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Neurodiversity Community incites a new discussion By JEREMY REDLIEN Staff Writer
MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter
Maverick hockey head coach Mike Hastings addressed a crowd of about 500 people at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center at the Mavericks’ end-of-season celebration ceremony on Monday in Mankato. The Mavs finished the 2022 season as runner-ups in the National Championship game, marking the most successful season in program history with a 38-6-0 record.
FROZEN FOUR coverage on page 14
Greek Life ‘syncs’ together for week-long festivities By HAFSA PEERZADA The Fraternity and Sorority Life at Minnesota State University, Mankato hosted a lip sync battle this past Thursday. The theme for the night was wildest. Members from the Sororities and Fraternities at MSU, clad in wild west attire, participated in the event in groups and danced to a compilation of country songs while lip syncing. The lip-sync and dance battle took place in the Ostrander Auditorium located in the Centennial Student Union. In addition to the lip sync battle, the night also featured other Greek royalty competitions, which happened simultaneously, a Q&A section, a talent show, and a pageant competition. Each performance in the event was evaluated by a panel of judges that viewed
MADDIE BEHRENS • The Reporter
Staff Writer
Greek Life hosted a lip sync battle last Thursday in Ostrander.
the performances and assigned points to the best performers. The battle was part of the week-long celebrations of Greek Week. The week started with a cookout on Monday which was followed by a boat regatta on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Greek life had a
can drive where they donated 650 cans to the campus kitchen. Following Thursday’s event, there’s a Cornwall tournament on Friday that will mark the completion of Greek Week. All week long a scoring system was used, by the judges, for
each activity, and points were assigned based on the team’s placement during each event. Points will be accumulated all week and the winner with the highest points will be picked at the end of the week and given a plaque for their efforts. Last week’s celebration required a lot of planning to make it a possibility. Emily Staeffler, a Senior at MSU in Sigma Sigma Sigma, was one of the organizers of the event. “It was a lot of work. We started planning all the way in January. We had weekly meetings and a whole committee dedicated to this that helped us do all this,” added Staeffler. “For tonight’s event, we had to ask the chapters if they were willing to participate and approve their song selections for tonight beforehand. We also had to book rooms accordingly.” Last week also allowed LIP SYNC on page 5
An advocate for neurodiversity and neuroqueering, Nick Walker led a discussion on issues relating to neurodiversity, autism, and neuroqueering via Zoom last Wednesday. Walker is the author of “Neuroqueer Heresies: Notes on the Neurodiversity Paradigm, Autistic Empowerment, and Postnormal Possibilities”, co-authors the webcomic Weird Luck, and is a professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies. An early topic of discussion naturally was the neurodiversity paradigm itself. “Essentially the neurodiversity paradigm is saying that if [neurodivergence] is a form of human diversity, like cultural diversity or ethnic diversity, then saying there is one default normal mind, is like saying there is one default normal culture or default normal ethnicity,” said Walker. An overarching idea in the discussion was on the idea of how the pathologization of autism forces autistic people to be viewed as disabled and broken and the consequences of this pathologization. One example of this that was discussed was the differences between the social versus medical models of disability. The social model holds that disability is caused by a failure of society to accommodate people regardless of ability while the medical model holds that disability as something about a person that needs to be fixed. At one point an attendee asked about the concept of masking, which is the practice of autistic and neurodivergent people to appear neurotypical. Masking would fit into the medical model because it emphasizes having a neurodivergent person fix or change themselves. “The harms are considerable. The only times there are benefits to masking is when you are going to be subjected to violence if you don’t mask,” said Walker. DISCUSSION on page 5
2 • MSU Reporter
News
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Families contest transgender treatment ban By KIM CHANDLER Associated Press
Families with transgender teens sued the state of Alabama in federal court on Monday to overturn a law that makes it a crime for doctors to treat trans youth under 19 with puberty blockers or hormones to help affirm their gender identity. The two lawsuits — one on behalf of two families and another on behalf two families and the physicians who treat their children— pose legal challenges to legislation signed into law Friday by Republican Gov. Kay Ivey. “Transgender youth are a part of Alabama, and they deserve the same privacy, access to treatment, and data-driven health care from trained medical professionals as any other Alabamian,” Tish Gotell Faulks, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, said in a statement. Faulks added that lawmakers are using children, as, “political pawns for their reelection campaigns.” Ivey and legislators face primaries next month.Unless blocked by the court, the Alabama law will take effect May 8, making it a felony for a doctor to prescribe puberty blockers or hormones to aid in the gender transition of anyone under age 19. Violations
MICKEY WELSH • The Montgomery Advertiser via AP
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey waves as she arrives to deliver her State of the State address at the State Capitol Building in Montgomery, Ala., Jan. 11, 2022.
will be punishable by up to 10 years in prison. It also prohibits gender transition surgeries, although doctors told lawmakers those are not performed on minors in Alabama. “The level of legislative overreach into the practice of med-
icine is unprecedented. And never before has legislative overreach come into pediatric examination rooms to shut down the parent voice in medical decision making between a parent, their pediatrician and their child,” Dr. Morissa Ladinsky, a medical
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provider and a plaintiff in one of the lawsuits, told The Associated Press in an interview. Ivey signed the legislation Friday, a day after it was approved by the Alabama Legislature. At a campaign stop Monday, the governor invoked religion
when asked about her decision to sign the legislation. “If the good Lord made you a boy at birth, then you are a boy. If the good Lord made you a girl at birth, then you are a girl,” she said. “We should especially focus our efforts on helping these young people become healthy adults just like God wanted them to be rather than self-induced medical intervenors.” Asked if the law would survive a court challenge, she replied, “We’ll wait and see.” The two lawsuits were filed by advocacy groups on behalf of families with transgender children. The children were not identified in the lawsuits because of their age, “I know that I am a girl and I always have been,” one of the 15-year-old plaintiffs said. “Even before I learned the word ‘transgender’ or met other trans people, I knew myself.” In one of the lawsuits, parents described their fears that their transgender daughter, called “Mary Roe” in the suit, would harm herself or try to commit suicide if she loses access to the puberty blockers she began taking last year. Similar measures have been pushed in other states, but the Alabama legislation is the first to lay out criminal penalties for doctors.
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
News
MSU Reporter • 3
Biden aims at ‘ghost gun’ violence with new rule By MICHAEL BALSAMO Associated Press
President Joe Biden on Monday took fresh aim at ghost guns, the privately made firearms without serial numbers that are increasingly cropping up in violent crimes, as he struggles to break past gun-control opposition to address firearm deaths. Speaking at the White House, Biden highlighted the Justice Department’s work to finalize new regulations to crack down on ghost guns, and announced the nomination of Steve Dettelbach, who served as a U.S. attorney in Ohio from 2009 to 2016, to run the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “Law enforcement is sounding the alarm,” Biden said of ghost guns, briefly holding one up for cameras to see in the Rose Garden. “Our communities are paying the price.” He promised the new regulations would save lives. Still, the announcement on guns highlights the limits of Biden’s influence to push a sweeping congressional overhaul of the nation’s firearm laws in response to both a recent surge in violent crime and continued mass shootings. Congress has deadlocked on legislative proposals to reform
gun laws for a decade, and executive actions have faced stiff headwinds in federal courts — even as the Democratic base has grown more vocal in calling on Biden to take more consequential action. Dettelbach’s confirmation, too, is likely to be an uphill battle. Biden had to withdraw the nomination of his first ATF nominee, gun-control advocate David Chipman, after it stalled for months because of opposition from Republicans and some Democrats in the Senate. Both Republican and Democratic administrations have failed to get nominees for the ATF position through the politically fraught process since the director’s position was made confirmable in 2006. Since then, only one nominee, former U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones, has been confirmed. Jones made it through the Senate in 2013 but only after a six-month struggle. Jones was acting director when President Barack Obama nominated him in January 2013. The Biden administration’s plan on guns was first reported by Politico. For nearly a year, the ghost gun rule has been making its way through the federal regulation process. Gun safety groups and Democrats in Congress
CAROLYN KASTER • Associated Press
President Joe Biden holds pieces of a 9mm pistol as he speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 11, 2022.
have been pushing for the Justice Department to finish the rule for months. It will probably be met with heavy resistance from gun groups and draw litigation in the coming weeks. Gun Owners of America
vowed that it would immediately fight the rule. “Just as we opposed the Trump Administration’s arbitrary ban on bump stocks, GOA will also sue Biden’s ATF to halt the implementation of this rule,” Aidan Johnston, the group’s di-
rector of federal affairs said in a statement. The group believes the rule violates the U.S. Constitution and several federal laws. But gun safety advocacy groups, like Everytown for Gun Safety, which pushed the federREGULATIONS on page 6
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4 • MSU Reporter
News
Finkenauer knocked off US ballot By DAVID PITT
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Fearless Girl statue will stay put opposite NYSE for now
Associated Press
A state court judge has concluded that Democrat Abby Finkenauer cannot appear on the June 7 primary ballot for U.S. Senate, potentially knocking off the candidate considered by many to be the party’s best chance to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley. Judge Scott Beattie, a 2018 appointee of Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, filed a ruling late Sunday that overturned a decision by a three-member panel of state elected officials. The panel concluded last week that Finkenauer’s campaign staffers had substantially complied with Iowa law that requires candidates to obtain 3,500 names, including at least 100 signatures from at least 19 counties. Finkenauer plans to appeal the decision and the Iowa Supreme Court scheduled a hearing Wednesday with a promise to rule on the matter by the end of the week to meet deadlines for sending ballots to overseas voters. Two Republicans challenged Finkenauer’s petition papers, saying signatures from at least two counties did not have the required date accompanying them. In the past, the panel, which includes the secretary of state, attorney general and state auditor, has found petitions to be in substantial compliance with the law even though signatures were missing or difficult to interpret. Attorney General Tom Miller and Auditor Rob Sand, both Democrats, voted to allow Finkenauer’s petitions citing past precedent for giving deference to campaigns that used the proper forms and made efforts to comply with the law. Secretary of State Paul Pate, a Republican, voted against Finkenauer’s petition. Kim Schmett and Leanne Pellett, former Republican county elections officials, challenged the signatures and then filed a court appeal of the Iowa
LIZ MARTIN • The Gazette via AP
In this Nov. 3, 2020 file photo, Abby Finkenauer talks with journalists at the Linn County Democrats’ office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Objection Panel’s decision last week. Beattie concluded that the panel’s legal interpretation was wrong and that the law clearly says each signature should be accompanied by a date. His decision knocked signatures from Allamakee and Cedar counties off of Finkenauer’s nomination petitions, which meant her campaign failed to submit at least 100 signatures from at least 19 counties as required. Beattie said he took no joy in the decision. “This court should not be in the position to make a difference in an election, and Ms. Finkenauer and her supporters should have a chance to advance her candidacy. However, this court’s job is to sit as a referee and apply the law without passion or prejudice. It is required to rule without consideration of the politics of the day. Here the court has attempted to fulfill that role,” he said, Finkenauer accused Beattie of doing the bidding of Grassley and his allies in Washington. “This misguided, midnight ruling is an outrageous and partisan gift to the Washington Republicans who orchestrated this meritless legal action,” she said. “We are exploring all of our options to fight back hard against this meritless partisan attack, and to ensure that the
voices of Iowans will be heard at the ballot box.” Finkenauer said her petitions had more than 5,000 signatures and she’s confident she has met the requirements to be on the ballot. Beattie promised last week he would file a decision by midnight Sunday to give either side time to appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court. He filed the decision at 10:49 p.m. Sunday. Pate has said he must know whether Finkenauer qualifies for the ballot by Friday to give him time to have ballots printed and sent to overseas voters who must get their ballots by April 23 to comply with the law. Finkenauer, who served one term in the U.S. House from 2019-2021, seeks to be on the ballot with Democrats Mike Franken, a retired Navy admiral, and Glenn Hurst, a doctor and Minden City Council member. The primary winner will face Grassley, who is seeking an eighth term in the Senate. Federal fundraising data and statewide polling indicate that Grassley, who turns 89 in September, is well positioned to retain the seat he has held since 1981 for another six years. Grassley has raised more than $4.7 million, Finkenauer about $1.9 million and Franken $1.8 million.
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RICHARD DREW • Associated Press
In this June 16, 2021, photo, the “Fearless Girl” statue faces the New York Stock Exchange.
By KAREN MATTHEWS Associated Press
The 4-foot bronze Fearless Girl statue that was deposited in front of New York City’s Charging Bull in 2017 will remain in its current spot opposite the New York Stock Exchange at least until early next year while city officials wrestle with a permanent disposition for the popular symbol of female empowerment, a city board decided Monday. Members of the Public Design Commission granted an 11-month permit extension and said they would spend the next six months exploring a way for New York City to take ownership of the statue, which is currently the subject of litigation between artist Kristen Visbal and State Street Global
Advisors, the Boston-based asset-management firm that commissioned it. “We today, the Public Design Commission, cannot make this a permanent piece of art,” commission president Signe Nielsen said. “We can urge that steps be taken to enable this work to be considered for the public collection.” The statue of a spunky young girl was supposed to be a temporary installation when State Street commissioned it in 2017 to urge higher representation of women on corporate boards, but permits to keep it on display were extended several times once it became a major tourist attraction. Fearless Girl was moved to its current location opposite the Stock Exchange in December STATUE on page 7
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Tuesday, April 12, 2022
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MSU Reporter • 5
Philadelphia to restore indoor mask mandate as cases rise
MADDIE BEHRENS • The Reporter
LIP SYNC from page 1 members from sororities and fraternities to come together and celebrate Greek life on campus while partaking in fun and engaging activities. The entire week featured in-person events which encouraged further participation by all sorority and fraternity members as opposed to last year when all events were held remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions.
MATT ROURKE • Associated Press
A sign requiring masks as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus on a store front in Philadelphia, is seen Feb. 16, 2022.
By MICHAEL RUBINKAM Philadelphia became the first major U.S. city to reinstate its indoor mask mandate on Monday after reporting a sharp increase in coronavirus infections, with the city’s top health official saying she wanted to forestall a potential new wave driven by an omicron subvariant. Confirmed COVID-19 cases have risen more than 50% in 10 days, the threshold at which the city’s guidelines call for people to wear masks indoors, said Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, the health commissioner. Health officials believe the recent spike is being driven by the highly transmissible BA.2 subvariant of omicron, which has spread rapidly throughout Europe and Asia, and has become dominant in the U.S. in recent weeks. “If we fail to act now, knowing that every previous wave of infections has been followed by a wave of hospitalizations, and then a wave of deaths, it will be too late for many of our residents,” said Bettigole, noting about 750 Philadelphia residents died in the wintertime
omicron outbreak. “This is our chance to get ahead of the pandemic, to put our masks on until we have more information about the severity of this new variant.” Health inspectors will begin enforcing the mask mandate at city businesses on April 18. Most states and cities dropped their masking requirements in February and early March following new guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that put less focus on case counts and more on hospital capacity. The CDC said at that time that with the virus in retreat, most Americans could safely take off their masks. Philadelphia ended its indoor mask mandate March 2, and Bettigole acknowledged “it was wonderful to feel that sense of normalcy again.” Confirmed cases have since risen to more than 140 per day — still a fraction of what Philadelphia saw at the height of the omicron surge — while hospitalizations remain low at only 46 patients. “I sincerely wish we didn’t have to do this again,” Bettigole said. “But I am very worried
about our vulnerable neighbors and loved ones.” The restaurant industry pushed back against reimposed masking, saying workers will bear the brunt of customer anger over the new rules. “This announcement is a major blow to thousands of small businesses and other operators in the city who were hoping this spring would be the start of recovery,” said Ben Fileccia, senior director of operations at the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia said Friday that while it expects some increased transmission in the northern U.S. over the next several weeks, hospital admissions have remained low and “our team advises against required masking given that hospital capacity is good.” Bettigole said masking will help restaurants and other businesses stay open, while a huge new wave of COVID-19 would keep customers at home. She said hospital capacity was just one factor that went into her decision to reinstate the mandate. MASKS on page 7
DISCUSSION from page 1 One topic that was brought up was Applied Behavioral Analysis, which was compared to gay conversion therapy, described as traumatic by Walker, and appeared to be opposed by most individuals attending the discussion. “ABA is a cult. I don’t regard that as hyperbole or analogy, it follows the same patterns of any cult minus the existence of a specific cult leader,” said Walker. “If you [a professor] taught gay conversion therapy, or even
taught about it as a good thing and taught a psych class where you talked about ways to treat homosexuality, you would at least get an administrative reprimand, students would speak out, professors could get fired,” said Walker while comparing how conversion therapy for LGBTQ people and ABA are currently viewed by academia. The event was organized by the Jim Chalgren LGBT Center and the newly recognized student organization Neurodiversity Community. “The purpose of the Neuro-
diversity Community at MSU Mankato is to fundamentally empower neurodivergent students at the University,” said Bruce Wenzel, president of Neurodiversity Community. “The way we intend to do that is to facilitate the shift from what Dr. Nick Walker called the pathology paradigm, which is the view that there is one normal way for the mind to be configured and function, to the neurodiversity paradigm, which says neurodiversity is a natural and valuable form of human diversity.”
Associated Press
“Last year because of COVID we had to do it strictly online. Each chapter sent in a video of them dancing and then we watched it via Zoom. So, it’s nice to be able to be back in person and doing it all face to face again,” added Staeffler when recounting her experiences from last year. The event came to a conclusion with the announcement of the night’s winners: Alpha Chi Omega.
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6 • MSU Reporter REGULATION from page 3 al government for years to take action on ghost guns, applauded Biden’s moves and insisted that both Dettelbach’s appointment and the finalized rule will help combat gun violence. “Ghost guns look like a gun, they shoot like a gun, and they kill like a gun, but up until now they haven’t been regulated like a gun,” said John Feinblatt, Everytown’s president. Christian Heyne, the vice president of policy at Brady, another gun control group, said Dettelbach was “an unimpeachable public servant who has spent a career using the levers of government to hold negligent or nefarious actors accountable.” Justice Department statistics show that nearly 24,000 ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement at crime scenes and reported to the government from 2016 to 2020. It is hard to say how many are circulating on the streets, in part because in many cases police departments don’t contact the government about the guns because they can’t be traced. The new rule changes the current definition of a firearm under federal law to include unfinished parts, like the frame of a handgun or the receiver of a long gun. It says those parts must be licensed and include serial numbers. Manufacturers must also run background checks before a sale — as they do with other commercially made firearms. The requirement applies regardless of how the firearm was made, meaning it includes ghost guns made from individual parts, kits, or by 3D-printers. Federally licensed firearms dealers must retain key records until they shut down their business or licensed activity and then transfer the records to ATF as they are currently required to do at the end of licensed activity. Previously, these dealers were permitted to destroy most records after 20 years, making it harder for law enforcement to trace firearms found at crime scenes. “A year ago this week standing here with many of you, I instructed the attorney general to write a regulation that would rein in the proliferation of ghost guns because I was having trouble getting anything passed in the Congress,” Biden said. The rule goes into effect 120 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. For years, federal officials have been sounding the alarm about an increasing black market for homemade, military-style semi-automatic rifles and handguns.
News
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
California utility to pay $55 million By OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ and MIKE LIEDTKE Associated Press
Pacific Gas & Electric, the nation’s largest utility, has agreed to pay more than $55 million to avoid criminal prosecution for two major wildfires sparked by its aging Northern California power lines and submit to five years of oversight in an attempt to prevent more deadly blazes. The company didn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in the settlement announced Monday with prosecutors in six counties ravaged by last year’s Dixie Fire and the 2019 Kincade Fire. The utility still faces criminal charges for a 2020 wildfire in Shasta County that killed four people. The civil settlements are designed to accelerate payments to hundreds of people whose homes were destroyed so they can start rebuilding more quickly than those who suffered devastating losses in 2017 and 2018 blazes ignited by PG&E’s equipment. Those fires prompted the utility to negotiate settlements that included $13.5 billion earmarked for victims — money that still hasn’t been completely distributed. The deal also thrusts the utility back into five years of independent oversight, similar to the supervision PG&E faced during its criminal probation after it was convicted of misconduct that contributed to a natural gas explosion that killed eight people in 2010. Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch said that oversight was the biggest accomplishment to come from the settlement. “We have
limited tools and criminal law to deal with corporations and what we were able to do here was to get a five-year agreement that they will be overseen, that there will be an independent monitor, and that they will have to meet certain benchmarks,” she said Monday. All told, PG&E has been blamed for more than 30 wildfires since 2017 that wiped out more than 23,000 homes and businesses and killed more than 100 people. PG&E’s federal probation ended in late January, raising worries from the federal judge who tried to force the utility to reduce fire risks by requiring more maintenance and reporting. U.S. District Judge William Alsup warned that PG&E remained a “continuing menace to California” and urged state prosecutors to try to rein in the company that provides power to 16 million people. In a joint statement covering five of the six counties that settled, prosecutors said PG&E will be “essentially on a fiveyear probation” to be overseen by Filsinger Energy Partners, which already acts as a safety monitor for California power regulators. PG&E will have to underwrite the federal monitor’s costs, up to $15 million annually, in addition to the $55 million in other payments and penalties that the utility expects to incur in the settlement. As part of their settlement, Sonoma County prosecutors agreed to drop 33 criminal charges filed last year that accused PG&E of inadvertently injuring six
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JEFF CHIU • Asscociated Press
In this Aug. 15, 2019, file photo, a Pacific Gas & Electric worker walks in front of a truck in San Francisco.
firefighters and endangering public health with smoke and ash from the Kincade Fire that began in October 2019. Fire officials said a PG&E transmission line sparked the fire, which destroyed 374 buildings in wine country and caused nearly 200,000 people to flee as it burned through 120 square
miles (311 square kilometers), the largest evacuation in county history. Prosecutors in the other five counties were exploring criminal charges in last year’s Dixie Fire before cutting the deal that they said will result in far larger payouts than had they hauled PG&E into court.
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Tuesday, April 12, 2022 MASKS from page 5 In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has paused his push to unwind many of the city’s virus rules as cases have risen, opting for now to keep a mask mandate for 2 to 4-year-olds in city schools and preschools. But Adams, a Democrat who has said New Yorkers should not let the pandemic run their lives, has already lifted most other mask mandates and rules requiring proof of vaccination to dine in restaurants, work out at gyms or attend shows. Adams was asked at a virtual news conference Monday afternoon if he was considering reimposing the New York City mask mandate in light of Philadelphia’s decision. The mayor said he would listen to his team of medical doctors for their advice on whether to bring back any restrictions. Adams himself tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. New York City is now averaging around 1,800 new cases per day, about three times higher than in early March when New York began easing rules. That does not include the many home tests that go unreported to health officials. The latest outbreak has struck many high-profile officials in Washington, including Cabinet members and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut. Some universities have reinstated mask mandates. Washington D.C. health officials say they have no immediate plans to change virus protocols, but they reserve the right to change course down the road.
STATUE from page 4 2018 and has continued to draw selfie-taking visitors there. Visbal, meanwhile, began selling replicas of the statue around the world. State Street, which had an ownership contract with the artist, sued Visbal alleging the replica sales violated the agreement, and Visbal countersued, arguing that the company was infringing on her rights. “The commission should be aware that State Street has sued me, which makes it impossible for them to act as fair agents on my behalf,” Visbal told design commission members. She urged the city to take ownership of the piece itself. “I am convinced the only way artists’ rights can be honored and acknowledged is if the city owns the work.” “As the Artist and the creator of the ‘Fearless Girl’ statue, I am beyond grateful to New York City and the Public Design Commission for hearing my concerns,” Visbal said in a statement. “I pledge to work with the City to identify a fair and reasonable solution
News
MSU Reporter • 7
Elon Musk won’t join Twitter’s board By Associated Press Billionaire Elon Musk, one of Twitter’s biggest shareholders, is reversing course and will no longer join the company’s board of directors, less than a week after being awarded a seat. Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced the news, which followed a weekend of Musk tweets suggesting changes to Twitter, including making the site ad-free. Nearly 90% of Twitter’s 2021 revenue came from ads. “Elon’s appointment to the board was to become officially effective on 4/9, but Elon shared that same morning that he would not be joining the board,” Agrawal wrote in a reposted note originally sent to Twitter employees. “I believe this is for the best.” Agrawal didn’t offer an explanation for Musk’s apparent decision. He said the board understood the risks of having Musk, who is now the company’s largest individual shareholder, as a member. But at the time it “believed having Elon as a fiduciary of the company, where he, like all board members, has to act in the best interests of the company and all our shareholders, was the best path forward,” he wrote. It was just a week earlier that regulatory filings revealed Musk had swiftly amassed a slightly bigger than 9% stake in the social media platform. The mercurial billionaire had been buying shares in almost daily batches starting Jan. 31.
Only Vanguard Group’s suite of mutual funds and ETFs controls more Twitter shares. Twitter quickly gave Musk a seat on the board on the condition that he not own more than 14.9% of the company’s outstanding stock, according to a regulatory filing. Now that Musk has backed out of the deal, he’s free to build a bigger stake in Twitter, perhaps to try to take over the company or to push for a new slate of directors to change its direction. “If you want to take over a company, you’re usually in a better position to not be on its board,” said Harry Kraemer, clinical professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. That’s because a board member’s responsibility is to get the best value for all the company’s shareholders. “Going on a board has a very specific responsibility to make sure you’re not doing something in your own personal interest,” said Kraemer, also a former chairman and CEO of Baxter International. In a regulatory filing Monday, Musk said he had “no preset plans or intentions” about how to use his influence on Twitter but that he may discuss with its board and management his thoughts on potential business combinations, strategy and other matters. He added that he may express his views “through social media or other channels.” If Musk had taken a board seat, it may have discouraged him from rocking the boat too
JOHN RAOUX • Associated Press
Elon Musk founder, CEO, and chief engineer/designer of SpaceX speaks during a news conference after a Falcon 9 SpaceX rocket test flight at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla, Jan. 19, 2020.
much, said Chester Spatt, a finance professor at Carnegie Mellon University and former chief economist at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. “There’s an old cliché about keeping somebody inside the tent,” Spatt said. “There were
advantages to having him constrained a bit.” While Musk has been one of Twitter’s loudest critics, the sudden withdrawal from the board, which became official Saturday, could signal that relations between Musk and Twitter will TESLA on page 9
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Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Editorial
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Editorials represent the opinions of The Reporter editorial board. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the college, university or student body. Maxwell Mayleben Editor In Chief
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Jenna Peterson Copy Editor
The job hunt is weird
Vote to pass the referendum. With the Student Government election ending today, there are two large items on the ballot to consider as a student, and that is the referendums increasing the Student Activities Fee as well as the Intercollegiate Athletics Fee. If the Student Activities Fee referendum is passed, the fee would be increased by 4.46%, going from $8.97 per credit to $9.37 per credit. If the Athletics Fee referendum is passed, it would increase by 5.25% going from $4 per credit to $4.21 per credit. Minnesota State System policy states that if the budget for any of these fees increases by more than 2%, it must go to a referendum to be voted on by the student population. If either referendum does not pass, there has been a back up budget that would fall back below the 2% increase. For the Student Activities Fee in particular, if the referendum does not pass, the back up budget has the fee simply dip further into the reserves account to cover the cost, with no changes to funding for programs. Now, any rational student might look at this situation and ask the question, “If voting no to paying more money doesn’t actually change anything, why would I ever vote yes?” While that is a rational thought, it is selfish and shortsighted. There is simply no way that dipping into reserves indefinitely is a sustainable measure for keeping a balanced and healthy budget. The current budget, if passed, already dips heavily into the reserves, with an expectation that next year there will be a significant move of the Green Transportation Fee (which is campus bussing) is moved to its own fee. This move is very complicated, and requires agreement from the Minnesota State System office to make happen, which is not an immediate nor definite shift. So why should students vote to pass the referendum? It is simple, the future. This referendum is an investment in the programs offered here at MSU, both under Student Activities and in athletics. Athletics cites the need to pay for rising transportation costs, also noting that the fee at MSU is among the lowest in the Minnesota State System. Student Activities had an increase in order to account for increased staffing costs, including paying student leaders higher wages for their work on campus. The fee also, as of now, pays for the bussing system on campus. If we continue down the road of eating up reserves, there will come a time in the near future where students will see decreases in essential services such as bussing hours and routes, as well as decreases in programs for students, including student events and opportunities. While it is easy to look at this fee increase with a selfish eye, it is imperative that students pass this referendum. We must understand that it isn’t just about our pockets, but it is also about the future pockets of students at MSU that we are voting for.
MAXWELL MAYLEBEN • The Reporter
The Career Development Center in the Wigley Building is a great place to get help in your career search.
By MAX MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief
I, like many seniors at MSU, am coming up on the end of my time attending this school. As the end of the semester approaches, and graduation sliding up behind it, we are left with the massive question: what is next? If you are anything like me, the next step is doing a mad dash to apply for as many jobs as humanly possible in hopes to land that dream position. There are so many concerns that come with the job hunt, including, but not limited to, location, pay, and position. One of the main concerns is what position you are going to take. For many, this may be easier, especially in more special-
ized degrees. For example, an accounting major will have a wide variety of specifically accountant jobs. On the contrary, the more broad majors, like mass media or political science, might be more difficult to narrow down to a single position. With so many choices for careers to delve into, it is vital to look at two main things: Can you do it? And will you enjoy it? The next main concern to think about is pay. What lifestyle are you looking to partake in after college? Is your major going to offer you a job that allows you to live that lifestyle? If you went into a field that historically has lower paying positions, it is time to start to budget for that, perhaps by looking at ways that you can cut costs. In the alternate
vein, know your worth. Make sure to do research on what people in that field are getting paid and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of in the first offer. Several people will simply take the first offer given to them, and more often than not, they could actually ask for more money than that. As a soon-to-be graduate myself, I am in constant worry that I will either not ask for enough or ask for too much and scare the employer away from hiring me. But that is where doing the research, knowing the market, and advocating for yourself comes into play. The best advice that I have received recently though for anyone leaving college is the comforting quote: “No matter what, you will always land.”
“What is your most useless talent?” Compiled by Maddie Behrens
ABBY DITTBENNER, FRESHMAN
PARKER RYAN, FRESHMAN
ABBEY COLLING, SOPHOMORE
GRETCHEN KRAHN, SOPHOMORE
PIERRE OUATTARA, FRESHMAN
COLLIN MCCARTHY, FRESHMAN
“Tap dancing.”
“I’m really good at eating.”
“I have red hair so everyone can make bad jokes.”
“I’m good at watching Criminal Minds instead of homework.”
“I can memorize useless facts.”
“Doing the worm backward.”
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 TESLA from page 7 become more acrimonious. “At some point he could throw the directors out, he could replace the board,” Spatt said. In a letter to employees announcing Musk’s departure, Agrawal wrote that, “There will be distractions ahead, but our goals and priorities remain unchanged.” Shares of Twitter Inc., which jumped nearly 30% after Musk’s stake became public last week, were 2.8% higher on Monday after swinging between gains and losses through the morning. Musk’s 81 million Twitter followers make him one of the most popular figures on the platform, rivaling pop stars like Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga. But his prolific tweeting has sometimes gotten him into trouble with the SEC and others. Musk and Tesla in 2018 agreed to pay $40 million in civil fines and for Musk to have his tweets approved by a corporate lawyer after he tweeted about having the money to take Tesla private at $420 per share. That didn’t happen but the tweet caused Tesla’s stock price to jump. Musk’s latest trouble with the SEC could be his delay in notifying regulators of his growing stake in Twitter. Musk, before reversing course on the board seat, sent out a number of tweets over the weekend referencing potential changes at Twitter. Many of them -- such as his proposal for an ad-free Twitter or turning the social media company’s San Francisco headquarters into a homeless shelter -- have since been deleted. Musk then posted a few cryptic tweets late Sunday, including one showing a meme saying, “In all fairness, your honor, my client was in goblin mode,” followed by one saying “Explains everything.” Another, later tweet was of an emoji with a hand over its mouth. Musk has described himself as a “free speech absolutist” and has said he doesn’t think Twitter is living up to free speech principles — an opinion shared by followers of Donald Trump and a number of other right-wing political figures who’ve had their accounts suspended for violating Twitter content rules. Twitter’s CEO and many of its board members had publicly praised Musk last week, suggesting they might take his ideas seriously. But the company had made clear that as a board member he could not make day-to-day decisions or change policies, such as overturning the Trump ban.
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MSU Reporter • 9
Sharif sworn in as Pakistan’s PM By KATHY GANNON Associated Press
Pakistan’s parliament on Monday elected opposition lawmaker Shahbaz Sharif as the new prime minister, following a week of political turmoil that led to the weekend ouster of Premier Imran Khan. Sharif took the oath of office inside the stately, white marble palace known as the Presidency in a brief ceremony. But his elevation won’t guarantee a peaceful path forward or solve the country’s many economic problems, including high inflation and a soaring energy crisis. Sharif, the brother of disgraced former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, won with 174 votes after more than 100 lawmakers from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or Pakistan Justice Party, resigned and walked out of the National Assembly in protest. Those 174 votes — two more than the required simple majority — are enough to pass laws in the 342-seat assembly. If Khan’s followers take to the streets, as he has vowed, it could create more pressure on lawmakers and deepen the crisis. Khan, a former cricket star whose conservative Islamist ideology and dogged independence characterized his three years and eight months in office, was ousted early Sunday. He lost a no-confidence vote after being deserted by his party allies and a key coalition partner. In a show of strength and a precursor to the political uncertainty ahead, Khan rallied hun-
dreds of thousands of supporters in protests Sunday night, describing the new leadership as an “imposed government” that colluded with the U.S. to oust him. His backers marched in cities across Pakistan, waving large party flags and shouted slogans promising to return him to power. The crowds were dominated by youths who make up the backbone of Khan’s supporters. The political drama began April 3 when Khan sidestepped an initial no-confidence vote demanded by the opposition by dissolving parliament and calling early elections. The opposition, which accuses Khan of economic mismanagement, appealed to the Supreme Court. After four days of deliberations, the court said Khan’s move was illegal and the no-confidence vote went ahead, leading to his ouster. Khan has demanded early elections — the balloting is not due before August 2023. He has tapped into anti-American sentiment in Pakistan, accusing Washington of conspiring with his opponents to topple him. That conspiracy theory resonates with his youthful base, which often sees the U.S. war on terrorism after 9/11 as unfairly targeting Pakistan. Khan claims Washington opposes him because of his independent foreign policy favoring China and Russia. He was criticized for a visit he made on Feb. 24 to Moscow, where he met with President Vladimir Putin as Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine. The U.S. State Department has denied any involvement in Pakistan’s
Press Information Department via AP
In this photo released by Press Information Department, acting President of Pakistan Sadiq Sanjrani, left, administers the oath of office to newly elected Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
internal politics. China, which is Pakistan’s key ally and investor,
said Monday it would support any government.
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10 • MSU Reporter
News
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
In France, it’s Macron vs. Le Pen, again By SYLVIE CORBET Associated Press
Incumbent Emmanuel Macron will face far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen in a winnertakes-all runoff for the French presidency, after they both advanced Sunday in the first round of voting in the country’s election to set up another head-tohead clash of their sharply opposing visions for France. But while Macron won t heir last contest in 2017 by a landslide to become France’s youngest-ever president, the same outcome this time is far from guaranteed. Macron, now 44, emerged ahead from Sunday’s first round, but the runoff is essentially a new election and the next two weeks of campaigning to the April 24 second-round vote promise to be bruising and confrontational against his 53-year-old political nemesis. Savvier and more polished as she makes her third attempt to become France’s first woman president, Le Pen was handsomely rewarded Sunday at the ballot box for her years-long effort to rebrand herself as more pragmatic and less extreme. Macron has accused Le Pen of pushing an extremist manifesto of racist, ruinous policies. Le Pen wants to roll back some rights for Muslims, banning them from wearing headscarves in public, and to drastically reduce immigration from outside Europe. On Sunday, she racked up her best-ever first-round tally of votes. With most votes counted, Macron had just over 27% and Le Pen had just under 24%. Hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon was third, missing out
on the two-candidate runoff, with close to 22%. Macron also improved on his first-round showing in 2017, despite his presidency being rocked by an almost unrelenting series of both domestic and international crises. They include Russia’s war in Ukraine that overshadowed the election and diverted his focus from the campaign. With polling suggesting that the runoff against Le Pen could be close, Macron immediately started throwing his energies into the battle. Addressing supporters Sunday night who chanted “five more years,” Macron warned that “nothing is done” and said the runoff campaign will be “decisive for our country and for Europe.” Claiming that Le Pen would align France with “populists and xenophobes,” he said: “That’s not us.” “I want to reach out to all those who want to work for France,” he said. He vowed to “implement the project of progress, of French and European openness and independence we have advocated for.” The election outcome will have wide international influence as Europe struggles to contain the havoc wreaked by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Macron has strongly backed European Union sanctions on Russia while Le Pen has worried about their impact on French living standards. Macron also is a firm supporter of NATO and of close collaboration among the European Union’s 27 members. Macron for months had looked like a shoo-in to become
France’s first president in 20 years to win a second term. But National Rally leader Le Pen, in a late surge, tapped into the foremost issue on many French voters’ minds: soaring costs for food, gas and heating due to rising inflation and the repercussions of Western sanctions on Russia. To win in round two, both Macron and Le Pen now need to reach out to voters who backed the 10 presidential candidates defeated Sunday. For some of the losers’ disappointed supporters, the runoff vote promises to be agonizing. Melenchon voter Jennings Tangly, a 21-year-old student of English at Paris’ Sorbonne University, said the second-round match-up was an awful prospect for her, a choice “between the plague and cholera.” She described Macron’s presidency as “abject,” but said she would vote for him in round two simply to keep Le Pen from the presidential Elysee Palace. “It would be a survival vote rather than a vote with my heart,” she said. Le Pen’s supporters celebrated with champagne and chanted “We’re going to win!” She sought to reach out to left-wing supporters for round two by promising fixes for “a France torn apart.” She said the second round presents voters with “a fundamental choice between two opposing visions of the future: Either the division, injustice and disorder imposed by Emmanuel Macron to the benefit of the few, or the uniting of French people around social justice and protection.” Some of her defeated rivals
LOUIS WITTER • Associated Press
French President and centrist presidential candidate for reelection Emmanuel Macron gestures as he strolls after voting for the first round of the presidential election, Sunday, April 10, 2022 in Le Touquet, northern France.
were so alarmed by the possibility of Le Pen beating Macron that they urged their supporters Sunday to shift their second-round votes to the incumbent. Melenchon, addressing supporters who sometimes shed tears, repeatedly said: “We must not give one vote to Mrs.
Le Pen.” Describing herself as “profoundly worried,” defeated conservative candidate Valerie Pecresse warned of “the chaos that would ensue” if Le Pen was elected, saying the far-right leader has never been so close to power. Pecresse said she would vote for Macron in the runoff.
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12 • MSU Reporter
Tuesday, Ap
THE REPORTER’S MONTHL
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MSU Reporter • 13 pril 12, 2022
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14 • MSU Reporter
SPORTS
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
HISTORIC SEASON
Mavs welcomed home by Mankato faithful
Mavericks fall to Denver Pioneers in title game
By KOLE BUELOW • Sports Editor
By KOLE BUELOW • Sports Editor
After landing at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and taking the bus ride home, the Minnesota State men’s hockey team made it back to their home rink at around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday. It was a tough trip back to Mankato following a loss in the National Championship game, but members of Minnesota State University held a celebration for the National runner-ups on Monday to welcome home the most successful hockey team in program history. The reception began with a word from athletic director Kevin Buisman, who introduced Mike ‘Sully’ Sullivan, the hockey team’s announcer, to begin the celebration. The mayors of North Mankato and Mankato made an appearance and together declared Monday, April 11, 2022 Maverick Hockey Day in the cities of Mankato and North Mankato. Following, President Inch addressed the crowd and players with a powerful message of his gratitude to be a part of a city and campus that are so connected. “I couldn’t be prouder of what [the hockey team] do in support of our community and support of our campus,” said Inch. “But the other thing that became very apparent after the Frozen Four and more apparent after we got here, is how much our community and our athletic programs HOME on page 16
The Mavericks struck first in today’s NCAA Division I National Championship, capitalizing on the power play in the first period, but all went downhill from there. A second period of back and forth scoring attempts but no scoring led way for Denver to take over in the third, where they amassed all five of their goals. Denver’s Ryan Barrow buried the first one, scoring off a loose puck in front of MSU’s senior goaltender Dryden McKay. The Pioneers were relentless after gaining momentum, scoring another goal off a one-timer on a two on one breakaway. Not long after Denver did it again, scoring another tic tac toe breakaway on a two on one, giving them a 3-1 lead. Minnesota State pulled Hobey Baker award winner McKay with 3:30 remaining for an extra attacker, but DU tallied an empty netter to seal the deal. The Mavericks did not give up, pulling McKay again, which only resulted in another empty netter. Minnesota State’s best period of hockey was played in the first, with junior forward Sam Morton finding the back of the net. At the 7:37 mark, senior defenseman Andy Carroll neared the offensive zone while carrying the puck and was tripped right in front of Denver’s bench to send MSU on the man advantage. TITLE on page 16
The Minnesota State Mavericks finished their season with a team-best 38-6-0 record, reaching the NCAA title game for the first time in team history. Photos by MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Sports
MSU Reporter • 15
McKay wins the Hobey
MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter
Brian (left) and Connor have shared the love for Maverick hockey for as long as they have been together.
Maverick hockey bus driver and son’s journey to the Frozen Four By KARSON BUELOW Staff Writer
Among the many Minnesota State fans attending the Frozen Four in Boston this week, Brian Wachtel and his son Connor’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of impressive. And while many know him as Brian, a few have been fortunate to be able to call him their bus driver too. Brian started working as a school bus driver earlier in his career before joining the Maverick hockey team as their team bus driver. After about six months of driving for the schools, Brian was asked if he’d be interested in driving motor coach buses. A couple weeks later, Brian was asked if he could drive for the Gustavus women’s hockey
team one weekend. Brian quickly turned the idea down because he had to stay and watch Connor. The owner of the motor coach company was quick to tell Brian to take Connor with him on the bus, and Brian agreed. After a memorable first motor coach drive, Brian was offered to drive the Maverick hockey team up to Grand Forks, N.D. the next weekend. “That’s how fast I fell into it,” said Brian. A short time later, Brian found himself being switched around with other bus drivers for the MSU hockey team. One trip to Bemidji Brian remembered specifically, as it was the trip where he locked in his position as team bus driver. “I remember coming out JOURNEY on page 17
Morton, Denver meet again MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter
The Hobey Baker, awarded to the best player in college hockey, was awarded to Minnesota State’s senior goaltender Dryden McKay in Boston during the 2022 NCAA Frozen Four. McKay finished a historic season with a 38-5-0 record, recording 10 shutouts.
By KOLE BUELOW Sports Editor
The Hobey Baker, awarded to the best player in college hockey, was awarded to Minnesota State’s senior goaltender Dryden McKay this evening in Boston. Despite not winning the Mike Richter, awarded to college hockey’s best goaltender, McKay earned the Hobey Baker for his record-setting season. The senior goaltender’s season has been nothing short of impressive, with McKay breaking several NCAA records to join elite company in the hockey world. McKay was starstruck when he reached the podium, and was quick to thank his fellow nominees, one being the University of Denver’s Bobby Brink. Brink will compete against McKay and the Mavericks tomorrow in the
National Championship game. “I want to congratulate Bobby and Ben [Meyers] for amazing seasons,” said McKay. He went on to thank his parents who showed the goaltender how to love the game of hockey, as well as his teammates and coaches at Minnesota State. The moderator of the Hobey Baker show made sure to dig into what the Mavericks might have in store tomorrow night for the National Championship game. McKay looked towards Brink at the end of the stage and said, “They’ve got a pretty good leading scorer,” making the entire ballroom erupt with laughter. Maverick fans would be pleased to hear McKay also shouted out the city of Mankato and the Minnesota State program saying, “Minnesota State has become a
second home for me and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.” The Downers Grove, Ill. native ‘s impressive season is one for the record books, as McKay has collected an NCAA single-season record 38 wins while collecting 10 shutouts. The newest Hobey Baker winner holds the NCAA Division I record for career shutouts at 34. In attendance were a minimal number of team members, as most watched from the team hotel on the opposite side of Boston. However, head coach Mike Hastings along with senior defenseman Wyatt Aamodt made the trip. Privately, Aamodt chatted about McKay’s success saying, “It’s unreal. Hockey stuff aside, I’ve been fortunate enough to live with him and it’s been cool to see him be awarded for what he deserves.”
MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter
Junior forward Sam Morton at Minnesota State’s Friday skate.
By KARSON BUELOW Staff Writer
As many college hockey players know, the road to the National Championship game is filled with many twists and turns. For Minnesota State forward Sam Morton, the journey has been one to remember. The Mavericks will return to action today as they will play for the National Championship against Sam’s hometown team, Denver. And while Morton claims he didn’t really follow the Pioneers
growing up, connections with the opposing players makes this game more special to him. “I think I might have only gone to one or two games growing up, but obviously they were a talked about program when you grew up in Colorado,” Sam said. “I’ve played against a lot of kids who are on that team right now, so that’s going to be energizing and it’ll be a fun game to be a part of.” Morton began his hockey career in California, where he grew MORTON on page 16
16 • MSU Reporter TITLE from page 14 About a minute through the power play, junior forward Lucas Sowder collected a rebound off Denver goaltender Magnus Chrona’s pad and quickly tapped the puck towards a wide open Morton. Morton one-timed the puck five-hole, tallying the first goal of the game. Despite two breakaway chances for the Mavericks, the second period remained scoreless, and eventually led to a breakdown in the third period. McKay was quick to put the loss on himself postgame, knowing the Mavericks were unable to recover after one goal helped Denver let loose. “I thought that I gave up a bad rebound on the first one and they capitalized. Then we took a penalty shortly after, it was just a bad bounce. Then a guy makes a good shot on the power play and all of a sudden its 2-1. Just never really recovered,” explained McKay. “Would have been nice to make a few more saves for the guys and keep one or two, but it just never really happened.” Although the Mavericks let up that first goal in the third period, Hastings was confident in his group to rebound. MSU has faced adversity like this before but just came up short in doing so. Although ending a season with a loss in the National Championship is something that causes the most “open of wounds” according to Hastings, there is much more to be proud about than there is to hang your head over for this team. The Mavericks welcomed their first ever Hobey Baker recipient, claimed a MacNaughton cup, a Mason Cup, and advanced to the team’s first ever National Championship game all behind a team-best 38-6-0 season. The team will undoubtedly look different next year, but Minnesota State’s depth runs deep, and they will have a great chance at making a rebound next season.
HOME from page 14 are connected. You all come out and support our teams. You all come out and fill this arena. It’s an impressive sight and more importantly, it’s an impressive feeling.” Mavericks’ head coach Mike Hastings addressed everyone next, thanking everyone who has made a lasting impact on Minnesota State’s success this season as a hockey team. With his address, Hastings thanked his fellow coaching staff, the fans, the players, and most importantly, his wife saying, “There’s one person I’ve got to thank more than anybody else for all of this being able to happen and it’s because I got permission to move to Mankato from my beautiful wife Jeann.” Without Hastings’ decision to take over MSU’s program, who knows where it would be today. Under coach, the MavHOME on page 17
Sports
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Baseball beats Wolves twice to improve to 20-5 By KARSON BUELOW The Minnesota State University, Mankato baseball team reached the 20-win mark this past weekend as they defeated Northern State in a threegame series at Bowyer Field in Mankato. The Mavericks got out to a hot start against the Wolves, shutting them out 8-0 and 5-0 in Saturday’s double-header before dropping the series finale 7-11 on Sunday. Senior Brendan Knoll got the start on the mound for the Mavs in game one and picked up his fifth win of the season. Knoll pitched all seven innings and collected seven strikeouts while allowing only four hits in the process. With the bases loaded in the first, MSU would open the scoring as sophomore infielder Adam Schneider was walked, bringing home junior Nick Altermatt. The Mavericks would add to the lead later in the first as redshirt-freshman Aiden Byrne tallied a two-run RBI single up the middle, bringing the MSU lead to 3-0. The score remained 3-0 until the sixth inning when the Mavs would tally five runs. Their five-run sixth inning was highlighted by a two-run home run coming off the bat of
sophomore infielder Jackson Hauge. The Wolves left three runners stranded on base in the final two innings as the Mavericks shut them out 8-0 in game one. The two teams returned to the field at 4:30 p.m. for game two of the double-header. Altermatt started on the mound for the Mavericks and continued his perfect season with his sixth win. The Wanda, Minn. native allowed only five runs in seven innings pitched while picking up five strikeouts through 26 batters faced. MSU’s bats remained hot from the game prior as they opened game two with a threerun first inning which included Hauge’s second home run of the day. In the third inning, Schneider brought the Mavericks lead to 4-0 off a sacrifice-fly out to center field. The Mavs would pick up the final run in the seventh inning when junior infielder Mikey Gottschalk scored on an error. Minnesota State would sweep Saturday’s double-header with a 5-0 win and improved to 20-4 on the season. MSU and NSU returned to the field at noon on Sunday for the series finale. Junior Jack Zigan was credited with his first loss of the season as he let up six runs
MORTON from page 15 up playing AA hockey until he was 13 years old. When he was 14, Sam and his family moved to Lafayette, Colo., where he began playing for the Colorado Thunderbirds and Rocky Mountain Roughriders AAA programs.
After his tenure in Colorado, Morton signed a contract with the British Columbia Hockey League’s (BCHL) Wenatchee Wild. The California native spent two seasons with the Wild before signing his first collegiate contract with Union College in
Staff Writer
DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter
Junior infielder and pitcher Nathan Berg has made four appearances on the mound for Minnesota State, striking out five batters in 11 at-bats. Berg’s lone hit this season batted in two runs.
in 0.1 innings in relief. Junior Collin Denk got the start on the mound for the Mavericks and allowed four runs and seven hits in five innings pitched. The Wolves opened the game with a two-run first inning which included a homerun from redshirt-junior Jack Paulson. The Mavericks would respond in a big way, scoring six runs in the next three innings to take a commanding 6-2 lead. The Wolves would capitalize in the fourth and fifth innings, cutting the Mavs’ lead
to 6-4, but an RBI double by Altermatt brought MSU’s lead to 7-4 in the sixth. Northern State would add six runs in the seventh inning which was highlighted by a grand slam coming from the bat of redshirt-senior Isaiah Chevalier. NSU would go on to defeat MSU 11-7 in the series finale. Minnesota State’s doubleheader against Minnesota Crookston for Apr. 12 was relocated to Bowyer Field in Mankato due to improper field conditions in Crookston. The games start at 1:30 p.m.
New York. Sam spent roughly one and a half seasons with the Dutchmen, tallying 13 pts in 42 games played. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic ended his second season early and he was sent back to the BCHL to
finish the remainder of his season. After his season in the BCHL, Morton entered the transfer portal and decided to come to Minneosta State University. “I knew [Lucas] Sowder MORTON on page 17
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Tuesday, April 12, 2022 HOME from page 16 ericks have had the most successful stretch in team history, where the team has amassed over 270 wins in 10 seasons including two Frozen Four appearances. Buisman explained in his speech to the crowd that during the hiring process of Hastings, which all started in a Pizza Ranch in Iowa, that people told him the success the program is having right now would never, ever happen. “We accomplished some things that people said could never be done in Maverick hockey,” explained Buisman. “That having the winningest program over the last decade, a three time coach of the year, and appearing in two consecutive Frozen Fours was just a crazy dream. And that it would never, ever happen. That’s a true story. Someone actually said that about our program.” He proceeded to say the member who told him this would never be possible, broke off from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) to form the NCHC. But this was Buisman’s time to repeat a quote from Toby Keith saying, “‘How do you like me now!?’” Senior captain Wyatt Aamodt got his turn in front of the crowd of around 500, thanking everyone for coming out to Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Aamodt’s most powerful message was one every young kid should strive to hear, especially if they want to become a Maverick some day. “From the second you step on campus, you learn to buy into something greater than yourself.”
JOURNEY from page 15 of a hotel and coach Jutting asked me how I slept,” said Brian. “I said good, but I’m upset that I’m not taking you to Omaha next week. As I was walking away, he looked at me and said, ‘It will never happen again.’” And Jutting fulfilled his promise, making a phone call that made Brian the team bus driver still to this day. And while many diehard MSU fans like to say they haven’t missed a game, Brian is one that has the history to prove it. “I don’t let any other bus driver have a chance,” Brian said. “Under Coach Hastings, you feel like you’re a part of the team. The team treats me really well.” Brian’s son Connor is a familiar face around Maverick Athletics as well. The graduate student has worked for the past six years as an athletic communications assistant in the athletic office under Paul Allen (PA). Post-graduation, Connor hopes to continue working in the communications/public relations field but is unsure whether it will be for hockey or baseball. But Connor’s familiarity with the Mavericks began long before beginning school at the university. “Connor was born in July, JOURNEY on page 18
Sports
MSU Reporter • 17
Softball splits both double headers, now 26-10 By KARSON BUELOW The Minnesota State University, Mankato softball team improved to 26-10 on the season after splitting doubleheaders last weekend with Minnesota Duluth and St. Cloud State. The Mavericks took game one Saturday against the Bulldogs 3-0 before dropping game two 0-2. MSU defeated SCSU in game one Sunday 5-0 before falling 2-5 in game two. Senior MacKenzie Ward pitched in all eight innings in game one of Saturday’s doubleheader and earned her 16th win of the season, allowing only four hits while striking out five batters in the process. Game one against the Bulldogs remained scoreless until the eighth inning when sophomore Ellie Tallman tallied an RBI single giving the Mavs the 1-0 lead. Later in the eighth, Sophomore Courtney Baxter brought the lead to 3-0 off an RBI double to right center field. MSU took game one against UMD 3-0, and both teams returned to the field at 3:40 p.m. for game two. Sophomore McKayla Armbruster got the start on the mound in game two and picked up her fourth loss of the season. The Faribault, Minn.
native let up two runs on four hits in five innings pitched. Like game one, it took several innings for the first run to be scored in game two. Freshman infielder Nicole Schmitt got the Bulldogs on the board with a solo homerun in the fifth inning. Sophomore utility Kat Burkhardt brought UMD’s lead to 2-0 in the sixth inning with an RBI single to center field. The Bulldogs would go on to hold off the Mavericks, winning 2-0 in a low-scoring affair. The Mavericks then traveled to St. Cloud to take on the Huskies in a Sunday afternoon doubleheader. Ward picked up her 17th win of the season in game one on Sunday after pitching in all seven innings. The Clive, Iowa native allowed only two hits while striking out 13 batters. Senior infielder Hailee Forshee got the Mavs rolling in the second inning of game one with an RBI single to left center. Freshman infielder Cheyenne Behrends brought the lead to 3-0 with a two-run RBI double to right center field in the third inning. Behrends picked up another RBI off a bunt in the fifth inning that drove home sophomore utility Madi Newman. Forshee would finish off the
MORTON from page 16 and [Colby] Bukes and they both had good things to say about the program,” Morton said. “It just seemed like a culture I wanted to be apart of.” Since his transfer, Morton has tallied 32 pts in 54 games with Minnesota State. And like
many other players on the roster, this is his first Frozen Four appearance. Despite wanting to relax and be a tourist for a day, Morton remains focused on the job needed to be done. “I’ve looked out the bus window and walked around
Staff Writer
Maverick Athletics
Senior pitcher Mackenzie Ward improved to 17-3 with two wins this past weekend. Ward has an ERA of 0.87, WHIP of .85, and has struck out 189 batters in 129.1 innings pitched this season.
scoring in the game with a solo homerun in the sixth inning to left field to help the Mavericks pick up their 26th win of the season in their 5-0 victory over the Huskies. Both teams had a short break before returning for the final game of the doubleheader at 3:40 p.m. Armbruster got the start on the mound in game two against the Huskies, picking up her fifth loss of the season, allowing four runs and six hits in 4.1 innings pitched. Tallman got the Mavs on
the board first in the third inning with an RBI double to center field. The Huskies would respond in the bottom of the third by tallying two runs and taking a 2-1 lead. SCSU would extend their lead to 3-1 in the fifth when senior infielder Raven Vanden Langenberg went the distance for a solo homerun. Senior infielder Jasmin Estrada would tally another home run for the Huskies in the fifth, bringing the lead to 5-1. The Mavericks would get SOFTBALL on page 19
our hotel a little bit,” Morton said with a chuckle. “I just want to win and then go from there.” Of his 23 pts this season, one came in the form of an assist in Thursday’s game against the University of Minnesota. The Mavericks defeated the
Gophers 5-1 in front of a sellout crowd at TD Garden in Boston. “This is the first year we’ve had fans at the Frozen Four in a while,” Sam said. “Playing in front of family, friends, and a full building has been really cool.”
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IndyCar rich in drama as Indianapolis 500 looms By JENNA FRYER Associtaed Press
Through just three races, the IndyCar Series is already building enough dynamic storylines to be worthy of its own Netflix program. Speculation has been mounting that IndyCar, just like NASCAR and any motorsports series with a finger on the pulse of pop culture, is trying to put together a behindthe-scenes docuseries similar to Formula One’s “Drive to Survive.” The show has led to an explosion in F1 popularity in the United States, the market every sponsor-seeking race entity in the world wants to crack. Well, it’s time to mic the IndyCar paddock, which has packed a season’s worth of drama into the first three events with the Indianapolis 500 still seven weeks away. Josef Newgarden has “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on his wish list and he is already talking about it. His first career Long Beach Grand Prix victory on Sunday kept Team Penske a perfect 3-0 to start the the season. Scott McLaughlin won the season opener, and Long Beach made it two straight wins by Newgarden, the two-time IndyCar champion who is 0-for-10 in the Indianapolis 500. The American — he lives just outside of Nashville and his wife, Ashley, is expecting their first child any day now — is eyeing the Borg-Warner Trophy. “I’m focused on it. I can’t do more than what I’ve done in the past, I can tell you that,” Newgarden said. “You can go your whole career and not win the Indy 500, and I accept that, if that’s the case. But I’m not going to go down without a fight.” A win by Newgarden — or McLaughlin or Will Power — would extend Roger Penske’s record to 19 as an owner, and happen at his first true Indy 500 as owner of the series and iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His first Indianapolis 500 after closing the sale was delayed and held in front of empty grandstands for the first time in race history. Last year was a limited crowd, but the 150,000 or so in attendance unofficially reopened America as the largest sporting event at the time. Now he’s expecting a packed house, the return of Carb Day and its traditional concerts and the re-opening of the Snake Pit party zone in the infield. There will be 33 cars in the field, Penske insisted, although 33 entrants have yet to be announced.
Sports
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Wolves get tough play-in with Clips By DAVE CAMPBELL Associated Press
For all the strides the Minnesota Timberwolves made this season on both ends of the floor, proving themselves as a team on the rise with plenty of untapped potential, their entry into the NBA playoffs has still yet to be secured. Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers present a significant roadblock. “He takes them to a whole other level,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. The confident team that reached the Western Conference finals last year — and beat the Wolves three times in November when George was healthy — has the seven-time All-Star back in the lineup after a three-month absence with an elbow injury. The Clippers visit the Wolves on Tuesday night in a play-in game for the No. 7 seed and a first-round date with Memphis. The loser must turn around and beat the San Antonio-New Orleans winner to get the No. 8 seed and a matchup with league-leading Phoenix, or else begin their offseason with the rest of the lottery-bound teams. “We stop Paul George, we win the game,” said Anthony Edwards, who will likely have the primary responsibility of guarding the 12-year veteran wing. George had 76 points, 25 rebounds, 18 assists and four steals over those three earlier victories by 11, 20 and 27 points. Minnesota won by 18 in the last matchup in January when George was out. The Clippers, who finished four games behind the Wolves, have measurably more postseason experience to counteract the
JOURNEY from page 17 and I started carrying him to games in October,” Brian said. “Parents around us would comment how he paid attention to the game and never screwed around.”
ANDY CLAYTON-KING • Associated Press
Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots on San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game Thursday, April 7, 2022, in Minneapolis.
home-court advantage. “I don’t really believe in that,” LA coach Tyronn Lue said. “One game, anyone can get hot or we could have a bad shooting night. We can’t ease into the game. We’ve got to be ready to go from the jump.” The Clippers recently welcomed back another integral player, Norman Powell, from a broken foot that sidelined him for 22 games shortly after he was acquired in a trade with Portland. “We’re in a good place,” Lue said. “Got to continue playing the right way.” The Wolves only have Karl-Anthony Towns left from their 2017-18 team that lost in the first round to Houston, the only appearance in the playoffs
since 2004 for the long-woebegone franchise. The fans have begun to come back and make the arena loud again, with Towns, Edwards and the rest of the roster giving them reasons to repeat their visits. “This is a great sports town,” said Finch, who signed a multi-year contract extension on Monday. “If you play hard and you play the right way and you do the right things, they’ll support you.” The addition of defensive ace and emotional leader Patrick Beverley this season has given the Wolves a big boost, and he’s conveniently the most knowledgeable person in the organization about the ins and outs of the Clippers. Beverley
spent the previous four seasons with LA. Two trades — the first one to Memphis — sent him to Minnesota. “He talks a lot of trash, but he can back it all up,” Towns said. “So shoutout to him, what he’s done, what he’s brought this team.” The Clippers were able to disrupt Towns and his flow with the offense in their matchups this season, one of the first opponents to find success by sending a smaller forward — in their case, Nicolas Batum — to defend the All-Star center with a physical approach to the post. “The Batum wrestling match” was how Finch described it, with a wry smile.
Their long, continuing history with Maverick athletics has led them to their first Frozen Four, where they will be going as fans rather than to work. “I have credentials to this
and I told PA thanks for getting them,” said Connor. “But I decided to go solo and bought tickets because this is a good ending to the whole school thing.” “I’ve wanted to go to the
Frozen Four forever,” Brian said. “We thought we would be out here for a Twins game before anything else. But I have a good feeling, and being able to share it with my wife and son is pretty special. We’re pumped.”
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Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Djokovic is motivated to compete again for titles By BARBARA SURK Associated Press
Novak Djokovic is ready to move on from the controversy surrounding his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19. “I miss competition,” the Serbian tennis star said Sunday on the opening day of the clay-court season at the Monte Carlo Masters in Monaco. “I still feel motivation to be on the tour and compete… and try to challenge the best players in the world for the biggest titles.” The 20-time Grand Slam champion has played only one tournament so far in 2022, losing to Jiri Vesely in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Championships. Djokovic could not defend his Australian Open title in January after he was deported from the country for not being inoculated. More recently, he had to skip tournaments in Indian Wells, California, and Miami because he couldn’t travel to the United States for the same reason. He has declared that he would not get the vaccine in order to be able to compete. It has been a turbulent start to 2022 for Djokovic, who went through detention and a court case during an 11-day saga in Australia before he was sent home and not allowed to defend his title at Melbourne. Rafael Nadal went on to win the Australian Open for his 21st major trophy, breaking a tie with Djokovic and Roger Federer. At the end of February, Djokovic lost his No. 1 ranking for the first time in two years, sliding to No. 2 behind Daniil Medvedev, before reclaiming top spot. And on March 1, Djokovic announced that he and coach Marian Vajda were splitting after 15 years together. “The last four, five months have been really challenging for me mentally and emotionally but here I am and I try to leave all that behind and move on,” Djokovic said on Sunday. Djokovic said what happened in Australia has not impacted his ability to win. “I don’t feel like it has left huge scars on me that I’m unable to train or participate in tournaments or live my life,” Djokovic said. “I will try to use that as a fuel for what’s coming up.” His opening match in Monaco is scheduled for Tuesday. The authorities in France and Monaco lifted most COVID-19 restrictions last month, allowing people who aren’t vaccinated into the country and back into restaurants, sports arenas and other venues.
Sports
MSU Reporter • 19
Tiger’s Masters: No fairytale ending By PAUL NEWBERRY The Masters patrons filled in every nook and cranny around the 18th green, awaiting the appearance of the man in red. A scene that’s been so familiar to Tiger Woods on so many Sundays at Augusta National, but this one was different. It wasn’t even 3 o’clock on the warm, sunny afternoon in east Georgia. Over on the adjacent first hole, leader Scottie Scheffler and closest pursuer Cameron Smith had just teed off in the final group. Hunched over and limping noticeably, Woods climbed the deceptively steep hill leading up to the green as the fans slowly rose to their feet, the roar building as they saluted a remarkable comeback if not a fairy tale of a weekend. “Way to hang in there, Tiger!” a man standing back in the crowd belted out. From a strictly golfing viewpoint, this was hardly the Woods that so many remembered. The guy who’s won five green jackets, the last of them just three years ago. The guy who’ll go down as one of the greatest to ever play the game, even if he never strikes another shot. (Don’t worry, he’s not done.) This Woods, the one
hobbling on a rebuilt right leg that he could’ve lost in that horrific car crash 14 months ago, closed with back-to-back 78s that were the worst scores of his Masters career. He even had to take a left-handed swing at the 13th after knocking his ball onto the pine straw behind the green, right up next to an azalea. His battered body simply ran out of steam after an electrifying 71 on Thursday, when Woods made his return to competitive golf for the first time in more than 500 days. He grinded out a 74 on Friday, ensuring he would make the Masters cut for the 22nd time in a row. There was nothing left in the tank for the weekend. Still, it was a gratifying experience, one that Woods clearly didn’t regret putting himself through even if he didn’t come close to winning a record-tying sixth green jacket. “This tournament has meant so much to me and my family,” Woods said. “This is where all the great champions have ever played. They have walked these grounds.” That Woods was able to walk the course again — for four days, no less — was a feat in itself. After his wreck in February 2021, doctors told Wood that his shattered right leg
Tiger Woods walks up the ninth fairway during the final round at the Masters golf tournament on Sunday, April 10, 2022, in Augusta, Ga.
might have to be amputated. They managed to save it, but he was confined to a hospital bed for three months. He’s still got screws and rods holding the bones in place. Woods walked Augusta National with a limp that got more and more noticeable, sometimes using a club as a walking stick to help him get around. Most telling, he couldn’t bend all the way over to read putts on Augusta’s tricky greens, which may explain why his stellar touch with the short stick seemed to
abandon him on the weekend. But excluding all the tournaments he’s won — especially those 15 major championships — this felt like his greatest achievement in golf. “For not winning an event, yes. Yes, without a doubt,’ Woods said. “I don’t think people really understand. The people who are close to me understand. They’ve seen it. Some of the players who are close to me have seen it and have seen some of the pictures and the things that I have had to endure.
SOFTBALL from page 17 one back in the seventh as Forshee picked up the RBI, but it was too little too late as they fell to the Huskies 2-5 in game two. Minnesota State will be back in action Apr. 12 taking
on the Upper Iowa Peacocks in an afternoon doubleheader in Fayette, Iowa. The Peacocks come into Tuesday’s action with a 15-14 overall record including going 6-3 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play.
The Peacocks’ hitting is led by grad-student infielder Katie Crogan who owns an impressive .505 batting average so far this season. Crogan has also tallied 30 runs and 46 hits this season through 91 at-bats. Upper Iowa’s pitching crew
is led by senior Sydney Wilcox. The Shiocton, Wis. native owns an 8-7 record this season and a 3.07 earned run average. Start-times for the Mavericks and Peacocks are April 12 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in Fayette, Iowa.
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Tuesday, April 12, 2022
VARIETY
‘A TASTE OF AFRICA’
EMILY LANSMAN • The Reporter
African Student Association returned to campus after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic. A variety of performers took to the stage to display and honor their cultures.
“A Taste of Africa” displayed a variety of African cultures By LILLY SCHMIDT • Staff Writer After two years, the African Student Association hosted Africa Night at Minnesota State University, Mankato as a showcase of culture. The theme for Saturday’s event, A Taste of Africa, was brought to life by ASA members and volunteers. For MSU sophomore Nuna
Melaw, the event is about a sense of community. “We’re all away from home, and coming here and uniting together feels better,” said Melaw. In addition to creating a sense of home for African students, the event was welcoming for every student to enjoy themselves, as well as learn and embrace African culture. Zoe Gorah is an ASA member who represented South Africa on stage last Saturday. “People are very afraid of the fact they may be different people here and they may not be welcome, but it’s an event for everybody to enjoy,” shared Gorah. “If you like food and if you like to watch shows and performanc-
es, everybody’s welcome.” To show culture this year, countries were represented by a cultural dish on a slideshow before their performance. With the return of the event, Gorah was blown away by the success. “We didn’t expect [the turnout.] We had a capacity of 700 people, but we decided to just take 600 and then the other hundred people are the volunteers, who put in a lot of work for this event,” shared Gorah. Gorah was proud of the performances that entertained the audience. “I was so proud of our performances. We’ve been getting ready for Africa Night for a long time, and it
felt like things were not gonna come together,” said Gorah. “We wandered on stage, did our magic and it worked.” This event was completely funded by students’ passion to share their culture. Gorah explained how ASA invited students of almost each of the African countries represented on campus to attend. “We [told people] we would like anybody who is willing to represent their country in any way. ‘Just come in, do your thing’ and people came. People came to represent Ethiopia, people came to represent ConAFRICA on page 22
Hypnotist Chris Jones visits MSU for Maverick Mayhem Night By SYD BERGGREN Staff Writer
This past Saturday, the Minnesota State University, Mankato Student Events Team and Residence Hall Association hosted the Night of Maverick Mayhem in the Centennial Student Union. Several events took place that included a hypnotist, carnival games, and a viewing of
the Frozen Four hockey game. Hypnotist Chris Jones, who was featured on Season 10 of “America’s Got Talent”, was found by the SET through NACA, a job fair for magicians, comedians, and similar acts. “I’ve been doing this for 12 years now,” said Jones. “I’ve done the 50 states and I largely do colleges and high schools.” Jones found the art of hyp-
notism in college by chance and has been performing since he was 23 years old. “I wasn’t good at anything else, and I bombed the college talent show doing magic. Everyone saw the string I was using to levitate a playing card, and I swore I was never going to do magic again,” said Jones. “Hypnosis is wonderful because there is no secret.”
Jones performed twice during the Night of Maverick Mayhem. Each of Jones’ shows are different, depending entirely on the type of audience. “Tonight will be different because there’s two shows, and I’m expecting some young people in the first show, so I’m going to keep it PG,” said Jones. “Some people will be doubtful and skeptic, as they should be.
I do my routines based on who is there and the dynamic of the people.” At the first performance, which held a crowd of about 40 people, Jones was able to get 15 people to fall asleep, whether on stage or in the audience. He hypnotized volunteers to dance, tell the audience their superhero powers, and sleep HYPNOSIS on page 21
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Variety
Poet Ross Gay wraps up Good Thunder Series for the year
MSU Reporter • 21
Clash of the Keys: Dueling Pianos coming to Serendipity
Courtesy photo
Musician Scottie Miller (above) will be facing off against Tom Hunter in a Dueling Pianos event on Wednesday, April 13. The two piano players will be playing a variety of music ranging from rhythm and blues to jazz.
By EMMA JOHNSON
Variety Editor
Courtesy photo
Poet Ross Gay helped wrap up the Good Thunder Series on Thursday April 7. Gay participated in a workshop, craft talk and live reading events over Zoom. Gay read excerpts from his latest poem collection, “Be Holding.”
By ALEXANDRA TOSTRUD This past Thursday marked the final Good Thunder Reading event of the academic year, featuring poet Ross Gay. Minnesota State University Mankato hosts four different authors throughout the Good Thunder season, inviting them to share their work and their knowledge with students and the greater Mankato community. The workshop, craft talk and reading segments were each held over Zoom throughout the day. MFA student Antony Procopio Ross was featured alongside Gay during the reading portion of the event. The day began with a workshop session ran by Gay, where he encouraged attendees to think outside the box. Josh Drackley, MSU junior, attended the workshop with one of his creative writing classes. “He was really positive and enthusiastic. Writing in ways you don’t normally write is a great way to get your brain warmed up,” said Drackley. Thursday afternoon, Gay walked attendees through his writing process with a craft
talk, followed by a Q&A. MSU senior Jose Felipe Ozuna, who participated in all three sections of the event. “I asked him a question about his obsession with long sentences in his poems, and he talked about how he tries to capture energy which was a big takeaway for me,” said Felipe Ozuna. The final section took place in the evening. Procopio Ross read numerous poems from his thesis, titled “People We Only Know in Passing”, which he wrote based on his own experiences. “It takes inspiration from the communities I surround myself with– the people in those communities. Most of the poems in this collection deal with interactions I’ve had with people in my life. I’m trying to understand the types of intimacies that we allow ourselves in this life of ours, the depth of those intimacies,” said Procopio Ross. Procopio Ross will graduate from the MFA program here at MSU Mankato this May, with a focus on poetry. “It was a culmination of all of the efforts that I’ve had the
pleasure of building to these past three years. It was cathartic, life-giving, and somewhat exciting to have the chance to read with Ross Gay and to read in front of my community which I hold near and dear,” Procopio Ross said. Gay then took the virtual stage to read from his collections of essays and poems. He read pieces from “Be Holding” and a few works that are yet to be published. Even over Zoom, Gay held a mighty presence with his captivating words and gestures. His readings felt almost like a conversation with his audience, and his written words translated to speech effortlessly. As the evening came to a close, Associate Professor Chris McCormick reiterated his thanks from the beginning of the session and encouraged participants to begin looking to future Good Thunder events. “As we look ahead to the next season, keep in touch, look at our website, and keep your eyes and ears peeled for that lineup. In the meantime, I’m just going to bask in my gratitude for this season,” said McCormick.
HYPNOSIS from page 20 standing up. Two of the hypnotized participants from this show included junior Zoe Macklanburg and sophomore Sammy Higgins. Macklanburg was fully hypnotized during the show. “I always end up hypnotized at these events. I enjoy the rest time,” said Macklanburg on the experience. “I like to do it because it’s a free nap. It feels like you are inside a dream, ex-
cept it’s real.” Higgins had a similar experience on being hypnotized, but was only partially hypnotized. “In the beginning Chris made me feel very relaxed and got me to sleep. However, when he had us do tasks, I snapped out of it,” said Higgins. The second show saw more people in the stands, and Jones ended it by hypnotizing the participants to believe he was Canadian rapper Drake.
Jones left a parting note to any college students who are concerned about the future. “To those who are worried about how expensive college is or aren’t sure what they’re going to do with their lives, I’ve been doing this since I was 23, but I assure you I’m still figuring out my life,” shared Jones. “I stumbled into this success, but I find more fulfillment with my loving wife and healthy daughter.”
Staff Writer
With melodic tunes coming from hands flying over the keyboards, a dueling pianos event is one of the greatest forms of entertainment. Minnesota State University, Mankato will be bringing two blues piano players for the Serendipity Music Series. One of the players is selftaught pianist Tom Hunter. Growing up, his sisters took lessons while Hunter would sit and play without looking at the notes. With an influence such as Chet Atkins and listening to his great grandmother play, playing piano became a hobby he wanted to partake in. “I started getting serious [about playing piano] when I was 25. Before that, I used to
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just sing,” said Hunter. “I never got down to practicing [piano] methodically to achieve it, but I was always like, ‘I think that I could do that.’ I connected to it and saw myself doing it at some point.” Hunter’s style of music fluctuates back and forth between Blues, Americana, and Boogie-Woogie. Hunter is excited to be performing live shows after having three surgeries on his left wrist right before COVID-19 hit. Hunter took time during the pandemic to recover and practice his music. “[Musician] Jimmy Hamilton told me, “Tom, it’s your job to play. If you have a four hour gig, you gotta practice for four hours.’ I’ve been trying to get four to five hours a day in,” said Hunter. “There are some PIANOS on page 22
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22 • MSU Reporter PIANOS from page 21 gigs coming up and things seem to be loosening up. I’m in the ‘make people happy’ business, so I hope this summer people get to go out and have a good time.” Hunter will be playing against three-time Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Scottie Miller. Miller started by playing traditional piano lessons at six years old and eventually started playing a variety of genres. “Early on, I was deeply influenced by classical artists like Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. As I got older I started getting more into [jazz musicians] Chick Corea and Bill Evans,” said Miller. “At the same time, I was playing a lot of rock n roll music. I listened to everyone from Hendrix to Led Zeppelin. I had a wide palette of interests from a very young age.” Now, Miller focuses on piano blues that have a New Orleans twist, along with a combination of Chicago and St. Louis Blues. One of Miller’s favorite pieces to perform is an original song called “Spanish Harlem Princess.” Miller enjoys performing the song due to it being a great bed for improvisation. “I enjoy it because it’s a great template to do something different with it each time that I perform it,” said Miller. “I think that’s why the people enjoy it too. They’re always like, ‘what are you going to do with it tonight, Scottie?’” While both Hunter and Miller are experienced piano players, they haven’t participated in several dueling pianos events. Both musicians are looking forward to sharing the stage. “I’ve done it a couple times, but it’s not really my repertoire. I’ve jammed with people like an impromptu thing, but piano players usually don’t get together and do this,” said Hunter. “When you play with someone else, you get to see where they lay things down and try and make it better because that’s the whole idea of making it better than it’s part.” “I don’t do it too often. I’m usually solo, with my own band or doing original music so this is a rare [performance],” said Miller. “It ought to be a lot of fun.” Hunter and Miller hope the audience will be entertained and surprised at the spontaneous switches between the songs. “I hope they see the joy of live music happening in person and that they get to experience two different, longtime blues singer-songwriters share both influences and how they differ, but [still] centered around blues music that we both love,” shared Miller. “I hope [audiences] are entertained and enjoy it. If it makes them smile or tap their foot in any way, that’s what it’s all about,” shared Hunter. Both musicians will take the stage on Wednesday, April 13 in the Centennial Student Union Hearth Lounge from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Variety
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Will Smith gets 10 year Oscar ban By ANDREW DALTON The motion picture academy on Friday banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars or any other academy event for 10 years following his slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards. The move comes after a meeting of the academy’s Board of Governors to discuss a response to Smith’s actions. “The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage,” the academy said in a statement. “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith said in response. He pre-emptively resigned from the academy last week during the runup to the meeting, calling his actions “shocking, painful, and inexcusable.” Smith will keep the Oscar he won after the slap, and he will remain eligible to be nominated for and to win more of them in the 10-year period, though he can’t show up to accept them. The academy also apologized for its handling of the situation and allowing Smith to stay and accept his best actor
award for “King Richard.” “During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry,” the academy said. “This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented.” In a statement in the days following the Oscars, the academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but refused. But it’s not clear how the message was delivered to Smith or what form it took, and several media outlets reported that he was never formally told to leave the Dolby Theatre. The Los Angeles Times reported in a story Thursday that Oscars producer Will Packer told Smith: “Officially, we don’t want you to leave. We want you to stay.” The ban means Smith will not be presenting one of the major awards at next year’s Oscars, as is tradition for the best actor winner. The academy in its Friday statement also expressed “deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances.” The academy has not revoked Oscars from expelled members Harvey Weinstein or Roman Polanski. With his resignation last
week, Smith lost the ability to vote for nominees and winners. Smith has been nominated for four Oscars, winning once. At the March 27 Academy Awards, Rock came out to present the best documentary award and made jokes about several attendees, including Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. “Jada, I love you. ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it,” Rock said. Pinkett Smith, who has spoken publicly about her hair loss condition, alopecia, had a closely shaved head similar to that of Demi Moore in the
1997 movie. Smith strode from his frontrow seat on to the stage and smacked Rock, stunning the comedian, the theater crowd and viewers at home. Many thought it was a planned gag set up by the show or the men themselves, but the seriousness of the situation set in after Smith returned to his seat and angrily twice shouted at Rock to “keep my wife’s name out your (expletive) mouth.” Rock said he had no interest in pursuing charges when asked by police backstage.
AFRICA from page 20 go,” said Gorah. Furthermore, Gorah appreciated the efforts the students put into the event. “All that practice and dance
that they put in, they were all doing it just to represent their countries,” shared Gorah. “They were not getting paid. They got their own clothes just so that they could come and
showcase their culture.” Melaw explained the importance of hosting events like this on campus and encouraged students to educate themselves by attending next year.
“A lot of people that are not African think that Africa is one big country, which it’s not,” said Melaw. “Come see and learn the different cultures that Africa has.”
Associated Press
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Presenter Chris Rock, left, reacts after being hit on stage by Will Smith while presenting at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27. Smith has been banned from attending academy events for 10 years due to the event.
TODAY
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
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