. No one loses that pain.”

Most of the families also belong to their group, Stand With Parkland.

Putting aside political differences, those families work with lawmakers nationally to see tougher school safety regulations enacted, train administrators to conduct more thorough threat assessments and assure threats reported to the FBI are passed to local law enforcement.

The group also promotes gun safety.

“When we listen to each other, politics doesn’t have to be a bad thing,” said Philip Schentrup, who lost his 16-year-old daughter Carmen in the shooting. “If you realize that 90% of the stuff in this world we agree

on, it is not hard to make positive change.”

Some family projects have a political bent, but most don’t. Overall, millions of dollars have been raised.

These are their causes:

ALYSSA ALHADEFF

After losing their 14-yearold daughter Alyssa, Ilan and Lori Alhadeff began their foundation, Make Our Schools Safe.

It advocates in state legislatures for “Alyssa’s Law,” which requires that teachers receive panic buttons tied directly to law enforcement.

The law has been enacted in Florida, New York and New Jersey, and it is being considered federally and in several states.

The foundation has also distributed to schools kits for treating gunshot victims, and it started high school Make Our Schools Safe clubs to give students a voice and instruction on violence-prevention.

Mass shooting at Michigan State

Multiple people were reported wounded in shootings Monday night on the Michigan State University campus, police said.

On Twitter, university police said there appeared to be only one suspect, later described as a “short male with a mask.”

“We are still receiving multiple calls of an active shooter on campus,” police said.

Authorities ordered students and staff to shelter in place after

a report of shots fired around Berkey Hall on the school’s East Lansing campus.

In an alert sent shortly after 8:30 p.m., campus police reported a “shots fired incident occurring on or near the East Lansing campus.” The alert advised students and staff to “Secure-in-Place immediately” and to monitor alert.msu.edu for information.

MSU police said in a later tweet “There is another reported shooting at IM East. (a recreational facility). Police are

responding. There are multiple reported injuries.”

The East Lansing High School auditorium, where a school board meeting was being held Monday night, was locked down and people were being prevented by police from leaving, the Lansing State Journal reported.

The East Lansing campus of Michigan State has about 50,000 students. The city is about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northwest of Detroit.

ing “as low cost to travelers as possible” says Watts, so every donation or sale is helpful.

The point of these trips is to help students explore beyond Minnesota State and support communities.

Past ASB destinations include Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Winnipeg. Other trips were initially planned but were canceled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

“Alternative Spring Break is a nationwide initiative to challenge students to take their spring breaks and make the world a better place,” said Watts.

Added Anderson, “I am always encouraged by the impact students make on the communities they visit and serve in and the impact that service and travel have on the students.”

Volunteer work has a way of changing people and the communities they built. Students that go on these alternative trips find themselves learning about people and themselves.

Anderson states, “I’ve known students who change their major due to Alternative Spring Break. I’m especially excited when students can combine their interest in travel and community engagement with their academic interests.”

HERBERT • The Associated Press

DOMINIC BOTHE • The Reporter

People attend a candlelight vigil for the victims of the Wednesday shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Fla., Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018.

Students raised money through baked goods for the Alternative Spring Break where students will volunteer in Kansas City for a week.

The Associated Press

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Haley faces ‘high-wire act’ in 2024 bid against Trump

Turkey responds to earthquake in anger

By JUSTIN SPIKE and BERNAT ARMANGUE The Associated Press

When Zafer Mahmut Boncuk’s apartment building collapsed in Turkey’s devastating earthquake, he discovered his 75-year-old mother was still alive — but pinned under the wreckage.

For hours, Boncuk frantically searched for someone in the ancient, devastated city of Antakya to help him free her. He was able to talk to her, hold her hand and give her water. Despite his pleas, however, no one came, and she died on Tuesday, the day after the quake.

By MEG KINNARD and STEVE PEOPLES

The Associated Press

Few have navigated the turbulent politics of the Trump era like Nikki Haley.

In early 2016, the thenSouth Carolina governor said she was “embarrassed” by candidate Donald Trump and decried his reluctance to condemn white supremacists.

Nine months later, she agreed to join his Cabinet, serving as a key validator as Trump sought to win over skeptical world leaders and voters at home.

And shortly after Trump left the White House, Haley, whose resume by then included an ambassadorship to the United Nations, vowed not to step in the way if he ran for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

Yet on Wednesday, she is poised to become the first major Republican candidate to enter the race against him.

“It’s going to be quite the high-wire act,” said veteran Republican strategist Terry Sullivan. “She says she’s always been an underdog. She will be again.”

The 51-year-old Haley may be the first to take on Trump, but a half-dozen or more high-profile Republicans are expected to join the GOP’s 2024 presidential nomination contest over the coming months.

Some would-be competitors may be more popular than Haley even in South Carolina, where she lives and has established a campaign headquarters.

Likely rivals include Sen. Tim Scott, a fellow South Car-

 FRIEND from page 1

cial.”

Two of the attendees were Erin Schreifeis and Isabella Hill. The pair attended together and each frosted heartshaped sugar cookies.

“I think it’s very inclusive to have people come and have

olinian and perhaps the most celebrated elected official in a state where Trump has already locked up endorsements from the governor and its senior senator, Lindsey Graham.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence could also be formidable foes should they run, as widely expected.

Indeed, on the eve of this week’s announcement, there is broad agreement that Haley — the only Republican woman of color expected in the 2024 contest, a politician who loves to remind people that she has never lost an election — is about to be tested as never before.

Trump has stepped up his attacks on Haley in recent weeks.

But allies describe the former governor, who is the daughter of Indian immigrants, as a savvy executive uniquely positioned to lead a new generation of Republicans. They understand that the fight ahead could get ugly.

“She took the bull by the horns and said, ‘That doesn’t matter to me, I’m going to run,’” said longtime supporter Gavin J. Smith. “She did that when she ran for governor, and that’s what you’re going to see when she runs for president.”

Perhaps more than anyone this young presidential primary season, Haley personifies the Republican Party’s shifting views on Trump.

Her reversal on whether to challenge the former president was based less on concerns about his divisive leadership or policy disagreements than the growing belief within the GOP that Trump is losing political strength.

fun and celebrate the day even though they don’t have a significant other,” Schreifeis said. Bill said she feels the most important type of friend is “someone you can rely on,” Isabella Hill. “Friend love is the best love.”

Like many others in Turkey, his sorrow and disbelief have turned to rage over the sense there has been an unfair and ineffective response to the historic disaster that has killed tens of thousands of people there and in Syria.

Boncuk directed his anger at President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, especially because she seemed so close to rescue but no one came.

Her remains were finally removed Sunday, nearly a week after the building collapsed. His father’s body is still in the rubble.

“What would happen if it was your own mother, dear Recep Tayyip Erdogan? What happened to being a world leader? Where are you? Where?” he screamed.

“I gave her water to drink, I cleared her face of rubble. I told her that I would save her. But I failed,” said Boncuk, 60. “The last time we spoke, I asked if I should help her drink some

water. She said no, so I rubbed some water on her lips. Ten minutes later, she died.”

He blamed “ignorance and lack of information and care — that’s why my mother died in front of my eyes.”

Many in Turkey express similar frustration that rescue operations have been painfully slow since the Feb. 6 quakes and that valuable time was lost during the narrow window for finding people alive.

Others, particularly in southern Hatay province near the Syrian border, say Erdogan’s government was late in delivering assistance to the hardest-hit region for what they suspect are both political and religious reasons.

In the southeastern town of Adiyaman, Elif Busra Ozturk waited outside the wreckage of a building on Saturday where her uncle and aunt were trapped and believed dead, and

where the bodies of two of her cousins already had been found.

“For three days, I waited outside for help. No one came. There were so few rescue teams that they could only intervene in places they were sure there were people alive,” she said.

At the same complex, Abdullah Tas, 66, said he had been sleeping in a car near the building where his son, daughterin-law and four grandchildren were buried.

He said that rescuers had first arrived four days after the earthquake struck. The Associated Press could not independently verify his claim.

“What good is that for the people under the debris?” he asked.

Onlookers stood behind police tape Saturday in Antakya as bulldozers clawed at a highrise luxury apartment building that had toppled onto its side.

JOHN LOCHER • The Associated Press

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley may be the first to take on former President Donald Trump, but a half-dozen or more high-profile Republicans are expected to join the GOP’s 2024 presidential nomination.

PETROS GIANNAKOURIS • The Associated Press

Rescue crews on Saturday pulled more survivors, including entire families, from toppled buildings despite diminishing hopes.

Moldovan leader outlines Russian ‘plan’ to topple government

By DEEPTI HAJELA and MICHAEL R. SISAK The Associated Press

He said he recognized his father from photos of his arrest, posted on social media.

By STEPHEN McGRATH and CRISTIAN JARDAN The Associated Press

Moldova’s president outlined Monday what she described as a plot by Moscow to overthrow her country’s government using external saboteurs, put the nation “at the disposal of Russia” and derail its aspirations to one day join the European Union.

President Maia Sandu’s briefing comes a week after neighboring Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country had intercepted plans by Russian secret services to destroy Moldova, claims that were later confirmed by Moldovan intelligence officials.

“The plan for the next period involves actions with the involvement of diversionists with military training, camouflaged in civilian clothes, who will undertake violent actions, attack some state buildings, and even take hostages,” Sandu told reporters at a briefing.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly a year ago, Moldova, a former Soviet republic of about 2.6 million people, has sought to forge closer ties with its Western partners.

for Valentine’s theme gift cards, which they sell for a small price for people to give to their loved ones.

“We designed about 10 different Valentine-theme cards and a couple of buttons. We are selling them at CSU. One Valentine-themed card for one dollar each,” said Mahboob. “If you buy the card from Hallmark or Target it’s going to cost you about $4 or $5. But we are selling it cheap because we got the resources from the graphic

Last June, it was granted EU candidate status, the same day as Ukraine.

Sandu said the alleged Russian plot’s purpose is “to overthrow the constitutional order, to change the legitimate power from (Moldova’s capital) Chisinau to an illegitimate one,” which she said “which would put our country at the disposal of Russia, in order to stop the European integration process.”

AUREL OBREJA • The Associated Press A man driving a U-Haul truck swerved onto sidewalks and plowed into scooter riders in New York City on Monday, injuring at least eight people before police were able to pin the careening vehicle against a building following a mileslong pursuit.

She defiantly vowed: “The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to our country will not succeed.”

There was no immediate reaction from Russian officials to Sandu’s claims.

Sandu said that between October and December Moldovan police and its Intelligence and Security Service, the SIS, have intervened in “several cases of organized criminal elements and stopped attempts at violence.”

Over the past year, non-NATO member Moldova has faced a string of problems.

These include a severe energy crisis after Moscow dramatically reduced gas supplies; skyrocketing inflation; and several incidents in recent months involving missiles that have tra-

design lab.”

Mahboob said he is enthusiastic about the trip to a conference, where members of the Graphic Design Club can gain more experience and connect with students from other states.

“I have been to a Portfolio Review Conference that people look up to. But other than that, I haven’t been to a big conference. And I’m excited because I’m traveling out of state to school, and then we’re gonna go with the team, and we’re gonna have fun,” said Mah-

versed its skies, and debris that has been found on its territory.

Moldovan authorities confirmed that another missile from the war in Ukraine had entered its airspace on Friday.

Last April, tensions in Moldova also soared after a series of explosions in Transnistria — a Russia-backed separatist region of Moldova where Russia bases about 1,500 troops — which had raised fears it could get dragged into Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Transnistria has a population of about 470,000 and has been under the control of separatist authorities since a civil war in 1992.

Sandu claimed that Russia wants to use Moldova in the war against Ukraine, without providing more details, and that information obtained by intelligence services contained what she described as instructions on rules of entry to Moldova for citizens from Russia, Belarus, Serbia, and Montenegro.

“I assure you that the state institutions are working to prevent these challenges and keep the situation under control,” Sandu said.

boob. “We’re deciding which hotel we’re going to go to. We probably gonna book a flight together and all that is making me excited – going there, seeing different students’ designs firsthand is also exciting.”

The Graphic Design Club will have more fundraising coming. Anyone visiting the university can help them raise enough funds to travel to the NSSC, which, according to Mahboob, will benefit students’ experience in the design field greatly.

At least eight people were hurt, including two people who were in critical condition, authorities said. Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell described the driver’s actions as a “violent rampage through Brooklyn” but said there was no evidence of “terrorism involvement.”

The truck sped through the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn before police stopped it more than 3 miles (5 kilometers) away near the entrance to a tunnel leading from Brooklyn to Manhattan.

The driver was arrested. Police didn’t immediately identify him, but his son identified him as Weng Sor, and told The Associated Press he had a history of mental illness.

“Very frequently he’ll choose to skip out on his medications and do something like this. This isn’t the first time he’s been arrested. It’s not the first time he’s gone to jail,” said Stephen Sor, 30, in an interview outside his Brooklyn home.

The first report of a truck crashing into pedestrians and cyclists came in at 10:30 a.m., police said, and other reports followed as the vehicle moved through a busy section of Brooklyn.

Katherine Aronova said she saw the U-Haul run a red light, hit a delivery worker on an e-bike in the middle of the road and drag him a short distance.

“His head was covered with blood,” Aronova said. “He was unconscious,” and his shoes were scattered on the sidewalk. “The electric bicycle was destroyed completely.”

A security camera video showed the truck clip a scooter, then swerve onto a sidewalk and nearly plow into a pedestrian, who dived to safety just in time. A police patrol car then followed the truck down the sidewalk at high speed.

“I was in shock and didn’t know what was happening until I saw the police patrol was chasing it,” a witness, Andrea Vasquez, said in Spanish. “Thank God that man saved himself,” she added of the person who narrowly escaped.

Aerial video from news helicopters showed the truck on a sidewalk after the chase ended, its path blocked by a police cruiser. Authorities examined the vehicle to make sure it didn’t contain explosives.

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MENTION

JOHN MINCHILLO • The Associated Press

Moldovan President Maia Sandu announces she nominated as Prime Minister designate Dorin Recean to form a new government in Chisinau, Moldova, Friday, Feb 10, 2023.

Police stopped the U-Haul truck and detained the driver after reports that the vehicle struck multiple pedestrians in New York City Monday.

U-Haul hits, injures 8 pedestrians in NYC; 2 critical

Therapy created for women with mutilation

By MARIAM FAM The Associated Press

She remembers it all: How female relatives held her down when she was 11, legs spread and genitals exposed. The fear that stiffened her body. The stranger in black holding the scissors. And the pain.

Like so many others, the 34-year-old Egyptian woman has lived with the psychological and physical repercussions of that day, when she was subjected to a practice many activists call “mutilation.”

For N.S., who asked to be identified only by her initials to discuss the sensitive topic, the trauma continuing into adulthood was accompanied by a desire to reclaim control over her health and body.

“I had a feeling of being incomplete and that I will never feel happy because of this,” she said. “It’s a horrible feeling.”

A global target aims to eradicate the deeply entrenched practice by 2030, and protect the next generations of girls, though campaigners acknowledge the difficulties in achieving that. The United Nations has designated an International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, or FGM, observed every Feb. 6.

Meanwhile, some women liv-

ing with the consequences have embarked on deeply personal journeys to heal. They search for answers, sometimes scouring the Internet, amid treatment gaps in many countries, or shame and possible related sexual complications.

Prevalent in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, cutting has been performed in communities of different cultures and faiths. It can be viewed as a rite of passage or linked to beliefs about chastity or femininity and cleanliness, and be fueled

from generation-to-generation by social pressure.

“It’s an entrenched social norm and really deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and sometimes in religious beliefs,” said Nafissatou Diop, an official with the United Nations Population

Fund. “So to be able to make any change, people need to be convinced that this is not threatening their culture.”

It’s estimated that at least 200 million women and girls are living with the aftermath of the practice, which can include partial or total removal of their external female genitalia and can cause excessive bleeding and even death. Long term, it can lead to urinary tract infections, menstrual problems, pain, decreased sexual satisfaction and childbirth complications, as well as depression, low self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some faith leaders have worked to eliminate the practice, while others condone it. In Egypt, where genital cutting has been widespread but illegal since 2008, top Islamic authorities condemn the practice. In online edicts or television appearances, they cite medical evidence of its harms and say it’s a custom with no sound religious basis. Still, there’s opposition to the bans in Egypt and elsewhere.

Besides resistance from some religious leaders and other “traditional gatekeepers,” Diop said the campaign to change minds is hindered by limited funding, lack of political will from some governments and a perception that ending cutting reflects a “Western-led agenda.”

AMR NABIL • The Associated Press

A 34-year-old Egyptian woman, who asked to be identified as N.S. remembers it all: How female relatives held her down when she was 11, legs spread and genitals exposed. The fear that stiffened her body. And the pain.

Julia Lin Editor In Chief Emma Johnson News Director Joey Erickson Variety Editor

Alicia Reed Sports Editor Dylan Engel Photo Editor

Money doesn’t buy happiness

With Valentine’s Day following only a month and half after Christmas, it is another holiday that secretly convinces citizens to spend as much money as they can. Fresh off of the gift-giving season, each year the demands to prove love through cash increases.

What was once just the opportunity to get someone roses is now overpowered by expensive dinners, pricey jewels and the rare vacation.

We as college students do no have the money to go above and beyond to spend money on special holidays, yet we feel the most pressured since we are glued to our phones.

Simply scrolling through anyone’s social media feed will show picturesque dates and over-the-top gestures of love.

In turn, these pressures make us work harder than ever to earn money for the momentary satisfaction of seeing our partner’s face light up with delight.

Despite the fact that jewelry will tarnish, chocolates will be consumed and flowers will wilt, it is what our bank accounts allow. We as students are not saying these are poor purchases; they just will not last forever.

These, in fact, are some of the most convenient purchases we college students can make since they are in our budgets.

We should not dismiss the budgets we have in order to make our partners happy.

What truly makes meaningful memories is spending time with one another. These do not have to be elaborate vacations as previously mentioned.

The simplest activities such as an at-home movie night, making dinner or taking a hike to watch the sun set can still be romantic without breaking the bank. All it takes is undivided attention and some creativity to make a night that’s worth remembering.

Ultimately, comparison is the worst enemy. When it may feel that photos on your timeline get to be too much and you feel your efforts are going, ignore those thoughts and shut them out by turning off your cell phone.

Focus on spending time with the one you love and what makes you happy in your relationship.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, put the idea of money on the back burner. How much you spend does not make up for how much you care and appreciate your partner.

Made in China: What do dating apps mean to you?

Pulse

By JULIA LIN Editor in Chief

With the over-saturation of singles near you, the novelty of endlessly scrolling on Tinder or Hinge has become less and less meaningful.

After finally giving in to peer pressure and downloading my first dating app a little over a year ago, I’ve come to the conclusion that dating apps are more for instant validation rather than genuine efforts to meet your soul mate.

Most dating apps have now been normalized to be the best avenue for hookup culture, leaving those to make an actual connection difficult. You cannot truly understand someone and their personality just by looking at a few photos and reading a couple of prompts.

Depending on where you live, dating apps can either be booming with a variety of bachelors and bachelorettes or rather dry.

Since our society has emerged social media in all aspects of our lives, there is no surprise that social media has become a powerful tool when it comes to finding your match.

However, I still think it is quite bizarre that our society deems liking someone’s Instagram post from a few years ago as an effective way of flirting and letting someone know that you are interested in them.

Validation without any actual commitment or in-person communication is what is normalized with online dating. And as an extrovert who feeds off other people’s energy, dating apps just sim-

ply don’t work for me.

I find it very rare that I would actually give the time and effort to meet up with someone in real life over a few liked photos and a lazy late-night conversation.

Yet, I still have the apps downloaded just for the insight knowing some stranger thinks I’m attractive enough to swipe on. I think many enjoy online dating apps for pure entertainment purposes.

Then there is the other side of dating apps where many will be brutally honest about their intentions. I call this “If you’re not down to clown, get out of town,” because many will unmatch with you if your intentions don’t align.

To that I would say is equivalent to a guy calling

“What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?”

Compiled by Naqib Ahmed

“Busy with classes all day.”

BILAL FAROOQI, GRAD STUDENT

“Watching a movie with my friends.”

CALLIE BOHNEN, SENIOR “Going to Red Lobster for dinner with my boyfriend.”

MATT BROWN, SENIOR “Large meal for one.”

MIYU KATO, SENIOR “Celebrating my friend’s birthday.”

SANDIP KC, GRAD STUDENT

“Having dinner at my friend’s place.”

SOFIA ROVINSKAIA, JUNIOR

Editorials represent the opinions of The Reporter editorial board. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the college, university or student body.

Single and loving it: why being alone on Valentine’s Day is the best

Earnest or playful, that Valentine’s card has a history

Valentine’s Day can be seen as a day to get all mushy and gushy about being in a relationship. Honestly, being single is way better than having to be within the confinements of the dating world.

By EMMA JOHNSON News Director

Valentine’s Day has never worked in my favor. I missed at least half of my elementary school parties because I was sick with a cold and then from 5th grade on, it was just a regular day.

In years past, I would’ve complained about how Cupid needed to take better archery classes. However, for the first time in a long time, I’m not mad about his poor aiming skills. In fact, I’m thriving off of it.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve been the therapist for listening to all of my friend’s rants and relationship struggles.

To be honest, I don’t know why they keep coming to me for advice; my knowledge on their issues is about a kindergartner doing college algebra. Yet, I’m still getting A’s, so don’t ask me how I’m pulling those cards.

Being observant of those I’m close to and others around me, I’ve accumulated a list of why being single is better in college.

First, college is the time where students figure out what they want to do and who they want to be. Relationships require a lot of time and energy and if you’re holed up with your significant other, how are you going to find your passions outside of the career you’re pursuing?

How are you going to develop personal growth if you make your personality all around being madly in love and showing unnecessary PDA? If you break up, that persona will be no longer.

Being stuck at the hip 24/7 is also a distraction to your goals and building those connections with friends. My availability is open if you want to hang out; I’m not hung up on any plans whatsoever. Waiting until you know what you want and have a solid relationship with yourself will be beneficial in the long run.

Second, the amount of petty arguments that have accrued in my mental capacity have drained me and I’ve never even been in a relationship. I’m not talking drama regarding potential cheating or major mess ups (we’ll get to that in a bit.)

I’m talking about simple misunderstandings. Do you think I have time to debate which restaurant we should eat at? I’m trying to hustle hard and make money. I will also pass on the conversation about how I nudged you slightly in your sleep and now your foot’s fallen asleep. Let’s get into the deep conversations that actually have some significance instead.

Third, the amount of money I’m saving is unreal. Going out on dates and getting each other small presents accumulates

over time.

By staying out of relationships, you’re allowed to spend your hard-owned money however you want. It’s better than having to buy expensive dinners or jewelry. Whatever happened to dates that didn’t require any money? Personally, I like to think of staying single as an investment to my own bank account.

Finally, being single is more beneficial to your mental health than you think. If I was dating someone right now, the thought of them cheating on me or being played by them would cross my mind at least three times a day. I can fall asleep without fear.

As previously mentioned, those little petty arguments, as told by my friends, are “exhausting” and leave them “drained.” Couldn’t be me with all this easy-going energy. My mental health is the highest it’s been ever and I’m not in a relationship. Coincidence? I think not.

Are there days when I feel lonely? Sure, but then again, don’t we all have those moods once in a while? You’re worth more than a relationship status update.

So before you doubt why you aren’t cuffed down, cue up “How to be a Heartbreaker” and live your best life this Valentine’s Day!

By KATHERINE ROTH The Associated Press

It was Valentine’s Day 1917 in the Minnesota farming village of Lewiston, and Fred Roth — a fourth grader — seems to have come up with just the way to express his love for his sweetheart, Louise Wirt. He gave her a card.

The folding, pop-up Valentine’s Day card, on stock so heavy it remains in good shape 106 years later, reads: “Forget me not!/I ask of thee/Reserve one spot/In your heart for me.”

And so she did. Years lat-

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you ugly after you refuse to give him your phone number. Although it might work for some, unless you are actu-

er they married, and Louise displayed the cherished card, tucked into the fretwork of a bedroom dresser, for decades to come. She pointed it out to her daughter, and later to a granddaughter, me, and it remained near her bedside until her death at 91, a token of lasting love.

Although the message was in English, the card is printed with the word “Germany” and is seemingly imported, as were many cards of that era. Small companies in the U.S. also were part of a flourishing commercial card business.

ally committed to the idea of finding your soulmate online, I’d stick to working on yourself rather than wasting time scrolling.

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter

NANCY ROTH • The Associated Press

This Valentine’s Day card from 1917 was given to Louise Wirt by Fred Roth when he was in the fourth grade. The couple married years later and the card remained near Louise’s bedside until her death at 91.

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SPORTS S

Women’s Basketball take the conference

By LUKE JACKSON Staff Writer

The Minnesota State, Mankato Women’s Basketball team now sits in first place in the NSIC South division after a weekend sweep on the road. The Mavs were able to take down both Wayne State and Augustana with ease which earned them the top spot in the NSIC South and gave the program its 800th win.

Mankato is currently ranked No. 14 with a record of 21-3. They are now on a seven-game win streak after beating Augustana Saturday. Augustana was in first place in the NSIC South and was on a 10game win streak prior to Mankato beating them, 83-61.

Augustana lost their footing early in the game and was never able to regain themselves. In the first quarter alone, the Mavs forced 10 turnovers and by the five-minute mark in the second quarter, they had built a staggering 15-point lead. After that five-minute mark, the Mavs built an 11–8 run and found themselves leading 45-27 going into halftime. The Mavs pushed and kept a ruling 18-point lead through the last 20 minutes of play.

Mankato has been a defensive-focused team throughout the year specializing in turnovers with a hard press. In this game, it

MSU Women’s Basketball extends their streak to seven straight wins after defeating Wayne State 94-80 Friday, Feb. 10 and Augustana 83-61 Saturday, Feb. 11. The Mavericks have reached their 800th win in the college’s history.

showed. They scored 35 points from turnovers alone as the defense forced 32 turnovers throughout the game. They were able to dismantle the Auggies offense all night.

They held Augustana’s star senior forward, Aislinn Duffy, to just

Super Bowl LVII: Debriefing

By HAYDEN LEE Staff Writer

The NFL season concluded Sunday with Super Bowl LVII ending in an XXXVIII-XXXV win for the Kansas City Chiefs. See, how useless are roman numerals? Why do we still use them? Can we stop? The 38-35 win for the Chiefs gives them their second Super Bowl in four years, and Patrick Mahomes is well on his way to becoming the NFL’s next G.O.A.T. The Philadelphia Eagles, while playing an amazing game, did not stand a chance, and let me explain why.

Mahomes did have a lot of help, most notably, linebacker Nick Bolton returning a Jalen Hurts fumble 36 yards for a touchdown, and Kadarius Toney having the longest punt return in Super Bowl History, when he took it 65 yards down to the Eagles’ five yard-line.

five points in the win. Last week, Duffy earned her fourth NSIC player of the week after scoring 35 points and on Saturday the Mavs held her to 1-9 on field goals due to constant defensive pressure.

“We focused on stopping their

talented offense, which we did,” said Mankato Head Coach, Emiliee Thiesse. “Duffy is so good at creating points off of rebounds and we were able to hold her to none.”

The Mavs also clicked offensive-

Strong win after shaky start to series

By KOLE BUELOW Staff Writer

Minnesota State’s Women’s Hockey team played their last home series of the 2022-23 season this past weekend. The team concluded the weekend with a dominant 4-0 win over interstate rival, Bemidji State, after coming out with a sloppy 3-2 win Friday night.

A lot was on the line in this series for the Mavericks, who needed as many points as they could get in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) standings with just four conference games left in the season. The Mavs wanted to settle for nothing less than two wins, considering they were five points behind St. Cloud State at the beginning of the week.

With their two regulation wins and the Huskies only earning one point against Minnesota Duluth this past weekend, Minnesota State now controls their own destiny while locked at 30 points with St. Cloud. As for this past weekend, the Mavericks dug deep and got it done.

Junior forward, Madison Mashuga, got the Mavs rolling Friday night with an early goal just four minutes into the contest. Mashuga entered the zone on a two-on-one chance with senior defenseman,

Charlotte Akervik. With back and forth passing the two tapped one home to earn a 1-0 lead. Minnesota State would eventually go down in the game, and would look to climb out of a one goal deficit heading into the third period.

Knowing they had to score early and often, senior forward, Kelsey King, got the ball rolling for the Mavericks, scoring her team-leading 12th goal of the season just over three minutes into the frame. It did not take long for MSU to score again, as Mashuga tallied her

second goal of the night to give the Mavericks a 3-2 lead. Minnesota State held onto that lead for the remainder of the contest, earning a crucial three points toward the WCHA standings. Saturday’s contest was an entirely different story for the Mavs, who dominated from beginning to end on their Senior Day. Despite not scoring in the first or third periods, a four-goal second frame propelled the Mavericks to a series sweep over Bemidji and six points in the standings.

King commented on the Mavericks’ success Saturday, stating, “I feel like we learned a lot from yesterday and that had a part to do with our success. We reassessed, reevaluated, and kept each other accountable.”

Saturday also marked Senior Day for Minnesota State, a celebration of the team’s seniors who are unsure or do not plan on returning to the team next season. King was quick to say that Saturday’s performance, “brought extra motivation to play for the people next to you.”

Fellow team member and one of the “three stars of the game,” Shelbi Guttormson, said she was playing for King that day.

With both teams coming up empty in the first period of play, it paved the way for a big second period for the Mavericks. Guttormson got things going for the Mavs, scoring a beautiful top-shelf shot from the right circle.

Guttormson’s goal lit the Mavericks on fire for the remainder of the period, as they would continue to put up three more goals before the second expired. The sophomore defenseman explained after the game that despite being a defenseman, her experience as a forward helped her bury the first goal of the game.

If you did not watch the Super Bowl, first, I will ask you: what were you doing instead? And second, I am sorry, because this year’s game was incredible. Being someone who watched the 13-3 abomination that was Patriots vs. Rams in 2019, having such a high-scoring game with a lot of offense was all I wanted.

However, I did not think that the Eagles’ elite defense would allow that to happen. The Chiefs’ offensive line is very good, but if you told me that they were not going to allow a sack in the Super Bowl, I would have laughed in your face. But that is just what they did. The Chiefs’ offensive line DOMINATED the Super Bowl, keeping their banged up quarterback safe and allowing him to pick apart the Eagles secondary as needed.

The biggest thing that made this Chiefs victory possible was the fact that this game became a shootout. As my great colleague Luke Jackson once said, “Don’t be surprised when the Eagles only allow one score once again.” Well, my friend, I am APPALLED. The Eagles’ defense allowed their second-highest point total of the year when it mattered the most, and it killed them. Darius was slain, and their defensive line crumbled along with their hopes of raising the Lombardi trophy.

Before I get to the Super Bowl MVP, I need to at least mention Isiah Pacheco. He led both teams in rushing, with 76 yards, and even added a touchdown in the third quarter. Aside from Pacheco, Travis Kelce made his presence felt too, catching six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown, and winning the Kelce Bowl. Juju Smith-Schuster also decided to contribute to the group project, and actually earned his A

DYLAN LONG • The Reporter

LILLY ANDERSON • The Reporter

MSU Women’s Hockey team sweeps Bemidji State in their final home series of the season with a 3-2 score Friday, Feb. 10 and 4-0 score Saturday, Feb. 11.

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Maverick men and women dominate at invite

By KARSON BUELOW Staff Writer

This past weekend, the Minnesota State Men’s and Women’s Track and Field teams hosted schools from California, in addition to several familiar schools in the midwest for the Minnesota State Massive meets. The Mavericks wiped the board clean on both days as the men’s and women’s teams took home first place, respectively.

For the women, junior sprinters Denisha Cartwright and Makayla Jackson secured the top two spots in the 200m dash with times of 23.86 for Cartwright and 24.42 for Jackson. Cartwright’s impressive time of 23.86 lowered her faculty and school records and secured a critical 10 pts for Minnesota State in the meet.

Jackson also proved to be dominant in the long jump as she extended her faculty record by a distance of 6.37m on her first attempt, enough for first place. Junior Mariah Williams was also impressive for the Mavericks as she secured second place in the long jump with a distance of 6.03m.

Senior distance runner Amanda Montplaisir also bested a school record that had lasted for 43 years in the 3000m run. Though she was able to beat the existing school record with a time of 9:32.59, her quick feet were only able to secure third place in the event that day.

For the men, the Mavericks

dominated the pole vault event, securing four of the top-five spots.

Junior Carson Dittel won the event for the Mavericks with a mark of 5.01 meters followed closely behind by sophomore teammate Jedidah Hansen with a height of 4.76m.

Minnesota State boasted a tight

teammate battle in the 400m dash as two Mavericks secured the toptwo spots in a close affair. Senior Rashion Walker edged out freshman Qai Hussey by 0.01 seconds with times of 49.08 and 49.09.

But the Mavericks saved the best event for last as the distance medley team finished with a time

of 9:58.65. This time currently sits at eleventh best in the nation and was the fourth-best time in school history.

With a team score of 184 for the women and 193.5 for the men, both Maverick track teams dominated the field for first place. The student-athletes returned back to

Myers Field House Saturday for day two of the meet.

Like Friday, the women’s short-distance events featured the friendly competition between Mavericks Cartwright and Jackson.

In the 60-meter dash, Jackson narrowly bested Cartwright by 0.003 seconds with times of 7.235 and 7.238, a new school record.

Along with senior Rose Gay, Cartwright, Jackson, and Cramer teamed up to compete for the Mavericks in the 4x400 relay. The four combined to break the previous school record with a time of 3:44.61 despite finishing second in the event.

The sprinters were the talk of the day for Minnesota State as four of the top-five spots in the 60-meter hurdles were held by Mavericks. Led by junior Roxan Foster’s time of 8.63, the Mavericks were able to secure 27 of a possible 41 pts in that event.

On the men’s side, the Mavericks shined in the majority of the events Saturday. The Mavericks were able to secure the top-three spots in the 200m dash which was led by sophomore Steven Marks with a time of 22.08.

In addition, sophomore Aiden Buendorf earned the individual title for the Mavericks in the high jump with a mark of 2.09. Sophomore Jacob Ziebarth followed closely behind Buendorf with a second place height of 2.04.

The Mavericks shined in the

Time running out for the up-and-down Mavs

By HAYDEN LEE Staff Writer

The Mavs have two more games to prove themselves worthy of a home playoff game. Friday and Saturday unfortunately brought about another weekend split when they needed to bring home two wins.

The NSIC South Division is still close after the weekend matchups, but time is running out after barely escaping Wayne State and losing big to Augustana.

It came down to the final seconds, but a clutch basket from Kyreese Willingham with three seconds left was enough to take care of the Wildcats. The next day, they would not be so lucky. Saturday, the Mavs looked like a completely different team, losing control just before halftime and spiraling for the remainder of the game, until they eventually fell to the Vikings.

At this point in time, the Mavs are within reach of third place in the South Division, but they need some help. They now sit at 16-10 with a 10-10 conference record, and will be waiting on the results from Upper Iowa and Southwest Minnesota State to find out where they stand.

Friday’s nailbiter began as early as tip-off. The Mavs and Wildcats seemed like they were under a spell that did not let them run away with this game, as neither team led by more than six points through the

first half, but the Mavs remained in control.

The Wildcats were anything but wild, as they were able to stay composed and claw their way back into the game to take their first lead with 6:40 remaining in the game, 22-20. After the Mavs retook the lead, they were outscored 10-5 on their way into the locker room down 2, 32-30.

At the half, Trevor Moore and Tyrell Stuttley led the Mavs in scoring, both with seven, and Kyreese Willingham was able to bring down eight rebounds. The Mavs shot 40.7% from the field in the first half, and oddly enough the Wildcats also shot 40.7%, a testament to how evenly matched the teams were.

The Wildcats hoarded the lead in the second half, and it took until 11:43 before Malik Willingham was able to give the Mavs their first lead of the half, 46-45. As the struggle continued, the lead changed three more times before the Wildcats took control again.

In crunch time, Malik and Kyreese Willingham came up huge. With a minute left, Malik Willingham hit his fifth three to cut the Wildcat lead to one. After stopping the Wildcats on the other end, Kyreese Willingham took the game into his own hands, outdoing the Wildcat defender and connecting on a jumper that was the game-winner.

Malik Willingham led the

Mavs in scoring, and also notched a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards. Moore and Kyreese Willingham also scored 15 points apiece, but Kyreese Willingham was also able to grab 11 rebounds.

Starting a win streak and looking to build off of it, the Mavs

walked into Viking country as big steppers, but were tripped up in the end. After getting out to an early 11-10 lead, the Mavs fell apart. The Vikings were able to build a 44-22 lead heading into the half, and the lead was too much to come back from.

Malik and Kyreese Willingham each had six points and three rebounds at half, leading the team. As a team, the Mavs shot 28.6% from the field, compared to the Vikings’ 54.8%.

The second half saw the Vikings keep a stranglehold on the

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter

MSU Track & Field Men’s and Women’s teams each took 1st place over both days of the Minnesota State Massive Meet #1 Friday, Feb. 10 and Meet #2 Saturday, Feb. 11.

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter

MSU Men’s Basketball split the weekend with a 67-66 win against Wayne State Friday, Feb. 10 and a 87-59 loss to Augustana Saturday, Feb. 11.

STRONG on page 13 u TIME on page

Not so nice; wrestling shutout twice

By CHARLIE GROEBNER Staff Writer

Even though love is in the air, mixed emotions can be said about Minnesota State Wrestling. For the second time this season, the Mavs were once again neutralized against a top-ranked team, extending the Mavs’ losing streak to three straight and still winless in the month of February.

Friday night, the Mavs traveled across state lines to take on the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. In what was their final home game of the season, the Rangers proved why they are undefeated, ranked in the top ten, and have all but one of their starters ranked in the top 15.

They manhandled the Mavs’ entire lineup and ended their regular season with a perfect record of 11-0.

Entering the match, the Mavs were already in a rather tough position. Having to use two forfeits, the Rangers already had a commanding lead of 12-0.

Not even ten minutes in, the Mavs were in the hole against the

ly. Junior Guard Joey Batt scored 19 points while Freshman Natalie Bremer had 17 points on 7-12 shooting.

This weekend also brought Bremer her second NSIC South Division Player of the Week award. She recorded her career-high 26 points versus Wayne State as she connected on 10-12 shots from the field. She was lethal all weekend on a staggering 70.8% shooting while averaging 21.5 points per game. She also averaged 3.0 steals and 2.5 rebounds this past weekend.

Rangers. Head Coach, Jim Makovsky, said following the match forfeiting the first was not his choice.

Going into the contest the Mavs had been dealing with a slew of injuries and illness had struck the team.

“We have been dealing with a massive string of injuries this year. Each one is unique and causes guys to miss time. We had quality guys who could have been starters, but just couldn’t get healthy, which happens. It not only limits us in our lineup but also in practice partners to help the guys get better. But that is still not an excuse because it happens to everyone,” said Makovsky.

In the first official match, MSU senior Brock Luthens lost to No. 10 ranked, 141 Ibs sophomore, Cayden Henschels. Things didn’t get easier as MSU freshman Caleb Meunier would lose the decision to UW-Parkside sophomore Jalen Spuhler.

This was then followed by another decision loss, after MSU sophomore Drake Hayward fell to UW-Parkside sophomore Ben

Bremer’s 26-point game against Wayne State, Friday, helped secure the win for the Mavs. Wayne State is currently sitting near the bottom of the conference with a record of 7-13 in NSIC play.

The game was close throughout but the Mavs found themselves on a 14-3 run in the final four minutes of regulation, which pushed the score to a Maverick win of 94-80.

The Mavericks shot 51.4% throughout the game and tallied 32 rebounds, 21 assists and 21 steals. Destinee Bursch also had a 17 point scoring game.

Durocher, giving them a lead of 21-0 at the halfway point.

Staring into another large hole, the Mavs needed a miracle to get back in the game. However, their prayers would go unanswered as the onslaught would continue.

MSU freshman Kole Marko, junior Mike Smith, sophomore Nic Leo, and seniors Max Villnow and Darrell Mason lost their matches in that order, ending with a final score of 37-0 for the Rangers and keeping their streak alive.

Following the loss, Coach Makovsky felt there were a lot of problems that went wrong for them in the contest. However, Coach did mention one thing that he felt really had the most impact on his group following the match.

“There’s a handful of things that went wrong and It’s hard for me to tell. Technique, and conditioning, but I would say the biggest issue is confidence. We are trying to give consistent efforts, wrestle a little harder, and respect winning. It’s not easy to win in this conference, but we are young and still fighting our battles,” said Makovsky.

“This weekend felt really great,” said Thiesse. “I’m just really proud of this team. It is never easy to get a road sweep in the challenging NSIC South but we pulled away with two great wins. Our team continues to focus on one game at a time and executes each time.”

This weekend secured the Mavs a first-round bye in the south division of the NSIC post-season tournament. It also secured them a top-two seed.

Two games remain of the regular season, one against Winona State at home Thursday and the last against Upper Iowa on the road Saturday.

on Sunday, which I know makes some of you mad.

Ah, Patrick Mahomes. Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. If you look at his stats, you might be thinking only 182 yards? But Mahomes stayed clean, did not throw an interception, had 44 rushing yards and threw three touchdowns.

At the end of the day, the Super Bowl MVP is still a Most Valuable Player award, and there is no arguing that the Chiefs could have gotten to this point without Mahomes. Oh yeah, he is also the first player to win Super Bowl MVP and MVP in the same season since Kurt Warner in 1999.

While Tom Brady grabs his nuts on Instagram, Mahomes is grabbing another two trophies to rival Brady’s collection.

Despite losing the Super Bowl, the Eagles do have some positive things to take away from the game. Jalen Hurts is the guy. I, along with a lot of people, doubted his ability to show up when the lights shined the brightest, but he did. Tying Terrell Davis’ record

for rushing touchdowns in a Super Bowl while also throwing for over 300 yards is no easy task.

This loss is not on his shoulders. Devonta Smith also shined, being the only player to reach the century mark in receiving yards. They have a great duo at WR with him and A.J. Brown for years to come. However, Miles Sanders sucks.

There are so many things that could have changed the outcome of this game, but for me, it came down to two plays. The first being Toney’s 65-yard return, which gave the Chiefs an incredibly short field, and unfortunately, a holding penalty called on Eagles’ cornerback James Bradberry with 1:54 remaining in the fourth quarter that allowed the Chiefs to drain the clock and kick the game-winning field goal.

It is such a shame that a game like this came down to the decisions of people not even playing in the game, but such is life.

In the wise words of my brother, “The only way the Chiefs are winning is if they have the refs on their side, which they will.” Well, I’m sorry Brenny, but they still get credit for the win. Skol.

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter

The MSU Wrestling team returns home with a 38-0 loss against UW-Parkside Friday, Feb. 10. The Mavericks close their season at home with their final dual Friday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. in Bresnan Arena.

ASHLEY LANDIS • The Associated Press Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left, and tight end Travis Kelce celebrate victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

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 DEBRIEFING from page 10

Bobrovsky, Panthers beat Wild 2-1 in shootout

Super Bowl averages 113 million

By JOE REEDY The Associated Press

Fox was hoping the matchup of two top teams in the Super Bowl and a close game would lead to a record night.

Even though Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles came down to a field goal with 8 seconds remaining, Fox fell just short of its goal.

The Chiefs’ rally to defeat the Eagles 38-35 is on pace to become the third most-watched television show in history, with an estimated 113 million people watching, according to preliminary numbers released Monday.

By BRIAN HALL

The Associated Press

Anton Lundell and Aleksander Barkov scored in the shootout to send the Florida Panthers to a 2-1 win against the Minnesota Wild on Monday night.

Eetu Luostarinen scored in

 DOMINATE from page 10

“At the beginning of last year I came in as a forward,” said Guttormson. “That definitely contributes to the offensive side of my game. As for that shot, I think working on driving then shooting top in practice helped and that got us momentum which fired up the team.”

The Mavericks ended up scoring again just under three minutes later, when senior forward, Kennedy Bobyck, was found alone behind the defense and decked the Bemidji goaltender for her fifth goal of the year. 17 seconds later, senior Brooke Bryant made her mark, tapping home a pass from freshman Lilie Ramirez.

Minnesota State finished off their second period route at the 11:27 mark off the stick of King. King collected the puck at the blue line and after pulling off a nasty spin cycle on a Beaver defender, buried the puck post and in to give MSU a 4-0 lead.

The game finished with a 4-0 scoreline with senior goaltender, Alexa Burg, collecting her third shutout of the year after stopping 22 shots. The Mavericks seemed

 STRONG from page 11

pole vault competition on Saturday as they secured the top four heights and earned 29 total points in the event. Dittel barely missed his mark from Friday as he posted a height of 5.00m.

TIME from page 11

lead, as it never dropped to under 20 points until the final buzzer sounded, marking a 87-59 loss for the Mavs.

regulation for Florida, which has won four of its past five games. Sergei Bobrovsky made 27 saves for the Panthers in a low-scoring game with plenty of scoring opportunities.

Bobrovsky stopped two of the three players he faced in the shootout.

to do everything right on Saturday, from protecting the puck to scoring to going 5/5 on the penalty kill.

“We have forwards that get huge blocks for us and that gets us super pumped on the penalty kill,” explained Guttormson. King added, “We preach being physical and using our bodies in practice, and I think today, we could use that on top of our speed. Combining the two made such a big difference because they couldn’t out muscle us nor out race us.”

As for what’s next, the Mavericks have a date with destiny this upcoming weekend, where they will face St. Cloud State in enemy territory. Earlier this season, the Mavericks swept the previously ranked No. 14 Huskies on home ice, but will now have to travel north to St. Cloud. Minnesota State is looking to ride their momentum into the series.

“These two wins were definitely needed to propel us. It’s always nice to be humbled, and we were humbled a bit on Friday,” said King. “I think we need to carry this momentum into St. Cloud and further into the playoffs.”

Like Friday, the both Maverick teams dominated the competition in day two of the meet as they secured first place, respectively. The men and women will be back in action Friday starting at 3 p.m. for the Maverick Invitational at Myers Field House.

In a tough game for the Mavs, Moore led them in scoring, with 13 points. Kyreese Willingham totaled 12 points and six rebounds.

Fox said the audience estimate includes the broadcasts on Fox and Fox Deportes as well as streaming on Fox and the NFL’s digital sites. The figures are via Nielsen’s Fast National data and Adobe Analytics.

The 2015 game between New England and Seattle on NBC holds the record at 114,442,000 viewers (not including streaming), followed by Super Bowl 51 in 2017 on Fox between Atlanta and New England (113,668,000).

This was Fox’s 10th Super Bowl since it began airing NFL games in 1994 and the second mostwatched program in Fox Sports history.

It would also be a slight increase over the 112.3 million average for last year’s Super Bowl. The Los Angeles Rams’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals was broadcast by NBC and Telemundo and streamed on Peacock and NFL digital sites. According to Adobe Analytics, this year’s digital feed averaged a Super Bowl-record 7 million streams, an 18% increase over last year (6 million) and more

than double Fox’s last Super Bowl in 2020 (3.4 million).

It was the third straight year the streaming average has surpassed 5 million. The first Super Bowl to be streamed, in 2012, averaged 346,000.

Rihanna’s halftime show averaged 118.7 million viewers, making it the second-most watched in Super Bowl history. Katy Perry’s 2015 performance holds the top mark at 121 million.

The Spanish-language audience average for the game was 951,000, a record for the mostwatched Super Bowl game in Spanish-language cable television history. It was also the most watched non-soccer event in Spanish-language cable history.

The Spanish-language number is down from last year’s record of 1.9 million on Telemundo, which unlike Fox Deportes has broadcast affiliates in 90 markets.The Super Bowl has been televised in Spanish in the United States since 2014.

Final Nielsen data will be available on Tuesday, including the English-language television-only figures. After Super Bowls averaged over 100 million viewers from 2010-18, four of the five games before this year had fallen short of that number because of cord-cutting. That included 95.2 million for the 2021 Super Bowl between Tampa Bay and Kansas City, which was the game’s lowest TV-only average since 2007.

If Sunday’s number can better the 99.18 million from last year, it would mark the first time since 2015 there had been two straight years of increases. Unsurprisingly, Kansas City and Philadelphia were the two highest-ranked markets. Kansas City led the way with a 52.0 rating and 87 share followed by Philadelphia’s 46.3/77

The rating is the percentage of television households tuned in. The share refers to a percentage of the TV-watching audience viewing a particular program at the time.

CRAIG LASSIG • The Associated Press Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman, left, tries to hit the puck away from Florida Panthers center Eetu Luostarinen.

SETH WENIG • The Associated Press Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy while talking to Terry Bradshaw after the NFL Super Bowl.

VA RI ET Y

From Heaven’s door to earthly war

By LAUREN VISKA Staff Writer

The moon has vanished, Brooklyn is at war, coffee is gone, and angels exchange their wings for machine weapons. Finally, the insurrection reaches New York City while a celestial conflict rages in heaven. Marisol Perez sets out on a bizarre quest to find her way home through the chaos of a collapsing world without the protection of her guardian angel.

“Marisol” opens next week at Minnesota State’s Department of Theatre and Dance, continuing the current theatrical season. “Marisol” runs 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16-18 and 23-25, and 2 p.m. Feb. 25-26 in the Ted Paul Theatre at the Earley Center for Performing Arts.

Maxwell Collyard, a Minneapolis-based multimedia performance artist, contributed work to this production. They produce projections, photographs and film performances throughout the Twin Cities. They also do a bit of acting and directing shows as well.

“They are working on a video projection for the show. The projection multimedia design is an intricate part of what we will see. It’s not just the usual light sound, but also projections,” said Vladimir Rovinsky, the director of the show and an associate professor of the Department of Theatre and Dance at MSU. “This show is complicated, but it’s also very rewarding because the result is beautiful and interesting.”

José Rivera, a Puerto Rican playwright, wrote this play, which came out in 1992, toward the end of the AIDS epidemic. The actress that plays Marisol, Liza Rotty, spoke about how this play is more than just fiction and plays a part in real-world

events.

“José Rivera lived in New York, and because he had this lived experience, he wrote something poignant and has now been able to speak to a lot of new age crises that we’re going through and what feels like a post-apocalyptic apocalyptic world,” said Rotty. “It was popular and spoke to that experience in this meta way, and now, post 911, it became even more popular, and now it’s having even more of a resurgence because of everything happening in the world.”

Lyreshia Ghostlon-Green, who plays the guardian angel, said playing a character written for an African-American wom-

an is powerful.

“The way we portray angels in ‘Marisol’ is not like the Christian way,” said Ghostlon-Green. “My costume is a leather jacket and ripped jeans. I also get to carry an Uzi, and I have black wings. It’s very badass. I think there’s something powerful about that. So I’m happy to be able to serve as that for the show.”

Both Ghostlon-Green and Rotty encourage students to come to the show.

“There’s something to be said about how we treat each other in this society. This show touches on a lot of that, especially with women of color, and the interactions between the

Cupid shot you with his arrow so you can love yourself

By MERCEDES KAUPHUSMAN Staff Writer

It is the time of year when Cupid flies down from above and practices his archery skills. For those who were not hit with the lucky bullseye, it is normal to feel like a Grinch on this holiday of love. Instead of spending your day tossing tissues and binging depressing romance flicks, here are a few things you can do to love yourself and others this Valentine’s Day:

supremacy of different types of people,” said Ghostlon-Green. “Coming to see the show to hear about that message is one of my biggest takeaways, and the set is cool and abstract. Like it’s so modern, and if anyone enjoys just wanting to come to see something cool and something that’s going to make them laugh or maybe even cry.”

“It’s cool, and it’s a meaningful story. It’s really important, I think, also for people to hear stories written by and for people of color and any intersectionality that you reside,” said Rotty.

Go to the MSU Theatre website and click on the purchase tickets tab to get tickets for the show.

Movie bingo puts the perfect in ‘Pitch Perfect’

By JOEY ERICKSON Variety Editor

The Hearth Lounge was home to another installment of movie bingo last Monday, as the fictional Barden Bellas from the film traveled from the silver screen to the Mankato scene to entertain students.

Movie bingo is similar to regular bingo, except instead of numbers, there are quotable or funny movie moments on the sheet that you mark off.

This week’s movie was “Pitch Perfect,” a comedy surrounding a group of collegiate a cappella singers called the Barden Bellas as they sing their way up from the laughing stock of the campus to Barden University royal-

ty, and nationwide title holders at prominent college singing competitions.

After most of the Bellas graduate from college at the beginning of the film, the two remaining singers, Aubrey and Chloe, are forced to accept anyone who applies, rounding up a ragtag group of mean, nice and outright weird women.

The main character, Becca, played by Anna Kendrick, joins the team and encourages them to break out of their repetitive rut of dated, mid-tempo and mid-2000’s anthems, opting instead for more modern, harmonic hits, ultimately proving successful for the team.

The film is not shy of mem-

Engage in retail therapy. If you are looking for an excuse to click “purchase” on that lingering shopping cart tab, here it is. There is nobody who knows you better than yourself, so who better to buy gifts for? There is nothing wrong with spoiling yourself today and every day.

Treat your loved ones. It is a skewed idea that Valentine’s Day is only for lovers. In reality, Valentine’s Day is for everyone you love. Whether it is your family, friends, coworkers or pets, today is a perfect day to surprise them with a special treat to express your love for them.

Eat your heart out. A quick fix for a broken heart goes in one way and out the other: food. Practicing your culinary skills in the kitchen might be up your alley, or ordering Chinese takeout might be more your style. Either way, today is a cheat day; some may say Valentine’s Day costs more calories than Thanksgiving.

Self-care. Valentine’s day is the best holiday for loving you. Investing time in doing things you love is self-care. This might look like participating in your favorite hobby, drawing yourself a bath, or cleaning your house. You are capable of giving yourself all the love that no one else can provide you.

Palentine’s day. Surround yourself with a few of your pals; those who do not have dinner reservations for two, that is. Take advantage of the extra time you have to spend without a significant other and use that towards your friendships. Valentine’s Day for the singles is not meant to be spent dwelling alone, but rather building on the relationships you already have and celebrating love.

Dance like nobody is watching. If you do happen

LAUREN VISKA • The Reporter

Two actors practice in a dress rehearsal for the upcoming ‘Marisol’ play, the most recent production from the Minnesota State Theatre Department.

LILLY ANDERSON • The Reporter Students snuggle into sofas as they try their luck winning a “Pitch Perfect” movie bingo, trying to win Valentine’s Day candy, movies and board games.

Rihanna stuns the Super Bowl

By EMMA JOHNSON News Director

The NFL no longer stands for the National Football League; it stands for National Fenty League. In her first live performance since 2018, pop-superstar Rihanna took to State Farm Stadium to perform in the Super Bowl LVII halftime show.

Cutting right after commercials, Rihanna stared down the lens as she donned a red tracksuit, making for a bold return. Levitating above the crowd, she opened the show chanting her 2015 single “Bitch Better Have My Money.”

Knowing a 13-minute performance wouldn’t be enough to fit her impressive music career, she transitioned into a mashup of two iconic pop songs, “Where Have You Been” and “Only Girl in the World.” Later, Rihanna gave way to “We Found Love” with background vocals and beats of famed sexy song “S&M.”

Dropping to the ground, Rihanna “worked” her way down the flaming red runway followed by her masquerade of marshmallow-like backup dancers to “Work” and “Wild Thoughts.”

Taking a makeup break mid-performance, as only Rihanna can do, she continued with hits such as “Run this Town” and “Umbrella.” To close the show, Rihanna once again was lifted on a platform as she belted out “Diamonds” to a crowd of fans waving

 A

from page 14

orable and quotable moments, and reminds many college students of younger, more innocent times. According to Paige Johaneson, first-year Stomper’s Cinema Chair for the Student Events Team, “Pitch Perfect” was a must for this week’s movie bingo.

Another factor playing into the movie decision was the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday; more specifically, the day before it, informally referred to as “Galentine’s Day.” Galentine’s Day is celebrated on Valentine’s Day Eve, and is aimed to give more appreciation to close friends rather than romantic loved ones.

“This event is to celebrate Galentine’s Day, which is the day before Valentine’s Day and meant to be spent with friends.

I chose “Pitch Perfect” for this

Super Bowl ads use celebs, humor, lots of dogs

VALENTINES from page 14

to be celebrating love day by yourself, an easy way to subside any pessimistic emotions is by listening to music. Put together an upbeat playlist that gets you moving. This is an instant mood booster, and it helps burn off the calories from excessive chocolate eating.

phone flashlights and an array of shining fireworks.

With such an incredible music background, Rihanna’s vocals took the center stage.

While the singer herself kept simple choreography, her dancers brought the electric, fun and at times, sensual moves. The contrast of Rihanna’s bright red outfit against the white lights and puffy sweatsuits let the audience know who was running the show.

It just goes to show that no flashy moves, costume changes or obscure setting need to be done to solidify a powerful performance.

Since her 2016 album “Anti,” Rihanna has kept quite a busy profile despite her absence in the music scene. Beyond expanding her Fen-

movie bingo because of its nostalgia for our generation and theme of friendship, which ties into Galentine’s Day,” Johaneson said.

This is not the first time MSU has been home to a movie bingo. Last November, Johaneson also organized a movie bingo event for “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” as a part of family weekend.

According to Johaneson, the event was a total success, spelling out good news for upcoming movie bingos yet to be planned.

“The movie bingo from Family Weekend was successful, we had a good turnout and students had fun. “Minions” was a great family-friendly option, so parents, kids, and students all got to participate and enjoy the night,” Johaneson said.

Netflix and chill. Slip on your pajamas and melt into the couch while watching your favorite films. This is a perfect way to escape a lonely mindset and slip into the mind of a movie character. If you want to take it one step further, you could always go old-school and buy a ticket for the movie theater.

ty Beauty, Rihanna dropped her successful, body-inclusive lingerie line Savage X Fenty back in 2017. Since then the brand has expanded into lounge wear, sports wear and even earned her a Primetime Emmy for one of four shows the singer created to showcase her fashion line. And for fans looking to see a new album, they’ll have to wait. Speculations started spinning out seconds after the show began if the singer was pregnant with her second child as viewers noticed a baby bump. Rolling Stone later reported Rihanna’s reps confirmed the rumors were true. A bold debut back on the scene, Rihanna never fails to impress fans nor let them forget her massive presence.

The “Pitch Perfect” bingo also boasted a wide array of prizes for the bingo victors, such as Valentine’s Day candy, movies, or board games. Playing a match of bingo while watching a movie you’re already familiar with can make the whole experience more fun and invigorating, according to Johaneson. And the prizes aren’t bad, either.

“Movie Bingo adds an activity to a movie that is already fun to see, so getting to follow along with your friends to try to win a prize is a great way to hangout with friends and have fun on campus,” Johaneson said.

For information on future Stomper’s Cinema events or movie showtimes, students can go to stomperscinema.com.

By MAE ANDERSON The Associated Press

Advertisers bet big that viewers were turning to the Super Bowl for a comforting escape, and delivered a series of advertisements that relied on familiar celebrity faces, light humor, and plenty of cuddly dogs.

This wasn’t a year for edgy humor or experimentation. Af-

ter the global pandemic, with economic uncertainty looming ahead and the war in Ukraine stretching on, advertisers just wanted people to feel good.

And it worked.

“This year’s ads took a very light touch and focused on being fun and making the viewer feel good,” said Charles Taylor, marketing professor at Villanova University.

Social media detox. Scrolling through the lengthy instagram posts on Valentine’s day can get exhausting. Going social media free is an opportunity to disconnect from the virtual world and face the real world. Spreading love in person is better than through a screen.

BRYNN ANDERSON • The Associated Press

Rihanna performs during the halftime show at the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.

CAPELLA

HELLMANN’S via The Associated Press

This photo provided by Hellmann’s shows Jon Hamm and Brie Larson in scene from Hellmann’s 2023 Super Bowl NFL football spot.