The Argonaut | March 28,2024

Gonzalez, complainants received OCRI report Wednesday morning

Joanna Hayes ARGONAUT

University of Idaho volleyball Head Coach Chris Gonzalez has been placed on paid administrative leave as of 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Athletic Director Terry Gawlik and OCRI director Jackie Wernz informed the volleyball team Wednesday that Gonzalez was placed on administrative leave, according to a recording of the meeting provided by a volleyball player. Gawlik told the team that Gonzalez is on leave, but that the investigation is still ongoing.

Gonzalez was under investigation for alleged physical, mental, emotional and verbal abuse by UI’s Office for Civil Rights and Investigations. The four complainants and Gonzalez received the preliminary report Wednesday, according to current Idaho volleyball player Emma Patterson.

“At 10 o’clock this morning Chris Walsh and I notified coach Gonzalez said he is on administrative leave. What that means is nothing is finalized. This is just a preliminary measure as a part of the process,” Gawlik said in the recording. “He was given a copy of the OCRI report. His copy of the report and the investigation is still ongoing. So, we can’t really discuss the OCRI part now. Anybody that had been a part of the filing of the OCRI will get their own report.”

The team will continue to practice, according to the recording. Practices will be run by assistant coaches Maria Logan and Romana Redondo Kriskova. Case manager Beth Ropski will still be attending all practices. Players who chose to opt out of practice under Gonzalez have the choice to return to practice.

Gawlik said, however, those players will not be able to join in some of the drills since they are at a different training level than those who have been practicing. While Gonzalez was running practices, only six players chose to attend, all of whom were international players. The other five players on the spring roster have not been practicing for more than two months.

“The university does not require or ask for diversity statements in hiring, as mandated by the University of Idaho Board of Regents resolution and the Idaho Legislature last year. We do strive to attract and retain the best employees who bring the backgrounds and skillsets we need to provide for the needs of our students and our state,” is a statement made by the University of Idaho in an email when asked about the recent bill that may be passed, Senate Bill number 1274.

The bill would, if passed, impact diversity statements in hiring and admissions decisions and omit them from any applications. This would impact centers on campus, such as the Women’s Center, the Black/African American Cultural Center and more.

“The Black African American Cultural Center (BAACC), a key haven for students like myself, might suffer a severe hit if any reference of diversity is ever removed from the financial structure,” Rim Tekle, President of the Black Student Union, said in an email. “It’s more than simply a center. It’s our lifeline in a scholarly setting where our presence is often overshadowed.”

A student with ties to the Women’s Center on campus also spoke out about the bill.

“Diversity statements are a huge part of the hiring process, that’s how it’s made sure the environment curated serves the community and gives individuals a safe space,” Kelly Weber wrote in an email.

Students who were asked to comment on the bill seemed to have different responses on what the bill would mean for them.

“Everybody who works at that job should just be already accepting and ready to include whoever,” Zachary Callos, a first-year student and a physics major, said. “It doesn’t matter who shows up as long as they show up and do their job. It doesn’t matter where they’re from or who they are. Just as long as they treat others respectfully and do their job properly.”

The total impact the bill would have on the UI and students who later enter the workforce is still unknown.

The University of Idaho marching band swapped its black and gold uniforms for blue Yale T-shirts this weekend at March Madness.

Yale played Auburn in the first round of the NCAA March Madness tournament yesterday in Spokane. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 13, upset No. 4 Auburn 78-76 in one of the closest games of the tournament so far. Some think the win could be credited to the UI marching band.

“Well, I’m biased. I think without us they wouldn’t have won. We supplied the energy 100%. I mean, I’m biased, but you know, go Vandals. Go Bulldogs. Go VanDogs,” UI band director Spencer Martin said after the game.

“I realize that this has been incredibly difficult for everyone in our volleyball program this year, and none of us ever want a team or student athlete to go through what you guys have gone through or are going through,” Gawlik said in the recording. “So please know that we all care about you, and that we’re all here to help and we’re here to answer questions and everybody in the room is here to support you.”

Now that the preliminary report has been given to both Gonzalez and the four complainants, there is a response period, typically 10 days, in which either party can respond, UI Executive Director of Communications Jodi Walker said in a March 6 email to the Argonaut.

In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Walker said, “We expect this investigation to be finalized in the coming weeks and President Green will determine what steps will be taken to resolve this issue.”

Connor Anderson | KUOI 89.3

Vika and the Velvets performing in the Shrine Social Club basement, to see the rest of the photo flip to the back

Tuesday, March 27, the University of Idaho hosted a large group of guests in the Whitewater and Clearwater rooms for the 2024 Tribal Summit. The event focused on the ethics and protocols surrounding tribal research.

The program featured

presentations and discussions, including a panel covering the impacts of academic research on tribal sovereignty. Those attending had the chance to review various case studies within their individual table groups. These conversations evolved into a larger group discussion which illuminated the diversity found amongst different Native American Tribes and reflected how each hypothetical case study or research project needs to be approached diligently.

“There are different knowledge systems at

play here,” said Philip Stevens, a UI professor and featured presenter.

“There’s still a lot to be understood and a lot of stuff to take into consideration. These things are really complex.”

The importance of maintaining proactive and consistent communication with tribes, being patient when working on research concerning tribal information and possessing a sense of respect and restraint when collecting data from tribes were all emphasized.

Dr. Elizabeth Sumida Huaman then delivered

her keynote speech entitled, “Research for ‘a tattered world:’ dismemberment, the Indigenous ordinary and putting things back together.”

Later in the afternoon, students and faculty members who have con-

Idaho Eats is happy to announce that a new dining choice has arrived at the ISUB food court. Firehouse Subs opened on Monday, March 18, with the grand opening on Wednesday, March 20 at 10 a.m. The first 100 Vandals to order in-person, on Boost or on Starship received a

sizzling pickle keychain.

Firehouse Subs is a restaurant chain that was founded by former firefighter brothers. Their brand is known for their hearty subs that are piled with high meats and cheeses and their commitment to saving lives through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation by providing lifesaving equipment and resources to first responders and public safety organizations.

According to Kim Howe, the director of marketing and guest experience for Idaho Eats, Firehouse Subs was chosen after carefully

considering input from both students, faculty and staff through surveys and monthly Food Forum events.

“Over time, it became clear that there was a consistent desire among our guests for a broader menu offering in the ISUB Food Court, specifically including sandwiches, salads and soups,” Howe wrote in an email to the Argonaut.

“To meet this demand, we opted to partner with Firehouse Subs, renowned for their commitment to quality in these food categories.”

The ISUB Firehouse Subs features a touch screen tablet for guests

to look through the menu offerings and order from. The menu features classic staples from the Firehouse Subs menu including items like the Hook & Ladder, Firehouse Meatball, Club on a Sub sandwiches, different salad options and a soup of the day. For people with residential or community meal plans, Firehouse Subs also has a Gold Meal menu featuring both sub sandwiches and salad options. Customers are also able to order ahead through the Boost ordering app and have their order delivered by Starship.

The new Firehouse

ducted projects focused on Indigenous research topics had the chance to present their research posters.

To stay informed and attend future events

Subs displays fire helmets from the local Moscow Volunteer Fire Department. The Moscow Volunteer Fire Department also recently celebrated 75 years of the Student Resident Firefighter Program where students can work for the fire department and receive free training, housing and hands-on experience in being a first responder.

“Beyond simply satisfying our guests’ cravings, we were driven by a desire to align with a brand that shares our values of community support. Firehouse Subs caught our attention with their Public Safety Foundation, dedicated to providing life-saving equipment to responders and public safety organizations,” Howe wrote in her email.

“[Firehouse Subs’] impressive track record includes donating over $500,000 worth of equipment to first responders in Idaho alone. In a bid to further support this noble cause, guests at our University of Idaho location will have the opportunity to contribute by purchasing an empty pickle bucket for $3 or by making a donation of $0.25.”

Idaho Eats held a soft opening on March 8 for a small group of people to try some of the menu items.

“Within my area, we oversee all of campus dining,” Erik Elordi, the executive director of campus services who was at the soft opening, said. “We have been working on this for over a year, so it takes a lot of planning to get a new on-campus dining location up and going. It’s been a lot of hard work by the dining staff and we’re very

from the Office of Tribal Relations, check out their Facebook page. Similar events are also posted on UI’s events calendar.

excited about this option for our students.”

“We always like to focus this back to the fact that we talked to students [at Food Forums]. They said they wanted a sandwich place on campus because we didn’t really have that option. When we looked at all the options, Firehouse Subs was the best option to bring a high-quality product,” Elordi said. “I think students are going to be really happy with it. We always try to center it back on the students, and I hope that they like this.”

Reba Decker, a junior majoring in Film and TV and Theater, was one of many students that were excited for the arrival of a new dining choice.

“I’m actually really excited for it,” Decker said. “My mom told me when I was visiting her last time that she really wants to go to Firehouse Subs and try it, and then it just showed up on campus, so I am going to get to try it.”

“I do think having something that’s sandwich based, in addition to Einstein’s Bagels, is good because it’s easier to travel with. Anybody who is a college student knows that you’re moving all the time,” Decker said.

“We’re excited to offer a new national brand to the Palouse,” Howe wrote. “Firehouse Subs is available to every Vandal and Moscow resident. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing take out or planning an event (catering menu coming soon!), Firehouse Subs has you covered.”

Questions remain on volleyball recruiting

athletes in her position. In the moment, nothing stood out to Patterson in Gonzalez’s responses. But looking back, some things he said were not entirely true.”

The news media was supposed to be their Hail Mary -- their last effort to create some change.

Idaho volleyball player Emma Patterson, who is one of the complainants in the investigation of Vandal volleyball coach Chris Gonzalez, said the Orange County Register article published on Dec. 30, 2023, came at the worst possible time. The article’s timing during the semester break and the holidays served to somewhat bury the story, she said.

The 9,000-word article detailed alleged physical, mental, verbal and emotional abuse the Idaho volleyball players fell victim to during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Players reached out to the University of Idaho administration about Gonzalez during the 2022 season. However, no coaching changes were made, and the roster was wiped, according to Patterson.

Patterson transferred to UI for the fall 2023 semester. She previously attended University of Alaska, Anchorage, playing volleyball for one of the nation’s top Division II programs. She had family ties pulling her to the Pacific Northwest, to Moscow. She wanted nothing more than to play at her dream school.

She saw that the UI team’s 2022 record was 4-24. She noticed that hardly any of the players from the 2022 roster were returning for the following season. She addressed these concerns with Gonzalez during her recruitment process. Patterson detailed this experience during her interview with the lawyers from Thompson & Horton, the third-party law firm conducting the investigation.

“Gonzalez said that the athletes were not committed, and the record was because he had not recruited the athletes last year. They were left from the prior coach’s program. The team Patterson would join would be his recruits, who would do better,” according to Patterson’s interview summary.

“He said he anticipated she would be a team leader but would not see the court because he had already recruited several other

The Vandals went 1-27 in the 2023 season. The team currently has a 24-game losing streak in the Big Sky Conference. Patterson said this means the team lost to single opponents four times in a row over the course of the last two seasons.

“It’s almost impressive to lose to a team four times in a row,” Patterson said.

In an audio recording provided to the Argonaut of a team meeting after a game, Gonzalez refers to the decade-long losing culture within the Idaho volleyball program.

“It’s not about the game. We were so far from being a team. I don’t even know where to start. But here’s where I am going to start. This program started in 1974, and it has been crap for almost 50 years,” Gonzalez said in the recording. “Want to know how I know? They (Idaho) were in my conference when I was at Long Beach State. But here’s the difference, when we came in there and wacked them, we weren’t allowed to laugh at them or humiliate them or any of those things that people do to you…” Gonzalez coached at Long Beach State University as an assistant from 19972001. He was on staff when the volleyball program had the first-ever undefeated season (36-0) that culminated in a NCAA national championship in 1998.

“50 years of losing. It’s not on you. Hell, it’s not even on me,” Gonzalez said in the recording. “But it’s on us to fix it. 50 years of losing. I can’t even fathom that. I would have changed professions a long, long, long time ago.”

In an email response to an Argonaut inquiry, Gonzalez declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation.

In a follow-up email, he said the recording was edited and incomplete.

The investigation of Gonzalez and the climate and culture of the volleyball program started at the end of November, according to Patterson. Patterson received notice that the investigation had begun on Nov. 30, but she was not interviewed until Jan. 30.

She felt the two-month gap between the notice of investigation and the actual interviews left the players

in the dark. Patterson said she received little-to-no information about the investigation or what the spring season would hold. With the news media spreading the story, her name in headlines and the notice of investigation also being sent to Gonzalez, Patterson was apprehensive to return to practice.

The Office of Civil Rights and Investigations implemented a limited no contact order between Gonzalez and the players in the Nov. 30 notice.

Some of the requirements under this order included limiting communication to only official volleyball activities, any communication between Gonzalez and players needed to include a non-party and players were allowed to opt out of non-physical volleyball activities.

But Patterson said this partial no contact order did little to make her feel comfortable returning to Memorial Gym. Players reached out to OCRI again in January, asking if they would be able to opt out of practice. Players worked with administration to come to an agreement that players could opt out without fear of retaliation by Gonzalez and the security of their scholarships.

Patterson said, however, the only people on scholarship are the international

players and two domestic players. The rest are not on scholarship. Patterson, who is not on scholarship, went to the first few practices in support of other players, but then decided to opt out. She is concerned that Gonzalez has not been placed on leave, not only because he is allowed to conduct practices, but also because he is actively recruiting and signing new players. According to the Vandal volleyball Instagram, Madu Fontes, an outside hitter from Brazil, and Ada Isik, a libero from Turkey, have both signed for the fall 2024 season.

Patterson said that recruiting during the investigation brings up a few problems. Because current players do not know if Gonzalez will be cleared, they do not know if they will continue to play for Idaho, stay at UI but not play, enter the transfer portal or decide to attend another university. Players do not know if Gonzalez will renew their scholarships yet, but he is actively signing new, international recruits.

“I’ll say this. He will not have too many players next season,” Patterson said.

Recruits are currently visiting UI on both official and unofficial visits. Patterson said the prospective recruits are only meeting with players who have chosen to not opt out of practice.

Those who have opted out, including the complainants, have not been asked to meet with recruits.

She fears that the roster will be incomplete in the fall. Patterson is also concerned with Gonzalez’s focus on solely recruiting international players. She said international players require scholarships, so the more international players, the fewer funds exist for domestic players. Patterson pointed out again that only two current domestic players are on scholarship.

She also said that focusing on international recruitment is contrary to a statement in the UI coach’s handbook.

“In as much as the talent allows, our recruiting priorities should be as follows: a) Idaho, b) Northwest and c) other areas,” the handbook says. The report is currently being written up by the investigators, according to Jodi Walker, UI Executive Director of Communications. The report will be given to the complainants, Gonzalez and President Scott Green. In the end, it is UI’s decision whether to fire Gonzalez based on the findings in the investigation, not OCRI’s, Patterson said.

Because it is the university’s decision, Patterson said she has not gotten her hopes up.

“This feels like a not

funny joke,” Patterson said. “They failed us. It feels like the university is fighting on his (Gonzalez) behalf.”

Patterson referred to the meetings players had with university administration in 2022. She referred to meetings with Dean of Students Blaine Eckles, Athletic Director Terry Gawlik, Senior Associate Athletic Director Chris Walsh and OCRI director Jackie Wernz.

Patterson felt like she had gone to every resource possible before going to the media.

“The media was our nuclear option,” Patterson said.

Even with media reports on the alleged abusive culture and the current investigation, Patterson is nervous Gonzalez will not be fired, that nothing will change.

“For two years, they (UI) have seen the bad record, a huge exodus of players and players have come forward about the situation,” Patterson said. “In my head, that’s a huge red flag.”

She said the situation of letting Gonzalez recruit and not placing him on leave does not give her confidence that the report will change their decision.

“It’s up to the same people,” Patterson said. “They are just getting another chance to make the same decision.”

Two men jailed, await hearing in Boise hospital shooting

third suspect, was also arrested on charges related to Meade’s escape and drug possession.

Two men involved in a shootout with police in Boise and linked to a double homicide in north Idaho had their arrest warrants served and face a preliminary court hearing on April 8.

Nicolas Umphenour faces two counts of aggravated battery on law enforcement, a separate count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, a charge of firing a deadly weapon during the commission of a crime, and a charge of aiding and abetting an escape. Skylar Meade faces a charge of felony escape.

Tonia Huber, the

Both Umphenour’s and Meade’s bail have been set at $2 million for the escape felony.

Nicolas Umphenour and Skylar Meade, both members of the Aryan Knighthood, a neo-Nazi group, were arrested on March 21 in Twin Falls, Idaho, after police found them after a 500-mile manhunt across northern Idaho, Montana and southern Idaho, according to Idaho State Police. After their arrest, they were extradited and arraigned in Ada County.

Meade and Umphenour are linked to two homicides occurring within the timeline of their escape. According to ISP, 83-year-old James L. Mauney of Julietta, and 72-year-

old “Don” Henderson were found murdered in separate counties in rural Idaho. Both Umphenour and Meade have not been charged with either homicide yet but are still under investigation.

According to the Boise Police Department, Meade was being transferred back to an IDOC facility after being admitted to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise for self-inflicted injuries on March 20. Around 2 a.m., Umphenour intercepted Meade’s transfer with a stolen grey 2020 Honda Civic and shot two IDOC officers.

BPD responded to the scene at the hospital and a BPD officer shot and injured an additional IDOC officer in an exchange of gunfire. No officers were killed and two remain in the

hospital and are in stable condition.

According to ISP, it is believed that Meade and Umphenour drove north and encountered Mauney walking his dogs in Julietta, Idaho. Mauney and his dogs were taken and driven eastbound in his silver 201w9 Chrysler Pacifica. On March 20, police found the abandoned Honda Civic from the initial getaway and the body of Mauney in a desolate area of Leland, Idaho. Police do not think Mauney knew the suspects.

Henderson was found murdered at his residence in Orofino, Idaho. Mauney’s dogs and Meade’s handcuffs were also found at the scene. In an interview with the Idaho Statesman, Ron Thompson, Henderson’s partner, revealed that they had previously been ac-

quainted with Umphenour 10 years ago. Both Henderson and Thompson had briefly let Umphenour stay with them 10 years ago because he was not getting along with his father. This arrangement only lasted about a month before Henderson and Thompson kicked out Umphenour for displaying “frightening behavior”.

According to ISP, it is believed that Um-

phenour and Meade then drove to Missoula, Montana, in Mauney’s stolen Chrysler and then to the residence of 52-year-old Tonia Huber in Filer, Idaho. Shortly after arriving, Meade and Umphenour left in separate vehicles. Meade was apprehended nearby, and Umphenour attempted to flee but was pursued and apprehended. Both were captured with no gunshots fired.

Two related homicides are still under investigation

Ben DeWitt ARGONAUT

Courtesy of Twin Falls County Jail

The mugshots of Skylar Meade, Nicolas Umphenour and Tonia Huber

Editor’s note: This article was written just prior to the Wednesday announcement that coach Gonzalez was placed on leave

Joanna Hayes ARGONAUT

John Keegan | Argonaut

Volleyball coach Chris Gonzalez sits at a basketball game on March 2. To his right is assistant coach Romana Redondo Kriskova; Below are players, left to right, Natalia Wielgus, Zuzanna Wieczorek and Chiara Gennari

The Oppenheimer Ethics Symposium

Events happening at the annual Oppenheimer Ethics Symposium

Andrea Roberts ARGONAUT

The annual Oppenheimer Ethics Symposium will debut a film called “Bad Press” directed by Rebecca LandsberryBaker and Joe Peeler. This film made its first appearance at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023.

The film will be shown at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. Admissions for this event are free and donations will be accepted which go to the Indigenous Journalists Association. Attendees can expect a Q & A with the directors and Angel Ellis, a tribal journalist.

Landsberry-Baker, Executive Director of the Indigenous Journalists Association will lead a panel discussion. This panel will be held with members of the Inland Northwest tribes at 12:30 p.m. in the White Water room of the ISUB.

“(The film) brings together media law, media ethics and professional practices,”

Kenton Bird, a former professor at UI and the co-founder of the symposium said. “And focusing on the particular challenges of journalists in tribal communities.”

“Access to accurate and ethical reporting about Indigenous people and communities is necessary to overcome biases and stereotypes portrayed in mainstream media,” Landsberry-Baker said from the news release by UI. “Accurate news and information are essential to an educated citizenry and healthy democracy.”

Many issues in the film center around conflicts within the Muscogee Nation.

“I had heard about the issues at the Muscogee Nation,” Dr. Bird said. “The conflict between the tribal media and the tribal council. It’s fairly common where the newspaper, magazine or website is published by the tribal organization itself. But they sometimes have different goals and work for different purposes.”

The film was chosen for this year’s symposium because it ties in many different areas of journalism such as media law, ethics and more.

“The lessons from this story have implications for not only other tribal communities but other places where journalists are struggling to tell the truth, ask tough questions and to engage with elected officials,” Dr. Bird said. “We want to call attention to the fact that there are places in this country where it is hard to exercise the freedom of the press.”

The symposium started in 2011.

“I was the director of the School of Journalism and Mass Media from 20032015,” Dr. Bird said. “About halfway through my time as director, we wanted to come up with some signature event. Something that would be associated with (JAMM).” The Dean of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences, Katherine Aken, also helped start this symposium with the support of UI graduates Doug and Arthur “Skip” Oppenheimer.

“We wanted something that will benefit undergraduate students at the University of Idaho,” Dr. Bird said.

TikTok faces ban

App owners could be forced to sell

A U.S. House bill that would require the owner of TikTok to sell the app in order to continue operating in the U.S. is awaiting Senate deliberation.

The proposed legislation has sparked concern over social media, as many creators thrive on the app. If this bill is passed into law, it would become illegal to distribute TikTok and any other apps developed by ByteDance, TikTok’s creator and a Chinese-owned company

This bill, House Report 7521, also referred to as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, claims it would “protect the national security of the United States from the threat posed by foreign adversary-controlled applications, such as TikTok and any successor application or service and any other application or service developed or provided by ByteDance Ltd. or an entity under (their) control.”

Standing at 12 pages long, the PAFACAA seeks to prevent apps tied to foreign adversaries, like China, from potentially breaching American citizens’ privacy, collecting data from its users, and spreading propaganda or misinformation.

The bill targets ByteDance as a company operated in an adversarial country, stating that, should TikTok no longer be under the ownership of this parent company, the nationwide ban would be avoided. If TikTok is sold to a company that is not an opponent of the United States, as determined by the President, the requirements of the bill would be fulfilled, and the app would not be banned.

This puts ByteDance in a precarious situation where

ASUI Candidates

Three candidates running for president

Georgia Swanson ARGONAUT

On March 25, ASUI closed its application time for candidates running for ASUI president, vice president and six of the senators. This year marks a great turn out for presidential candidates with three students running for the position. Last year, Tanner McClain, the current ASUI president, ran unopposed.

The three presidential candidates are Martha Smith, Peyton Loffer and Justin Alder. Martha Smith has held the ASUI positions of adjutant, senator, pro tempore and director of legislative affairs, and is running with vice presidential candidate Emma Johnston. Peyton Loffer, who has held the ASUI positions of senator, vice president adjutant, chief of staff and is currently the vice president, will run with vice president candidate Jack Schneider. Justin Alder will run for president with vice presidential candidate Sawyer Hamm, both of whom have no prior ASUI experience.

Only three students turned in petitions to run for the six senator spots, including, Anya Zuercher who has been a senator for one year, Jalissa McDowell who is currently the vice president adjutant and Kaylee McColloch, a one-year senator.

Another period for petitions to run for senator positions is expected to open again soon in order to find candidates to fill all six spots. President and vice president applications are closed, and the candidates will start campaigning from March 27 until the voting period from April 15 to 17.

“I’m really excited for this year’s election and to watch such an amazing group of candidates campaign,” McClain said.

“One of the most effective ways you can influence the direction of the university is to pay attention and to vote for the candidates you want to represent you,” said Brandon Brackett, the University of Idaho’s director of student involvement. “Pay close attention, be engaged and vote.”

Candidates will attend candidate open forums prior to the voting period. The first open forum will be on March 28 in the LLC Trout Room at 7 p.m. The second open forum will be on April 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the ASUI Vandal Lounge in the ISUB. The last open forum will be on April 10 in the ISUB Atrium/Dining Area at noon. These open forums are an opportunity to get to know the candidates better before voting.

either they forfeit the future profit potentially earned by owning the company and sell TikTok, or risk losing millions of users in America. Should the bill pass, ByteDance would be given six months to come to a decision.

If ByteDance resolves to sell the app, they must also provide every user with data from their app content (images, videos and text) or else face a lawsuit of $500 per user.

As to the burning question on every user’s mind – no, it will not become illegal to use TikTok. In order to enforce the ban, the federal government would target companies that supply TikTok, such as Apple or Google, and companies that supply data to access the app, such as Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile, with lawsuits as massive as $500 billion. The government cannot go after individual users –this bill supplies that distributing the app is an infraction, not just using it.

The PAFACAA follows multiple attempts to restrict and regulate TikTok usage in America in years past.

In 2020, the Trump Administration raised concerns about the app’s data security and attempted to restrict the operation of the app in the United States, but ultimately failed as district courts concluded that certain aspects of the executive order exceed the President’s authority, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Furthermore, House Report 231, the Terminate TikTok on Campus Act of 2023, was introduced in January 2023. This bill mirrors the concept of the PAFACAA on a smaller level, looking to eradicate the app on university devices campuses and to “prohibit federal funds for any institution of higher education not banning use of TikTok on electronic devices,” according to the text of the bill.

This bill inspired decisions to ban TikTok for university employees and on campus Wi-Fis in states such Texas, Alabama, Florida, Idaho, and many others.

The University of Idaho enacted the ban of TikTok on university Wi-Fi and devices in December 2022 after an executive order given by Governor Brad Little. This order prohibited downloading the app on state-issued devices and required that it be deleted immediately if already downloaded, as said by Jodi Walker, Executive Director of Communications at UI. This order mirrored a similar order for federal agencies but did not restrict students from accessing TikTok on personally owned devices, according to Dan Ewart, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at UI.

Justin Alder | Courtesy Canidate Justin Alder

Martha Smith Courtesy Canidates Martha Smith and Emma Johnston

Ashley Kramer Argonaut UI student poses in front of Admin with Tik Tok

Kenton Bird | Courtesy Post for the Oppenheimer Symposium

ASUI Website | Courtesy Canidate Peyton Loffer

"Mulberry Wine" by Eric LeGere

Across:

1. Parody

6. Shai-Hulud's novel origins

10. _____ profit

11. Have ____ in the matter

12. Galaga, e.g.

14. Dashboard abbr.

15. Common academic lang. course

16. Ballet bend

18. Goddess, in Hinduism

21. Small whirlpool

23. Melon byproduct

25. Choke or joke

27. Poetic tribute

28. To bring private information to light on a large scale

WHERE: Latah County Fairgrounds, Event Center, 1021 Harold Avenue, Moscow

WHEN:

I: April 2, 2024 6:30 pm

Part II: April 30, 2024 7:00pm

ADMISSION: FREE (Donations Welcome) Part II April 30, 2024

Decline of the Columbia River Salmon Stop Killing Fish

WEBSITE: www.cfpfd.org

CONTACTS: Charlie Pottenger (208-791-7366)

March 28, 2024 #0103

32. This American singer/song-writer, ____ Apollo, earned himself a Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist back in 2023

33. "All systems _____!"

34. Goes (for)

35. Word before bike or boat

Down:

1. Postal proof of payment

2. Red and blue

3. Corsage flower

4. ___ whim

5. To diminish or wane

6. Often used as a ceremonial blade

7. Can. neighbor

8. "Miss Saigon" setting

9. Palindromic peeper

13. Wrap up

17. Lawn-trimming tools

19. The eldest Baudelaire child from "A Series of Unfortunate Events" by Lemony Snicket

20. ROYGBIV's penultimate

22. Shrill bark

24. Interior designer's concern

26. Largest of the Marianas

28. Sounds of a stock exchange

29. Energize or boost

30. Half of a parallel candy bar

31. "My man!"

Strong Towns chapter works to make Moscow walkable

Imagine a Moscow where kids can bike to school every day, downtown is full of pedestrians, free of cars and new developments are built with people, not cars in mind. This is the future that Strong Towns Moscow hopes to see in the coming years, and this student-led initiative is already making waves in the community.

Partnering with Strong Towns, a non-profit organization that works to create more safe and livable communities, UI Wildlife major Corbin Scott kickstarted a Moscow chapter to spark a conversation in our own town. The goal of the organization is to educate the community and eventually make Moscow a more pedestrian-focused place to live.

“Our broad, long-term goal would be to make Moscow a pedestrian-centric city, which isn’t going to happen overnight by any means,” said Scott. “This goal is going to years and lots of small, incremental steps.”

Scott explained that designing cities and towns to accommodate cars is no longer serving the communities we live in, but is rather causing problems with safety, the environment, city infrastructure and the economy.

“This is a very bipartisan issue because if you want to look at it from the social side of things, you have issues such as equity, beautification and safety,” Scott said.

“And from the conservative side you can consider the economy. There’s data to show that American cities are going bankrupt from building for cars.”

Scott stressed that everyone, whether they are aware or not, is affected by the problem of car-centric cities. Commuting by car can be expensive, inconvenient and poses safety risks for those who choose to walk or bike to their destinations. Biking or walking is fun and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle, and it’s important that there is an opportunity for everyone to bike or walk safely around Moscow if they choose.

“We want to make Moscow a fun place to bike because it’s a really fun way to get around, and you can see there’s already plenty of people on campus and in Moscow who use bikes,” Scott said. “But there’s also a lot of people who get hit by cars every year in Moscow, and there’s lots of car collisions in residential areas, which makes you ask, ‘why that is happening?’ It’s crazy that we have injuries and deaths due to cars within city limits, and there’s ways to prevent this.”

Designing Moscow to be more pedestrian and bike friendly would have a huge impact on people with disabilities within the community.

“Those with disabilities would benefit from less curbs and more walkable space, more accessibility and not having to worry if a car will see them, or if they are safe,” Scott said. “This is such a wide and varied topic, with so many factors, but the actual goal is pretty simple. It’s just people over cars.”

Another student supporter of Strong Towns Moscow, junior Wildlife major Mady Brock, explained that designing a city to be car-centric is inequitable for everyone.

“You should not have to have a car in order to survive or in order to have a life. As it is, people can’t get to work without a car, and that should not be the way it has to be,” Brock said.

Strong Towns Moscow has been meeting with Moscow city planners to gage what must be

done in order to push forward some of these pedestrian friendly initiatives. One of the biggest obstacles so far has been lack of community support due to the prevalence of car-centric communities for decades.

“We’ve been car-centric as a country for 60-70 years now, so no one even knows what a walkable city even looks like. It’s not feasible in our minds,” Scott said. “They (Moscow City Planners) say the biggest bottleneck they’re finding is just community support because people will hear they’re considering taking away some parking spots and then get all fired up, because they don’t understand the eventual goal. So, the idea is, we want to educate the community and get them on our side, so we can work with the city planners to make Moscow safer for everyone.”

One long-term goal of Strong Towns Moscow is to get the highway that runs through downtown Moscow moved to go around Moscow instead of through, reducing the amount of

dangerous traffic and congestion running through Main Street.

For students and community members looking to get involved in this initiative, Scott and Brock say social media and spreading the word is the best place to start.

Strong Towns Moscow has an Instagram and Facebook page, along with a Facebook community group. “Follow the page, look at the information we’ve posted, and then get out and tell your friends,” Scott said. “Get excited about the change you want to see happen, talk to your neighbors and just spread the word.”

The group also plans to start hosting a regular community meeting at One World Cafe to discuss issues they see in Moscow and what can be done to remedy them. “I would love to see community members voicing their concerns and talking about what they think needs improved,” Scott said. “Like very local issues that the community is facing in their daily lives, I want to get us

all thinking about these things together.”

Strong Towns Moscow has only recently started, but the initiative is quickly gaining traction in Moscow, and they hope to keep the momentum rolling.

Addressing a common misconception, Brock added, “A lot of people think we’re trying to get rid of cars, but we’re not. We’re trying to make it more fun and safer to walk around.”

Strong Towns Moscow hopes to see gradual change in this community. It all starts with educating the people who live in Moscow and slowly working toward their goals. Although Scott and Brock are both juniors, their goal is to see this initiative grow and keep impacting the community long after they are gone.

“Just within the three-mile bubble of Moscow, we want to see pedestrians get the priority when it comes to design,” Scott said. “I want Strong Towns Moscow to be a self-sustaining organization. I want it to be the voice of the people.”

26th Annual Cruise the World

Food, performances and unforgettable festivities

On Sunday March 24, the Pitman Center was filled with booths from over 25 countries selling food and sharing their

with attendees. From 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. UI students and Moscow community members enjoyed delicious cultural food, exciting performances and a chance to learn about cultures from across the world. Attendees were able to

purchase an array of foods from many countries selling samples of their traditional cuisine. Some popular dishes include Coxinha, a fried chicken dumpling, from Brazil, “Danish pancakes” from Denmark, Hot Pot from China and Chicken Biryani from Bangladesh.

Cultural performances ranged from a Chinese dragon dance, Mexican-style music and singing and several cultural dances, including one from Azerbaijan. There were also informational presentations throughout the afternoon, some expressed cultural traditions and others recounted the joys of travelling to experience multiple

cultures and places.

The Pitman was crowded with attendees, and there were hundreds who came to enjoy an afternoon of experiencing different cultures. As the 26th annual Cruise the World, this was the biggest year yet, with multiple floors and areas of the Pitman Center being utilized and more countries than ever before.

One of the most anticipated events in the Moscow Community, this year’s Cruise the World did not disappoint and was a joyful and delicious celebration of the cultural diversity on the Palouse!

John Keegan | Argonaut Moscow resident bikes downtown

Lilly Giger | Argonaut Student performs a cultural dance

Lilly Giger | Argonaut Student group performs Mexican music and singing

Grace Giger ARGONAUT

TreeFort redux

see Vika and the Velvets play in the Shriner’s basement, which also serves as a year-round Duck Club venue.

Bass pounding so hard you feel it in your bones. Bright lights and an angelic voices floating over crowds of people. Your new favorite band is live, and you feel yourself forming core memories. This is Treefort, a five-day music festival down in Boise, Idaho.

Treefort Music Festival was started in 2012, and typically happens around March 20. Its timing was selected to attract indie rock artists on their way back to their hometowns from South by Southwest and other festivals, and while the festival started as a threeday festival with 137 bands in 2012, this year, 2024, was a 5-day festival with 440 total performers.

KUOI 89.3 FM, the University of Idaho’s student radio station, went down to cover the festival last year and had a blast, but we knew we could do it better this year, so planning started early. By the time we touched down in Boise on Tuesday night, we had 10 interviews and 22 performances slotted into our schedule. And yet, we met even more

Thursday Thursday started with an interview with the French Cassettes, a San Francisco band that is getting ready to release a new album in June, and released a new music video the day before, where we spoke about filming the music video, writing the new album and the state of the San Franscisco music scene.

Afterward, we went down to the main stage to see Blood Lemon, a Boise-based Riot Girl band perform and experience their addicting harmonies. We then ran back to Boise Brewing, where we caught and interviewed the Boise-based emo band Amoeba Arena about growing up in Boise and developing their sound.

Horoscopes: April Overview

What’s in store for you this month?

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Our last show of the night was

wonderful artists and other media outlets, as well as seeing some old friends.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, we picked up our press passes and headed to our first interview with Olivia Vika of Vika and the Velvets, a mod bluesinspired band based out of Spokane, and we talked about the blues, Amy Winehouse and classical music shaping her song writing process.

After that, we hopped over to the main stage located in Julia Davis Park to catch the rap duo Flyana Boss, known for several songs that are popular on social media.

Our next interview was with LA-based indie-pop artist Kid Bloom, and then a run back to the main stage to see Dawes and Lucius before heading over to the Boise Brewing Company stage in front of their downtown tasting room to see Kid Bloom perform on a psychedelically lit stage with his touring band.

Treefort, while it started as a music festival, is not just about the music. Hundreds of local food and beverage vendors such as Boise Brewing and pretty much every shop and store within the festival footprint get involved in some way. From tattoo flash sales to elusive food vendor popups, the whole city gets covered with festival spirit for the weekend.

After that set, we when to the El Korah Shrine, to

the French Cassettes at the Treefort Music Hall, a permanent venue established by the Duck Club in order to host bands year-round. It was a wonderful show and an excellent cap to an amazing day.

Friday

Friday was our biggest interview day of the week. We started with an interview with Gilda House, a Europop-inspired trio from Billings, Montana, who chatted with us about their inspirations and their music. Immediately after, we sat down with Madeline Hawthorne, a country music artist from Bozeman, Montana, who grew up back east and followed her heart out west.

We then split up for a brief moment, to both catch Gilda House at the Cyclops Stage in the Grove

Plaza and interview Provo, Utahbased National Parks about their music and fame. We then went and caught their show at another stage in Julia Davis Park called the Hideout and heard their powerful lyrics about nature. We caught some of the shows in local bars, including Slow Hollows, an Indie-rock band from LA, who we also interviewed on their past in the DIY punk scene. They performed at the Neurolux, a longstanding Boise bar and music venue. Afterward, we trekked across town for our final show of the night at Pengilly’s Saloon, where we listened to Madeline Hawthorne and her band while she featured some other folk artists playing at the festival.

Saturday We started Saturday interviewing queer R&B band Day Soul Exquisite from Seattle, where we dove deep into collective songwriting, politics, art and uncommon percussion setups.

After the interview, we ran to and from several shows, grabbing photos of bands like Daffo, Sons of Reineer and Sir Chloe. We then went to the Basque Center, where we saw and photographed Day Soul Exquisite as they performed. We then rode the Treeline for a while, meeting people and experiencing even more music before we headed back to the mainstage and saw Briston Moroney. We rushed back to the Neurolux to see and photograph Moscowbased band and friend of the station Desolation Horse, as they performed songs from their album Biff, which came out in October. We then ended our day and our time at the festival by seeing Afrosonics, a Boise-based band that combines African drum beats with many different Western music genres, which was a very Boise end to the week.

Renownedtubist to perform at UI

Øsystien Baadsvik plays his way to our stage

Adding to his tour of universities, tubist Østyien Baadsvik will be performing at the UI in the Haddock Performance Hall on April 15 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free to the public. He will also teach a

masterclass the same day at 12:30 p.m. Admission is also free for the masterclass. Music students can get a convocation credit for the masterclass.

Østyein Baadsvik began playing tuba in school in Trondheim, Norway, at 15 years old. Known for his masterclasses and tuba clinics, Baadsvik is an internationally renowned tubist who won his first national solo competition at 18. His

international career started in 1991 when he was awarded two prizes at a competition in Geneva entitled Concours International d’Exécution Musicale. When moving his solo career to New York he debuted in Carnegie Hall in 2006. His UI performance is much anticipated and is set to be an educational experience for Lionel Hampton School of Music Students and all other attendees.

Take an honest look at yourself this month and be prepared to make some tough decisions regarding your future. Consider what will bring you the most joy and fulfillment down the road, not just in the present moment. Don’t be afraid to make some sacrifices and hard choices.

Taurus (April 21 – May 20)

Take any opportunity to rest and recharge this month. You will need the extra energy when an unexpected challenge arises late in the month. It’s ok to say no to obligations and prioritize your own well-being instead.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Carefully consider who you surround yourself with this month. Do not allow yourself to be influenced by those who may not have your best interests in mind, but rather trust your intuition and go with your gut. That being said, your closest friends and family will always be on your side, so lean on their support when you need someone to trust.

Cancer (June 21 – July 20)

Take some time for introspection this month, think back and consider if there are any wrongs you need to right or apologies that are long overdue. Your pride is not worth causing harm to others, so settle old hurts and assess how you can learn from the past and grow as a person.

Leo (July 21 – August 20)

Embrace the unexpected this month, Leo. Let go of your tight grip on what you want for your life, and allow yourself to accept what comes with a positive outlook. You are capable to handleof handling anything that comes your way, so take a deep breath and go with the flow this month.

Virgo (August 21 – Sept. 20)

Open yourself to new opportunities this month, don’t be afraid to try something different and get out of your comfort zone. When faced with a fork in the road, don’t immediately choose the easier option, rather challenge yourself and you’ll be amazed at what might happen.

Libra (Sept. 21 – Oct. 20)

There may be an unexpected development this month that has the potential to bring you great joy. Allow yourself to enjoy the rewards that come from all your hard work, don’t just move onto to the next thing but take a moment to celebrate yourself and how far you’ve come.

Scorpio (Oct. 21 – Nov. 20)

Although this period of your life is challenging, keep your eyes on the future you are working towards. You are so close to your goals so do not give up – the life you have envisioned for yourself is just around the corner.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21 – Dec. 20)

Be careful where you spend your energy this month. Your time is a precious resource, so choose wisely how you spend it. Cut out all the things that aren’t serving your goals and prioritize what really matters, even if that means making some hard choices and having difficult conversations.

Capricorn (Dec. 21 – Jan. 20)

Prepare yourself for a great challenge that will come this month, don’t allow yourself to be taken off guard by the difficult season you are about to face in your life. No matter what comes your way, persevere and learn from the challenges and use this opportunity to grow as a person.

Aquarius (Jan. 21 – Feb. 20)

Trust the judgement of your close friends and family this month, sometimes listening to the voices of those who have experienced more than you is wiser than trusting your own intuition. Do make any major life decisions without consulting those you trust and taking time to consider every option.

Pisces (Feb. 21 – March 20)

Take a moment to reflect on how you have come so far. You have made so much progress from where you first started, so congratulate yourself and take a breath before tackling the next chapter of your life. Celebrate yourself and the people who have supported you along the way.

Grace

Abigail

Abigail

Rogan Tinsley (left) and Eric Kennedy of Vika and the Velvets jam out

Mattea

Abigail Spencer | KUOI 89.3

Madeline Hawthorne plays at Pengilly’s Saloon

DancersDrummersDreamers: A night to remember

and dance collaborate in engaging performance

Sierra Rode ARGONAUT

In the 33rd creative collaboration, the UI Dance Program, Lionel Hampton School of Music Percussion and the DDD Ensemble performed DancersDummersDreamers. The show ran from March 21 to March 23 at the Hartung Theater at the University of Idaho.

The production consisted of 14 pieces with abstract settings. Throughout the show, dancers, percussionists and ensemble alternated sets, with a small band accompanying each performance.

The music is composed by faculty and students in the music program. The composers and dancers work closely until the week of the show, when they begin work with the

DDD ensemble. The production began with an overture performed by the DDD Ensemble, followed by a dance titled “Think Pink” performed by the entire cast of dancers. The dancers all performed with smiles and energy that felt contagious.

Some audience favorites were the tap-dancing routines, “Rhythmic Rendezvous” and the aptly named “Feet Beat.” The dancers were very skilled and clearly enjoyed performing their pieces.

“When the tap shoes came out, they were really mesmerizing. I couldn’t take my eyes off of them,” Paul Parmeley, a freshman majoring in Journalism with a minor in Creative Writing, said. Right after the last tap routine, the percussionists performed “Boomwacker Medley,” another audience favorite filled with popular tunes.

“Second Perfect Number” included the choreography details

projected on the screen behind the ensemble members, allowing the audience to follow along and see the individual steps. It was like watching behind the scenes of the show.

The Finale included the entire cast and ended the show with a bang.

“As someone who isn’t a percussionist, it’s really inclusive,” Emily Abramson, a junior in Secondary Education and ensemble member, said. “The dancers and percussionists are so in awe of each other!” The group was very encouraging and respectful of one another, making for a great environment to share their passion for the stage and create a great show.

Elizabeth Bourassa, a sophomore studying Theatre Arts and Secondary Education, performed as a dancer. “My favorite part is when we really get into it and we’re all making connections with each other,” she said.

Spotlight on UI Health Ed

for sexual health awareness, Suicide Prevention Week, Mental Health Month and more.

Vandal Health Education is a campus resource that provides resources and community for students.

Late last month, Vandal Health peer educators ran a Health Hut on the second floor of the student union building. Trivia, positive affirmations, event scheduling and information regarding National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and Vandal Health Education were highlighted at the event.

“Vandal Health Education is really built around building community, so a lot of what we do is pretty much getting people connected with whoever they need to,” Annie Nelsen, a graduate support assistant for Vandal Health Education, said. “Our goal is to spread health information across campus and a lot of what we do has to do with language around topics.”

They serve as a support and guidance system for the Vandal community, spreading awareness and providing the resources required to those in need.

“If somebody doesn’t know where to go on campus, they can come to Vandal Health Education and we can get them to where they need to be,” Nelson said.

NEDA Week is one of many events that Vandal Health Education promotes through educator led Health Huts. Others include Safe is Sexy Week

“Today’s tabling event is about NEDA Week, so we are doing a kind of getto-know-you about eating disorders,” Katerina Jones, a sophomore, senior peer educator and wellbeing ambassador leader, said.

The table featured positive affirmations surrounding eating disorders, such as, “I continue to challenge myself every day in my quest for recovery.”

Stickers, trivia and mindfulness journals that people can utilize in their endeavors to participate in this aspect of wellness were also handed out.

NEDA Week brought different activities around campus that focused on several aspects of wellbeing. Feb. 26 had an eating attitudes screening, Feb. 28 had the Health Hut and mindfulness meditation, March 1 was a print making social and Feb. 29 featured therapy dogs at the Student Rec. Center.

Erik Platonov, a psychology major, attended the therapy dogs event. After talking with the peer educators, Platonov is interested in becoming one himself. “I was just leaving class and I was like, those are cute, I’m having a bad day, I’m gonna go pet them. It actually helps,” he said.

Peer educators receive up to three credits for certain classes, especially movement science classes, and wellbeing ambassadors can also receive credit.

“Peer educators are more broad. They’re working with all the different stress management.

They’re going out and doing the workshops for different classes and stuff like that, whereas wellbeing ambassadors meet once a month to twice a month. They are doing stuff centered around the strength wheel,” said Nelsen.

“Sources of Strength” plays a crucial role in Vandal Health Education’s purpose.

“It is very scientifically based. It’s a nationwide workshop that highlights all the strengths that go into mental wellness, such as family, physical activity, mental health and healthy activities. It’s not really saying that they must be strong in every single aspect at every single moment. It’s pretty much where am I strong and then where am I lacking and maybe I can help someone who’s lacking in something on the wheel that I’m pretty strong in,” Nelsen said.

Free workshops, training and certifications are also held by Vandal Health Education to teach the community about various topics such as mental health awareness, Green Dot and QPR training.

“I like going around campus and seeing how different everybody is and how everybody does really need each other to get through the semesters. It helps a lot to have people that you know that you can lean on,” said Madalynn Lasher, a senior and peer health educator.

“My personal goal is to spread awareness to other students about health education,” said Jones. “We do exist, and we are here to help.”

Percussion

Vandal Health Education provides support on campus

Tanner Allen ARGONAUT

Ashley Kramer | Argonaut

DDD performed in conjunction with LHSOM’s music composition program

Before Caitlin Clark, there was UI’s Taylor Pierce

“Once the season got going, Taylor worked to keep her body fresh and stay sharp,” Muscatell said. “She put in countless hours in the summer so that she really only worked on refinement during the year.”

Pierce credits her ability to Jim Brogan, her shooting coach and mentor.

Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark surpassed Idaho Vandal Taylor Pierce’s NCAA singleseason record for 3-pointers made on Feb. 28.

Clark hit eight 3-pointers to reach 156 total for the season to break Pierce’s previous record of 154 during Iowa’s dominant 108-60 victory over Minnesota. Days later, Clark became the all-time leading scorer for NCAA men’s and women’s basketball.

Pierce isn’t upset that Clark replaced her record. She said, if anything, it’s a compliment.

“It took the greatest college basketball player of all time to touch that record, and I think that is the coolest thing that I will ever be able to say. That’s beyond breaking the record in the first place,” Pierce said.

Pierce hit the record against Loyola Marymount University in her 2018-19 season at the University of Idaho. That season, which resulted in a Big Sky regular season title, was a culmination of an almost unbelievable four-year career. Pierce travelled from San Diego, California, to play at UI as a freshman. Initially, the rural Idaho town was nowhere on her radar, but Pierce stepped on campus and felt the Vandal pride immediately.

Pierce led the Vandals to a Big Sky conference title her freshman year, finishing the season 24-10 (13-5). Each subsequent year brought more wins, more accolades and more honors. But the work started way before the season, according to Drew Muscatell, Idaho’s current women’s basketball assistant head coach.

Muscatell was on the coaching staff during Pierce’s record-breaking season. He also coached with Pierce at UI for two years.

“He taught me to act like a professional no matter what level you are at,” Pierce said. “So, from the age of 12 when I started with him, he treated me like I was a professional basketball player.”

This standard led Pierce to develop rigid discipline—showing up early, staying late and putting in more work than anyone else.

“Confidence is built with repetition. You can’t be confident if you don’t put in the work,” Muscatell said. “Taylor put in the work. She was allowed to be that confident.”

Muscatell said the sheer determination, grit and confidence Pierce exuded was a product of her dedication as well as the team she was a part of. Muscatell recalled watching games where Pierce would miss her first six 3-point attempts just to make the next four in a row.

“If Taylor shot 10 threes in a game, you could expect that four were made,” Muscatell said.

Pierce finished the 2018-19 season with a three-point percentage of 39.6%. Iowa’s Clark is currently sitting at 39.3% for the 2023-24 season.

“I do believe that what Caitlin and Taylor accomplished in their careers should be acknowledged and celebrated. They both devoted so much time to their craft. They sacrificed a ton and worked extremely hard to be some of the best shooters to ever play the game,” UI women’s basketball Head Coach Carrie Eighmey said.

Muscatell said that the exposure players like Pierce and Clark bring to women’s basketball highlights the talent that some might overlook. Clark and Pierce’s style of play is comparable to the Golden State Warriors Splash Brothers, according to Muscatell.

“You can easily compare Caitlin and Taylor to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. At the end of the day, they have similar shot making ability,” Muscatell said.

“I think Caitlin, and other women’s basketball players, in the past and in recent years, have all impacted our game. Especially in the past few years, it seems as if women’s basketball has earned the respect of millions of sports fans across the country. Players like Caitlin draw people in and help bring exposure to our game,” Eighmey said.

Even with impressive records, NBAcomparisons and Vandal legacy all being attached to Pierce’s name, she still believes her success was a direct result of hard work, impeccable coaching and stellar teammates.

“It’s about the name I wore on my chest, not the name on my back,” Pierce said. Muscatell echoed the same sentiment, saying that the impact Pierce had on Idaho basketball will last for years to come.

“She is one of the best players to ever

play at Idaho,” Muscatell said. “I might not ever coach another Taylor Pierce.”

Muscatell said he brings Pierce’s “next shot” mentality into his coaching strategy. Witnessing Pierce’s level of confidence and pursuit of excellence motivates him to instill those values into current Idaho players.

“To see the level of play Taylor brought on a daily basis, I was just in awe,” Muscatell said.

Pierce closed out her time at Idaho with 154 made 3-pointers in a single season, the NCAA record for threes made per game in a season with 4.53 per game and became the fourth woman to record 400 threes in a career, reaching all these accolades in her senior season. None of these accomplishments compare to the lessons Pierce learned during her time in black and gold.

“It’s a fake it to you become it type of thing,” Pierce said. “If you walk and talk like the best, then one day you will be. That’s the biggest thing I learned as an athlete.”

The ups and downs of the Vandals women’s hoops season

Vandals end season 15-16 with a loss to Montana

Jayden Barfuss ARGONAUT

The 2023-2024 women’s basketball season was full of firsts, growing pains and yet another quarterfinals ending. Coming off a disappointing 13-17 (9-9) record last season, the Idaho women’s basketball team made a change at the head coaching position, putting Carrie Eighmey in charge of the Vandals.

The Vandals ended this season 15-16, (8-10), where they showed tons of promise and some signs of what this team could be.

In her first season, Eighmey had to work with a roster of five returning players, with only one starter coming back. In the transfer portal, Eighmey landed transfers Sarah Schmitt, Kennedy Johnson, Amalie Langer, Hope Butera, Michelle Bork and Georgia Gray.

Eighmey also kept the two true freshmen who committed to the Vandals before she accepted the job, Aspen Caldwell and Madelynn Muniz.

The Eighmey era began in victory with a 92-50 victory over Walla Walla University. After a loss to Cal Poly in the next game, the Vandals went to Hawai’i for the Bank of Hawai’i Classic and came home with victories over California State University Fullerton (56-48) and the University of Hawai’i (50-40). The Vandals had some momentum coming back to Moscow.

The Vandals, however, dropped four of their next six games to finish non-conference play 5-5 and head into conference play. The Vandals started conference play with a bang, defeating Sacramento State and Portland State on the road to open conference play 2-0.

Idaho took a two-game hiatus from

conference play to play the University of Denver and Chicago State. The Vandals won both, but disaster struck. In the 80-52 victory over Chicago State, Idaho lost Butera for the season with an ACL injury, which Eighmey confirmed a few days later.

Butera led the Vandals in every category and was a massive loss for the Vandals only two games into conference play. The loss of Butera showed, and they dropped the next four conference games to 9-9 and 2-4 in conference play. The Vandals ended their losing streak with a 60-56 victory over Northern Colorado.

In the next five games, the Vandals went 2-3, including a second win over Sacramento State, which gave them their third home win of the season.

Idaho won their next two games against Weber State and Idaho State, then dropped games to UNC and Northern Arizona. With three games left, Idaho went 1-2, finished the regular season 15-15 (8-9), earned the sixth seed and matched up with the thirdseeded Montana Grizzlies.

Montana had beaten the Vandals twice in the season and, behind an explosive first and third quarter, defeated the Vandals 73-61 and ended their season.

What’s next for Idaho? The season is over and the Vandals will lose four of five starters again. They will now look to take the next step in the Eighmey era and win the conference tournament somewhere in the near future.

For a team that was pieced together by transfers had injuries and faced a ton of setbacks throughout the season, the Vandals had some moments of promise and have a bright future ahead. They are going to make significant steps in year two under Eighmey and are heading in the right direction. They will look to make a run at the Big Sky tournament and NCAA tournament next season.

Taylor Pierce | Courtesy Pierce holding the Big Sky regular season championship trophy

James Taurman-Aldrich | Argonaut Players Celebrate

John

Carrie Eighmey ponders strategy

Men’s Hoops season falls short

Pribble’s first year as head coach ends with an 11-21 record

Willie Gibbs ARGONAUT

The Idaho men’s basketball team ended the 2023-24 season with four straight losses and have been left in uncertainty.

The Vandals finished the season 11-21 (5-13 in conference). The only team behind them was Sacramento State, who knocked Idaho out of the first round of the Big Sky Tournament in Boise on March 9.

The team’s best stretch came at the end of the season when they won three out of six games from Feb. 1 to Feb. 17. While they lost three games, they kept them close until the end.

In that span, they beat Montana State 81-75, with five players scoring more than 10 points. Junior forward Julius Mims recorded 15 points and 14 rebounds in the contest alongside a solid defensive effort.

In their next game, the

Yale’s band was unable to make the cross-country trip to support the Ivy League school in its biggest game of the season. Yale men’s basketball Head Coach James Jones called UI on Sunday, asking if the Vandals would be interested in substituting. Jones felt the Bulldogs would need some sort of home-court advantage, even if they were playing on the other side of the country.

Martin sent out a sign-up sheet to the Vandal band members Sunday night, and the 29-member ensemble was put together Monday morning, according to junior trumpet player Rachel Rose.

“I saw that it was an NCAA game, a March Madness game, and I thought ‘I have to jump on that,’” Rose said. Rose, a section leader for the band, said the entire experience was almost a whirlwind. The call to play came on Sunday night, but the band did not get Yale’s music until Friday morning.

The band practiced in the Kibbie Dome Friday morning before hitting the road to Spokane. When they arrived, the atmosphere was more energetic than any of them had expected. Junior percussionist Cali Dunn said she was used to playing at

Vandals’ momentum carried them past Sacramento State, giving them the season sweep for the first time since 2018. The effort was reinforced by another Idaho forward, junior Kyson Rose, who scored 14 points and only missed one shot throughout the contest.

Though the Vandals lost their next two games, they only lost by eight against first-seed Eastern Washington and by one against fourth-seed Weber State.

Before the season started, Head Coach Alex Pribble said, “For us, this year is about seeing how good we can be, reaching our potential as a group.”

While Pribble and the players didn’t have much success, it gave the young team a foundation to build on. The coaching staff will have a lot to do in the offseason.

Vandal Hoops only had three returning players from the 2022-23 season, something the coaching staff will try to avoid moving forward. It was also the first year at Idaho for the coaches. They now have a year of experience working together and in this environment.

Just weeks after losing in the first round of the conference tournament, starting point

Idaho basketball and football games, but this was on another level. All 29 band members walked into the arena wearing blue Yale T-shirts. Nobody knew they were Vandals.

“Everyone thought we were the Yale band, which was funny,” Dunn said. “When the news got out that we were the Idaho band, I got messages from my friends, family and really everybody saying how exciting it was.”

Dunn and Rose agreed that it was weird cheering for a team other than Idaho at the beginning, but they were so appreciative of the opportunity to support a team in the March Madness tournament.

“At first, I was yelling ‘Go Vales,’” Dunn said. Yale pulled off a major upset with the help of the Idaho marching band in the stands. Jones set the wheels in motion. He was the band’s main contact at the game, Rose said.

“I saw them out there and they had their sheets, so they knew the music in terms of what to play,” Jones said after the game. “It was great. Having that atmosphere and the people coming out and supporting us, there’s nothing better than that, and we can’t appreciate them more than to be Bulldog fans.”

“A lot of times when you’re on the road and you’re the underdog, the crowd goes in your favor and that helped a little bit tonight, too.”

guard, junior Quinn Denker has announced his plan to enter the transfer portal. Junior guard EJ Neal has done the same.

This is a blow to the team for multiple reasons. While Denker had big moments throughout the season, he didn’t perform to his full potential in the postseason.

He shot just 5-16 against the Hornets, while being the only Idaho player to stay on the court for all 40 minutes of action. Neal provided a spark for the team when he came off the bench in each game. His athleticism and effort often provided highlight plays on both sides of the court.

Mims was the only Idaho player to receive Big Sky honors. He was named to the all-defensive team. Associate Head Coach Brandon Laird also received honors after being named to the 2024 100 Rising Stars: Men’s Mid Major Assistants list.

Laird, Pribble and the rest of the coaching staff have already started the recruitment process to bring new talent to the ICCU Arena.

They will work through the summer to continue their efforts to create a basketball foundation and culture at UI.

Sweet Sixteen Selections

A look at which teams should advance to the Elite Eight

Bryce Norwood ARGONAUT

It’s officially Sweet Sixteen time in March, and no I’m not talking about a teenage girl’s birthday. I’m talking college basketball. The first two rounds of play saw lots of action, and lots of favorites winning.

This is only the fifth time in NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament history that all 1 and 2 seeds have made it to the Sweet Sixteen. Upsets seem to be lacking this tournament. You know what isn’t lacking? My predictions. After going 12-4 in the second round, and 32-16 overall, I’m about to reveal the script for the Elite Eight.

To start, we have No. 2 Arizona vs No. 6 Clemson: I have doubted Clemson twice so far, and they’ve proved me wrong twice. As much as I look at how good these ACC teams have been this tournament, I still don’t think a team like the Tigers can compete with Arizona, leading me to advance the Wildcats to the West region final.

No. 1 UConn vs No. 5 San Diego State: A rematch of last year’s national championship

game where UConn beat SDSU 76-59, the defending champs will be seeing a very similar style of Aztecs squad. San Diego State’s defense-oriented team can cause problems, as they were a five seed last year who beat the number one overall seed Alabama in the Sweet Sixteen last year. However, they will not get upset this year, as UConn is just way too good. Huskies move to the Elite Eight in the East region. No. 1 North Carolina vs No. 4 Alabama: Before I point out the matchup, I need to say that Mark Sears for Alabama is an absolute stud. In a close battle vs. a tough Grand Canyon team, he was able to keep his team ahead to win. Now they’ve got a much harder opponent this game, with North Carolina, who I’m not too high on. Michigan State wasn’t a big challenge for UNC, but Bama hasn’t played much better teams. I think Alabama if they can limit fouls will outpace UNC, so give me the Crimson Tide to upset.

No. 2 Iowa State vs No. 3 Illinois: The Fighting Illini have been very overlooked all tournament. They have two really big wins so far. However, I look at this Iowa State team and I see a championship contender, because of this, give me the Cyclones.

No. 2 Marquette vs No. 11 NC State: NC State is the only double-digit seed in the tournament still, which is upsetting as a fan. Marquette had a battle with Colo-

rado, and NC State edged out a win against Oakland. I don’t think Marquette is the most legit team, give me NC State for the upset.

No. 1 Purdue vs No. 5

Gonzaga: Two teams who looked fantastic in the round of 32, Purdue is still a questionable team, now playing a red-hot Zags squad. Gonzaga is a different beast in March, as long as it is before the Final Four. The biggest concern is how they will limit Zach Edey, and I don’t think they will be able to. The Boilermakers move to the Midwest final.

No. 1 Houston vs No. 4 Duke: Duke impresses me a lot right now. Freshman guard Jared McCain looks awesome, as he drops 30 on your favorite team and then posts a TikTok dance in the locker room right after. However, I think the strength of the teams they’ve played doesn’t match the A&M team that Houston just had to play, and Houston pulling out a win in their OT thriller was impressive, so give me the Cougars to go to the Elite Eight.

No. 2 Tennessee vs No. 3

Creighton: SEC vs Big East, two different playing styles. I think this Tennessee team has its weak spots, which a team like Creighton will exploit. That being said, give the Blue Jays a win over the Vols, and be the final winner of the Sweet Sixteen.

Inaugural game of the 2023-24 Sweet Sixteen starts at 4 p.m. Thursday.

John Keegan | Argonaut Julius Mims dunks on a Weber State player

Local businesses vs corporate concerns

Home Depot raises concerns in the small-town residents

We’ve all seen it. We’ve all heard it. But in case you have been living under a rock, let me catch you up to speed.

Back in August 2023, the University of Idaho was given permission by the Idaho State Board of Education to lease 12 acres of land to Home Depot to develop a new store and garden center for Moscow and Palouse residences.

This land stretches behind the Palouse Mall, near the intersection of Farm Road and A Street. The lease is 20 years long, starting at $90,000 a year, growing by 15% every five years after that.

Now, UI is completely on board with this. At the time the State Board approved the lease, UI President Scott Green said that not allowing the Home Depot to come to Moscow would “rob consumers of choice.” “Consumer choice” is more like a choice for the university to gain a little extra cash. Sure, the land is not being used right now and the school could easily make some money off it, but just be honest, everyone can see right through that “consumer’s choice” facade.

Depot moves in next year.

Hey, UI, you forgot about supporting the folks who’ve been here for years; let’s go with the corporate giant instead. No, definingly not the local business owners and workers who might struggle to compete. I think the university sometimes forgets that Moscow is a town full of more than just them and their students.

This local business, known as Moscow and Pullman Building Supply, even asked the community of Moscow to sign a letter to the State Board going against the lease.

The letter read, “As a local business owner whose legacy spans three generations of supporting local families and businesses, it would be a disheartening oversight for the University of Idaho to contemplate such a partnership without first engaging the local businesses that have helped support the university in becoming what it is today.”

We already have a perfectly good local building supply store that has catered to the town’s needs since 1958—that’s 66 years. 66 years of supporting the local community and thriving alongside it. 66 years that are going to get completely crushed as soon as Home

It was signed by President and Chief Financial Officer

Tyler Garrett. Director of Operations for Moscow-Pullman Building Supply Alan Espenschade said to compete with Home Depot’s prices, they may have to hire fewer full-time employees, “which goes against our entire culture.”

Though this grant was approved by the State Board, it was noted that at least 150 messages were received in opposition to this lease. Let’s forget stabbing our local businesses in the back and think about matters like traffic and water use.

According to the Moscow city code, large retailers, including Home Depot, are required to hold a community meeting before es-

tablishing any business in the city. Moscow held this meeting back in November 2023.

Around 50 people attended the meeting, which may not sound like much, but it’s great for Moscow. These residents got to ask questions and confront the economic and social concerns they had with the new business.

Home Depot’s real estate manager, Barry Simmons, said at the community meeting that small businesses should not worry because being close to a Home Depot drives traffic to the area. Okay, let’s think about this for a second. Your building supply store is safe because my building supply store is going to bring me more customers, so you shouldn’t worry.

Now, call me skeptical, but if I’m making a trip to a building supply store, I’m not exactly planning on making a pit stop at another

one in town. It’s like saying, “Don’t worry, my Starbucks will bring more coffee lovers to the area, so your little local cafe is fine.” It just doesn’t add up. Sure, more people might be passing through Moscow on their way to the shiny new Home Depot, potentially stopping at local spots like restaurants or ice cream stores. But let’s be real—is that influx of traffic really worth the trade-off?

Simmons said about 20% of Lewiston’s Home Depot sales will be moving to the Moscow location. I’d rather not sacrifice the unique charm of our town for a bit of extra foot traffic. Quality over quantity, right?

Besides, Moscow’s roads are already getting a bit congested, I can’t imagine what that light in front of Winco would look like with Home Depot added to the mix. I look around Moscow and see

how it is trying to evolve, trying to keep up with the times. I understand we must help Moscow grow economically because the community is growing.

But one of the main things I love about Moscow is its unique charm. We have the chickens painted on the side of the Moscow Food Co-op, the lights flickering down Main Street, the families sitting outside the Taqueria Las Torres taco truck and students studying in the classic One World Cafe. I could go on and on about the amazing little things this community upholds. This new Home Depot is a shift for Moscow, one that may be inevitable.

We are losing our identity as a community, turning into a mundane town. Competition is great for consumers and businesses, but are mega-corporations the best way to do it?

USA maximalism vs French minimalism

A case for slow fashion: Why Americans should get inspiration from Parisians

Beneath the streets of Paris, there is a metro system that connects the entire city. Around 5 p.m., the station is packed full of Parisians most likely getting an apéritif at a local bar on their way back home.

As they wait for the train to pull into the station, lined with subway tiles and French advertisements, you can’t help but notice that almost everyone is wearing the same style. Everyone seems to wear the same colors, the same silhouettes and, most importantly, the same Parisian attitude.

It is surprising that in the birthplace of avant-garde and haute couture the citizens would choose to be less expressive in how they dress.

In Paris, people wear clothes, not the other way around. While in America, it is becoming clear that the individualist culture is ruining the industry with overconsumption; the clothes are wearing the people.

The Parisian style focuses on quality and simplicity. Despite being home to designer brands like Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton, most Parisians do not shop for luxury clothes. Instead, they shop for vintage staples or quality basics.

A typical Parisian outfit features understated colors, timeless silhouettes and accessories that elevate the overall look. Quality pieces that have timeless silhouettes and subdued colors are prioritized as staples in their wardrobe. The goal is not to focus on trends but to

collect clothes that create a cohesive look.

The culture in Paris is slower, and the centuries-long influence of art in the country causes French people to take pride in their products.

The Ministry of Culture of France wrote on their website, “France is perceived as the country of big brands, but it is also recognized for the exceptional quality of its artisans and small creators, their know-how and the quality of their products.”

According to Production of Culture theory, smaller brands and creators encourage the competition of the fashion industry to maintain high standards for their products.

One study titled, “Globalization, organizational size, and innovation in the French luxury fashion industry: Production of culture theory revisited,” found that a few large companies control the market in France, but they have little influence over French fashion and its waste production.

In comparison, some of the top brands in America in 2024, such as Nike, Lululemon and Inditex (Zara) are the highest polluters in the fashion industry, according to Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design. Considering that the fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world, it’s worth rethinking the purchase of a product that you’ll throw out a year from now.

Not only is this bad for the environment, but the need for manufacturers to turn over products quickly leads to poor quality and design. The need to be “on trend” will constantly

lead to a closet full of clothes that you regret buying in the first place. The fashion industry in America is fast. The new phenomenon of micro-trends has sped up to an unattainable speed.

The traditional fashion trend cycle is supposed to last about 20 years, which explains the emergence of Y2K fashion from the early 2000’s in the last few years. Now, a trend can last as little as one month. The influencer culture on social media causes something new each week to become ‘cool.’ This type of mindset is what leads to overconsumption and ruins one’s creative confidence over time. The fashion industry in America thrives on

causing consumers to compare themselves to each other.

Another recent pattern is the need for people to label aesthetics and identities. People’s style identities are now categorized into aesthetics such as “mobwife,” “grandpa core,” “clean girl” and, of course, “coquette.” Americans are increasingly putting their identities in their ability to obtain possessions that represent the present instead of the past.

Fredric Jameson, a Marxist literary critic, revived the term “late capitalism” in the 1990’s with his work “Postmodernism or the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism.” His argument is that capitalists tend to overconsume due to a fascination with the present.

“The way in which our entire contemporary social system has little by little begun to lose its capacity to retain its own past, has begun to live in a perpet-

ual present and in a perpetual change that obliterates traditions of the kind which all earlier social formations have had in one way or another to preserve,” said Jameson.

Americans, especially young people, need to re-evaluate what they are creatively inspired by. If we continue to place our identities and individuality in our possessions, there will be no culture left for us. Americans should take inspiration from Parisians in how they approach shopping and developing their sense of style. Instead of trying to keep up with the Joneses with trends that will fall flat next season, look for a piece that someone could find in an estate sale many years from now and think, “That’s cool.”

By embracing unique styles and prioritizing quality over fleeting trends, we can have a strong fashion culture that values individuality and sustainability.

John Keegan | Argonaut Local building supply store located in North Moscow

Presley Zimmerman ARGONAUT

Jacey Coleman ARGONAUT

Idaho is too great for hate, but not for hypocrisy

UI and the Idaho State Government support diversity— when it benefits them

Editorial Board ARGONAUT

This past weekend, while staying in Coeur D’Alene in anticipation of the NCAA tournament, one of the most important tournaments of their lives, members of the University of Utah women’s basketball team were verbally harassed and assaulted by a local resident.

Immediately after the event, local community members and organizations across the state expressed support for the athletes and sympathy for their experience. There was an outpouring of support for the team, restating over and over again that “Idaho is too Great for Hate.”

But it’s funny how that same statement does not stand when the Vandal volleyball team is allegedly verbally harassed and abused by their coach for two whole seasons before the university starts investigating.

It does not stand when the Idaho Legislature wants to get rid of the diversity offices and positions in Idaho colleges and universities that protect students from hate speech.

“Idaho leaders and community members at all levels have been consistent and clear about our values. We fully reject racism in all its forms,” Governor Brad Little said in his social media statement.

All leaders in Idaho, you say. An interesting phrase when District 1 representative Heather Scott is well known for defending white nationalists on her social media.

When you are depicted grinning on your Twitter at the signing of a bill intended to strip the university of its statements protecting students of color. For all leaders in Idaho to be against racism in all forms, we would expect these actions to be condemned by the very leaders we are supposed to trust.

But Little is not the only one to have put his foot in his mouth. The university let out a very similar statement about the incident.

“At the University of Idaho, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment for all people,” the university said in a statement released on their Instagram. “We

hope those who were hurt by these actions know that we, at the University of Idaho, in no way condone this behavior, beliefs or action.”

They do not condone this behavior, and yet the university dismissed two entire rosters of Vandal volleyball players complaining, and round after round of letters sent to both senior leaders in Vandal Athletics and the university administration, only beginning their investigation when players went public with their complaints.

We, as people who love and believe in the state of Idaho, want to say that Idaho is too great for hate, but first, our institutions need to actually act like it.

Mysterious street artist strikes again

The artist known as Banksy creates his latest piece on the streets of London

Last week, a mural was painted on the side of a vacant building in a north London neighborhood, artfully re-foliating a pruned tree in the Islington North area.

The mural consisted of green, dripping paint to suggest new foliage for a nearby tree. On the lower left side of the piece, a stencil of a person holds a paint sprayer while they gaze upwards.

Though no one knows officially, the mural appears to have gone up on Sunday, March 17. Then, on Monday, it was confirmed by an Instagram post from Banksy himself that the pseudonymous artist was behind the work. He posted before-and-after images and later reported that the building is currently vacant and for rent, but that he plans to keep the mural up. Banksy took a paint-peeling, dirty wall and a sawed-up, stumpy tree and turned them into works of art.

James Peak, creator of the BBC Radio 4 series

The Banksy Story, told the BBC that the work has an obvious message: “Nature’s struggling, and it is up to us to help it grow back.”

When looking at this piece, Banksy chose a very urban and populated environment in which to place his piece, with the tree sitting in the old gardens of a social housing.

The stencil of the figure was a “classic Banksy-style stencil, ” says Peak. “It looks like the tree has burst into life, but in a noticeably fake and synthetic way. And it’s pretty subtle for a massive tree, I’d say. It’s spring now, and this tree should be bursting forth with leaves, but Banksy must have cycled past and thought how miserable it looks.”

So basically, the guy’s a genius, plain and simple. There is something about his art and his messages that just cuts through all the noise and speaks directly to the viewer. It’s like he is this mysterious voice in the urban landscape, saying all the things that people today are too afraid to say or admit to themselves.

Think about it: in a world bombarded with advertisements and messages that are constantly trying to get our money or our signature, Banksy comes along and simply makes a statement for the world to see. No one knows who he is, no one has seen his face; he just puts the thought out there to spread awareness. He takes that same world and turns it into a canvas and a conversation, forcing us to stop and think about the issues in this world that should probably be getting more attention.

Back in 2002, Banksy’s piece “Laugh Now” was commissioned by the Ocean Rooms nightclub in Brighton. The almost 20-foot-long stenciled mural features ten monkeys in a line, each wearing a sandwich

board sign saying, “Laugh now, but one day we’ll be in charge.” This piece suggests the monkey is oppressed but not defeated.

The message is a prediction that the unwanted of the world will one day revolt against their tormentors. It has also been read as a criticism of the way humans treat primates, such as by abusing them for entertainment or animal testing. This theme touches upon many other works by Banksy, such as “Monkey Poison” or “Barcode.” However, as is always the case with Banksy, there are many possible interpretations to be made about his art.

And it is not just the art that is impactful; it is the way he does it. The whole mystery surrounding his identity adds this extra layer of intrigue. I mean, no one knows officially who this guy is; he could even be a woman.

It is like a real-life game of cat and mouse, and we are all eagerly watching to see what move he’ll make next. In a world where it seems anyone would bathe in the light of fame when given a chance, here is this artist who shuns the spotlight and prefers to remain in the shadows. I think that is another way he makes his messages so meaningful. You never know when or where he is going to strike next. It could be a piece on the side of a building, a surprise installation in a museum or even a stunt at an auction. Let’s be real: in an age of social media and oversharing, it is refreshing.

But perhaps what is most remarkable about Banksy is the way his art transcends borders and boundaries. For years, we have been seeing his work pop up, from the streets of London to the walls of Palestine.

It’s like he is speaking to the universal human experience, reminding us that, despite our borders, despite our differences, we are all in this together. I would consider that some pretty darn impactful artwork. He is not just an artist; he is a provocateur, a philosopher and a voice for the voiceless. In a world full of danger, chaos, war, hate and fear, we could all use a little more Banksy to help us make sense of it all.

Banksy has been an artist since the 1990s, and honestly, every piece makes me think about society and our way of living. I would suggest that you investigate some of his work and see how it makes you feel. If you hate it or if you love it, it will make you see our world through a different lens.

Student loans, extra cash and Bitcoin: How scammers are taking young people’s cash

Scams are on the rise for Gen Z; it’s important to learn how to protect yourself

Imagine you are a second-semester senior staring down the barrel of your impending future, wondering how on this green earth you are going to be in a place where you can start repaying your student loans in six months. On top of that, you have eaten through the last of your summer savings right as it finally gets warm enough to go out and do things with your friends. You are desperate for cash and just as you start researching if it’s possible to sell your kidney legally, you get an email. The email tells you that you are eligible for not only loan forgiveness but also an additional round of COVID relief money. You may be thinking it’s too good to be true.

That’s because it is. Emails like this are internet scams, like the Nigerian prince that your grandma keeps insisting she needs to wire money to. But unlike those scams, these prey on the young instead of the old, and they are frighteningly effective.

The Federal Trade Commission told the Wall Street Journal that people aged 20 to 29 lost money in 41% of internet scams self-reported to the FTC. And that number is probably way smaller than the actual number of people losing money because the FTC relies on selfreporting to come up with those numbers. But despite student loan forgiveness and relief money, the number one scam exploiting young people is online shopping.

“If a stranger says, ‘I have a pair of jeans available through Facebook Marketplace,’ that can lead to scamrelated financial loss. They take these chances because they don’t think about the potential consequences,” said John Buzzard, lead fraud and security analyst at Javelin Strategy & Research, to the Wall Street Journal. In these types of scams, students buy something, it never shows up and when they go back to get a refund, the whole store has disappeared.

But the most hurtful scams are the emotional ones. In these scams, known as pig-butchering scams, someone will contact you with an innocent conversation starter. A match on a dating app, a wrong number text or even a LinkedIn message. After you respond, they start up a conversation with you and gain your trust. They seem interested in you and your thoughts, with the express purpose of becoming your friend and confidant. But things are not as they seem.

“These are large criminal organized networks, and they’re operating largely unscathed,” said John Griffin, a professor of finance at UT-Austin, in an interview with Time Magazine. After these fake profiles gain your trust, they use it against you. They convince you to invest in a new crypto trading app or an independent startup that works using Bitcoin. And it all looks perfect—you invest a certain amount, and you see your money grow.

However, as soon as you try to take out some of your invested money, you learn the dark truth. That money is no longer yours, and the app was completely fake. The app will even try to ask you for more money as a “withdrawal fee,” just to hit you while you’re down.

These scams are awful, but the best thing you can do is stay cautious. Make sure you only send money to people you know in real life. If you are shopping online, go through online retailers with good fraud policies, so if you get scammed, you have someone to help. But, beyond that, know that if this happens to you, you’re not alone and it happens to other people every day.

Presley Zimmerman ARGONAUT

Abigail Spencer ARGONAUT

KUOI 89.3 staff takes on multiple interviews and shows while in Boise for Treefort Music Fest