UCO's The Vista, March 7, 2023

Oklahoma votes on recreational cannabis

Stakes are high on state question as reform reaches the ballot March 7

Georgia Jones

Writer

Contributing

Oklahomans are voting on SQ 820, the referendum to determine if recreational cannabis will be legalized. If passed, Oklahoma would join 22 other states in legalizing recreational use for persons 21 or older.

The Oklahoma Tax Commission would collect a 15% excise tax on recreational use sales, and could bring massive funding for the state. Additionally, up to 30% of the revenue would go directly to public school programs to address substance abuse and improve student retention.

The opposition group, Protect our Kids: No SQ 820, claims that the bill will increase marijuana usage in children.

“Being villainized for trying to help people is never a good feeling,” said Jamie, a local dispensary owner. “People act like we drive around, passing out drugs to children, when we’re helping adults and seniors with body pain, severe anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines, all kinds of pain. Some of my more common patients are veterans with extreme trauma from active duty. The relief people get

is what makes the job worth it. We pay our employees well and provide full benefits. It’s just like any other medical position – with a stigma.”

When SQ 788 made medical cannabis legal in 2018, it won with 57% of the vote. This year, backers

of the campaign hope that younger voters will finally turn out. In Oklahoma’s midterm elections in November 2022, 76% of voters 30 and younger did not vote, a large enough margin to push SQ 820 towards enactment.

Considering younger voters are a key demographic that would benefit the most from the bill passing, proponents are hoping the recreational, medical and economic benefits will be enough to bring them to the polls.

“Beyond what it would do for my personal business, passing the bill would help the state immensely,” Jamie added. “They’ve done the research in other states, from as far as New York to just next door in New Mexico – taxing medicinal marijuana could bring huge funding to Oklahoma. Not only could people access relief without struggle, but we could have better schools, better parks. It would simply benefit Oklahomans. Fear-mongering people out of relief for their pain is selfish, in my opinion. If you don’t like marijuana, don’t use it. It’s pretty simple.”

SQ 820 is the first state question to be presented to voters outside a primary or general election since September 2005. It was intended to be on the midterm ballot from November, but Gov. Kevin Stitt chose March 7 after the state Supreme Court said there ‘wasn’t enough time’ to process the initiative petition.

Death of OKC bombing responder prompts new investigation

one to pick him up. Tonia picked him up from the hospital. In the car, she says, he started to cry. “Tonia, it’s not what they’re saying it is,” he told her. “They’re not telling the truth. They’re lying about what’s going on down there.”

walked or ran about half a mile into either a field or a grove of trees, where he shot himself to death. There was no suicide note,” Lake summarizes the medical examiner’s report and police narrative.

A CNN investigation into the death of an Oklahoma City bombing first responder has breathed new life into theories surrounding the largest act of domestic terror committed in the United States.

Terry Yeakey was an Oklahoma Police Officer and military veteran who rescued three people from the Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995. A year later, Yeakey was to receive the medal of valor for his actions, but a day before the ceremony, he was found dead.

“He apparently tried to cut his wrists and ultimately shot himself in a nearby field in El Reno, about 40 miles west of Oklahoma City, Capt. Bill Citty said. Yeakey had been having some personal problems involving a past marriage, but the bombing also

weighed heavily on him, Citty said. Yeakey carried four or five people to safety after the blast,” a 1996 report from the L.A. Times describes circumstances of Yeakey’s death.

A recent investigation from CNN writer Thomas Lake reveals those closest to Yeakey believe he was murdered. According to the investigation, some of his former colleagues in the police force, his sister, and his ex-wife, Tonia, all suggest he was murdered, some even insisting he was murdered for “knowing too much” about the true nature of the Oklahoma City bombing.

“On the day of the bombing, Tonia said she got a phone call. It was someone at Presbyterian Hospital, telling her Terry was there,” Lake wrote in the CNN piece. “His back was injured when he fell while carrying Randy Ledger, and now Terry needed some-

Conspiracy theories surrounding the 1995 bombing were largely quelled after an 18-month investigation in 1998, during which a state grand jury heard 117 witnesses, finally determining that “absolutely no one else was involved in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building”. Despite the grand jury’s ruling, reports of a mysterious “John Doe No. 2” in the van with McVeigh, or of federal employees having prior knowledge of the attack, cast a shadow over the 1998 grand jury’s determination.

A year after the bombings, Yeakey was dead. According to CNN’s investigation, no autopsy was performed on Yeakey.

“If the prevailing narrative is correct, Yeakey cut his own wrists, arms and neck with razor blades, bled heavily in his car, and then

Tonia Yeakey recalled her ex-husband suggesting the pair re-marry “in the event that something happens to him”, according to the CNN investigation. After Yeakey’s death Tonia said things would go missing in her home, including a VCR, and when Yeakey’s family went to his apartment after his death, his sister Lashon told CNN, “You could tell…somebody had been in there, like, looking for something.”

Despite his death occurring in El Reno, OKCPD handled the investigation, a rare but not unheard-of subversion of jurisdiction. Yeakey’s death is still officially labeled a suicide and there exists no concrete evidence that he was murdered, but the CNN investigation raises a series of undeniable questions—inquiries that, until now, were dismissed as frivolous conspiracies.

Marijuana plants are pictured at a growing facility in Oklahoma City, Feb. 26, 2020. (ASSOCIATED PRESS/SUE OGROCKI)

Quinn Daugherty Reporter

“On the day of the bombing, Tonia said she got a phone call. It was someone at Presbyterian Hospital, telling her Terry was there.”

-- Thomas Lake, CNN

Terry Yeakey’s death following his heroism in the aftermath of the Oklahoma Ciity Bombing is the subject of a new investigation by CNN. (OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT/PROVIDED)

In this May 5, 1995 file photo, a large group of search and rescue crew attends a memorial service in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The blast killed 168 people _ including 19 children _ injured hundreds more and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to structures and vehicles in the downtown area. (ASSOCIATED PRESS/BILL WAUGH)

Your buzzword for this week is ‘postnormal.’ When you imagine a world unbound by senseless limitations, what does it look like? As Saturn moves into Pisces you have the ability to create this reality more than ever. The Moon transits your eighth house, strengthening your intuition. Ring in the new age with music: this week’s song is Get Greasy by Lettuce.

You will probably feel Saturn’s shift into Pisces more strongly than any other sign. This week is a perfect time to create a vision board. Pinterest could be helpful, as well as collaging, painting, or other creative activities. The Moon transits your seventh house of close relationships, bringing a deeper kind of understanding to your closest connections. Your song for the week is Thinking by Louis Cole.

This Moon transits your sixth house of health and daily habits. In conjunction with Saturn’s move into Pisces, this points to a dynamic change in terms of your everyday life. Think about the changes you want to make, and do it! Now is the right time to make those moves. Don’t listen to any haters, and that includes your inner critic. You got this! Your song for the week is Thank You by Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul.

As the Full Virgo Moon transits your fifth house, expect a rush of long-overdue positivity. There are rewards coming your way. You worked hard for this, so enjoy it! As Saturn shifts into Pisces, your imagination expands and new options emerge. If you’ve been craving stability, good news! Asteroid Juno enters your sign on Saturday, bringing a grounding energy to your connections. Congrats earth sign, you made it. Your song for the week is Celebrate by Ingrid Michaelson and AJR.

The Full Moon in Virgo will transit your fourth house of home and family. A positive shift in the way you communicate with your friends and family could be in the near future. Saturn’s move into Pisces will have any loose ends tied up nicely very soon! An opportunity in disguise could come your way. Your funky song for the week is In My Bones by Jacob Collier, Kimbra, and Tank and the Bangas.

Watch for changes in the way you think as the Full Virgo Moon transits your house of mind and intellect. Some therapists say that your thoughts create your perception of your reality. Extra clarity may come in this week as Saturn makes its jaunt into dreamy Pisces. Take heed of emotional energy that comes your way, but let it flow through you too. Your song for the week is Barreleye by Mark Letteri.

What would a new normal look like if you could create it from scratch? Focus on the directions you want to take, not the footsteps you’ve already taken. The Full Virgo Moon transits your second house, bringing attention to your personal security. As Saturn moves into Pisces, you already have all the tools to make the changes you want to see in your life. Your song for the week is You Are Free by Lake Street Dive.

VIR GO

August 23- September 22

This Full Moon is huge, Virgo! This is true both literally, as it is a Supermoon, and figuratively. Not only will it transit your first house of self, but when Saturn shifts into Pisces at the same time, big changes are in store. Expect an easier time of new beginnings after difficulties from the past month resolve. Happy Spring, and welcome to your new reality. Your groove-forward song for the week is Stutter by EMEFE.

This Full Moon will impact your subconscious before you see effects in your daily life. This is because it transits your twelfth house. Journaling or dream interpretation may be particularly fruitful at this time! The Moon is in your sign Thursday and Friday, bringing some sweet energy to finish off the week. If you need to have an important conversation, Saturday is the day to do it. Your song for the week is Glo Ride by Hot Flash Heat Wave.

Watch how the collective shifts around you. This is particularly in terms of friendships and networking as the Full Virgo Moon transits your eleventh house. Thursday and Friday it may feel even more evident as the Moon shifts into sociable Libra. Additionally, as Saturn shifts into Pisces a new normal takes over. Remember you have a lot of power over what energy you want in your mindspace, and take charge! Your song for the week is Heatwave by Genevra Munoa.

The Full Moon on Tuesday shakes up our collective understanding of normal when Saturn moves into imaginative Pisces for the next three years. Get ready for something new.

The Full Virgo Moon transits your house of career and public face. Notice how your reputation shifts at this time. As Saturn enters Pisces, an unexpected positive shift unfolds both at home and your world at large. This one may take some time to fully appear, but the seeds you plant now will grow tall. Lucky you! You have two songs for this week: Colors by Beck and Out of Love by Busty and the Bass and Macy Gray. Take what resonates, and ask questions where they pop up.

Someone’s thinking about you this week! Saturday’s astrology involves multiple aspects that create a grounding and exciting energy. The Full Moon in Virgo transits your ninth house of travel, big ideas, spirituality, and opportunity. Keep an eye out for career opportunities that could take you far! Your song for the week is Starlight by Dave Lee and Omar.

UCO stages a Black History Month to remember

Black History Month 2023 was a remarkable one, from events like the Martin Luther King Jr. Enterprise Oratory Competition on Feb. 15 to the Black Girl Magic celebration on Feb. 22. This year’s celebration on the UCO campus will be remembered as one that brought forward the culture and celebrated Black achievement.

Black History Month began with the “Lift Every Voice Kickoff,” featuring a collection of talented students showcasing their talents to the campus, followed by “A Night of Friendship,” which hosted a series of speakers and staff to represent

what it is like to be around other Black students and create a safe environment for each other. This night was one to remember by coming out and enjoying an event that was full of friendship and love.

OPINION

Chandler Coleman

Fast forward to when the Black Student Association Hosted a candy gram sale to display their love for the college students that attend this university. During this month there was a lot of love being passed around with events such as the “Self love Seminar.” This event taught students how to not only love other people but how to learn what it is to love themselves. They

were taught the importance of health, wellness and the key to peace and serenity.

Black History Month at UCO also showcased a bible study event hosted by BSA. This event was led by the Reach Out Ministry and Pastor Marquise Miller, and invited students to join in fellowship and create a relationship with God, and have the ability to ask about scripture readings and more.

These events have showcased what it is like to live in a world feeling loved and appreciated. Black History Month is a time to recognize those who came before us and to set an example for those who come after us. The conclusion of Black History Month was one to remember and displayed a responsible nature to the theme of this month as well.

Central hockey ices down the Sooners 4-1 in ACHA gameplay

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Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communications, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.

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University of Central Oklahoma’s Sam Sykes (12) faces off against University of Oklahoma’s William Baird (17) during an American Collegiate Hockey Association game on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Edmond, Okla. The rivalry of these two teams begins to flare as the game continues to play on, having both teams playing their hardest for their universities. (THE VISTA/HELMUT OTZOY)

University of Central Oklahoma’s hockey team takes the wins during an American Collegiate Hockey Association game on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Edmond, Okla. The University of Central Oklahoma beats University of Oklahoma in their rivalry game 4 to 1. (THE VISTA/HELMUT OTZOY)

University of Oklahoma’s Carson Bassett (91) begins a fight with University of Central Oklahoma’s Duncan Alchin (9) during an American Collegiate Hockey Association game on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Edmond, Okla. The player was kicked out of the game for starting the quarrel and the game continued. (THE VISTA/HELMUT OTZOY)

Criminal justice dept hosts tour of programs and facilities

Taylor Mckittrick

Contributing Writer

UCO will be hosting a School of Criminal Justice tour around campus at 2:30 p.m. March 10 beginning at the Nigh University Center’s welcome center. The tour will guide students who are interested in criminal justice by meeting faculty members, seeing where the classes are held, learn what the environment is like in the department.

The School of Criminal Justice currently offers three undergraduate programs: general, police, and corrections. The school also offers two graduate degrees: criminal justice management and administration, and crime and intelligence analysis.

Rashi Shukla started in the department in 2004 and earned her undergraduate degree in criminal justice from UCO as well, and it made a significant impact on her career.

“It is the place where I developed my passion for criminal justice initially and is the place where I have spent the bulk of my academic career,”

homa,” Shukla said. “Our department is composed of a mix of scholars including those who are primarily academics and those who came into academia after pursuing careers in criminal justice as professionals. I am fortunate to be part of an amazing faculty team who are all passionate about criminal justice and our students.”

Shukla said the tour will help students who might be undecided on their futures whether criminal justice is right for them.

“I welcome them to come and meet with us and/or to go on one of the spotlight tours that our director, Dr. [Elizabeth] Maier, regularly offers,” Shukla said. “Criminal justice is something that impacts everyone, be it directly or indirectly. I would encourage students who are interested in criminal justice as well as those who have open electives and are interested in learning more to come and take some of our classes to find out more about criminal justice and the criminal justice system.”

Shukla said. “I think we have one of the best criminal justice programs in this region and we are committed to educating our students. It is my hope that I stay in UCO CJ until I retire. It has been a dream to give back to the place that helped create me.”

The UCO Criminal Justice department was established in 1974, which makes this year number 49 for helping students enter law enforcement. The program has given a lot of opportunities for many students who have been through the program.

“We have one of, if not the oldest, criminal justice program in Okla-

Healthcare worker responds to anti-trans bill moving to senate

Kelanie Robertson

Contributing Writer

On Feb. 28,, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 2177, which prohibits gender transition procedures for anyone under the age of 18 in the state of Oklahoma. This mainly excludes prescribing testosterone, estrogen, or progestogen to minors. State Reps. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Jim Olsen, R-Roland, co-sponsored the bill.

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill in October 2022 that prohibited the University of Oklahoma Medical Center from using COVID-19 relief funds for gender reassignment treatment for children.

“We believe in traditional family values in Oklahoma, and to think about minors, healthy children being permanently altered either through hormone therapy or some kind of surgery, it’s not going to happen in Oklahoma,” Stitt said.

Protests were held at the Capitol during the week of passage. Crystal Grilley, a 20-year registered nurse, said this is something she has never seen before.

“As a healthcare provider, you take an oath to care for any and all individuals, no matter their race, sex, religion, et cetera,” Grilley said. “So, for the state to try and intervene and tell you who you can and should provide care for just sickens me. I have always been a firm believer in the importance of the patient-physician relationship. If a patient and their physician have come to an agreement on their treatment plan, and in some of these cases, these patients have parents involved if they are under the age of 18, then by all means who are we to say we know better than the physician caring for them.”

HB 2177 also prohibits insurance coverage for gender transition services performed in Oklahoma on minors and adults.

“I will be the first to tell you there is not a crystal ball telling us the right thing to do, but having a close working relationship with one’s healthcare provider is always the best way to go, not letting some outside entity choose what is best for you,” Grilley said.

The bill is now on the way to the state senate, where if it is passed it will go into effect immediately.

OKC families struggle with rising food prices during egg shortage

Contributing

Families throughout Oklahoma City have seen monthly grocery bills increase dramatically in recent months, highlighted by the significant increase in the cost of eggs.

And like many families across the U.S., they are buying less and forced to be more frugal due to higher food prices.

Shari Jones, a single mom shopping at a local Homeland, expressed frustration with current prices.

“It’s ridiculous, Homeland charges 6 dollars for a gallon of milk, the prices are crazy, I just walk around the store in shock.” Jones said.

Sticker shock is real at the supermarket. If it seems like everything has gotten even more expensive this year, that is because it has. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, foodat-home prices increased by 11.4% in 2022 alone.

So, why are prices going up? There are a lot of in-

gredients that make up the recipe for food inflation, including supply chain issues, increased transportation costs, and even an outbreak of bird flu.

All these things and more affect the price you see on

your grocery receipt. Cost increases add to food insecurity at a time when more than 3.4% of Oklahomans are out of work. The pennies can add up, week by week, family by family. For those feeling the pressure from a higher gro-

cery bill, there are some tips to help keep on track; such as making a list of what you need before heading to the store, using coupons when you can, and picking items that are on sale.

Consumers can also check The Bureau of Labor

Statistics’ monthly consumer price index, a free resource that uses human data collectors and includes other food product categories, which can be useful when trying to shop on a budget.

The School of Criminal Justice is part of the College of Liberal Arts. (PROVIDED.)

The ACLU is currently tracking 378 anti-BLGTQ+ bills across the country. (Jake Crandall/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

“We have one of, if not the oldest, criminal justice program in Oklahoma.” -- Rashi Shukla

“As a healthcare provider, you take an oath to care for any and all individuals, no matter their race, sex, religion, et cetera.” -- Crystal Grilley

Mari Belle

Writer

Student loan forgiveness plan on the line in Supreme Court

While the U.S. Supreme Court debates the constitutionality of President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan, students are confused about the future of their debt.

The conservative majority court is not expected to rule in favor of Biden’s plan for student loan relief. The Supreme Court needs a majority vote among the nine justices for a decision to be made.

Biden’s plan is to forgive as much as $20,000 per borrower. Student loan debt in America totals approximately $1.757 trillion.

College debt has more than tripled since 2006 due to yearly rising tuition costs, much of that resulting from a 2,807% increase in tuition from 1970-2022, according to the Education Data Initiative.

“I think it’s great that $20,000 can be forgiven, but what about all of the people before and after the pandemic who will have to pay thousands of dollars in loans? College is just too expensive,” said University of Central Oklahoma student Mackenzie McDaniel.

Many Supreme Court judges paid less for college when they graduated in the 1970s through the 1990s, in contrast to today’s prices.

Justice Clarence Thomas’ tuition at College of the Holy Cross was approximately $14,550, as opposed to today’s Holy Cross tuition of about $300,000, according to a study from Take Back the Court, an action fund fighting to balance the conservative-leaning Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the youngest of the judges, graduated in 1994 with

an estimated tuition total of $70,664 compared to today’s tuition of $273,112.

“Those who took out loans and paid them in full might be upset that their loan wasn’t forgiven. Also those who chose to forgo college, seeing that they could have gotten $20,000 forgiven,” said UCO Accounting Instructor Riley Shaull. “The hardworking taxpayer has to pick up the cost of the loan for each student.”

Approximately 39 million students will benefit from the program if it passes, which can cost upwards of $7.8 billion.

The Supreme Court is unsure if Biden has the authority to enact loan forgiveness for so many students.

Although, Biden’s administration argues that the HEROES Act passed in 2003 ensures student loan borrowers cannot be financially hurt as much during times of national emergency.

This was signed in response to 9/11, and the Biden administration includes COVID-19 as a national emergency.

Despite being the underdog in court, Biden’s plan might have a chance.

Biden administration lawyer Elizabeth Prelogar argued in favor of the forgiveness. She is the

Solicitor General of the United States and is the fourth-highest ranking official in the Department of Justice.

The federal student loan forgiveness program started in 2020 in response to COVID. Currently, the government has paused applications for the loan forgiveness program due to the in-progress discussions at the Supreme Court.

If student loan forgiveness fails to make it through the Supreme Court, then federal loan payments will begin in 60 days from the decision.

Oklahoma’s February 2022 tornadoes kill one, injure thirteen

Matilda Harvey Contributing Writer

Over the course of the evening of Feb. 26, 2023, a series of tornadoes occurred across the state of Oklahoma.

The tornadoes ranged from EF0 to EF2. The Enhanced Fujita scale measures the strength of tornadoes. EF0 is considered weak, with wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph. EF1 is also weak but has wind speeds of 86 to 110 mph. EF2 is a strong tornado with wind speeds of 111 to 135 mph.

The first tornado was at 7:13 p.m. in Roger Mills county. In an EF2 tornado, one person was killed and three were injured. The tornado’s path was seven miles long and five hundred yards wide.

At 9:09 p.m., there was another EF2 tornado in McClain/ Cleveland Counties. Although there were no deaths, 12 injuries were reported. The tornado’s path was 27 miles long and seven hundred yards wide.

The third EF2 tornado of the night occurred at 9:45 p.m. in Pottawatomie/Lincoln Counties. There were no deaths or injuries connected to this tornado. The tornado’s path was six miles long and 200 hundred yards wide. All data is from NOAA and the National Weather Service.

In 2023, there have been 17 tornadoes as of the end of February, with five occurring in January. The 2022 tornado season didn’t begin until Mar. 21, 2022.

This

across Halstead, Kansas, on Wednesday,

6, 2015.

1,147

Understanding our storms: Sooner State tornado statistics since 1950

Sam Royka

Managing Editor

Whether you live in Weatherford or Edmond, for Oklahoma residents tornados are a part of life. The National Weather Service reported 149 tornadoes across the state in 2019. When stats go as far back as 1950, this is the highest recorded amount of tornadoes in one year in Oklahoma.

As we approach spring, there have been 25 tornadoes in the winter of 2022-23. This is the most tornadoes ever recorded in stats from 1950-now in Oklahoma. Winter is defined as Dec-Feb while spring is defined as MarMay for the Weather Service.

Winter tornadoes are historically less common than their spring counterparts, according to the Weather Service’s statistics.

In the same pile of statistics, the highest recorded amount of spring tornadoes was 127 in 2019. The spring of 1999 took second place with 115 twisters.

Winter tornadoes are more likely to occur in places with a mixture of both cold, dry air and warm, humid air during these months. These are places like New Orleans, Memphis, and Pensacola.

Since Oklahoma has historically had mostly cold, dry air Dec-Feb, the risk has been lower.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a subdivision dedicated to large weather events called the National Severe Storms Laboratory.

This organization reports that peak tornado season for Oklahoma begins in May and stays until early June.

The NSSL also states that tornadoes are most likely to occur from 4-9 p.m.

President Biden and Education Secretary Cardona discuss the start of the student loan cancellation application process in October 2022, although it has already been suspended until SCOTUS makes a decision. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Sam

tornado swept

May

There were

confirmed tornadoes in the U.S. in 2022. (Travis Heying/The Wichita Eagle via AP)

The Oklahoma Climatological Survey has compiled this map of tornadoes per county between the years 1950 and 2021.

Purple pros:

Kendrick McKinney assembles group of local and national musicians to pay tribute to Prince

Kaleb Gonzalez

Contributing Writer

A group of 17 Oklahoma musicians will perform music by Prince at 7 p.m. Friday at Oklahoma City’s Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd St., to pay tribute to his legacy and impact on music. The performance begins at 8 p.m.

Producer, writer, and musician Kendrick McKinney said he contacted world-class musicians for the upcoming concert, including members of the Grammy-winning jazz-fusion group Snarky Puppy.

“We have guys like Mark Lettieri, who is a part of Snarky Puppy, and Steve Pruitt, who are world-class musicians who have traveled all over the world,” McKinney said.

“A Tribute to the Purple One” has been a long time in the making. McKinney started talking about a Prince tribute several years ago, and it is finally coming to the stage.

“Doing a show like this is something that I’ve wanted

to do for a very long time. I had to have the right people around me to pull this off, because the music is very hard and specific to learn,” McKinney said.

Musician Alex Jones said that McKinney and production manager Garrison Brown intend to present the show with the respect for Prince and his music.

“McKinney is the biggest Prince fan I’ve ever met, and I know that he is going to respect and give Prince the utmost respect towards his music and his attitude towards music. I know he will do this tribute right,” Jones said.

McKinney and Brown are childhood friends who grew up learning music together. Prince has always been a significant part of their lives.

“My dad was a Prince fanatic, and I grew up listening to Prince from the time I was born. Garrison and I grew up listening to this kind of music, and we have been talking about doing a show like this for at least 10 years. I couldn’t do this show without him,” McK-

inney said.

Jones said Oklahoma City is a great city to host events like “A Tribute to the Purple One” that bring the community together through music.

“Just as Prince would say, “rock ‘n’ roll is alive”, and it lives in Oklahoma City. I think that events like this play a big role in bringing people together through music and culture and open the door for future events like this,” Jones said.

The musicians and vocalists of the concert include vocalists Adam Aguilar, Thunder Jackson, Chase McCumber, Chanda Graham, Freddie Noel, and Myra Beasley; guitarists Lettieri and Brown; bassist Wes Stephenson, drummer Steve Pruitt; percussionist Mike Mosteller; McKinney on piano and organ; keyboardist Jones; saxophonists Vince Norman and Trevor Galvin, trumpeter Ryan Sharp and trombonist Zac Lee.

Visit towertheatreokc. com.

LISTEN UP FOR LIVE MUSIC

thejonesassembly.com

Kevin Kaarl, March 26, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Caloncho, March 30, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

The Heavy Heavy, March 30, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, ponyboyokc. com

Dan Deacon, March 31, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Underoath, March 31, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts.com

APRIL

Kenny Chesney, April 1, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter. com

Dameon Allensworth, April 1, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

MARCH

El Perro, March 7, Blue Note, 2408 N. Robinson, okcbluenote.com

Flogging Molly and Anti-Flag, March 8, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts.com

Bodysnatcher, March 8, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstreetokc.com

Static-X, March 9, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts. com

Cro-Mags, March 9, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstreetokc.com

A Tribute to the Purple One, March 10, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Scott H. Biram, March 11, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstreetokc.com

Hide, March 14, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstreetokc.com

Shwayze, March 15, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Alter Bridge, March 15, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc. com

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, March 15, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, ponyboyokc.com

Ana Gabriel, March 16, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter. com

Blake Shelton, March 17, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com

Holly Beth, March 17, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

K. Michelle, March 19, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

The War and Treaty, March 19, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Jackie Venson, March 19, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, ponyboyokc.com

Drive By Truckers, March 21, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan, thejonesassembly.com

Riley Green, March 23, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc. com

Carson Jeffrey, March 24, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Joey Valence and Brae, March 25, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Hairball, March 25, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts. com

Badflower, March 26, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

Colony House, March 26, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan,

Hayes Carll, April 1, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

Pop Evil, April 4, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Waveform*, April 4, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstreetokc. com

Watchhouse, April 5, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

Saliva, April 5, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Cadillac 3, April 6, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

Felipe Esparza, April 7, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Copeland, April 8, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

The Last Ten Seconds of Life, April 8, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstreetokc.com

Young Nudy, April 9, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

JXDN, April 11, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Pedro the Lion, April 13, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Micky & the Motorcars, April 14, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Silverstein, April 15, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts. com

Bendigo Fletcher, April 15, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, ponyboyokc.com

Knuckle Puck and Real Friends, April 16, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Judah and the Lion, April 16, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan, thejonesassembly.com

Lucero, April 19, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

49 Winchester, April 20, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Walker Hayes, April 22, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter. com

Molchat Dolma, April 23, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

August Burns Red, April 25, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts.com

The New Pornographers, April 26, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Shinyribs, April 27, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Hardy, April 28, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com

Tower Theatre hosts a tribute to Prince Friday. (AP PHOTO/CHRIS PIZZELLO

Ana Gabriel performs March 16 at Paycom Center. (AP PHOTO/CHRIS PIZZELLO)

Bronchos fall to Bearcats in MIAA Championship, 61-53

Cal Haydon Sports Reporter

Central Oklahoma men’s basketball fell short in the championship game of the MIAA Conference Tournament on Sunday afternoon in Kansas City, MO. UCO lost 6153 to the No. 1 seed and defending national champions, Northwest Missouri State Bearcats in the Bronchos first appearance ever in the MIAA postseason championship game since joining the conference in 2012.

The championship game was a heated and close battle that included 11 lead changes throughout the game. UCO trailed by eight at the half but opened up the second half with a 7-0 run to cut the lead down to just one. The Bronchos tied the game 53-53 with 3:04 to play in the game. But an 8-0 run including six free-throws by Northwest Missouri followed to end the game and give the Bearcats their second consecutive MIAA Postseason Championship.

Central opened up tournament play on Thursday afternoon in which they defeated No. 7 seed Missouri Southern State University in the quarterfinals, 76-60.

On Saturday, UCO faced

No. 3 seed Fort Hays State Tigers in the semifinals, who beat No. 6 seed Rogers State in their first round matchup. The Bronchos outlasted the Tigers

55-51 in a closely contested game which ultimately advanced them to the school’s first MIAA championship game.

“I’m really proud of this group,” said UCO head men’s basketball coach Bob Hoffman. “We did some really amazing things throughout this week that has never been done in program history and we should be really proud of that.”

UCO sophomore Jaden

Wells and senior Camryn Givens both earned All-Tournament Team awards for their outstanding play throughout the week. Wells averaged 17.4 ppg and Givens averaged 14.4 points per game, which led the

Bronchos in scoring.

“This one hurts,” said Wells after the loss. “We definitely played good enough to win this whole tournament, but unfortunately we just couldn’t get a bucket to fall late.”

Central Oklahoma will now wait for this week’s NCAA Division II Selection Show to determine where and who the Bronchos will face in the first round of the NCAA

Division II National Tournament which will begin on Saturday.

“Even though this loss stings, we are going to just have to move on and leave this championship game in the rear-view mirror,” said Hoffman. “From the start of the season our main goal was to make a run for the national championship and we still have the opportunity to be able to do that.”

UCO Hockey stages fundraiser for national tournament

Bradie Gray

Contributing Writer

After another amazing season from the UCO Hockey team, the Bronchos qualified for nationals. However, since they are not an official member of UCO Athletics, they have to pay their own way, and they are calling on the Central community for help.

The team finished 28-7-1 this year, good enough for a conference championship and a No. 7 finish in the final national rankings. One year removed from a national runners-up campaign, the Broncos are within striking distance of the national crown once again. However, the teams they could face in the national tournament are not the only obstacle in the team’s way this postseason. The only thing left between the Bronchos and a postseason berth is $20,000.

With the ACHA National Championships taking place in Boston, Massachusetts, this year, the cost of travel was expected to increase. Last season, accommodations were much easier since nationals were held in St. Louis, but this postseason is a much different story. Without the backing of the university, the team has to pay for the expenses completely out of

pocket. The team often holds fundraisers for the program, but none this important.

Their last attempt at fundraising for the trip is currently online as the team is trying to crowdfund the money, and they have a chance to give you something in return. There are four levels of donations.

Donations of $25 or less are entered in a drawing for a UCO hockey t-shirt; donations of $50-$100 are entered in a drawing to win a UCO hockey beanie or hat; donations of $250-$500 are entered in a drawing to win a UCO hockey hoodie; and donations of $750 or more are entered to win a UCO hockey jersey and wooden sign.

The entire UCO hockey program is operated by volunteers, including head coach Michael Rivera and assistant coach Brandon Harley, who both work full-time jobs on top of coaching the perennial powerhouse that is Broncho hockey. The entire program has been self-made from the ground up, and this year’s postseason is no different.

The window to donate closes Wednesday, March 8, at midnight. You can donate via the link on their Instagram page, @ucohockey, or online at give.uco.edu on the UCO Hockey page.

Central wrestling making big moves on the mat before nationals

The Central Oklahoma wrestling team finished as the 2022–2023 MIAA Champions, and the team then went on to dominate regionals and take first. The Bronchos have 10 individuals who have been qualified for the nationals March 10-11 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This is the first time since 2007 that the entire team has qualified for nationals.

The Bronchos are taking 10 individuals to the national tournament. Junior Dalton Abney as well as Junior Shawn Streck were named as the No. 1 seeds for their weight classes. Dalton Abney was hurt, injuring his leg in the final of the national duals, and Coach Todd Steidley was not sure if he was going to see the mat. Abney did not wrestle again until the regional tournament, where he placed first, and that road to recovery was inspiring to his teammates.

“The work he put in was definitely motivational,” Steidley said. “Our guys saw all the work he put in and how hard he was training to try and come back. I think it motivated them to train hard.”

Nine of Central’s individuals were placed within the Top 8, and only one Broncho was unseeded. The team is close and feeds off each other’s energy as well as the crowd.

“We’re just trying to be positive,” Steidley said. “They’re very positive. It’s a really close group. I think the experience is the most important for this team.”

Preparation for nationals can be quite stressful, but this only changes a few things for the team. Steidley changes up practices to get the team ready, but to also help them focus on the little things and get back to fundamentals.

“Practices are a lot shorter, but very intense,” Steidley said. “Not as much running or lifting, just because we want them really fresh.”

UCO’s Men’s basketball team huddles in MAA Championship in Kansas City, Mo. (THE VISTA/CAL HAYDON)

Central Oklahoma’s Jack Taylor plays defense against Colorado’s Joey Felicicchia. (CENTRAL SPORTS/PROVIDED)

Brooke Niver

Contributing Writer

Central Oklahoma’s Wrestling Team Celebrates MIAA Championship. (CENTRAL SPORTS/PROVIDED)

Keep in mind, this is a very dark game that deals with heavy subject matter such as trauma, violence, and revenge, so viewer discretion is advised.

Much like with my review of the first game, I decided to give “The Last of Us Part II” a review as well, since The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us is still moving through its first season.

Since you, my dear readers, have most likely seen the title and have wondered…why did “The Last of Us Part II” break your heart? Are you some kind of tenderhearted sap who can’t distinguish reality from fiction? Well the former part is true, I am an unapologetically soft hearted but as for the second part I am able to distinguish reality from fiction, and I understand that at the end of the day, this is fiction. But this game broke my heart because Neil Druckmann took something that was beautiful, and ruthlessly destroyed it before our very eyes.

Do I mean to say that this game is bad? Absolutely not. I really liked the new and much darker direction that Neil Druckmann and the crew at Naughty Dog took with this game, and I like that they punish their heroes without it coming off as mere torture porn. I find that this is a very misunderstood game, and I also find that this game is flawed in ways that took me some time to fully process.

There are still things to enjoy from this game, such as the dichotomy of Abby and Joel’s journeys as characters, the voice acting from veterans such as Troy Baker, Ashley Johnson, and Johnson’s fellow Critical Role member Laura Bailey is strong throughout

the duration of the game, Ellie’s journey throughout the story, and the utter deconstruction of the idea of the revenge story. But there are certainly things that make this game disappointing for some people, which I’ll get into below.

This game deals with a lot of themes, such as the consequences of selfishness, regret, and ultimately what I find the game to be about: the destructive nature of hatred. If “The Last of Us” is about the power of love, then “The Last of Us Part II” is about how hatred can blind us to the destruction that it causes to the people we love. The atmosphere of the second game has a mixture of melancholy and a sense of longing for better times. We find out as the game moves along that Ellie’s lust for revenge is really a coping mechanism for her own guilt and regret.

For a game that explores the old story of revenge, ultimately “The Last of Us Part II” is a

story about the clash between vengeance and forgiveness. While Ellie may want to take revenge on Abby for the unforgivable pain that she inflicted upon her, what she truly needs is to forgive Abby, and Joel, and herself for their actions in the past, and it’s that struggle that kept “The Last of Us Part II” engaging for me. If love redeems and can make us our best selves, then hatred destroys and often brings out the worst in us. Ellie’s quest for revenge and her inability to let go of her past pain is eventually what does her in by the end of the game. I suppose that’s what really bothered me about this game as opposed to the previous one, it was such a bleak and sad ending that it soured me from it, and gave me a bad taste in my mouth. I understand that what probably drove people away from the story is the unfairness of it all, and a lot of the fans weren’t able to cope with it.

‘Hogwarts Legacy’ overcomes a mild confundus curse

Harry Potter can do – no exaggeration.

The third-person RPG quickly catapults you into the main storyline as you’re whisked away by a professor to join the sorting ceremony. If your unexplained and delayed enrollment as a fifth-year student is not enough confusion, Hogwarts Legacy quickly reveals that your character is predisposed to a rare and ancient magic that no one else can see — except, of course, for the game’s main antagonist.

Madelyn Fisher Contributing Writer

Just short of a month from its release date, Hogwarts Legacy is already the largest global launch for Warner Bros. Games, raking in over $800 million. With two more release dates for PS4 and Xbox One and later for the Nintendo Switch, Hogwarts Legacy is now one of the fastest-selling video games in history.

Hogwarts Legacy transports its players into the vast wizarding world as they navigate life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a fifth-year student. Along with custom character creation and the players ability to choose their Hogwarts house and design their first wand from Olivanders, many players say the game feels as magical as they had hoped. With an open-world map and over 40 hours of gameplay, players can do everything

There are, however, plenty of things to make up for the plot holes, like the extensive cast of enjoyable characters. Sebastian Sallow, likely to be your partner in crime, might be a name you already know due to the character’s massive popularity with most players. Other notable characters include Ominis Gaunt, a descendant of Salazar Slytherin; the adorable Poppy Sweeting; and Natsai Onai, whose mother is the newly appointed Divination professor.

With its already massive success, many gamers are already speculating on the chances of Hogwarts Legacy evolving into a trilogy, in which your character completes the final two years at Hogwarts and continues to learn the secrets of their connection to the past.

Britton Summers Reporter

Ellie surveys a wrecked cityscape in “The Last of Us Part II.” (NAUGHTY DOG/PROVIDED)

Joel and Ellie confer in a scene from “The Last of Us Part II.” (NAUGHTY DOG/PROVIDED)

Olivander’s comes to life in “Hogwarts Legacy.”

(WARNER GAMES/PROVIDED)