Volume 73, Issue 12 by The Highlander- UCR

THEHIGHLANDER

The LA Fires: A growing disaster

VCSA Brian Haynes attempts to reject

ASUCR divestment bill

ASUCR calls for student intervention in VCSA Haynes’ attempt to overrule the Ethical Spending Clause.

By: Alex Kupisiewicz, Contributing Writer

The Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASUCR) are currently facing pressure from UCR administration to overturn the SR-W24-005. Otherwise known as ASUCR Boycott and Divestment from Israel and Corporations Complicit in the Ongoing Genocide in Gaza, this bill was passed on Feb. 23, 2024, in what ASUCR described as their “largest senate meeting in years.”

By: Mata Elangovan, Managing Editor

On Jan. 7, 2025, the Los Angeles (LA) fires began, and have rapidly grown encompassing over 37,000 acres as of Jan. 12, 2025. The fires have spread across LA County, leaving regions such as Pasadena, Altadena and Malibu ablaze.

These LA fires have been dubbed as the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Kenneth fires. The Palisades Fire is currently the largest of the four, and has set over 23,000 acres on fire on its own. According to Cal Fire, the Palisades Fire is 13 percent contained.

So far, there are 24 people who died as a result of the destructive wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Around 180,000 people have been forced to evacuate, and thousands of structures have been destroyed.

Wildfire smoke advisories were implemented for many areas in Southern California, extending throughout northern LA County, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Overall, fire and smoke threat remain “very high” as Santa Ana winds continue blowing northeast.

Read more on page 5, News Image courtesy of Maxar Technologies

The senate heard 37 individual statements from students, faculty and alumni expressing concerns for and against the bill. The statements included appeals from Palestinian students and concerns of antiSemitism raised on behalf of Hillel. The vote that followed passed the bill with a unanimous 15-0-0 result.

The bill itself details the set of corporations, taken directly from the Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions (BDS) movement list, from which purchases for student events will not be reimbursed.

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IRENE TU / THE HIGHLANDER

Ringing in the new year with ASUCR

DISCUSSED

In the first Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASUCR) meeting of the new year budget allocations, Green Campus Action Plan (GCAP) purchases, as well as campus accessibility were discussed.

The meeting began with a statement from Makai Harrison, newly-elected vice chair of California Public Interest Research Group (CalPIRG), who updated the senate on their successes last quarter. Harrison described how the organization retrieved “over 1000 petitions from UCR students to protect our old growth forests.” CalPIRG contacted 200,000 students in their campaign to get more students to vote.

Additionally, the UCR CalPIRG board, according to Harrison, found themselves “eager” to promote the protection of California’s coasts from over fishing, oil drilling and climate change. They plan to petition to lobby state leaders for increased protection, as well as host large events to garner media coverage.

Vice President of Finance Cooper Kumar then described the $36,594 of organization allocations that were made in the eighth finance hearing of

the academic year. The Fiance Committee made three main announcements. They passed exemptions for Rio Taiko and the Black Student Union, a grant request for the Undergraduate Business Association and finally an internal hearing request from the student voice social media campaign.

The GCAP discussion considered an application for a grant by the R’Pantry for TerraCycle recycling bins. The bins provide designated locations for specific recyclable materials. By purchasing these boxes, the R’Pantry hopes to avoid contamination since many of its recyclable materials often get contaminated in general waste containers. The boxes are priced at roughly $3,000 each. According to College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Senator Hooshyari Far, “[the boxes] are a little expensive, but last a while.”

During public comment, a new transfer student majoring in public policy and economics, described wanting to be involved in student government. She shared her experience working for her previous schools’ student government. Many members of ASUCR offered to connect her with

SANJANA THATTE News Editor

Climate experts are concerned for the environmental ramifications of a Trump presidency

SARAH TABEL Contributing Writer

Global temperatures are rising rapidly, with Earth’s surface warming by 0.11 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1850 accumulating to 2 degrees Fahrenheit overall. The global warming rate escalated in recent decades, with temperatures rising 0.36 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1982. By 2024, the world experienced the warmest year on record, with the global temperature reaching “about 2.65 degrees Fahrenheit (1.47 degrees Celsius) warmer than the mid-19th century average (18501900)”

Factors influencing these temperature variations include El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate pattern that involves changes in central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean water temperatures. In 2023, the warm phase of ENSO, known as El Niño, contributed to the increase in global temperature and intensified climate impacts. Wildfires in Alaska burned over 300,000 acres, while Hawaii experienced “the deadliest wildfires in the U.S. in over a century” on the island of Maui. Smoke from Canadian wildfires contributed to the air pollution across North America, with New York reporting the worst air quality among major cities worldwide.

The United States (U.S.) government has made progress in addressing the climate crisis both globally and domestically, however these advancements faced reversals under the Trump Administration. In 2017, President Elect Donald Trump an-

2024 RECORDED AS THE HOTTEST YEAR ON RECORD.

nounced the U.S.’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the global accord that employs the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Under the agreement, the U.S. had previously submitted a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in which the government committed to reducing the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels, by the year 2025.

President-Elect Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the agreement, arguing that it imposed economic burdens while benefiting other countries. The withdrawal officially came into effect on Nov. 4, 2020 before the 2020 election.

President-Elect Trump declared that the U.S. would halt further contributions to the Green Climate Funds, which supported climate initiatives in developing countries. Additionally, the administration rescinded environmental regulations, including limits on carbon emissions from power plants and methane emissions from oil productions, in an effort to promote economic growth. Federal lands were opened for fossil fuel extraction to support coal mining and drilling industries.

After taking office in 2021, President Joe Biden and his administration rejoined the Paris Agreement. The administration pledged to reduce U.S. carbon emission by 61 to 66 percent below 2005 levels by 2035. In addition to rejoining the agree-

ment, the Biden Administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which offered funding and incentives to companies transitioning to clean energy and electricity resources. The act came into effect at the start of 2023.

The recent election has caused climate scientists to speculate that the U.S. will withdraw from the Paris Agreement for a second time and refute previous climate action initiatives. Scientists claim that the new Trump Administration will push for more gas and oil exploration and impose more tariffs on electric vehicles and solar panels from China. Dan Eberhart, chief ex-

ASUCR

ecutive officer of oil field service company Canary LLC, stated that the U.S. is expected to enter a “drill, baby, drill” philosophy, with an increase in fracking on federal lands and quicker pipeline movements. Climate change continues to rise, even with policy changes aimed at addressing or disregarding its impact. The shifts in U.S. policy reflect differing priorities between climate action and economic interests. Climate experts suggest that progress in reducing global warming requires specific actions and current efforts, along with potential reversals under the new Trump Administration may hinder mitigation.

VCSA Brian Haynes attempts to reject ASUCR divestment bill

The senate heard 37 individual statements from students, faculty and alumni expressing concerns for and against the bill. The statements included appeals from Palestinian students and concerns of anti-Semitism raised on behalf of Hillel. The vote that followed passed the bill with a unanimous 15-0-0 result.

The bill itself details the set of corporations, taken directly from the Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions (BDS) movement list, from which purchases for student events will not be reimbursed. BDS is a global protest

movement which encourages and organizes mass boycotts of brands and corporations that invest money, aid Israel, or invest in organizations that associate with Israel.

The intended outcome of these organized boycotts is to peacefully pressure the corporation into withdrawing their support for Israel. In light of recent conflict in Gaza, Israel has been declared responsible for Apartheid by the World Court, and the United Nations experts declare ‘reasonable grounds’ that genocide is being committed in Gaza.

Concerns about the bill ranged from worries of a rise in anti-Semitism on campus to the worry of how quickly the legislation was created and passed. The first speaker of the meeting, on behalf of the campus organization, Hillel, raised concerns that “[the] resolution came into being less than a week ago.” The contents of the bill itself came largely from the bill of the same intention passed at the University of California, Davis. Because of this, the bill was able to come into being

a lot faster than it otherwise would have. According to Senator Haidar, the creation of the bill took a “few weeks” since “[they] had a lot of those materials prepared for us.”

Recently, ASUCR made a public announcement on their official Instagram account calling for the support of the students in the face of new pressure on the already approved bill. On Nov. 18, the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs (VCSA), Brian Haynes, sent an email out to leaders of student organizations claiming they will not be implementing senate bill SB-W24-012. The bill adds the Ethical Spending Clause into the ASUCR Bylaws, voted in unanimously, 15-0-0.

ASUCR called the attempted overruling an attempt to “undemocratically removing our bill,” calling for students to join them in emailing the VCSA and asking him to retract his statement and respect the authority of the ASUCR.

ALEX KUPISIEWICZ

Contributing Writer

ASUCR CALLS FOR STUDENT INTERVENTION IN VCSA HAYNES’ ATTEMPT TO OVERRULE THE ETHICAL SPENDING CLAUSE ON ALL META PLATFORMS.

COURTESY OF WISCONSIN EXAMINER

The LA Fires: A growing disaster

THE RAPIDLY EXPANDING LA FIRES NOW ENCOMPASS OVER 37,000 ACRES OF LA AND VENTURA COUNTIES.

The Palisades Fire — touted as “the most destructive [fire] in the history of Los Angeles” — is affecting both the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Evacuation orders were also sent out to areas near Altadena and Pasadena.

Currently contained at 27 percent, the Eaton Fire has almost completely burnt down

Altadena. This small town is native to some of the most historic Black and minority communities in LA. According to NBC LA, “During the Civil Rights era, Altadena became a rare land of opportunity for Black Americans to reach middle class without the discriminatory practices of denying them access to credit … Today, the Black home ownership rate there is at 81.5%, almost double the national rate.”

As a result of the fire, Altedena is also dealing with a plethora of infrastructural issues. According to NewsNation, “the area is dealing with a water system issue, resulting in unsafe drinking water and a lacking supply. Power outages are widespread as well.”

An article from the LA Times claims that the total economic toll of the fires will reach to the tens of billions of dollars, with one estimate being between $52 billion and $57 billion. Meanwhile, another article from Investopedia estimated the losses to be between $135 billion and $150 billion.

The cause of the fires in LA are still unknown. Various causes are under investigation, and LA Fire Department Chief Kristen Crowley shared, “As soon as we have information, we will share that with all of you. I know there’s obviously, for the right reason, a lot of interest in that.”

According to experts, the severity of the fire

is due to severe winds and dry vegetation in the area, leading to the area’s increased vulnerability. The lack of rain in recent months further created an area in LA which was “covered by fire-prone growth.”

After conducting a set of interviews with experts in the field, NBC News explored the possibility of human actions being the cause of the fires. While the experts did admit this is a possibility, it was most likely not set on purpose. The reason being because they consider the area to be “inaccessible, rugged terrain,” and that “arsonists usually aren’t going to go 500 feet off a trailhead through trees and brush, set a fire and then run away.” At the end, they concluded that answers as to the cause of the fire will not come any time soon, and that a lengthy investigation still needs to follow.

Since the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is affected by the Palisades and Eaton Fires, a statement was released by Chancellor Julio to the Bruin community on Jan. 11, 2025. In the chancellor’s message, Frenk announced that their Academic Senate “approve[s] extending remote instruction for undergraduate and graduate courses through Friday, January 17.”

MATA ELANGOVAN Managing Editor

Delta SIFY: ‘History is written by us’

DELTA SIFY HOLDS ITS BIGGEST HIGHLANDER INVITATIONAL YET, ENCOURAGING YOUTH IN STEM SUBJECTS.

copter-like structure and seeing how long it would stay in the air.

Delta SIFY spends the year creating the exams and organizing locations across campus to hold events. They regularly reach out to fellow science Olympiad enthusiasts from across the country to help create exam questions based on the material students would be studying. Allyson Phan explained that this was because they did not want to create exams solely based on Southern California teaching materials.

When asked how examiners seek to promote a healthy competitive atmosphere, Phan explains that though students do take competition very seriously, they do it for their love of STEM subjects, making sure their hard work over the course of the year pays off during the competition.

Director Tin spoke more on this at the awards ceremony. He recalled that he was told countless times that to hold an event such as the Highlander Invitational “at UCR wouldn’t be possible, we wouldn’t get the funding, we wouldn’t get the people and we would never have been able to host events like this.” He emphasized that by hosting events such as these, students choose to reject the narrative “that changing the world is not possible … and that education is only meant for those who can afford it. Tonight, we reject that story and choose to write a different one.

Change in Scientific Importance for Youth (Delta SIFY), held its annual Highlander Invitational, a science Olympiad competition for K-12 students. The event was the biggest STEM competition in Inland Empire History celebrating a year’s worth of projects, studying and experiments to promote scientific engagement at the grade school level.

The event started at 7 a.m., where participants would check in on behalf of their school to see what time and what classrooms their events would take place at. There were three types of events that students could participate in: study, lab and experiment.

Study events involve students taking a test on their given subject in pairs and competing for the best score. Laboratory assignments often require manipulating materials to solve a question posed in their assignment. And experiments involved testing projects students had been developing such as electric cars, projectile launchers and mini helicopter models for recorded scores.

The organization was founded in 2022 by Director Michael Tin. Tin, who is also the Tech Director for The Highlander, had participated in many science Olympiad competitions when he was in grade school. Invitational’s are often considered to be a “trial run” in comparison to higher-level Science Olympiad competitions, such as regional and national competitions. Schools often host invitationals to prepare for these larger scale competitions. However these competitions are somewhat lacking in the Inland Empire as funding for programs is often lacking, along with parents’ lack of awareness for such competitions.

Delta SIFY also runs a year-round Science Olympiad coaching academy at the Riverside Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy. Tin thought it would be fitting to have an

invitational at the University of California Riverside (UCR) to provide opportunities for Inland Empire students to participate in, encouraging involvement and passion for STEM subjects in school.

Students study and prepare for a variety of subjects competed at the Science Olympiad level throughout the year. Fourth-year biology major Allyson Phan explained that the kids “don’t play” and become experts in their field in order to do well in the competition. In the forensics category, students were given powder samples and asked to figure out “who did it” based on the chemical evidence given to them.

Another testing category, known as disease detectives, involved students studying various diseases and bacteria throughout the year and being asked to identify them in their exams. The engineering events were often assessed on metrics. For example, the helicopter event involved the students creating a heli-

“Because the truth is, history isn’t written by kings or queens or CEOs or politicians. History isn’t written by guys with fancy titles who dress up in fancy suits. No. History is written by us, the working people of the world.”

Thanking the students for their dedication to the competition, Tin expressed that, “in a world built upon anger and hate, upon war and violence, let us turn the page and write a new chapter in the story. Let this be the beginning of something different. Let us build a better world with love and kindness. Let us believe in a better world where education is a fundamental human right and not a privilege. And let us truly create a Change in Scientific Importance for Youth. Because this world belongs to the workers who build it, and education belongs to all those who dare to seek it.”

SANJANA THATTE News Editor

COURTESY OF NAM VU

Students engage in the forensics event, where they attempt to figure out “who dunnit” based on forensic evidence.

SANJANA THATTE / THE HIGHLANDER

Opinions

California’s alcohol education law needs more mental health support to succeed

A.B. 2865 INTRODUCES ALCOHOL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS, BUT ITS EFFECTIVENESS DEPENDS ON HOW ADEQUATELY MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES WILL BE ADDRESSED.

SPANDANA JANAPATI Assistant Opinions Editor

Alongside a tirade of new laws going into effect in California, public schools will now have additional instruction on the short and long-term effects of excess alcohol use.

Assembly Bill 2865 (A.B. 2865), authored by former Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, will focus on chronic diseases and the mental health problems that can arise from drinking.

Carrillo’s push for this bill is a result of her driving under the influence (DUI) charge in November 2023, where she was found with a bloodalcohol level twice the legal limit. She pleaded no contest to the DUI, a legal decision where she accepted the consequences of her actions without formally admitting guilt.

After the ruling and subsequent plea agreement, Carrillo reflected on the role of stress in her actions and expressed regret about not having a better education on alcohol’s effects during her high school years. Her decision to champion A.B. 2865 shows her desire to address the deeper issues behind addiction and substance misuse rather than simply accepting responsibility for her past actions. While her redemption arc is not without controversy, it ultimately highlights how personal mistakes can pave the way for meaningful policy changes.

While A.B. 2865 adds more toward alcohol and narcotics education, it doesn’t address the overarching issues that can be connected to substance abuse. Carrillo told KCAL News how stress led her to develop unhealthy coping mech-

anisms, like alcohol misuse, which can escalate into addiction adequate support or understanding. Although she denied having an addiction, Carrillo’s acknowledgment of her struggles highlights the importance of addressing mental health challenges early on in schools.

Studies on virtual alcohol education programs show mixed results in terms of effectiveness. Initially, students had a significant reduction in risk of alcohol abuse but this diminished over time. Without ongoing reinforcement and a connection to broader mental health strategies, the impact of these programs is limited.

To create lasting change, education systems must address the root causes of substance misuse, particularly the mental health challenges that drive many young people toward alcohol. Expanding mental health care is a key solution that can be incorporated across all grades, with every teacher equipped to recognize its importance and guide students toward appropriate resources. This approach ensures that students not only understand the dangers of alcohol but also have the support they need to navigate the underlying struggles that lead to substance use.

Carrillo’s own words reinforce this perspective. She reflected on the need for introspection and support, sharing, “I needed to look in the mirror and say, ‘What’s going on, Wendy?’” Her acknowledgment of stress as a contributing factor highlights the importance of teaching young people healthier coping mechanisms. Simply warning students about the dangers of alcohol is not enough. They need tools to navigate life’s challenges without turning to harmful behaviors.

Expanding mental health education and resources in schools is a critical step in addressing the deeper issues that A.B. 2865 begins to tackle. California has made progress with laws like Senate Bill 224, which requires mental health education to be included in the health curriculum for grades one through 12. This ensures that students learn about mental health alongside physical health. However, these legislative efforts are often undermined by inconsistent funding and a lack of resources to train staff effectively.

Historically, mental health services in California public schools have relied on general education budgets, leaving districts with unstable and insufficient funding to meet growing demands. While alcohol education programs like those introduced by A.B. 2865 can provide a foundation, they need to be supported by a broader system of resources. Regular training for school counselors, increased funding for mental health services and proactive policies that prioritize students’ overall well-being are essential to making these programs impactful and sustainable.

The success of A.B. 2865 will ultimately depend on how schools implement its requirements and whether they integrate its lessons into a more comprehensive approach. Educating students about alcohol misuse is an important first step, but it goes hand in hand with addressing the root causes of substance abuse, such as mental health struggles. By creating a holistic support system, schools can not only help students avoid the dangers of alcohol misuse, but also provide them with the tools to navigate adversity with resilience and confidence.

ADELIA URENA / THE HIGHLANDER

Trader Joe’s is popular for good reason, but let’s not get carried away

The “hype” around shopping at TJ’s is reaching an all-time high as the company’s products have become a part of popular culture. While the grocery chain deserves

credit for its budget-friendly prices and marketing strategies, it’s just a grocery store.

Since starting at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), I’ve shopped at TJ’s for its reasonably priced, quality food — a lifesaver for a student on a budget. I also follow accounts on social media that show you how to make meals using different TJ’s products. Many of the brand’s special products, like the chili onion crunch, frozen waffles,

ish the entire bag by myself in a few days.

However, while the food options at TJ’s are perfect for college students, shopping at any of their locations often feels like going to war. First, you need to find parking. This usually involves driving into the parking lot and looping around three or more times before finding a space after staring down another driver who was eyeing your spot.

As you look to grab one of the

TRADER JOE’S LIVES UP TO THE “HYPE” FOR ITS AFFORDABLE PRICES AND HIGH-QUALITY FOOD, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT IS STILL JUST A SUPERMARKET.

bagel sesame seasoning and mini ice-cream cones, have become my favorites.

Not to mention, eating food from TJ’s makes you feel like you’re eating “healthier” — likely due to the company’s genius marketing. For example, I’ve convinced myself that the Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips Chili and Lime Flavored is a healthier version of the popular spicy chip brand Takis, and I can quickly fin-

few carts left outside the store and wedged between parked cars, the second challenge has begun: finding a shopping cart. Then, once you enter the store, there are about 100 shoppers already there; it’s a game of skillfully zipping through the aisles to do your shopping. While you decide whether you want the Caesar or Greek salad in the produce area, be prepared to have someone hover over you as they

whisper “excuse me” and wait for you to move aside. Finally, when it’s time to pay, you dash to find the shortest cashier line. Then, you need to quickly leave the store and put your groceries in the trunk. As you exit your parking space, a car is already there to take your spot.

Shopping at TJ’s isn’t relaxing, and you can’t spend time browsing through the aisles. Crowding is worse in Riverside since there is only one location, and the two closest stores are in Redlands and Corona. Also, TJ’s curated selection usually doesn’t have everything. I can’t replace my go-to cereal and authentic tortillas with TJ’s oddtasting options.

Despite these drawbacks, I still propose making an official request on behalf of TJ-loving students for a location near UCR for its unique selections and budget-friendly prices. But, if I’m being picky, the company should consider building larger parking lots to avoid traffic congestion.

I’ll stay a fan as long as TJ’s food is affordable and tasty. Hopefully, TJ’s will heed my advice and expand into the Inland Empire with larger parking lots for a better shopping experience.

CECILE DIROLL Opinions Editor

ADELIA URENA / THE HIGHLANDER

Meta’s new policies will create a misinformation free-for-all

UPDATED POLICIES WILL ALLOW FOR THE RAMPANT SPREAD OF MISINFORMATION AND HATE SPEECH ON ALL META PLATFORMS.

ALEX KUPISIEWICZ Contributing Writer

Following in the footsteps of Elon Musk’s decision for X, formerly known as Twitter, Mark Zuckerberg announced on Jan. 7, 2025, his intentions to remove third-party factcheckers on all Meta apps and replace them with a “Community Notes” feature, which will function as crowdsourced contextual information that can be added to any post by another user and voted on by others.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and Threads, will make this controversial change on all three platforms, starting first in the United States (U.S.), and then expanding the move to other countries. Social media is already a hub for angry political arguments and opinions. The trend of social media companies eliminating factual context or correction from their sites will soon permit people to say nearly anything they want without consequences — undoubtedly leading to a misinformation freefor-all.

While Meta plans to end fact-checkers on their platforms, there will still be community and “hateful conduct” guidelines that outline what kind of content can be removed by moderation. But those, too, have been amended. The “change log” in Meta’s Transparency Center shows the specific edits made to this document, including removing “do not post” topics, like women being referred to as house-

hold objects, non-binary people being referred to as “it” and any “protected characteristic” being referred to as criminals.

The edits also specify the new allowance for “allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation.” These changes make way for hate speech on the platforms, which will make millions of users across the world feel excluded and unsafe since there is no longer any accountability for discriminatory behavior.

Zuckerberg’s announcement in a video he posted on Instagram states the company’s intent to “simplify[ing] our policies and restoring free expression on our platforms.” He also mentions concerns with fact-checking becoming “too politically biased.” Instead of the supposed political bias of keeping people informed of the true facts, Zuckerberg plans to implement a “Community Notes” feature, which he says will be similar to the one currently on X. However, this change is dangerous because it will prioritize and amplify the loudest voices online over factual information, empowering people to ignore facts when sharing their beliefs.

One of the most troubling parts of this shift is its reflection on the “Community Notes,” where reports have shown consistent failure in addressing the spread of misinformation. For

example, one investigation showed that 74% of accurate notes correcting false or misleading claims about the 2020 presidential election were not displayed. Even when they were displayed, the original misleading post was shown without the note 13 times more than the post with the accurate notes. Evidently, the “Community Notes” feature does little, if anything, to correct misinformation on the platform.

Everyone deserves a space, even online, where they can be themselves without feeling unwelcome or unsafe. These changes in the regulation of misinformation reverse the work that has been done to create that secure space. Even outside social media platforms, hateful speech can promote offline violence. A paper published by two New York University professors, for example, reviewed data from 100 U.S. cities and found a direct link between the rise in targeted hate speech and hate crimes in every city in the study.

Misinformation on social media platforms will reach an all-time high if it is left unchecked. With increasing political polarization in the U.S. and incoming policy changes under the Trump administration, the country will only become more unsafe for women, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants and people of color.

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Scotty-Scopes:

The birds and the bees

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): Page of Swords

You clearly didn’t properly plan for the week ahead, Libra. Stop making rash decisions, take a breath and direct your energy to where it’s supposed to be going.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): King of Cups

You’re stressed, tired and hangry this week, Capricorn. This is unfortunately unavoidable but try to be civilized to those around you as much as you can.

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Eight of Cups

Don’t give up this week, and devote your time to what matters. Escapism can be tempting, but don’t walk away from the things that are important and need to get done.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Two of Cups

Some of your time this week will be spent with a loved one, romantic or otherwise. Set aside time to focus on one another and strengthen your connection instead of going through the motions.

FIND OUT IF YOU’LL BE AS BUSY AS A BEE OR FREE AS A BIRD THIS WEEK.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): Six of Pentacles

Give up some of your time this week to someone who needs help, even if it feels like you’re too busy to do so. Your generosity will spread positivity to those who need some right now.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Ten of Cups

Despite busy schedules, make sure to make time for your relationships. If you don’t, your old or new boo will feel some resentment towards you.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Ace of Swords

Take some time to revisit that old idea this week — you might just have a breakthrough and find success with it.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): Temperance

You miraculously have time to relax worked into your schedule this week, Leo — nice work! Spend the time doing absolutely whatever it is you want to do.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21):

Phew — you’re booked and busy this week. If you don’t manage your time properly and prioritize what’s most important, you’re going to burn out quickly.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): Four of Swords

You will face exhaustion and burnout this week — make sure to carve out time for rest and relaxation to keep your spirits high.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Nine of Swords

Your uneasiness is making you lose precious sleep time, Gemini. The more you worry, the more you essentially are wasting time you could be putting toward soothing your fears.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22): Three of

A celebration is on the horizon for you, Virgo! Balance is key, however, so make sure to give equal time to both your festivities and relaxations.

Two of Wands

Cups

NATALIE DAHL Features Editor

Joshua Tree Beginner’s Guide

JUST 77 MILES AWAY FROM RIVERSIDE, DISCOVER ONE OF THE FEW PLACES YOU CAN SEE JOSHUA TREES.

NOLA PERIFEL Contributing Writer

If you are looking to explore places around Riverside, Joshua Tree National Park is just an hour away. Whether it be for a weekend camping trip or just a regular day trip, this park is worth exploring.

Campsites

This wonderful desert has many campsites and group campgrounds to choose from. One of my personal favorites is Sheep’s Pass as it is spacious and located in a beautiful part of the park. You can reserve a campsite for your tent for about $30 a night. If you decide to go camping, be wary of the weather. The wind gusts can get extremely high, especially at night, and the temperature drops considerably when the sun sets. So be sure to bring tent stakes, warm clothing and a proper sleeping bag. But even though it can get cold at night, don’t miss out on looking up at the stars to see the Milky Way. The park is known as an International Dark Sky Park and is ideal for stargazing as it does not have much light pollution. An amazing time to stargaze would be during the summer to witness wonderful meteor showers and beautiful shooting stars. Additionally, the park has stargazing areas to best observe our Milky Way Galaxy.

Getting Around

Make sure your car has enough gas to travel in the park. Joshua Tree National Park is enormous and getting from one side to another, or simply travelling to hiking trails, demands a lot of gas. There are no gas stations inside the park, which is something to keep in mind. Additionally, as it is a desert, bringing water, a hat and food is crucial. There are virtually no stores inside the park to buy water and food so it is best to come prepared. Bringing a paper map can be important as there is no signal in the park and it will be difficult to access a GPS. The best way to find a paper map is at the visitor’s center but you can also download a digital one ahead of time on the Joshua Tree National Park official website. The visitor’s center is an amazing source to get information on the park itself, its wildlife and the numerous hikes that the park offers.

Biking

One of my favorite activities to do in Joshua Tree is biking. You can use roads that vehicles follow but to avoid traffic, the best to follow are

backcountry ones such as the Queen Valley Roads. Here you can start your biking excursions at Big Horn Pass or Barker Dam to see amazing sights throughout the park. But one important detail to remember is that dirt trails are only accessible on foot. If you decide to bike to a trail near Barker Dam or Big Horn Pass, however, there are bike racks that are available at the entrance of many hikes.

Hiking

Joshua Tree landscapes are unlike any other. Hiking is one of the best ways to feel immersed in nature between enormous boulders and spiky joshua trees.

If you feel like doing short and easy hikes, especially in the hot summer, here are some great ones to try:

Skull Rock is a fun and easy one for people of any skill level to participate in. During this 1.8 mile hike you can observe rock formations that resemble an actual skull and you are free to roam around the boulders and go at your own pace. You have the option of bouldering your way through the hike or simply following the trail.

MAIN ST

Another easy hike option is the Hidden Valley Hike. This one mile hike offers gorgeous scenery in a small valley surrounded by boulders and cacti. It is a short and fairly flat hike that anyone of any age can enjoy.

Another beautiful hike is also the Barker Dam Hike. During this 1.1 mile hike, it is possible to observe petroglyphs carved in the boulders of the hike which have been present for 2000 years. During this hike, you will also pass by a river, in the right seasons which is a beautiful spot for a photo op.

If you are looking for some trails of medium difficulty, there is also a great selection that can be found throughout the park:

West Side Loop Trail takes about 2.5 to 4 hours to complete and is a classic but beautiful trail. This 4.7 mile hike takes you through cacti and is best done at sunrise or sunset to ensure a gorgeous view of the park.

Another amazing trail to try is Lost Horse Mine. This 4 mile hike takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete and takes its visitors into the past as it

passes by abandoned gold mines that date back to the Gold Rush.

Finally, if you are looking for more difficult hikes and trails, here are a few:

Ryan Mountain is a 3 mile hike that takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete and it takes its visitors to the summit of Ryan Mountain. This is known as one of the best views of the park and despite its steep elevation, is one of the park’s most popular hikes.

Another amazing trail is the Lost Palms Oasis Trailhead. As long as 7.5 miles, it takes 5 to 6 hours to complete and takes its visitors to a beautiful oasis in the midst of tall palm trees and a small river. On top of this, the oasis is surrounded by mountains of boulders, which are a typical Joshua Tree attraction.

Finally, the Boy Scout Trail is 8 miles long and takes 6 hours to complete. This hike takes you between the boulders and shows classic Joshua Tree landscapes that are unlike anything else.

NORM’S NOOK SPOTLIGHT

E scooters

GABRIELA GALVAN Assistant Features Editor

They’re quiet, fast and dangerous. Owning one follows you with controversy and disapproving stares. Not entirely legal, but still a must-have. While this might sound like the description of some exotic animal, it’s really a portrayal of the electric scooters (e-scooters) that stampede around campus in the same nature as one. In efforts to fight the threat of being late to an unforgiving lab section, or booking it to the dining hall for the good stuff, finding a better and faster mode of transportation that doesn’t involve walking has always interested students. With the heavy load that is walking a bicycle and the lugging around that involves a skateboard, a great in-between was presented: the e-scooter. Informally introduced to campus in 2018 with the likes of e-scooter brands, Lime and Bird, their dockless feature and lack of regulation on campus initiated a boom in the use of electric mobility. The question of safety between e-scooter riders and pedestrians threatened the existence of transportation aids that weren’t manual. Eventually seizing over 500 scooters left behind by students around campus, the brands pulled from UCR and the entirety of Riverside by 2019. Known for their convenience and speed, e-scooters did not entirely disappear from campus as students began to own them privately. The concern for safety continued, and tension between student pedestrians and riders grew in

response to negligent riding and sidewalk traffic. Many students have voiced their frustrations about e-scooters and their users, voicing their complaints and anecdotes on Instagram and University of California, Riverside (UCR) Reddit forums. Despite the controversy and regulations set in place by Transportation Services, the UCR campus has acknowledged e-scooter users and installed new docking stations at the HUB. All in all, you either hate them or you want to have them.

STUDENT POLL

QUESTION: What are your predictions for 2025?

Answer our weekly question on the Highlander Instagram for the opportunity to get featured in the next issue!

Hitting the gym regularly

My art career and Dewy’s Adventures comic will take off this year

UCR will create a new variation of fruit

Jasontheween coming to UCR

Lesbians 2025…

Sanjana T.

Emily M.

Adelia U.

Jackie A.

Bobbi M.

GRAPHICS BY LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER

SORTING HAT

24. Beauty pageant wear

26. Attempt to hurl

29. Sub-brand owned by American Eagle Outfitters

33. Observer

37. Airport watchdog; Abbr.

38. Kung Fu Panda Dragon _____

39. Dalai ___

40. Dickens’s _____ Heep

42. “___ never work!”

43. Type of chair able to turn in any direction

45. Groove

By Natalie Features

46. Famed loch

47. Aromatic compound

48. Blurred background photographic technique

50. Warm, so to speak

52. Cybertruck maker

56. Elemental component of brass

59. Founded by Helga

63. Kind of hygiene

64. Irish name for Ireland

65. Vietnam’s capital

66. ___ Scotia

67. Floating, perhaps

68. Jargon or slang

69. Was aware of

70. Bucks and does

71. Kayne and North Down

1. Twinge

2. Seize

3. Its capital is Tripoli

4. Uplift spiritually

5. Less responsive to sound

6. Chopped down

7. Like hand-me-downs

8. Rain shoe

9. Buddhist or Jainist scripture

10. Founded by Salazar 11. Waterfront walk

12. Purple smoothie

ANSWERS (DON’T PEEK!)

ingredient

13. Kind of paper

21. Angry

25. Amniotic ___

27. La Brea goo

28. Egypt’s capital

30. Memorization method

31. Pandora’s release

32. A former measure of length equivalent to six hand breadths; Plural

33. “If all ___ fails...”

34. Swerves at sea

35. Give off, as light

36. Founded by Rowena

38. “Fiddler on the Roof”

setting

41. North Sea Diving Bird

44. Bard’s “before”

48. Banana blemish

49. Equine laugh

51. Coming up

53. Fifth wheel

54. Carbon dioxide producers

55. Underway

56. ___ out (fall asleep)

57. Wrinkle remover

58. Pew area

60. Complimentary

61. Phobia

62. Clothing ensembles

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COURTESY OF FREEPIK

The ultimate list of comfort shows and movies for college freshmen

The transition to college is full of challenges, but these 10 comfort shows and movies offer humor, heart and life lessons that make the journey easier.

By: Lilianna Angel, Contributing Writer

The adjustment from high school to college can be overwhelming with new schedules, new people, and the pressure of balancing school, social life, and self-care. Luckily, movies and TV shows are comforting companions to viewers, offering laughter during stressful moments, helping people navigate emotions and often providing an escape. These selections not only entertain but also make transitioning to college life easier and more manageable. Here's a rundown of the best shows and movies to help freshmen adjust to the whirlwind of new experiences that college holds.

“Gilmore Girls”(2000)

“Gilmore Girls” is a perfect show for those adjusting to a new chapters. Its themes of navigating life transitions, forming meaningful relationships and handling complex emotions, helping college students navigate homesickness. The show's humor and heart offer comfort for those feeling lost or uncertain. The show follows Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel), a mother-daughter duo living in the small, quirky town of Stars Hollow. As they navigate life’s ups and downs, from school to romance, they support each other through all of life's changes. The bond between the two, full of witty banter and deep emotional moments, delivers laughter and life lessons. The later seasons of “Gilmore Girls” are perfect for college students, as Rory explores her time at university.

“You Again” (2010)

“You Again” hilariously shows how confronting the past can lead to growth, forgiveness and a few good laughs. When protagonist Marni (Kristen Bell) discovers her brother is marrying her high school nemesis, she embarks on a mission to stop the wedding, only to find herself revisiting old rivalries and misunderstandings. College is a time of unexpected life adventures, and this movie is an entertaining way of showcasing that.

“Bob’s Burgers” (2011)

This show follows the Belcher family. Bob Belcher runs a burger restaurant with his wife and three kids. Despite financial struggles and the antics of his eccentric family, Bob remains hopeful and determined to keep his business afloat.

“Bob's Burgers” is about embracing oneself – quirks and all – while learning to navigate challenges with family and friends. It’s a fun, lighthearted show to help audiences de-stress and find comfort in the

chaos. This animated sitcom establishes a beautiful family dynamic which leaves its audience feeling a bit homesick in the best way possible.

“Supernatural” (2005)

Although this show is lengthy, it’s a good one. In the show, brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) hunt demons, ghosts and other supernatural creatures as they explore the world. Together, they set out to “Saving people, hunting things. The family business.” “Supernatural” is about perseverance, finding strength in unlikely places and the importance of family. It’s perfect for students who are new to adulthood facing unexpected challenges.

“Pitch Perfect” (2012)

The movie follows Beca Mitchell (Anna Kendrick), a freshman at Barden University, who reluctantly joins an all-girls a cappella group. Her time with the group leads to both hilarious and heartwarming moments as they compete for the championship. "Pitch Perfect" shows the importance of teamwork, self-expression and making lifelong connections through shared passions. The movie connects with a student who is new to campus life or just learning to balance work and play. It's a great college movie that captures the experience and nerves that college brings.

“Accepted” (2006)

Nothing is more memorable that the feeling of apprehension while waiting for decision letters from colleges. This movie perfectly captures the fear of being rejected from every college. Bartleby Gaines (Justin Long) who is rejected by every college, creates his own university, South Harmon Institute of Technology, enrolling other students who were also rejected. His new school cultivates a series of hilarious and touching events. “Accepted” is all about embracing oneself and finding belonging, even if it’s not what everyone expects. It’s an ideal watch for first-year students looking for some comedy and a sense of community.!

“Inside Out 2” (2024)

Disney's beloved "Inside Out" comes back with a sequel where Riley, now a teenager, is facing new challenges. As she goes to hockey camp during the summer before high school, her emotions are put to the test. "Inside Out 2" explores the complexities of growing up, balancing emotions and adjusting to new environments, making it a great reminder to prioritize mental health.

“Legally Blonde” (2001)

Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), a fashionable sorority girl, enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend but ends up discovering her own passion for law and proving everyone wrong about her intellect. "Legally Blonde" is a celebration of determination, self-discovery and challenging expectations. Elle Woods is a perfect role model for first-year students who may feel underestimated or unsure of their potential.

“How to Get Away With Murder” (2014) For those interested in mystery, drama or law, "How to Get Away With Murder" offers plenty of intellectual challenges and unpredictable twists. It also emphasizes the importance of trust, decision-making and navigating complex situations. The series follows Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), a brilliant law professor who teaches her students how to defend the guilty, while also dealing with the personal and professional consequences of a high-stakes case. Take caution before watching the show, for it is immensely binge-worthy.

“Monsters University” (2013) Based on the campus of the University of California, the campus in “Monsters University” sets the stage for adjusting to a new environment. The film successfully demonstrates the idea that success does not always come from following a traditional path. Through Mike and Sulley’s journey at university, the themes of perseverance, col-

laboration and self-discovery are proven to be critical in overcoming obstacles. The film also has a great college aesthetic from social life aspects to academics.

Navigating the first year of college can be challenging. Thankfully, these shows and movies offer much more than just entertainment. They provide valuable life lessons, humorous escapes and reminders that even the most unexpected journeys foster growth. Whether a student seeks laughter, tears or understanding, these picks are perfect companions for the first-year experience.

Image courtesy of Pexels ■

The Last Showgirl’ gets real about the life of the working class in a big city

This independent film invites audiences into a journey of self-discovery and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

By: Joseph Arriaga, Contributing Writer

Directed by Gia Coppola, “The Last Showgirl,” follows Shelly (Pamela Anderson) as a Las Vegas showgirl whose show, after 30 years of performing, abruptly closes — forcing her to forge a path for her future. The film explores the price that women pay for their beauty and careers. This theme of sacrifice is pervasive throughout the film's runtime, allowing the audience to connect to Shelly.

The film highlights Pamela Anderson’s acting skills. For years, she was known as a “sex symbol.” particularly in the 90s following her performance in

“Baywatch.” But with “The Last Showgirl,” the audience can see a very different side of Anderson. It’s not hard to see why her performance in this film was nominated for a Golden Globe.

Shelly's best friend, Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis) is a waitress at a nearby casino and, like Shelly, a former dancer. Brenda Song and Kiernan Shipka also appear in the film, playing as the new generation of showgirls whom Shelly guides.

As the film progresses, Shelly struggles to face the reality that her days as a showgirl are coming to an end. With an 89-minute

‘EPIC: The Ithaca Saga’ is an emotional ending to a unique retelling of the Odyssey

The final album of Jorge Rivera-Herrans, ‘EPIC: The Musical,’ is the satisfying conclusion fans have been waiting for.

By:

Joanna Simon, Contributing Writer

“EPIC: The Musical” is a series of albums by Jorge Rivera-Herrans that retell Homer’s Odyssey in song form — specifically inspired by the style of musicals. The songs in this series of sagas include many musical aspects common in musicals, such as background choruses, character dialogue and sound effects for certain scenes.

Each “saga” is an individual album, detailing phases in Odysseus’ journey home. The ninth album, released on Dec. 25, 2024, is the final installment in the saga, showcasing the final struggles of the hero as he reaches his homeland after 12 long years. Fans were eager to hear the story’s ending–although most know that Odysseus ends up getting home. Overall, Rivera-Herrans’ musical interpretation of these events is an enjoyable listen.

“The Challenge” is an emotional ballad featuring Anna Lea’s beautiful vocals as Penelope longs for her husband. Penelope must ward off the suitors vying

for her hand by presenting an impossible challenge, and still keeps hope for her husband to return despite waiting for over a decade. In “EPIC,” each character has a musical motif. Penelope’s viola was a beautiful start to the song that conveys a hopeful tone on its own.

“Hold Them Down” is a brilliantly menacing villain song from the suitors’ point of view. It’s mainly sung by Ayron Alexander, who plays Antonichius, a particularly bold suitor who leads the others in their desperate efforts to grasp the throne. Alexander’s deep vocals and bold performance of such a malicious character earned praise from fans.

The instrumental is dark and slow, making the suitors feel like a leering threat waiting to strike Telemachus and Penelope. There are dark allusions to threats of sexual assault in this song, demonstrating how this saga didn’t shy away from darker aspects of Penelope’s predicament.

Here, Odysseus makes his entrance, having hidden in the palace all this time, hearing the

runtime, this film is a character study, which allows viewers to see fleshed out versions of the character's personalities and motivations.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw cinematography allows the film to stand out, displaying incredible progression from their last credited film, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” In most films where Las Vegas is portrayed, viewers see the bright lights and the grand scale of Vegas as if it were the most amazing city in the world. In this film, however, Las Vegas is shown differently. The city is scaled down and highlights the working class — the people who are trying to live day to day trying to make ends meet.

The film is also presented with a dirty and grainy look, which adds authenticity to the production value of the film itself. In the club where Shelly and the rest of the dancers work, the audience gets a

suitors plans. Thus, the album transitions to the song aptly named “Odysseus,” a five minute song about Odysseus slaughtering the suitors. In this track, a suitor begs for mercy, but he gets killed promptly and Odysseus claims his “mercy died to bring me (Odysseus) home.” The song doesn’t hold back any of the brutality in the original poem — with the screams of the slain suitors in the instrumental, to lyrics explicitly condemning the threats of sexual assault against Penelope.

Odysseus’ electric guitar motif can also be heard when he saves his son from dying to the suitors, but with more intensity than in previous songs. Rivera-Herrans made “Odysseus” a rage-filled piece that satisfies the listener despite the brutality, as one may empathize with him at this point after his trial.

Fans have mentioned that before this, only monsters in past sagas, such as the cyclops and Scylla, have had their own songs named after them. But now, Odysseus joins the monsters with his own song, demonstrating how he became a “monster” himself. The chorus in the background singing Odysseus’ name makes him feel like he has fully descended to the brutality similar to beasts in his past. It’s a chilling and perfect conclusion to the track.

“I Can’t Help But Wonder” is a lovely song that showcases the emotional moments with Odysseus reuniting with his son, where each of the men wonders

sense that the environment is very beatdown and old, helping the audience to get a feeling of where the characters stand.

In a Q&A livestream that was included in an early screening of the film with Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis, the two actresses shared their insight on the making of this film and their connection with the characters they played. During this Q&A, they emphasized that the story

feels personal to them.

Verdict: Gia Coppola's “The Last Showgirl” is a beautiful independent film telling the stories of real people who are just trying to make it and find their place in the world. It is a one-ofa-kind film.

what struggles the other has faced. Miguel Veloso, who plays Odysseus’ son, Telemachus, has been praised by fans as a strong casting choice since his voice sounds quite similar to RiveraHerrans.

Both singers deliver beautiful vocal performances with soft, emotional vocals. Athena and Odysseus’ conversation in this song also introduces interesting characterization, with Teagan Earley delivering softer vocals for the goddess than in previous songs. Athena, who used to encourage brutality, now dreams of a kinder world, while a battered Odysseus, who used to try his best for his now deceased crew, expresses that those dreams are behind him now.

Penelope and Odysseus’ song “Would You Fall in Love with Me Again” was the conclusion fans were waiting for all this time, perhaps with as much anticipation as Penelope waiting for her husband to return. This song is the longest one on the album, and fans were happy about this, as it feels like a fitting and satisfying end to the saga.

The tradition of musical motifs in “EPIC” can be found here as well, with the instrumental referencing Odysseus’ past tragedies in songs as he confesses his crimes to his wife. Lea’s strong vocals carry out complicated and passionate emotions in between love and rage when Odysseus doubts that she can love him after all he’s done.

Fans enjoyed the album, with several saying that the final duet made them emotional. Critics of the storytelling choices in the previous “Vengeance Saga” album praised the “Ithaca Saga” for keeping events simple, focusing on satisfying emotional arcs for the climax of Odysseus’ rage as well as his family reuniting.

Though fans were left with bittersweet feelings, as this was the end of “EPIC,” Rivera-Herrans does have unreleased songs that were cut from the saga. There is no cominformation for the release of these cut songs. He also continues to respond to fans on social media, giving insight into his intentions for certain choices made in the story.

Regardless of “EPIC” coming to an end, fans have been animating amazing videos on YouTube, creating visuals for each of the songs on the album. It’s been a steady tradition for animators in the fanbase, so there’s plenty of content to watch even after listening to the album.

Verdict: “EPIC: The Ithaca Saga” is a beautiful ending to an album series that gained many dedicated fans for its musical storytelling and musical quality. The album highlights the complex character of Odysseus through a unique interpretation of the original story.

Image Coutesy of Roadside Attractions

‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’ is the perfect cure for the January blues

Wallace & Gromit make a return to the big screen in a comedic and gratifying way

By: Ian Palma, Contributing Writer

For more than 30 years, the “Wallace & Gromit” franchise has drawn the attention of fans through its prominent use of eye-catching claymation, interesting characters, witty humor and Buster Keaton-like escapades. The titular characters have embedded themselves within the realm of British pop culture all while being recognized and acclaimed on an international level. Their trajectory is akin to other animated characters such as Mickey Mouse or Snoopy.

Despite the global attention that the franchise received, it went on an almost 20-year hiatus with the two characters’ last cinematic appearance being in 2008. But as 2025 rolled in, the absurd duo made their feature-length film

comeback with the release of “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance

Most Fowl.” Released by Netflix on Jan. 3, 2024 to international audiences, the film sets out to capture what originally drew fans to the series while updating itself for a modern audience.

The film revolves around the eccentric inventor, Wallace, and his mute but comical canine, Gromit. Together, they try to foil the plot of the mastermind criminal penguin known as Feathers McGraw. Feathers, having been busted by the two characters many years ago while trying to steal a diamond, exacts his revenge through robots that Wallace has created with the initial purpose to help Gromit and his community.

Image Coutesy of A24

In “Babygirl,” Romy Mathis (Nicole Kidman) struggles to balance the different spheres of her life. She has high ambitions, having fought to create her own company and become one of a few female CEOs. And yet she also wants to be a devoted wife and mother, getting up early to pack her kid’s lunch and make breakfast. Then there are the secret, repressed urges she only acts on late at night when alone in her bedroom and away from her husband, Jacob (Antonio Banderas).

Despite having enjoyed a happy marriage for 20 years, Romy has

kept a secret from her husband: he’s never made her orgasm. Secretly, Romy fantasizes about being sexually dominated by a man and her husband can’t fulfill this dream. Romy’s desire blooms to fruition when she embarks on a BDSM-tinged affair with Samuel (Harris Dickinson) who is an intern at her company – a move that threatens both her marriage and her career.

Director Halina Reijn smartly shies away from stereotypes by making Banderas’ character a husband who is far from dull. Instead, Jacob is a smart and charming play director who

As these robots wreak havoc on the streets of Wigan, it is up to Wallace and Gromit to clear their names and stop Feathers McGraw once more. Following the duo, the film introduces new and interesting characters, one of the most important ones being a young and inexperienced constable named Mukherjee. Many of these characters play their own comedic roles in the ensuing state of affairs.

Although the situations in the film are reminiscent of many of its previous installments, this film goes one step further when it comes to highlighting the deep relationship between the two main characters. The film does a superb job demonstrating Wallace and Gromit’s care and admiration for each other. Whether it’s Wallace building robots to help lessen the burdens of Gromit, or Gromit trying to save his owner from the backlash received due to his rogue robots,

the extent of the friendship is more visibly displayed than any of their previous outings.

Additionally, the film has underlying motifs surrounding the overreliance of technology, mainly conveying this message through the absurd chaos that Wallace’s robots wreak among the town. Although the film’s slapstick humor seems to overshadow its adult themes, older viewers can still recognize and appreciate them.

While the film is undoubtedly made for a young audience, it can be just as appreciable to older viewers as well. The film’s plot and atmosphere is a tribute to the 1991 film “Cape Fear,” with the conniving penguin, Feathers McGraw, practically being the embodiment of Robert Deniro’s infamous character Max Cady. If that alone isn’t enough for grown-ups to watch the movie, it also sprinkles in subtle humor and pop culture references ranging from mildly smirkable to the more comically inappropriate.

Overall, the film hits its mark when it comes to making its comedic matter and story accessible to viewers of all ages. The film’s distinguished – and almost trademarked – use of claymation should not go unsung. However painstakingly meticulous it might’ve been during production, the film utilizes various earthly tones of clay that makes the film

simple, yet easy on the eyes.

“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” manages to capture heart and humor despite having a plot that can easily be mistaken for a made-for-TV special. The film’s narrative isn’t as compelling or bombastic as other animated films of the modern era such as “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” or “Spider-man: Across the Spider Verse.” But the story’s simple adventure and the heartwarming chemistry between Wallace and Gromit is compelling enough for viewers to be interested in.

Some of the film’s visual gags may be rewarding to seasoned connoisseurs, yet it is still accessible to those wanting to watch a casual animated adventure. Especially within these months of seasonal melancholy and loneliness, the film reminds people what it means to have companions who will always be there through thick and thin. All in all, the film can be seen as a triumphant rebound for the two characters which can be thoroughly enjoyed regardless of age or familiarity for the franchise.

Verdict: “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” has enough heart and adventure to be consumed by both older fans of the series looking for nostalgia, and newer audiences who will fall in love with the antics of this beloved duo.

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In the corporate world of ‘Babygirl,’ power is never as simple as it appears

Nicole Kidman sexily drinks milk in a film that strives to return sex to theaters.

By: Ramita Setty, Staff Writer

doesn’t ignore his wife’s desires so much as she hides away from him, afraid to be openly vulnerable about her needs. In contrast, Samuel, a new interest to Romy, is not a smooth operator who effortlessly sweeps Romy off her feet. Samuel, a slightly disheveled, misogynistic young man who tries to act older than he really is irresistible to Romy.

The film’s color palette consists of cool blues and greys, capturing the story’s Christmastime setting and the iciness of Romy’s exterior melting under Samuel’s overwhelming presence. Their first few scenes together unfold with intrigue, as viewers watch them tentatively try to figure out the dom-sub dynamic of their relationship.

But the strength of these scenes alone is not enough to fully save

the film, which struggles to fully deliver the danger and sensuality its premise promises. The film has plenty of sex but not enough sexiness. A playful montage of Romy and Samuel finding excuses to have sex during the workday should feel thrilling, but the film just goes through the motions.

Near the end of the film, the secrecy Romy has tried so hard to maintain starts to unravel. the film explores the ways women in power are different to, and yet similar, to men. Further, the film displays as well as the shame still attached to women’s sexual desires. But the film only touches on these ideas, rather than delving deeply enough into them. That doesn’t mean “Babygirl” has nothing going for it, though. Kidman delivers one of her most daring performances in recent

years, drawing parallels between her work in Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.” But the film’s ultimate weakness is that it lacks the nerve to fully commit to its purpose.

Verdict: Although “Babygirl” is a very well-made film with good performances, it doesn’t fully intrigue and excite viewers the way that good erotic thrillers do.

There shouldbe more movies like ‘The Brutalist’

This three-and-a-half hour American epic is advertised as the next ‘Godfather,’ better serves as a critique of movie-making.

By: Aakif Iqbal, Contributing Writer

Brady Corbet’s three-anda-half hour film is being heralded as a massive cinematic achievement in the current film landscape. It follows a Hungarian architect named Lazlo Toth, played by Adrien Brody, as he comes to America after the Holocaust.

With a 15-minute intermission (making the runtime three hours and 45 minutes), a sweeping brassy score and incredible Vistavision 70-millimeter cinematography, it has the exact makeup of a classic. It invokes George Stevens’s “Giant” and Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon a Time in America” in the way the camera swings around its characters and horizons. However, “The Brutalist” unfortunately does not reach all of the same heights that engrained these films in the cinematic cannon.

Before becoming a director, Corbet was an actor; he was directed by great American and European directors like Greg Arraki, Lars Von Trier and Michael Haneke. As he moved into the directing chair, he began making small independent films. Compared to the size of most lower-budget studio films, Corbet and his wife, Mona Fastvold, have been able to make multiple films on their own accord with budgets a fraction of the size. “The Brutalist” is no different.

Being made with a budget of $10 million, “The Brutalist” feels much larger than this. Shooting on film is expensive. Every second is money being spent, and the processes required to handle and develop the footage are very particular and require a lot of work. On top of that, Corbet was shooting on a VistaVision, a film format that has not been shot in America since the 1960s — it's incredibly ambitious what he was able to pull off. The period details of 1940s through 1960s make America feel lived-in and real, and the production design is incredible. Corbet claims that a lot of corners were cut in order to pull off this magic trick, but it's hard to tell that while watching the film.

The first 100 minutes before the intermission go by at breakneck speed. Lazlo Toth arrives in America, he works for his cousin and gets the opportunity to create

a building for a rich man. The realism of the performances, the beauty in the images and incredible score work together in harmony all piece together to create a truly groundbreaking piece of art. But as the film resumes for its second half, the story diverges.

In part, this directional change is by Corbet and Fastvold’s own design. If the first half of the film is validating the American dream, the second half is the deconstruction of that dream. However, it does not work in the way they intended.

The rich man that Lazlo Toth begins working for in the first half of the film is Harrison Van Buren, a nuanced man. He’s clearly anti-Semitic and rude, but also extremely passionate and motivated to support Lazlo. He wants Lazlo to reach the peak of his ambitions and backs up his ideas, even if he doesn’t understand them.

Though he’s played incredibly well by Guy Pearce, Van Buren’s character becomes much less nuanced and melodramatic in the second half of the film. Corbet described the film as a melodrama and more exaggerated performances occur in the second half.

But with Brody, his wife, Erzsébet (played by Felicity Jones), and Alwyn still performing in a naturalistic manner, the film feels dissonant. And this is where it really starts to fall apart.

It wants to be a realistic account of immigrating to America while also being chalk-full of ideas. It wants to take down the American dream and indict capitalism, but at the same time it takes neutral stances on other political issues.

Its commentary on capitalism and the arts is not simplistic but was done with better gravitas and less pretension in another Adrien Brody film, “The French Dispatch.” To an extent, this film insists upon itself. The height of its ambitions and the ideas it posits are heady and only gestured toward. It, in reality, has much less interest in the immigrant experience than it cares to recognize.

The inspiration for this film came from Corbet’s own feeling that to be an artist making a piece of art

that is provocative, and it getting panned before it has the chance to speak for itself. This is one of the current obsessions in American film: movies being metaphors for movie-making. What made “The Godfather” and “There Will be Blood” such classic films is that they say so much about humanity, greed, corruption and family. Films about the making of films, films about the struggle to make films and the love of film only really work if the artist is already “drinking the kool-aid.” The classics work as great pieces of drama because on the surface level, there is so much to pull from them but at the core they work as incredible entertainment.

However, that being said, It's not the strongest film ever made; Corbet and Fastvold have a lot to work on before entering the realm of masters like Francis Ford Coppola or Paul Thomas Anderson. Nevertheless, it's still worth the watch. There should be many “Brutalists’” being discussed with nuanced conversations.

The majority of film discourse today focuses on a film’s creation and what went on behind the scenes rather than having discourse on the ideas being argued by these pieces of art. For every “Godfather,” there needs to be 10 more “Brutalists” and “Heaven’s Gates” in order for cinema to evolve. In order for the medium to ever move forward, it needs to position itself back to the art of film.

Verdict: This film is not entirely a disaster, but, if “The Brutalist” is not interpreted metaphorically, it fails to work at all.

THE B RUTALIST

SPORTS Hawaii halts UCR’s momentum as Highlanders lose 61-47

Lily Wahinekapu leads Rainbow Wahine past UCR.

By: Isaac Solnick, Sports Editor

After defeating the University of California, Irvine on Jan. 4, The University of California, Riverside (UCR) women’s basketball team only had a short time to celebrate their 59-54 win against the reigning Big West champions. With a road test against perennial contenders Hawaii on deck, the Highlanders would need back-to-back strong performances to beat the Rainbow Wahine.

Despite winning two of the last three Big West Championships, the Rainbow Wahine haven’t started this campaign as many would have imagined. Hawaii uncharacteristically dropped their first two games of the season and saw former All-Big West first team guard Daejah Phillips leave the team indefinitely just before Thursday's contest against UCR.

Prior to tip-off, the Rainbow Wahine would receive even more bad news. Due to a malfunction with the shot clock, the Highlanders started the game with a 1-0 lead. However, Hawaii seemed unfazed by all the drama surrounding them as senior guard Meilani McBee drained a deep triple on the opening possession.

UCR’s junior guard Shelley Duchemin responded with a three-pointer of her own as each team seemed more concerned with playing ball rather than worrying about a buggy shot clock. The Highlanders especially, from the start, looked to play aggressively.

On offense, UCR kept looking to shoot the ball from behind the arc. Junior guard Makayla Rose followed up Duchemin’s effort with a corner triple of her own. Later in the quarter, freshman guard Hannah Wickstrom joined the fun with another three for the Highlanders.

On defense, the Highlanders weren’t afraid to press the Rainbow Wahine from the get-go. With Preseason All-Big West senior guard Lily Wahinekapu running the offense for Hawaii, UCR needed to give her as much trouble as they could. The Highlanders held Wahinekapu to zero points in the first quarter, but the star guard found her groove to start the second.

Wahinekapu first displayed her playmaking prowess. First, she worked a nice give-and-go with Ritorya Tamilo to get the freshman center an easy layup. Next, she hit a no-look pass to sophomore guard Jade Peacock to tie the game at 15 apiece.

Then on a nice inbound play, Wahinekapu found herself wide open in the corner and drilled the ensuing three-pointer. The Rainbow Wahine had scored eight unanswered points as UCR head coach Brad Langston burned his first timeout of the game.

However, the break in play wouldn’t slow down Wahinekapu. She kept finding teammates for open looks and easy buckets. The Highlanders weren’t able to match Hawaii offensively and fell behind 32-23 going into the second half.

While the Rainbow Wahine were relying on the three ball in the second quarter, they looked to score inside more. Hawaii were able to draw fouls aplenty as the Highlanders struggled against the physical nature of the Rainbow Wahine. By the fourth quarter, UCR were down by 16 points.

With the starters off their A game, Langston gave more minutes to players like freshman guard Kaylani Polk. She made the most out of her opportunity and injected some life into the Highlanders with a trio of three-pointers in the fourth quarter.

Nevertheless, the Rainbow Wahine would take this one 61-47. Hawaii earned a much-needed victory while the Highlanders dropped to 3-2 in the Big West. UCR will look to bounce back at home against the University of California, Santa Barbara on Jan. 16.

Adelia Urena// THE HIGHLANDER

UCR drops back-to-back games against UCI and Hawaii

UCR is 3-2 in conference play, hoping to rebound versus UCSB on Thursday night.

By: Terry Nguyen, Assistant Sports Editor

After winning their first three games in the Big West, UC Riverside dropped back-to-back games against UC Irvine and Hawaii.

UCR’s road contest at Irvine started strongly, as they led 35-29 at halftime, but the wheels began to fall off as the second half progressed and they lost, 81-57.

“[UC Irvine] had a championship response. They responded with a lot of physicality and purpose, and we just didn’t,” head coach Mike Magpayo commented during a Wednesday practice following the game. UC Irvine’s Justin Hohn led the way with 17 points on 8-14 shooting, and propelled Irvine’s second half surge.

“[UC Irvine] are champions for a reason and we had to find a way to weather the storm and

stop the bleeding … but our inability to get stops [on defense] or hit a timely shot led to a really bad second half,” Barrington Hargress commented during practice. He finished with 20 points against UCI.

Going into the game on Thursday night at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) versus Hawaii, the Highlanders were the favorites to win. The first half was back and forth, with multiple lead changes. UCR led 30-28 heading into the locker room, and both teams continuously traded buckets when the second half resumed.

Hawaii outscored UCR 22-14 in the final 6:15 minutes of action, and pulled away late to take the victory over the Highlanders, 83-76.

Isaiah Moses led the way for UCR with 26 points against Hawaii coming

off the bench. Moses started seven of the first eight games of the season before being moved to the sixth-man position. When asked if he thinks his game opens up on offense more when playing with the second unit, he responded, “[I] think I get a little more opportunities … more chances to be aggressive scoring the ball. I think it’s a different look, for sure.”

“[Coach and I] talked about it. He didn’t just move me to the bench, it’s something we talked about so it wasn’t a surprise or anything. We just feed off each other’s feedback and thought it was a good move to make.”

A notable player who struggled for UCR was Barrington Hargress, who came into the Hawaii game as the second leading scorer in the conference. Hargress had 19 points on 6-21 shooting and 2-10 beyond

the arc. He struggled to find consistent rhythm on offense throughout the night, and had his lowest shooting percentage of the season in conference play.

True freshman center, Jack Whitbourn, made his first career start against Hawaii due to the absence of Joel Armotrading. He’s been a solid rebounding machine for the Highlanders, and has played solid minutes for Magpayo.

UCR’s next game will be on the road at UCSB on Thursday night.

Women’s Basketball - 1/9/2025

UCR vs. Hawaii

61-47, L

UCR Team Leaders:

Points: Kaylani Polk (11)

Rebounds: Esther Matarranz (7)

Assists: Esther Matarranz (3)

Blocks: Tillery, Wickstrom, and Matarranz (1)

Steals: Shelley Duchemin and Hannah Wickstrom (2)

Men’s Basketball - 1/9/2025

Hawaii vs. UCR

83-76, L

UCR Team Leaders:

Points: Isaiah Moses (26)

Rebounds: Rikus Schulte (8)

Assists: Isaiah Moses (4)

Blocks: Nate Pickens (2)

Steals: Parker Strauss (3)

Be fearless.

The Highlander Newspaper is a great way to keep up with current events and news around campus. If you are interested in the newspaper’s articles or pictures, we offer opportunities in writing, photography and design. Join us every Monday at 5:15 p.m. in HUB 101 to learn more.

The

Highlander

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