The O'Colly, Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

OSU Red Pantry celebrates menstrual accessibility week

It’s Menstrual Accessibility Week at OSU, and the OSU Red Pantry will be all over campus this week, providing products and educational resources to students.

The Red Pantry is a free service for students to use. Senior Cassidy Wisneski said the pantry focuses on providing free menstrual and hygiene products on campus.

“We’re tabling in order to raise awareness just for people to learn that menstrual products are a need for students,” Wisneski said.

The pantry’s goal is to ensure students feel comfortable talking about and accessing the products the pantry provides.

“These are things that everyone needs to feel comfortable, Wisneski said. “We’re all here in college, and it’s hard for everyone, and it’s even harder if you’re not in the same economic status as someone else.”

The pantry is also working to normalize the topic of menstrual and other hygiene products campus-wide. Sophomore Serenity Baldwin hopes students will be able to learn more about themselves and dive into the topic.

Varsity Revue 2024 to take the stage

6th Avenue to expand, ODOT improve high-volume roadway

can cause problems with trying to turn left.”

The renovation of Sixth Avenue will address decades worth of accidents and traffic backups in Stillwater.

On Feb. 22, the FY25 pavement management program was sent to Stillwater City Council for approval. This plan maps out which streets and pavements need reconstruction in the city by ranking their quality, particularly Sixth Avenue. On the west side of Stillwater, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation plans to begin improvement on Sixth Avenue and Western Road, stretching to the Perkins intersection on the east side.

A Stillwater engineering manager, Travis Small, said there are complaints about the danger and inefficiency of Sixth Avenue.

“We get some concerns with respect to the walkability,” Small said. “Also, the congestion, when you have a four-lane roadway through an urban area and as we are in this particular location, it

Small said ODOT is concerned with widening Sixth Avenue to allow safe left-hand turns, as well as to avoid traffic backups for people who are in front when traffic is particularly busy. Sixth Avenue is a four-lane roadway that flows through town and has a substantial amount of sidewalks, businesses or residential developments on either side.

The widening process will have to occur on both sides of the road, which could require an additional task of getting the right of way from those landowners. Small said the relocation of power lines and utilities such as water, sewer or private will be the most time consuming.

“It’s a very complicated situation that takes several years to work through,” Small said. “It becomes very challenging as you try to negotiate. . . and then try to coordinate with each utility company and make sure they’re out of the way.”

File

Photo

The Red Pantry is a free service for students to use. Senior Cassidy Wisneski said the pantry focuses on providing free menstrual and hygiene products on campus.

See Pantry on 8

Courtesy of Chandler Trantham and

Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter

Emma Haley O’Colly Contributor

OSU’s honorees reflect on time at school

Parker Gerl & Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporters

Oklahoma State’s last home game of the 2023-24 season is Tuesday, when the Cowboys host Texas Tech. It’ll also be senior day for OSU.

Five players will be honored: John-Michael Wright, Jarius Hicklen, Mike Marsh, Weston Church and Carson Sager.

Here’s how each one will remember their time at OSU.

Mike Marsh’s favorite college memory was when he signed his letter of intent to play at Oklahoma State.

He spent two seasons at South Carolina Salkehatchie, a junior college, then transferred to Jacksonville. The Columbia, South Carolina, native looked to make one last step in college, transferring to OSU for his last season.

“God called me to be here for a reason,” Marsh said before Senior Day. “I’m surrounded by great people, great fans and I’m just happy to be here.”

The Cowboys needed him as much as he needed them. OSU brought in four other new big men to the program without any college experience. Marsh had that. Four years of it.

He also brought his mindset. OSU’s recruits were highly-rated prospects with a number of other Division I offers. Marsh redshirted his first year at JUCO and spent most of his adult life trying to play high-level college basketball. He said he thinks he’s succeeded in helping his young teammates grow as student-athletes, not just players.

“I’ve just watched them grow from the first game to this past Saturday,” Marsh said. “They have grown tremendously as young men. It’s been a great journey… We have a lot of work we’re going to do. We’re a young team, first year with everybody together, but I really must say that this team is headed in the right direction.”

It wasn’t a one-way street, though. Marsh learned from those five or six years younger than him. They taught Marsh how to play video games with them and connect with each other.

When his college career ends after this season, Marsh said he plans to sign with an agency to continue his basketball career anyway possible, whether in the U.S. or overseas.

Being a walk-on made the already strenuous college transition more difficult for Weston Church.

But he doesn’t regret a second of it.

Growing up in Fairview, Church attended OSU games and dreamt of playing in Gallagher-Iba Arena.

When the opportunity

presented itself for him to walk on OSU’s team in his freshman year, he took it. He didn’t mind having to balance being in a fraternity, school and being on the team on top of “college life.” It was his dream.

“I’ve definitely had an interesting experience,” Church said. “I really learned timemanagement skills. And being a walk-on sometimes isn’t the most glorious position, but I’m definitely blessed. God placed me on this team, and getting to go through the grind with my teammates, we’re one of them, too. I’m blessed I’ve been able to be a walk-on.”

Walk-ons at major programs typically don’t see the court much, though. That applies to Church. In his four seasons, he played 18 minutes, took seven shots, made three, scored seven points, collected one rebound and one steal.

Still, whenever coach Mike Boynton calls on the end of the bench for Church and the other walk-ons, he won’t trade the feeling of the crowd’s crescendo of excitement and chance to play for much else.

“I get goosebumps every time I go in,” Church said. “As a little kid, I always wanted to be on the team. So just that experience of getting to go on the

court, it’s gratifying for you. It’s different every time.”

Making the leap from High Point University to OSU allowed guard John-Michael Wright to get a taste of rivalries at the highest level.

Since arriving in Stillwater, facing the Sooners in basketball or experiencing the matchup in other sports has been one of Wright’s favorite things that comes with playing for OSU.

“I just done fell in love with Bedlam,” Wright said. “Just the camaraderie around the games with football, basketball, baseball, soccer, whatever it is. Bedlam is a big thing, and I’ve really enjoyed that since I’ve been here.”

Along with the rivalry, Wright also found what he wants to do when he’s done playing: coach.

Before Wright transferred to OSU, coaching was not in his future plans. Cowboys coach Mike Boynton changed that. It wasn’t that Boynton told him to pursue coaching, but instead just watching Boynton and how he operates.

“The things he has taught me and how he impacts players is something I’ve come to enjoy,” Wright said. “I can see myself doing that in the future.

Wright said he wants to play as long as he can and teach the game regardless of when that time comes. “I don’t plan on going straight into coaching, but we’ll see what God has for me down the road,” Wright said. “I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”

Jarius Hicklen always thought he could play for a Division I, Power Five team.

The journey to getting there started at Oklahoma Baptist. Then Hicklen played two seasons at North Florida before Boynton called.

Wearing an OSU jersey and playing at Gallagher-Iba Arena put those thoughts into reality. The 3-point sharpshooter did what he thought he could always do. “Just the younger me, knowing that I could play at this level,” Hicklen said. “I worked hard to get to this level, and I feel like I earned the experiences (of playing in the Big 12).”

Although it was just one year, Hicklen got to see what comes with playing at an OSUsized school. Bigger arenas. The crowds. It’s what he’ll remember most about playing for the Cowboys.

“The atmosphere, fans

getting into the game,” Hicklen said. “The atmosphere and fans inside GIA.”

Carson Sager, a walkon, is OSU’s longest-tenured player. He was a freshman when the Cowboys were in the bubble in Indianapolis for the NCAA Tournament.

Although weird, being in the same square mile as other teams was a one-of-a-kind experience.

“It was weird. It was cool, though,” Sager said. “Great experience. And nobody else — hopefully — will experience that again.”

His four years on the team were filled with a NCAA Tournament appearance inside a bubble and more normal, but still cool things like playing at Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse or at UConn.

And, of course, GallagerIba Arena. The home court of the team Sager always wanted to play for.

“My dream came true, playing basketball for OSU,” Sager said. “Ever since I was a kid, that’s what I wanted to do. Ever since I stepped foot here when I was eight, nine or 10 years old.”

Marcus Conrad

Tuesday’s game against Texas Tech is Senior Day for five Cowboys, including John-Michael Wright (51).

OSU completes weekend sweep against the Chippewas

Garrett Queen Staff Reporter

The Cowboys’ Sunday orange jerseys seem to give the offense superpowers.

The last time OSU (7-4) donned the bright orange, it defeated Sam Houston State by 17 runs, and this time, the result was a 19-0 victory against Central Michigan (3-9). The Pokes got off to a hot start, putting up a 10-spot in the first inning, where six players recorded a hit, including Carson

Benge and Avery Ortiz’s back-to-back home runs.

Benge had a great day at the plate, going 2-2 with two home runs, including a grand slam in the sixth inning, driving in seven runs and drawing three walks. But it wasn’t just Benge who was seeing the ball well; everyone in the lineup contributed. Even Tyler Wulfert, who went 0-2 at the plate, drew a bases-loaded walk in the first inning and came around to score later that inning.

postseason runs, you’re going to need some depth, and to see that early, it’s really good seeing them play how they are.”

“It’s big time,” said Carson Benge of the Cowboys’ full-team performance. “With teams that go on long

Oklahoma State finished with four home runs from three different players. Those added up to 14 total hits. It also helped that the Cowboy batters were able to draw 11 walks. On the mound, the CMU starter, Adam Mrakitsch, was pulled in the first inning without recording an out, but the reliever, Evan Waters, found his stride, throwing three Ks and not allowing a hit in the second or third innings. Jake Brown was the third

pitcher for the Chippewas, and though he forced a double play after walking Benge, he walked the next two batters and gave up a single, which extended the Cowboys’ lead to 11. In total, the Chippewas threw seven pitchers, and each one allowed at least one hit. In the opposite dugout, the starter for the Cowboys, Janzen Keisel, seemed more comfortable on the mound than in some of his previous outings, fanning six and only allowing three hits through five innings.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Payton

Carson Benge hit two home runs in OSU’s 19-0 victory against Central Michigan.

OSU loses to No. 21 Baylor in Big 12 finale

Kenzie Kraich Staff Reporter

Oklahoma State made a statement in the first quarter against No. 21 Baylor, but the Bears’ physicality ended any Cowgirl momentum for the remainder of the contest.

In OSU’s 67-45 loss in Waco, Texas, on Sunday, the Bears (22-6, 11-6) dominated the paint despite another double-digit performance by Cowgirl center Hannah Gusters. Gusters scored 20 points against Baylor’s defense, but the team’s 29 rebounds could not compare to the Bears’ 52.

Baylor earned a 21-rebound advantage on offensive boards, marking the Cowgirls’ secondworst performance on the glass behind their loss to Oklahoma on Feb. 24.

OSU (14-14, 7-10) came out in the first 10 minutes of play looking as good offensively and defensively as it has all season, leading 14-8 going into the second quarter, but a 20-point performance in the second by Baylor would send the Cowgirls into halftime down six.

The Bears held OSU to seven points in the third quarter, with zero coming from any of the Cowgirls’ leading scorers.

Physicality from Baylor forced 21 Cowgirl turnovers, flustering OSU’s starters. Freshman standout Stailee Heard was held to a mere two points in the contest, and junior Ana Gret Asi scored all five points in the first quarter.

While Gusters scored 20 points inside, she had five turnovers and four fouls, taking her out of the game for long periods of time. Between Gusters and redshirt freshman Praise Egharevba, Baylor’s Aijha Blackwell finished with 20 points and grabbed 18 rebounds.

Baylor’s physicality in the game served as a learning curve for the Cowgirls, proving OSU coach Jacie Hoyt’s mission to be better on the glass and continue to push through adversity.

OSU ends conference play ranked No. 8 and will play against Texas Christian (19-10, 6-12) in the Big 12 Tournament on March 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Kansas City, Missouri.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm

Thursday - Saturday: 10:00am - 11:00pm

128

Stillwater, OK 74075

Andon Freitas

Despite Hannah Gusters’ 20 points, Baylor outmatched the Cowgirls’ physically, dominating OSU 67-45.

OSU offers academic, mental health resources

Ava Whistler Staff Reporter

A mental health crisis among college students is rising. Rates of anxiety, depression and negative mental health on college campuses have never been higher. This is why OSU is offering affordable and accessible academic and mental health resources for students.

On the academic front, the LASSO

Center offers tutoring, academic success coaching, and supplemental instruction. The free, one-on-one tutoring sessions are tailored to students’ individual needs, covering over one hundred courses. Gray Daniels is an OSU academic success coach, and is passionate about showing up for students not only academically, but in other ways too.

“People normally don’t even realize they can ask [lasso tutors] for help with things like soft skills… time management, study skills, and getting students

in contact with other resources.”

University Counseling Services are also another great resource for students looking to improve their mental health. There is a walk-in clinic available for immediate needs, and OSU students receive a free six counseling sessions. There are also clinical services specifically dedicated to alcohol and substance abuse.

Often, new students feel alone or like they have no one to reach out to. “Nobody comes to college with some huge support network already in tow,”

Daniels reminds students.

“My goal is to help students find their footing and balance their life,” she says, “which can be hard when you have a part-time job, or when your laundry is piling up in the corner of your room, or even when the fo-mo sets in as all your friends go to dinner and you are stuck studying.”

So however students might need help, academically or emotionally, the cowboy family has got them covered.

news.ed@ocolly.com

ODOT . . .

Sixth Avenue also has federal funds tied to it, which makes this process longer. There are more obstacles to face before approval is given. The City of Stillwater must consider environmental and socio-economic issues that may be present. Small said this would range from checking for unknown burial sites to unknown archaeological sites to reaching out to tribal entities to make sure they don’t have a claim to the land.

One percent of Stillwater residents’ sales taxes go to transportation projects. Those projects mostly involve streets and sidewalks, especially regarding the asphalt. Deputy Director for Civil Engineering Bill Millis said the asphalt in Stillwater is worse than the concrete.

“For most of our streets, the average asphalt rating is like 20 points lower than the average concrete rating,” Millis said. “We built using more asphalt, and so some of it is older. So it’s forced by nature to age, but it also could be because concrete is much more expensive upfront.”

The project has an estimated cost of $26 million and the plan for construction is proposed to happen in fall 2025. Millis said the streets in Stillwater are old and will require consistent maintenance to get better. The City of Stillwater’s Engineering Committee said it has more reconstruction projects in motion that citizens will supposedly see in 2025.

Continued from 1 news.ed@ocolly.com

trust him. Look at Ps.123:2, “As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master...so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.” How about Ps.131:1-2

“...I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother.” Our activity is turning and quieting ourselves before the one who is truly our helper.

this is not passiveness or inactivity, but a turning in our thoughts to the one who has promised so much to those who will

Returning to Is. 30; verse 18: Here is God’s attitude toward us; “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.” Isaiah finishes by saying; “Blessed are all who wait for him!” God is good toward us because of Christ. He wants to take action, so He says stop! (seems contrary) Spent some time with him and trust him in the challenges of life. He will lead and work his way! Trust him; you will not be ashamed! (Ro.10:11)

Courtesy of Visit Stillwater

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation plans to begin improvement on Sixth Avenue and Western Road under the FY25 pavement management program.

Review . . .

“It’s really an awesome kind of a variety show that gets to showcase every house’s talented members,” said Gage Gibbs, the executive productions coordinator.

In his role, Gibbs serves as the li-

aison between casting directors and the executive team, answering any questions about the show.

There are two other fraternity and sorority productions, Follies and Spring Sing.

“The main difference between Varsity Revue compared to other shows is that VR is as close to a real theater production as we offer,” Gibbs said. “It is the biggest show as far as most elements in it.”

Cade Matthews, Kappa Sigma fraternity member, said the show allows competitors to get to know each other better.

“My favorite part of Varsity Revue is cast bonding and getting to know a different house while getting closer to members of your own,” Matthews said. Campbell Fairbanks and Avery Lay, Chi Omega sorority members, said participating in the show not only is a fun bonding experience, but has also

gleaned future career and leadership development skills as well. They said skills include working with a variety of different personalities and learning time management.

Continued from 1 news.ed@ocolly.com

The women of Kappa Alpha Theta and Sigma Phi Epsilon won the 2023 Varsity Revue show. To watch the show, tickets can be bought through the link on the @osuvarsityrevue Instagram bio or on the Fraternity and Sorority affairs page on CampusLink.

Courtesy of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs

Varsity Revue, an annual Greek show, pairs sororities and fraternities to compete in a Broadway-style performance.

Pantry . . .

Continued from 1

“There’s a lot of stigma around women and menstruation and our bodies, and I feel like if we just normalize it, it’s not going to be that weird thing that people cringe at or shy away from talking about it,” Baldwin said.

“It’s a natural thing,” sophomore Brooke McCoy said. “The more people that know about it, the more educated

they are about it.”

Students can participate in multiple activities this week to help grow their knowledge of the pantry and menstrual health.

On Tuesday the Red Pantry is hosting an event with Pete’s Pet Posse that focuses on helping students build self-care kits. Students can grab their yoga mats on Thursday for a sunset yoga session on Willard Lawn from 5-6 p.m.

Students can swing by the Red Pantry table between the Classroom Building and the Library on Friday, but the real fun is happening on Wednesday.

This Wednesday, the Red Pantry is bringing out the cramp simulator. Students will get to try the simulator to learn more about how their friends who experience periods feel monthly.

“I think a lot of guys think it’s not that bad, so I would love to see their reaction to it,” Baldwin said.

Menstrual Accessibility Week is off to a good start, but the biggest takeaway for Wisneki, Baldwin and McCoy is promoting understanding and inclusivity.

“Just getting people to really understand that they’re not alone in their

symptoms and that there’s a group here that understands their needs,” Baldwin said. The week’s schedule is now on Red Pantry’s Instagram page @osuredpantry, along with more information on everything the pantry provides. The Red Pantry is located at 211P in the Student Union.

The week is only starting, and Baldwin is excited for the Red Pantry to make a lasting impact.

“We have a lot of cool events, so everybody show up and show out,” Baldwin said.

Hayden Alexander

Serenity Baldwin (left), Cassidy Wisneski and Brooke McCoy shared the beginning of Menstrual Accessibility Week as a part of the OSU Red Pantry.

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on

121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store

815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6

Monday thru Saturday

Houses for rent

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR BOTH SUMMER SEMESTER 2024 and FALL SEMESTER 2024 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THE O’COLLY

Applications for both Summer Semester 2024 and Fall Semester 2024 Editor-in-Chief of The O’Colly will be accepted from now thru Friday, March 8, 2024

Applications are now available in the Paul Miller Journalism and Broadcasting Building, room 106. Applicants must return their completed applications to room 106 no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024. This application process involves two separate positions; EIC for Summer and EIC for Fall. Applicants can apply for one or the other, or both positions. Be sure to indicate which position(s) you wish to be considered for on the application form.

To be eligible for Editor-In- Chief, the applicant must be a student on the Stillwater campus of Oklahoma State University, be in good academic standing (i.e., not on academic probation), have a grade point average of not less than 2.5, and have completed at least 60 hours toward a degree. Applicant must show evidence of having worked one semester writing for The O’Colly. Students serving as an Editor-in-Chief may take up to 6 credit hours of independent study in consultation and approval of their major advisor.

An internship on a newspaper in a newsroom capacity may be substituted for one semester of service on The O’Colly. The internship must meet School of Media and Strategic Communications’ current internship course.

Cowboy Calendar

Tuesday, March 5

Cowboy Baseball: OSU vs. Utah Tech @ 4 p.m.

Location: O’Brate Stadium

https://okstate.com/sports/baseball/schedule

Cowboy Basketball: OSU vs. Texas Tech @ 7 p.m.

Location: Gallagher-Iba Arena

https://okstate.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule

Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu/art/memories-and-inspiration.html

Some Recent Apparitions | Andy Mattern @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu/art/some-recent-apparitions.html

Weaving A Scarf w/ A Rigid Heddle Loom @ 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Prairie Arts Center

Admission: $85

https://artscenter.okstate.edu/adult-classes/fiberarts/1332-weaving-a-scarf-with-a-rigid-heddleloom-2

Wednesday, March 6

Cowboy Baseball: OSU vs. Utah Tech @ 4 p.m.

Location: O’Brate Stadium

https://okstate.com/sports/baseball/schedule

Cowgirl Softball: OSU vs. Wichita State @ 6 p.m.

Location: Cowgirl Stadium

https://okstate.com/sports/softball/schedule

Kids’ Night @ 11a.m. - 11 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater

Singo Wednesday @ 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: College Bar

Live Trivia Night @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: Iron Monk Brewing Company

https://www.ironmonkbeer.com

Thursday, March 7

Drop-In & Draw @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu

Funk N’ Beers @ 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Location: College Bar

Kids’ Night @ 11a.m. - 11 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

FOR RELEASE MARCH

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol

ACROSS

1 Nail polish layer

5 Bicycle for two

11 Texter’s “I think”

14 “Yeah, doubtful”

15 “Act your age!”

16 Go on the __: skip town

17 Oscar-nominated writer of “Fried Green Tomatoes”

19 Perjure oneself

20 Thrifty

21 Actor Sheridan

22 Fireworks show sound

23 Nostalgic sch. visitor, perhaps

24 Herbal brew with a licorice flavor

26 Spanish “this”

28 Stranger than strange

29 D’backs, in box scores

32 Pseudonym letters

34 Totally silly

37 Physical therapy that targets hand pain

42 Puzzle genre

43 __ de cologne

44 Female sheep

45 Some British peers

48 Cause of a bad air day

51 Container with melted cheese

54 “Well, fudge”

57 Diva’s solo

58 Card game cry

59 Is worthy of

61 Prefix with diversity

62 Button needed in some macros

64 Gymnast Mary __ Retton

65 Folded egg dish

66 Makes do, with “out”

67 USCG rank

68 Hold a grudge against

69 Paying close attention

DOWN

1 Shirt sleeve’s end

2 “A Mighty Wind” actress Catherine

3 Render invalid 4 __-in-cheek

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black

Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

By Patti Varol 3/5/24

5 Anti-dandruff shampoo by Neutrogena

6 Dog kennel sound

7 Nick of “48 Hrs.”

8 Actor Johnson known as “The Rock”

9 “A Mighty Wind” actor Levy

10 Fuel economy meas.

11 Uncomfortable

12 Acadia National Park state

13 __-3 fatty acid

18 Proactive Health dog food maker

22 Russian pancakes

24 Phony

25 “The Other Black Girl” actor McCormack

27 La Brea __ Pits

29 CIO partner

30 Brazilian city

31 Cleverly inventive

33 Body spray brand

35 Just out of the box

36 Linguistic suffix

38 “Everyday Italian” cookbook writer De Laurentiis

Today’s Birthday (03/05/24). Your gift is communication this year. Grow and develop passion projects, step by step. Springtime collaboration gets lucrative. Adapt around unexpected summer expenses. Personal discovery lights up the autumn, supporting resolution of a shared winter financial challenge. Talk about what you love together.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 9 — Make an important professional connection. Advance with help from your friends. Your past work speaks well for you. Luck into a fantastic situation.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Fortune favors your latest exploration. A new assignment opens new possibilities. Research, coordinate and investigate. Test your theories. Expand territory. Discover unimagined treasure.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Weave your interests together. Support each other to take advantage of a lucky opportunity. Dreams come true with coordinated efforts and shared passion.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Have fun with your partner. Share a spontaneous adventure. Coordinate efforts for ease and efficiency. Communication channels are wide open. Invent bold possibilities together.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — You’re growing stronger. Prioritize your health. Take a spontaneous walk. Enjoy getting outside with sun, wind, earth and water. Communication supports high physical performance.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Relax and have fun. Enjoy water in whatever form. Creativity flowers in new directions. Follow your heart. Express your views and vision. You’re looking good.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Home centers and nurtures you. Enjoy domestic comforts. Advance household projects and improvements. Realize a long-held dream. Upgrade water systems. Discuss options with family.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Fortune favors your creativity and initiative. Follow your heart, ideas and vision. Express your views. Take advantage of great conditions. Write, post and broadcast.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Follow a hunch. Accept encouragement. A lucrative prize lies within view. Include fringe benefits in your value assessment. Push to advance a dreamy possibility.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Wear your confidence like a magic cloak. Enjoy the spotlight when it shines your way. Your ideas are gaining respect. Discover a personal treasure.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 6 — Thoughtful planning leads to an inspiring vision. Savor quiet time for thinking. Keep digging for a clue. Prove your latest hypothesis. Develop dreamy scenarios.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Group collaboration flowers. Coordinate roles and responsibilities. Concur with experts on best options and solutions. Keep objectives in mind. New friends open new possibilities.

Monday’s Puzzle Solved 3/5/24

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

39 Neutral hue

40 West’s opponent, in some All-Star games

41 Mai tai liquor

46 Peanut or pea

47 Cactus quills

49 Cute name for a black-and-white pet

50 “Ozark” Emmy winner Julia

51 Aesop tale

52 Celestial hunter

53 Dad’s brother, in Paris

55 Chicken __ masala

56 Like a challenging climb

59 Baseball glove

60 Method: Abbr.

62 The “F” of FYI

63 Low card in a royal flush

Level

Solution to Monday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk