Gay marriage to be challenged by Idaho
Trump’s federal funding fiasco causes confusion
Administration freezes federal grants, rescinds order
The White House temporarily put a stop to all federal grants and loans earlier this week.
Knowledge of the order went live on Jan. 27, went into effect Jan. 28, and has since been rescinded as of Jan. 29.
Despite only surviving a couple days, the freeze put a halt to trillions of dollars. It affected programs such as education initiatives and nonprofits, according to the Associated Press. The administration claimed that programs such as food stamps and Medicaid would not be affected.
However, a handful of states claimed access to Medicaid had indeed been cut, contradicting the administration’s statement. New York Attorney General Letitia James maintained that New York and at least 20 other states had been denied access to the Medicaid payment system, according to Reuters News.
The Idaho House passed a resolution on Monday seeking to ban the federal right to gay marriage. The resolution, titled “House Joint Memorial 1,” aims specifically to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges.
In 2015, the landmark Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges legalized gay marriage nationwide. A decade later, arguments are taking place in the Idaho legislature that it should be overturned and the power to regulate and restrict marriage should remain with the states.
Supporters of this resolution argue that it is constitutional to return this right to the states and to allow Idaho to make decisions regarding same-sex marriage. Democratic opposition argues that this is a gross overstepping of personal freedoms and individual rights, as the state government should not have a hand in consenting adults’ lives.
Originally proposed at the beginning of January, the resolution has since been approved by the House floor in a 46-24 vote. All Democratic members opposed it as well as 15 Republicans, according to The Hill. It was initially advanced to the House in an overwhelming 13-2 vote.
During the initial hearing, resolution sponsor and State Representative Heather Scott gave her input regarding Obergefell, saying “What this decision did is it took the right away from the state to make the decision on marriage laws… Traditionally, that’s a state’s decision.” She argued that the resolution undermines the founding fathers’ vision for the United States “by declaring that citizens must seek dignity from the state.”
In a comment to the Idaho Statesman, Democratic Party leaders said, “This is yet another example of the extreme wing of the Republican Party ginning up divisive social issues in order to create problems where none exist. Big government has no business telling consenting adults who they should love.”
They added, “[This resolution] should be offensive to all Idahoans who value their individual rights and freedoms and just want to live their lives without egregious government interference.”
As discussed in The Columbian, Idaho’s 2006 ban on same-sex marriage is still on record, supported by 63% percent of voters at the time of approval.
In 2014, an Idaho federal judge ruled the state’s restriction was unconstitutional, violating the due process clause before the Obergefell decision broke a year later.
A 2024 Gallup article showed that support for marriage equality polled at 69% last year. This is only 2% lower than the record-high levels of support for the issue in 2022 and 2023.
Trump’s Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a White House brief that the pause was meant to force federally funded organizations to review and adjust their spending to align with Trump’s presidential directives. This is expected to mostly inhibit spending on Democratic priorities such as LGBTQ+ rights and diversity, equity and inclusion organizations.
“If they feel that programs are necessary and in line with the president’s agenda, then the Office of Management and Budget will review those policies,” said Leavitt.
Despite the freeze being rescinded, it is still expected that the Trump administration will continue with its efforts to review and adjust federal spending.
Various states, nonprofits and small businesses filed lawsuits against the White House in response to the order.
Plaintiffs include the Main Street Alliance and the American Public Health Association, according to one official complaint document. The complaint requested a temporary order of restraint to prevent the order from going into effect and declared the memo unlawful and unconstitutional.
Many students scrambled to make sense of the order as it was uncertain if federal student aid and scholarships would be impacted. While the memo stated that “assistance provided directly to individuals” would not be affected, the inconsistency in claims between the White House and states left college students concerned before the freeze was lifted.
Argonaut’s independence preserved
Student Media and other jobs on campus.
On Thursday, Jan. 16, staff members of The Argonaut, KUOI, Blot and University Avenue Agency received an email from the University of Idaho Dean of Students’ office with a stop work order, effective immediately.
As we investigated this order, it appeared that nobody knew where it had come from, including the Dean of Students himself, Blaine Eckles.
The Argonaut has proudly been an independent news organization since its founding in 1898. We are funded by student fees and our own advertising revenue. However, we were informed last fall that starting this semester, UI would be moving The Argonaut staff to university employees, questionably putting us under university control. This was far from the independence we value. This was far from the university’s claims of protecting free speech.
According to Eckles, these changes came about due to high turnover in various departments last semester, where new HR employees did not understand the different classifications between
In our self-initiated discussions with university administrators, we were assured that the change in our payment system and the stop work order had nothing to do with restricting our freedom as a press. Unfortunately, we cannot be sure that will always be the case, which is why we felt strongly about remaining independent contractors. It is not only important to us, but important for future generations of Argonaut staff members who should be able to report on important issues without worries regarding their payroll.
The stop work order caused a lot of outrage and concern among Student Media members for a multitude of reasons. The breaking point was when our Student Media Advisor, our main channel for updates on employment, was prohibited from speaking to Student Media employees during this period.
The Student Press Law Center has warned about the risks of student media organizations coming under the discretion of universities and becoming traditional employees for a long time. Such moves could force student journalists to disclose private information and records of anonymous sources, or prohibit them from reporting on any educational matters vaguely deemed “education records” under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Alison Cranney ARGONAUT
Julia Kolman ARGONAUT
Connor Anderson | Argonaut
The Idaho State Capitol building lit up in pride colors for Boise Pride
Connor Anderson | Argonaut
Idaho Representative Heather Scott suggests states should have the power to regulate same-sex marriage, not supreme court
Students, staff let down by DEI closures
How those once involved are reacting to change
Paige Wilton ARGONAUT
On Dec. 18, the University of Idaho officially closed six of its diversity, equity and inclusion offices. Following the closures, students and staff who were involved with the programs continue to show discontent over the decision.
DEI was once an umbrella term that many UI programs fell under including the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Diversity Center, the Black/African American Cultural Center, the LGBTQA Office and the Women’s Center, all of which have now been shut down.
This decision was prompted by the Idaho State Board of Education when they voted to ban DEI offices from fouryear higher education institutions across the state in December. Amongst the affected are Boise State University, University of Idaho, Idaho State University and Lewis-Clark State College.
The closing of these programs leave many with a bitter taste. Many former DEI employees were hired to different positions at the university. Mario Pile, former Director of the Black African American Cultural Club (BAACC), is one of them.
Newly appointed as the Associate Director of the Department of Student Involvement at UI, Pile said that he had trouble predicting when UI would close its DEI offices.
“There have been constant rumors that these centers are unfair somehow, but they were really just rumors,” Pile said. “A lot of it feels more like [we were] caught off guard, but not shocked.”
Lysa Salsbury, former Director of the Women’s Center and current profes-
sor in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies and advisor of the student organization SOGI-A (Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Association), wasn’t at all shocked by the announcement.
“Yes, we’ve known this was coming for some time now,” Salsbury said.
“Senate Bill 1357, proposed last year, specifically named all of the offices in the Equity & Diversity Unit and each of their staff as offices and positions that should be cut. It was extremely disappointing but not at all surprising that this has happened.”
The Idaho State Board of Education’s resolution to prohibit DEI offices in higher education was officially passed on Wednesday, Dec. 18, and has been taking effect throughout the state. Although it is not required to be fully implemented until June 30, 2025, UI and BSU have already taken action.
In the official document titled, “A resolution of DEI ideology in higher education,” the ISBoE explained the parameters of what’s to come for DEI programs across the state.
An excerpt from the document stating the specifics of the resolution declares:
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that institutions shall not establish or maintain a central office, policy, procedure, or initiative that promotes DEI ideology. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that institutions shall ensure that no student resource or student success center serves students based on DEI ideology.”
Pile knows the toll the absence of DEI programs will have on students. He projects the lack of DEI offices will hurt the campus community going forward.
“In the meantime, students are going to engage because they’re here. What will that look like a year from now? I think there will be a big difference in how students engage,” Pile said. “I think that engagement will change as there’s not a dedicated person creating spaces for those conversations to be had.”
The students affected the most by this ruling are the ones who were once involved with the different departments.
Karina Simplot, a former studentstaff member of the Women’s Center described the dimness that has set in on campus since the closures.
“The impact of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Black and African American Cultural Center, the Women’s Center, and the LGBTQA Office was immense. These centers weren’t just spaces to occupy, they were a valued contribution to Moscow culture,” Simplot said.
Another former student-staff member of the Women’s Center, Max Silva, has already seen the student body affected.
“I’ve witnessed and heard people talk about possibly moving to different out-of-state colleges or dropping out entirely due to these changes,” Silva said. “The Women’s Center has helped me with personal struggles and told me that I am not alone. I can’t imagine the people in the future who will need this support now that it’s gone.”
While the new resolution prevents the establishment of any type of DEI programs, UI announced a new firstgeneration program that will begin in
Spring 2025 as an effort to continue providing support for students.
Wanting to continue work with students and positively impact their lives, Pile hopes that new program will be beneficial for all.
“A student from a migrant family, who maybe the family doesn’t speak English, has significantly different needs than a veteran who has served for 20 some years, but has never done education,” Pile said. “Those are two people that require different approaches, and so I hope that even in such a large term, what we don’t do is then put them all in the same bowl and think they’ll all eat the same cereal. They all require different breakfasts and different approaches.”
While offices may be closed, those who found community in them, like Salsbury, are proud of the work of DEI. The Women’s Center, she knows, will have a lasting legacy.
“I am so proud of all the work we did over the 52 years we were open. Enrollment of women students at the University of Idaho went from 35% in 1972 to 51% today. There are many programs and services that will endure, thanks to the work of the Women’s Center.”
Trap Shooting Club places 4th in competition
The Association of College Unions International and the Scholastic Clay Target Program hosted the championship in Las Vegas last weekend.
“Trap is one of those unique sports where it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female,” Brian Mahoney, the Trap Shooting Club coach, said. “Women can absolutely shoot as well as men. In fact, some of the top scores at the Las Vegas conference were by women.”
The University of Idaho Trap Shooting Club placed fourth highest overall out of ten schools that participated in the West Coast Conference Championships.
Avery Stevens, a freshman studying mechanical engineering, is one of the four female members of UI’s Trap Shooting Club. She started shooting with her family when she was only 11 years old, but she quickly became the one family member who shot competitively. Although this is only her first year in the club, she managed to place third in the trap doubles for women.
“There were probably 50 men at the competition and about 11 women,” Stevens said. She placed ninth highest score overall on the women’s leaderboard.
Parker Jackson, a senior studying mechanical engineering, is president of the Trap Shooting Club. Currently in his third year on the team, he explained the various disciplines of clay target shooting.
“We compete in many different shotgun shooting sports… trap, trap doubles, skeet, skeet doubles, as well as sporting clays,” Jackson said. “Trap is just a standard: five people line up in a semi-circle and then [clay] birds will go in one general direction, and you have to try and shoot them. Trap doubles is the same concept but with two birds. In skeet, you have birds that cross in the middle and you have to try to hit them from different angles around the circle.”
Jackson, much like Stevens, grew up with his fa-
ther’s interest in various types of shooting sports.
“Growing up, I shot steel silhouette, which is shooting at different silhouettes of animals at yardage markers. I shot that competition for a while and then I moved on to shooting five-stand, which is a modification of sporting clays. I did that for a while and then when I came [to UI], I joined the trap club.”
Brian Mahoney has been the faculty advisor and coach for the Trap Shooting Club since 2012. Although he took a two-year hiatus from 2021 to 2023, he says that the club has been more active than ever.
Stevens said that the community between the team members created a successful environment, which became one of her favorite parts of the championship.
“My biggest win came in the event that I had struggled with the most,” Stevens said. “By the end of the weekend, my average in skeet doubles had risen from about 40% to 80%.” She attributed this success to another member of the club who had worked with Stevens and led their squad.
Most of the club’s trap shooting is done at the Troy- Deary Gun Club. Members also work at the club to help fundraise. “We do a lot of fundraising.,” said Mahoney. “Right now, we’re finishing up a raffle. The members of the club are working at the Gun Club every Sunday, loading traps. It’s an expensive sport.”
Additional information regarding the Trap Shooting Club is available at @uirecwell on Instagram.
Monument planned to honor ASUI
Joe Vandal statue to be sculpted live
Paige Wilton ARGONAUT
Joe Vandal, the University of Idaho’s mascot, is the subject of a new campus sculpture. Dedicated to the work and commitment of ASUI, it will be sculpted live on campus Feb. 4-7 in the ISUB.
The sculpture will be stood near the P1FCU Kibbie Dome and was voted on by over 1,500 students and staff in a school-wide survey. Its creation is dedicated to ASUI’s “enduring legacy of support for the Dome and many other vital campus resources,” as stated on the ASUI webpage.
The sculpting will be happening live at the ISUB beginning Feb. 4. The community will have the chance to be involved in the creation process while sculptor Gareth Curtiss brings it to life.
Curtiss, a renowned sculptor with decades of experience, was chosen to work on this project due to his eagerness to invest in an art piece that will be representative of ASUI’s work.
As he works throughout the week, Curtiss will be involved in a variety of engagement opportunities. These moments of collaboration will help to further the development and authenticity of the Joe Vandal sculpture.
The week will begin on Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. with a community open house in the
Celebrate culture with the Taste of Nepal
ing, we aim to showcase the joy, unity and cultural significance of these festivals,” said Shashwot Niraula, President of the Nepali Students’ Association and a senior majoring in computer science.
On Sunday, Feb. 2, students, faculty and the Moscow community can celebrate the rich traditions, culture and cuisine of Nepal together at the Taste of Nepal.
From 5-7 p.m. in the Pitman Center International Ballroom, attendees are invited to watch performances, live music and eat a traditional meal. The cost of attendance for this event is $15 for students, $20 for general admission and free for children under 5.
Tickets are available for purchase online or at the ISUB from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Thursday and Friday in the library. Tickets will be sold until Jan. 31.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Taste of Nepal with some special elements added to celebrate this tremendous milestone. The theme is “Flavors, Feelings and Festival.” The event will focus on Nepali festivals such as Dashain and Tihar.
“Through traditional dances, music and storytell-
The Taste of Nepal takes months to prepare. A planning committee task force was formed in November of last year. That task force was divided into seven teams
that covered multiple aspects securing every detail for the event.
“During the December break, significant progress was made,” said Niraula. He described how the dancers started rehearsals, the food team created the menu and the promotional team started advertising the event. “Months of detailed planning and collaboration have gone into
making this event.” Acts will include Ganesh Vandana, a traditional dance devoted in honor of Lord Ganesh and performed at the beginning of the event to seek blessings for a joyous celebration.
Several tributes and dances are set to follow, all honoring the aforementioned festivals. This portion of the night will conclude with a trivia
segment where attendees can learn more about Nepalese culture through audience engagement. The three-course dinner will feature an appetizer, chicken curry, chana masala, Nepali dumplings and more, as well as a dessert.
The Nepali Student Association shared that over 450 guests attended the event last year and are hoping for a larger turnout this year.
“Our hope is to welcome even more people to experience the richness of Nepalese culture firsthand,” said Niraula.
Taste of Nepal’s importance lies in its ability to bring students together and provide a space for those who may be thousands of miles away from home.
In Niraula’s words, “For many of us, Taste of Nepal is more than just a cultural event—it is a reminder of home. For Nepali students and the broader Nepali community, this event provides a way to stay connected to our roots while being far from home.”
Follow the Nepali Students’ Association on Instagram: @uidaho_nsa and Facebook: Nepalese Student Association - University of Idaho for more information.
ICCU Idaho Arena Alumni Club Room. The open house will give provide an opportunity to hear from the artist directly, ask questions and add input. On Feb. 6 at 6 p.m., he will give a lecture titled
“The Art of Creating Bronze Sculpture.” Lastly, from Feb. 4-7, he will be actively sculpting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the ISUB Rotunda. “I am delighted to have been selected to create the statue
of Joe Vandal and am looking forward to working with the community on this project. Together, we will be making a character already larger than life—much, much larger,” Curtiss said to ASUI.
Sierra Rode ARGONAUT
Nepali Student Association | Courtesy
Performers at a previous Taste of Nepal event
John Keegan | Argonaut Northern lights shine over the Kibbie Dome
Gifts to give your special someone this Valentine’s Day
Valentine shopping can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be
Brooklynn Jolley
February is almost here, which means that Valentine’s Day is coming up quickly. Getting a head start on buying your special someone a nice gift can help alleviate some of the stress from the holiday. If you’re not sure what to get them, look no further! Here are some nice gifts to give your loved one this Valentine’s Day.
Flowers
Flowers are a staple of Valentine’s Day and always a classic gift to give. You can get them for either your boyfriend or girlfriend but consider including a sweet note for them as well! Their favorite flowers are ideal, but if you’re unsure, red roses are a timeless classic.
Chocolate/Candy
Chocolate hearts or roses are abundant during the Valentine’s Day season, so pick some up at any store, but don’t quit there! Grab their favorite candies too, and write them a note or grab a cute card to go along with the sweets.
Valentine Basket
Holiday-themed baskets were all the rage in 2024 and they’re definitely still in for 2025, so head to the store and gather up some goodies for your special someone. Some things you can put in the basket include flowers (fake or real), their favorite candy, a plushie, a card, fuzzy socks, a comfy hoodie or anything else they like. If they’re an avid reader, include a book, or if they’re a gamer, sneak a game in there. Bonus points if it’s one you two can play together!
Jewelry
Whether it’s for a boyfriend or a girlfriend, jewelry is always a good option. Be sure that you know if they prefer gold or silver before picking something out. It can be matching or stand-alone but try to pick something with meaning to make it extra special for them!
Matching Keychains
Like with jewelry, matching is always a fun choice, but if your special someone isn’t a jewelry wearer, you can get a cute keychain instead! Try to find something related to their interests or something that symbolizes your relationship. The more personal to them, the better it will be!
Anything Handmade/CustomMade
Handmade or custom-made gifts show a lot of thought and consideration, so you can’t go wrong with this, especially if you’re on a budget! Etsy has a lot of great options for custom-made gifts and Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration for something hand made. Get creative and have fun with it!
An Experience
Perhaps you’re dating a minimalist or someone who doesn’t prefer material items. Well, no need to worry, because planning an experience for them will be just like getting them a thoughtful gift, but better! Surprise them with a carefully planned date night, a trip to someplace new or anything fun or adventurous!
Department of Theatre Arts presents “Love, Liz” at the Hartung Theater
Director Blake Watson dives into the journey of producing “Love, Liz”
Layla Phillis ARGONAUT
This week, the University of Idaho Theatre Arts Department kicks off their production of “Love, Liz” at the Hartung Theater, starting Jan. 30. Written by UI
alumna
Lauren Grove, this historical comedy tells a humorous tale about Queen Elizabeth I and her friends, whose lives are rife with romance and rumors.
“This is about Queen Elizabeth I, the first English monarch who is not a man. She’s in this position, where women are in such a lower position societally than men at the time, but she’s now placed at the top of the hierarchy in England,” Blake Watson, the director of “Love, Liz,” said. “It’s about her trying to navigate coming from this position, where she doesn’t have power, to suddenly being the
most empowered person and her figuring out she still doesn’t quite get the same privileges that the men get, even as a queen.”
Underneath the lighthearted jokes and witty dialogue, the play tackles more serious themes rooted deep in history. “Love, Liz” explores the power of women, how women are seen in the Renaissance and how it reflects women’s current struggles in this century, and what it means to choose your own path,” Grove said.
Queen Elizabeth I faces the pressure of marrying and having children after ascending to the English throne. Her refusal to follow through with that expectation is the driving point of the play.
“I see a lot of parallels to the way that we treat women now, and there’s a lot of discussion about ‘she has to
marry’ and ‘she has to have kids,’ and I think that a lot of women watching the show will relate to that same kind of pressure,” said Watson. “I still think that women are asked way more than men, and I think people will see a lot of commonalities in [the characters].”
Watson has been directing plays since he was 19, originally in theater for acting and then switching paths later on. Last spring, he directed UI’s “Orlando” at the Forge Theater and said that the Hartung is a significant change from that experience. “[The Forge] was a much smaller, much more intimate space, and this is pretty big and expansive in comparison. It’s been a challenge to try to adapt to that and then trying to navigate six or seven actors on stage at one time.”
Through hilarious banter and heartbreak, the actors starring in “Love, Liz” are what really tie this play together, according to Watson. “One of the great things that the actors bring is just their own ideas and their own sense of relationship with the other characters and the other actors on stage. That always changes things and makes it deeper and more interesting.”
“Love, Liz” will run at 7:30 pm on Jan. 30-31 and Feb. 1, 7-8, and at 2 pm on Feb. 2 and 9. Admission is free for UI students, $26 for general, $6 for 18 and under, $16 for military and seniors (55+) and $21 for UI employees. For more information or to purchase tickets for the show, visit the UI Department of Theatre Arts’ website.
Brooklynn Jolley | Argonaut
An example of a Valentine basket you could make for your special someone
John Keegan | Argonaut Cambree Miller as Queen Elizabeth I
John Keegan | Argonaut
Actors in “Love, Liz” from left to right: Devony Hunter, Cambree Miller, Madison Studer and Aurora Dickey
Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
An easy and filling meal for busy nights
Megan Kingsley ARGONAUT
If you’ve never made sloppy joes before, there’s no need to worry: this is one of the easiest things you can cook and there are plenty of ways to spice it up. Best of all, the ingredients store well, so you can always keep this recipe on the back burner (no pun intended) for when you have a busy night.
Ingredients:
-1 sloppy joe sea soning mix (found at most grocery stores)
-1 lb. ground beef
-1 6 oz. can of tomato paste
-1 cup water
-Minced garlic* (optional, measured to your heart’s content)
-Diced onion* (op tional, measured to your heart’s content)
-Hamburger buns
Instructions:
-Brown ground beef in a deep pan.
If adding onions/garlic, do so now. Once beef is browned, drain fat.
-Add tomato paste, water and seasoning mix. Combine and slowly bring to a boil.
-Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
-Optional: Lightly toast hamburger bun. This prevents the sandwich
from becoming too soggy.
-Optional: Add a squirt of mustard or another condiment to bring out some more flavor!
-Scoop beef onto bun and enjoy!
*Author’s note: Keeping a jar of minced garlic in your fridge is a great option, especially if you don’t cook
Review:
“Nosferatu” is a dark and disgustingly good
A gothic horror movie that is stunningly beautiful and tragic
Andrea Roberts ARGONAUT
Grotesquely beautiful are words that aren’t often paired together, but when it comes to the new film directed by Robert Eggers, “Nosferatu,” it wonderfully combines the two in a twisted tale of hunger, desire and death. “Nosferatu” features two rising stars as the leads, Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult.
“Nosferatu” was released in 2024 and is based on the gothic horror book “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, and it has a running time of 2 hours and 12 minutes.
The film has already been nominated for multiple awards. The most notable include the Academy Award for Best Production and Cinematography as well as makeup and hairstyling and production design. Since the film was released, it has grossed over $166 million.
In 1922, a film called “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” was released, also based off “Dracula.” Due to copyright issues, the estate of the author refused to sell the rights, so they changed the name from Dracula to Nosferatu. “Nosferatu” released in 2024, is a remake of this movie. However, it has an even darker twist than the novel.
Unlike “Dracula,” “Nosferatu” takes place in the fictional town of Wisborg, Germany in the 19th century. The film follows Ellen Hutter, played by Depp, who has been seeing the vampire in her dreams ever since she was young. She is of a higher social status but lives modestly compared to others.
In the opening scene, she makes a plea for some supernatural entity to ease her loneliness. This awakens Nosferatu, an ancient vampire, and he makes her pledge her loyalty to him for eternity.
Years later, Ellen Hutter marries
Thomas Hutter, played by Hoult, who is on the verge of a promotion at the broker he works for. His employer wants him to travel to Transylvania to find the reclusive Count Orlok, who is Nosferatu, and sell him a manner in Wisborg.
Ellen Hutter, who is plagued by dreams of marrying death and watching those around her die, pleads for him not to go on the trip, but he goes anyway. When he arrives, he sees weird occultist displays from the residents. He arrives at the castle and is greeted by Nosferatu, played by Bill Skarsgård, who drinks from him. Thomas Hutter spends several days there until he uncovers that Nosferatu is a vampire, but he has already signed the deed for the house in Wisborg.
Thomas Hutter rushes back to warn everyone, knowing that Nosferatu is after
movie
Ellen Hutter. Unbeknownst to him, Nosferatu is also on a ship heading to them.
Thomas Hutter’s boss is revealed to be working for Nosferatu and brings him to the manor. A plague is unleashed through rats and it infects the town.
All the while, Ellen Hutter suffers seizures and outbursts throughout the movie while she is asleep, making it clear she is possessed. She sees Nosferatu in her dreams during the outbursts and he calls to her for the deal they made, reminding her that she belongs to him.
A doctor finds a solution to end the plague and Nosferatu. The only thing that can stop him is if he is caught in the sunlight. Now, Ellen and Thomas Hutter must race against time to destroy his coffin before the sun rises the next day.
“Nosferatu” brought the element of gothic horror to life throughout the movie. It incorporates these themes with the grey scale used in the movie to illustrate a hopeless and depressive state throughout the movie and the gothic architecture throughout the set. The film will surely make fans of “Dracula” happy.
Depp and Hoult make the story come alive. Hoult expresses the pure terror his character experiences throughout the film through his facial expressions and mannerisms. Depp’s ability to be infatuated and repulsed by Nosferatu at the same time is truly a marvel to experience.
Even so, the movie does not shy away from the disgusting scenes that will make someone with a weak stomach have to leave the theater early. The movie is truly revolting in every sense of the word from the sudden cultish scenes and rituals to Nosferatu himself.
If you are a fan of horror, love gothic architecture, like some mystery and have a stomach of steel, this is a must-see. For others, rent this movie at home and appreciate the beautiful cinematography, but skip Nosferatu’s face reveal and the last scene of the movie.
February Horoscopes
What does this month have in store for you?
Brooklynn Jolley ARGONAUT
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Cherish your new connections this month. The people you’ve become closer to lately are going to become very important parts of your life. It’s time to prioritize the ones who reciprocate your efforts.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
You may have had recurring feelings of insecurity and hurt lately. Be hopeful because those feelings will pass this month. Your true nature and kindness will be seen and rewarded by others.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
February will be a month full of celebrations and parties. The vibes from other people will be energetic and captivating, so take time to relish that energy. This month will be very fun for you.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
You will be a leader this month. People will be more apt to listen to you and they will be enticed by anything you have to say. Take advantage of this to grow and take opportunities that have not presented themselves before.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
This month will be quite eye-opening for you. Pay attention to the information you receive from others. You will learn many new things and although it may feel overwhelming, know that this newfound information will bring good things your way.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Your friendships and relationships may feel weaker this month. Fear not, for this is likely due to misunderstandings. Reach out to friends that you haven’t talked to in a while and rekindle those flames of friendship.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
February will be a wonderful month for you. You’ve had many trials lately and may have been feeling down in the dumps, but the sun will begin to shine brighter for you as February progresses.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
You may be faced with some heavy obstacles this month, but do not let them get you down. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for and that strength will shine brightly this month. Take tasks one at a time and don’t let yourself get overwhelmed.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
This month may be very foggy and confusing for you. You may feel like you’re in a funk, but know that the fog will pass. Keep your head straight and your mind clear.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
You will feel much more secure in your relationships this month. A newfound closeness will appear and you’ll feel very loved. With this, you must remember to express your love too.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
A heavy weight will be lifted off your shoulders this month. You’ve been feeling weighed down lately, but that will pass soon. February will be very uplifting and you’ll feel much better during this month.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
Recent stressors may have you feeling restless and impulsive. Take time to relax and catch your breath. This month will be very rewarding if you don’t let those impulses take charge. Be strong and prioritize yourself and your well-being.
Megan Kingsley | Argonaut
Delicious and easy-to-make sloppy joes
Ford Jr. succeeds Eck after post-season exodus
Thomas Ford Jr.
announced as the
37th Head Coach of Idaho Football with plans to hit the ground running
Jayden Barfuss ARGONAUT
“First, I would like to thank my wife Shannon and my kiddos for being the support system most dream of,” Thomas Ford Jr. said in a Vandal Athletics news release. “I would also like to thank Terry Gawlik and Scott Green for the tremendous opportunity they have provided. I couldn’t be more excited to be coming back to the Palouse.”
Dec 12, 2024, was a day that every Vandal fan looked forward to. The Vandals traveled to Bozeman to take on the Montana State Bobcats in the FCS quarterfinal.
A few minutes before kickoff, reports began to surface that Head Coach Jason Eck was drawing interest from the University of New Mexico and that he may leave UI. Idaho was dominated by Montana State 52-19, their worst loss of the season. As the sun rose above the mountains on the Palouse, the reports and rumors were confirmed that Eck was indeed leaving for the University of New Mexico.
The Vandals went from potentially reaching the semi-finals to having their head coach leave in just 24 hours.
After the departure of Eck numerous Vandal players also began to head for the exits, including his son and starting linebacker Jaxton Eck, followed by QB Jack Layne, RB Deshaun Buchanan and DE Keyshawn James-Newby.
Wide receiver Jordan Dwyer who
ended up at TCU and Mark Hamper took his talent to the University of Wisconsin, followed suit and before you know it, over 20 players for the Vandals had entered the portal and left the program.
With Vandal fans restless, UI Athletics heard the noise and penciled in Ford Jr. as the team’s 37th head coach to begin a new era of Vandal football.
Two days after being hired, on Friday, Dec. 20, Ford Jr. walked into the ICCU Arena donning his tan suit jacket and his yellow and black Vandal-themed tie and spoke to the media for the first time since the job annoucement.
Sitting with his wife Shannon and his kids Zoey and Kingston, Ford listened as Athletic Director Terry Gawlik introduced him as the head coach.
“We are excited to welcome coach Ford,” Gawlik said. “It was clear during our interview process that Thomas is the man to lead Vandal football into the future. He knows
what it takes to win at Idaho. He is an elite recruiter who was instrumental in laying the foundation of our recent success. We are confident in the future of Vandal football as we look forward to working with coach Ford and his staff.”
Ford Jr. stood up and began to speak, emphasizing that the 2025 Vandals look to continue on the foundation set by previous Vandal teams and the legacy that Eck had left.
“I just want you guys to know that we are planning to stay the course and elevate what’s been built here. I do not plan on slowing down; this is not a rebuild.”
While he was at UI from 20212023 as the RB Coach, the Vandals excelled. With Anthony Woods and Roshaun Johnson, to name a couple, the Vandals had numerous talented options at RB, and they will expect the same under Ford Jr. as head coach.
As Ford Jr. becomes the head coach, one thing is clear: he cares a lot about the Vandal athletes and is excited to be the team’s head coach.
“I care about these kids,” Ford said. “I support that for any player in our program that has those opportunities. I would caution any player in the portal who doesn’t have those opportunities to [reconsider]. It doesn’t make sense to leave the University of Idaho unless someone’s paying you a lot of money.”
Before he was at the podium in Moscow, Ford Jr. was on the football field in Seattle, Washington, dreaming of being a coach. He grew up in Seattle and attended Mount Lake Terrace High School.
While attending Mount Lake Terrace, Ford Jr. excelled both on the gridiron and on the track. In the 1999 season, Ford, a senior, rushed for 1,103 yards and scored 10 TDs, leading to him receiving a scholarship to Linfield College in Linfield, Oregon.
He played running back and ran track at Linfield College. In 2003, Ford Jr. set the Wildcats’ single-game rushing record (237 yards against Redlands).
Linfield’s record during Ford Jr.’s tenure was 41-4. He is still fifth alltime on the career rushing list with 2,333 yards.
Ford was a two-time Northwest Conference all-star, a member of four straight Northwest Conference championship teams and team captain of Linfield’s 2004 NCAA Division III national title team that was inducted into the Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.
Ford Jr., a natural and excellent recruiter, brings his elite recruiting connections and ability to Moscow. His goal is to dominate the Northwest and make a couple of pit stops in California and Texas.
“If you take a circle and draw a 200-mile radius around Moscow, it covers Seattle, Boise and Portland. So [there is an] unbelievable amount of talent in those three states alone,” Ford Jr. said. “It’s another part of this process that we put together as a staff. Owning the state. Owning the Northwest.”
As Ford Jr. fills out his recruits and transfers, he has also been filling out his staff. He started with Idaho’s former quarterback and quarterback coach Matt Linehan, naming him the offensive coordinator, a choice that Linehan called a no-brainer in staying with the Vandals.
The Vandals look to follow the same offensive game plan but promise to add a few of Linehan’s own wrinkles to spice up the offense.
They will be able to prove how good they are from the start as they kick off the 2025 season with the Battle of the Palouse, when the team travels to Pullman, Washington to face Washington State, a game that Ford Jr is excited about.
“When I looked at the 2025 schedule and saw that it was Week 1, I said, ‘Let’s go.’ That is an opportunity for us to show that not only do we have really good players here, we have players who can play at that (FBS) level,” Ford said.
Ford may be a risky hire, not having experience as a D1 head coach, but all the early signs point to Ford Jr. being the right person to continue the Vandals’ freight train on the tracks. With loyalty, passion and unwavering charisma, Ford Jr. will lead the Vandals to new heights and bring them that elusive national championship that Moscow and the Vandals desire.
Vandal Athletics | Courtesy
New head coach Thomas Ford Jr. looks out onto the field during his tenure with the team in 21’-23’
Vandal Athletics | Courtesy Coach Thomas Ford Jr. looks up at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome jumbotron
Aadland’s fresh start at Idaho
Jennifer
Aadland has been key to unlocking the Vandals WBB team this season
Jayden Barfuss ARGONAUT
Jennifer Aadland’s path to the University of Idaho wasn’t just about a new beginning but finding herself all over again. Struggling to relate to her coach at Augustana University, Aadland knew that a fresh start was needed to continue her love of basketball. When she transferred to Idaho, she found more than just a new team; she found a home.
Surrounded by a coaching staff that believed in her, Aadland rediscovered the game she loved. Her second chance offered redemption. Now, one of the key players for Idaho, she plays not just to win but for the love of the game and the community that helped her take back her love for basketball.
“The coach I had my first three years of playing ended up retiring. I had a great experience with him. Then this last season, we had a new coach. I didn’t align with some of her philosophies and her style of play, so I was ready to try something new,” Aadland said. “Then my dad and I came on a visit [to Idaho], and they loved my visit, so I committed here.”
“I loved the small college town feel,” Aadland said. “I’m from a smaller college town, so I really liked how it was similar to where I’ve grown up. And then the arena is beautiful. I just really enjoyed my visit with the coaches and thought about how I would fit in.”
Aadland’s basketball journey began in Laramie, Wyoming, where she showcased her talent and drive to be a college basketball player all over the cowboy state.
Aadland was a three-sport star at Laramie High School, excelling in the classroom when she wasn’t scoring baskets on the basketball court. She was also a starring outside hitter on the vol-
leyball court, and in the spring, she was on the track for Laramie.
Aadland excelled at all three sports, but basketball was where she really shined.
On the hardwood, Aadland averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks per game as a senior. She led the state of Wyoming in shots blocked and was a three-year All-Conference selection and was an All-State selection during her junior and senior years.
Aadland impressed Augustana University enough that she committed and played with them for five seasons.
Arthur, the first thing he did when he knew that the coaches were leaving and he got the job, he FaceTimed all of the players that they’ve been recruiting and said we still want you.”
“It felt like he cared about all of us. I had an excellent experience with him on my visit. He was super personable, and you could tell that he had a lot of knowledge about basketball, so not a lot had changed for me.”
Since she stepped foot in the ICCU Arena, Aadland has been key to the Vandals’ success. The transition from Division-I to Division-II came easier to
During those five seasons, she was a key contributor for the Vikings.
In her junior season, the Vikings finished 25-6, a season that ended in the DII NCAA tournament and was the end of Head Coach Dave Krauth’s career. After the departure of her head coach, she did not see eye to eye with the new coach, and when Coach Carrie and Drew Eighmey reached out, Aadland decided to come to Idaho.
However, Coach Eighmey would depart the University of Idaho shortly after, and Coach Arthur Moreira was named the head coach— a decision that did not deter Aadland from joining the Vandals.
“When Coach Eighmey left, it was a little bit of a shock to have her leave,” Aadland said. “I had enjoyed how
Aadland, an experienced player.
“There’s a lot of really talented, good players in D-II,” Aadland said.
“The biggest thing I’ve noticed is that, overall, in D-I, it’s more of a physical level, with a faster level of play. With the things I do well with, like hustling and rebounding, I’ve found great success here.”
Aadland has fit into her role for the Vandals and has taken the Vandals and herself to new heights this season. So far this season, she has started in all 19 games and is averaging nine points and ten rebounds a game. She has been a piece of consistency that has been needed with a new team.
This season, Aadland has achieved a milestone in being among the top ten in the country in rebounds, a stat she had
no idea about until she saw it on social media.
“It’s super cool, and I feel very blessed and fortunate to have had this opportunity and to be listed on that list with all those other great players.”
Aadland’s next goal for the season is to reach the milestone of having her own 20 rebounds in one game. “I joked in the press conference the other day that I want to get 20 rebounds in a game. I think that would be super cool.”
Even with the high marks, Moreira thinks that Aadland can get even better as the season goes on.
“She’s awesome and truly special,” Moreira said. “The fun thing about Jen is that she has been in college for six years, but I don’t feel she has reached her full potential yet. My favorite thing about Jennifer is how hard she plays. She takes pride in rebounding and defense and is very coachable.”
Aadland is most impressive away from the court. She graduated with two undergraduate degrees at Augustana in Spanish and Business and is working on her MBA here at the University of Idaho she hopes to use her degree after completing her MBA.
When Aadland is not excelling on the court or in the classroom, she is either enjoying the outdoors or crawling up on the couch watching “Gossip Girl” or her all-time favorite show, “One Tree Hill.”
For Aadland, coming to the UI was more than just a fresh start; it was an opportunity to reconnect with the game she once fell in love with. It’s in this new chapter where her passion, purpose and love for basketball was reignited.
What she found at Idaho wasn’t just a team, it was a second family that pushed her to grow beyond what she thought possible. The road wasn’t always easy, but with every challenge, obstacle or triumph Aadland became stronger and is determined to finish what she started. As she stands at the end of her college career, Aadland’s journey is defined by resilience, growth and the love for the game that will continue to fuel her long after the final buzzer.
NFL post-season was a “must-watch”
Chiefs and Eagles will clash in Super Bowl
Liam Bradford ARGONAUT
The 2024-2025 NFL season was one of the most entertaining and competitive campaigns in recent memory. Though the Super Bowl on Feb. 9 is highly anticipated to be a thriller, this post-season has already stamped its name in the history books.
Every team that made the playoffs won at least 10 games, and there were only two teams that missed the playoffs and finished with a winning percentage above .500. The Seattle Seahawks won 10 games but lost the division to the 10-win Los Angeles Rams due to strength of victory and the Cincinnati Bengals finished 9-8 and only missed the playoffs due to a poor start that stemmed from an atrocious scoring defense.
Beginning with the AFC, Wild Card Weekend kicked off with the Texans utterly embarrassing the Los Angeles Chargers in a game that made many question Justin Herbert’s ability to perform in big games. The Texans battled with injuries throughout the regular season but had no problem winning in dominant fashion on opening weekend for the second consecutive season.
Though the Texans did not have enough firepower to get through the Chiefs in the divisional round, the future is extremely promising in Houston. After winning a duel against Herbert, who many considered to be a top five
quarterback prior to his second postseason meltdown, Stroud has now won a playoff game in dominant fashion in each of his first two seasons.
The Chargers also have brighter days ahead of them, as this was a rebuilding year and yet another successful franchise turnaround for Jim Harbaugh. If they give Herbert more targets alongside McConkey, the Chargers have the potential to be contenders in the coming years.
As expected, the Bills had no trouble taking care of the Broncos, who were shut out after scoring a touchdown on the game’s opening drive. The Broncos exceeded all expectations this year and are in a good position moving into Sean Payton’s third season as the head coach.
As I have said all season long, the Steelers were never a legitimate contender, and that showed as the offense picked up only 11 first downs in the Wild Card showdown with the Ravens. Derrick Henry was uncontainable in this game, rushing for 186 yards and two scores.
The Ravens and Bills faced off in the Divisional Round in a game that featured the AFC’s two best offenses. The game was extremely physical and both quarterbacks, who are the only two worthy MVP contenders, showed up when it mattered. Buffalo’s defense was the X-factor in this game, and the Bills claimed the victory after a failed twopoint conversion attempt on a dropped pass from Mark Andrews.
Though the Bills proved to be the more capable team than the Chiefs on numerous occasions this season, Kansas City always finds a way to win when it matters most. The Chiefs have received
much criticism this season due to several controversial calls going in their favor at critical moments in the game. While I agree with this to an extent, it is hard to deny the powerhouse that Andy Reid has developed.
For the fourth time since 2020, Josh Allen did everything he could to will the Bills to the postseason victory over the Chiefs, but Patrick Mahomes still remains unbeaten in this playoff rivalry. For all the raw talent that Allen brings to the table, Mahomes’ ability to win takes precedence.
In the NFC, the Commanders ended Baker Mayfield’s magical season, with a 37-yard Zane Gonzalez field goal as time expired. At this point, the Commanders were riding a wave that began when they upset the Eagles in Week 16. They rode that wave into Detroit and scored 45 points, slaying the dragon of the NFC, Dan Campbell’s Lions.
Prior to the postseason, I anticipated the Green Bay Packers to perform better than expected and potentially upset the Eagles. However, the Eagles’ defense allowed just three points through three quarters and easily advanced to the second round.
The Rams exposed the Vikings’ lack of playoff experience, recording nine sacks and dominating a 14-win team. While I do not personally think that Sam Darnold is the answer in Minnesota, the Vikings offense is in good hands as long as Kevin O’Connell is the head coach. Despite having an underthe-radar season, this game reminded the league just how dangerous the Rams can be when everything is going well.
The Rams continued this high level of performance into their divisional
round game against the Eagles but were unable to take down Saquon and company despite sacking Jalen Hurts seven times. Barkley ran for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
For all the entertainment that the NFC divisional round provided, the NFC Championship game was a dud. The Eagles dominated every aspect of the game and ran away with the lead in the final quarter. Barkley ran for 118 yards and three scores on just 15 carries.
The Eagles have steamrolled through the playoffs in the NFC and are now the only team standing between Kansas City and a third consecutive Lombardi trophy. These two teams met in the Super Bowl just two seasons ago, with the Chiefs winning 38-35 after a controversial holding call on Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
This Eagles team has more depth than in 2023, specifically in the secondary after drafting Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. The offensive core remains almost the same, aside from Jason Kelce being replaced by Cam Jurgens. The biggest difference maker for the Eagles this season has been Saquon Barkley, of whom the Eagles picked up in a trade during the previous offseason from the Giants. Barkley has had a career and near-record breaking season with Eagles behind the superior offensive line. However, Steve Spagnuolo has the Chiefs’ defense playing at a higher level than ever before, and Mahomes is currently connecting very well with Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy. The Eagles offense will be very hard to stop, but with the right game plan, I think the Chiefs will win 30-27 to secure the first three-peat in NFL history.
John Keegan | Argonaut
Jennifer Aadland defends a player from Eastern Washington University
DEI programs provided vital services to students
The recent closings of DEI centers will negatively impact students and the campus community
Hilary Valdez ARGONAUT
As of December 2024, the University of Idaho closed the doors of a variety of DEI offices on campus in accordance with the Idaho Board of Education’s ban on diversity, equity and inclusion services. This ban included the Office of Diversity
and Inclusion, Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Women’s Center, the Black/African American Cultural Center and the LGBTQA Office.
In efforts to preserve some of the services, according to Lysa Salsbury, the former director of the Women’s Center, UI is opening a Violence Prevention and Education office. However, this is by no means an adequate replacement for the centers lost in this ban. Many students and staff relied on the support and services these spaces provided, so it comes as no surprise that people are frustrated by the loss of them.
“It’s been a terrible blow to our
community and our constituents,” Salsbury said. She had been working at the center for about 20 years before it closed, and the news was incredibly devastating to her.
The Women’s Center was one of the limited confidential resources available on campus for both staff and students, while the staff of the new Violence Prevention and Education Office will be mandatory reporters. Losing confidential resources can be incredibly detrimental to students and staff who need to report an incident or seek help without fear, especially in cases of abuse or assault.
Education was also a major priority of the DEI centers. Staff of the offices would guest lecture in classes on a variety of topics, as well as holding training workshops on the experiences of different communities and how to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. There was also no shortage of educational and community events held by the centers.
Salsbury highlighted the importance of community and support within these centers. These spaces gave access to students of all backgrounds to find people with similar interests and values. They encouraged students to organize and advocate for themselves and helped them get access to financial and academic resources like scholarships and mentoring to navigate college easier as a student.
“That was a space where everyone was welcome,” Salsbury said. “To lose a resource like that is a tragedy.”
When sharing more information on the closings, Joshua Whitworth, the State Board Executive Director, told the DEI committee said, “We want to make sure that the services that they need are not focused down on their identity, but focused on what they need.”
This fails to acknowledge the role that identity plays in academics. Due to the history of discrimination within the education system, many marginalized communities have been excluded and set back in schools. Even now, this makes navigating higher education more difficult for students from these communities. When students have a place to go and people who share their identity and experiences, they have more chances to thrive in academic settings.
The current targeting of marginalized groups within media and poli
tics is making many students fearful of their future and having these spaces where they can reach out for support and resources is incredibly important now. The loss of the DEI offices on campus will further weaken the sense of community and well-being for these students and there needs to be more effort in adequately substituting these resources for them.
Keep politics out of TikTok
TikTok may be back online, but only temporarily
Andrea Roberts
ARGONAUT
Over the past month, millions of Americans have been worried over the fate of TikTok—a popular video format social media platform—and whether it would be banned. The app is not officially banned in the U.S.
However, users who deleted the app still won’t be able to access TikTok due to it being taken off the app store. The app can no longer receive updates, and eventually it will crash and no longer be usable.
The app went dark in the evening of Jan. 18, with a message on TikTok that read, “Sorry TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
In the afternoon of the next day, many opened the app to find the app had been reinstated.
“Welcome back,” the message said. “Thank you for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”
Many were shocked at the message from TikTok promoting politics, something that has not been done before. It was even more shocking because Donald Trump had been the one to introduce the ban of TikTok five years prior.
Since 2020, the threat of banning TikTok slowly faded away from the back of American minds when efforts to ban the app were unsuccessful.
Trump originally proposed the ban in August of 2020 and gave the app 90 days to be sold to an American company, but no company was successful in buying the app and TikTok later sued the Trump Administration.
TikTok has had several allegations of violating child privacy laws and paid a $5.7 million fine in 2019. This was the start of the government looking into the app and trying to ban it.
In March of 2023, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew asserted that TikTok was not being used by the Chinese government at a congressional hearing.
In April, a bill stating that TikTok must be sold to an American company under threat of ban was signed by Joe Biden.
In the summer, both presidential candidates Trump and Kamala Harris joined TikTok to reach younger voters and used the platform for their presidential campaigns.
After Trump was elected last November, he urged legislators to hold off on the ban until he was officially in office.
Since the app has been back, it doesn’t seem the same. Many have noticed that there are Meta ads, including Facebook and Instagram, which you can now link your TikTok account to. Users are also noticing that the quality of videos is no longer the same and their pages are different. There is suspicion that the app was sold to Meta, but there has been no confirmation.
In another odd situation, Chew was reposting Trump MAGA videos on his page before the app went dark.
“I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the U.S.,” Chew said in a video before the ban.
Chew has since removed “TikTok
CEO” from his bio on the app.
Using the social media platform that has been a space for free speech to promote political propaganda strips the app of what it once was. The app is still banned, but is promoting a political figure who only delayed the app being officially banned in the U.S. He is now being glorified on the app as its savior in a hope to appeal to younger Americans.
While TikTok is a social media platform, it has been used as a space to create, share and speak freely while connecting users from around the world.
TikTok has been used, mainly by Gen-Z, to promote social change. The Black Lives Matter movement took off in 2020 and inspired many to organize protests and call their representatives to help protect minorities. People have connected, made friends, watched the news and kept up to date on current events and more.
Even influencers, musi cians and small businesses who became famous and known on TikTok now must move to other platforms in case the app is banned, even though a lot of their money and recognition come from the app.
TikTok being banned is proof that the government can control an app. Chew had two choices: to not have the
app in America or to sell out. It became clear on what he chose, especially with his appearance at Trump’s inauguration ceremony. America didn’t make the app, nor should they claim credit for its success. TikTok has been about connection and community but now it is only seen as an example of what happens when a billionaire becomes the president of a superpower country.
Chew may have done what he thought would save the app, but instead dignity along with the rights.
space,” Chew said in a
Hilary Valdez | Argonaut Space of the former DEI offices
Andrea Roberts | Argonaut TikTok profile on the app
Trump will continue to break his campaign promises
Musk spoke to a crowd of Trump supporters, saying, “I can’t wait; this is going to be fantastic.” Musk performed a Nazi salute during the speech with many audience members cheering in response, sparking controversy across the Internet.
Donald Trump was sworn into office on Jan. 20 as the 47th president of the United States. “The golden age of America begins right now,” Trump said in his speech.
Many powerful CEOs and billionaires were in attendance including Elon Musk, Shou Zi Chew, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and more.
The inauguration was far from perfect or even expected.
After the ceremony, Elon
Likely one of the most significant restrictions would be that of political speech and endorsements: most states, including Idaho, do not allow public employees to engage in political speech while working. For The Argonaut, this would destroy our ability to provide political information to the community. We have struggled contacting university faculty and staff as sources for the same reason; they are not able to engage in any political speech for fear of employment repercussions.
In the proposed transition to a new payroll system, we understood the importance of needing our documents to legally pay us. What we didn’t understand is why HR and
Many say that Musk had no idea what he was doing, but for a man who has been in the public spotlight for many years and has been media trained, that is hard to believe.
Trump proceeded to sign 26 executive orders on his first day, breaking previous records.
“Today I will sign a series of historic executive orders,” Trump said during his speech. “With these actions we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution
Payroll did not communicate with us whatsoever regarding this until four days after we began working.
It was at that point the stop work order was issued following the university’s concerns about accumulating fines for employees working illegally. When these issues were finally relayed to us—at a point far too late in the process—they were done in a confusing and disrespectful manner, and a timeline for resolving the issue was never communicated.
As one faculty member said, “A bureaucrat can’t stop the work of student journalists. Someone in the Payroll Office ought to be able to figure this out without forbidding students to work.” The stop work order was overkill. The university should have been able to create a temporary solution. Through all of this, one
of common sense.”
Still, he managed to break many of the promises and values that he promoted throughout his campaign. Onlookers stated that Trump did not place his hand on the Bible while being sworn in, despite his promotion of traditional Christian values.
Trump also promised that he would lower the price of groceries and other products on his first day in office. Contrary to this, he has not done anything to lower prices. In fact, Trump raised the prices of existing drugs by withdrawing a Bidenera executive order (14087) titled “Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Americans.” Despite his campaign marketing off of the promise that
question was never truly answered: when the stop work order was issued, were they telling us we couldn’t publish at all, or were they simply telling us we wouldn’t be paid until paperwork was completed? Every time we asked, the question was danced around. “The university does not want to censor The Argonaut.” “The university values freedom of the press.” “We just can’t violate labor laws.”
When we suggested volunteering our time, they said it could be misconstrued as coercion. But still, it wasn’t that we weren’t allowed to publish…except that we felt like we couldn’t publish. Why didn’t they give a straight answer? Because that might be admitting to unconstitutional censorship.
On Jan. 21, The Argonaut met with Eckles, Barb Smith—
he would lower the prices of drugs, he has once again lied to the American people.
He also said that he would end the Russo-Ukrainian War on his first day, another promise he failed to uphold.
In an act that would violate the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, Trump said that he would end birthright citizenship. Even though an executive order was signed, the president has no power to enact it, and multiple lawsuits from Arizona, Oregon and Illinois have been filed to block it. One notable case was from a Seattle federal judge, John Coughenour, who temporarily blocked the order.
Trump signed an order requiring the federal government to only recognize male and female as sexes, determined “at conception”—a scientifically incorrect claim—and unable to change. With this order, he blatantly attempts to deny the existence of intersex, transgender and nonbinary people under the guise of “defending women.”
Trump stated that he would put a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico, which he has not done. This tariff, if enacted, would raise the prices significantly for the American people for many products they buy every day.
There were many things that Trump had promised to accomplish on his first day in office, yet didn’t. The most notable thing he did do was pardon the
the assistant responsible for the stop work order email—as well as HR representative Andrew Ertle and Director of Student Involvement Brandon Brackett to discuss our payroll situation and come to an agreement. In this meeting, they told us that we would go back to the old system of payment.
The delay and confusion caused a five-day delay in publishing Argonaut content online.
The end result: The Argonaut remains independent. Student Media employees will continue to be private contractors, not I-9 employees. A majority of the staff, excluding those that already had work authorization cards, submitted background checks, scrambled to retrieve documents and went to HR for nothing. But, despite halting all publication for nearly a week, we are back and
Jan. 6 rioters who brutalized the historic and sacred Capitol and the police defending it. He also declared a national state of emergency on the southern border.
Instead of focusing on the border, he should address the millions of homeless people in America without proper access to shelter, food or water. Even more Americans don’t have access to health care. There are many more issues affecting the people, but his use of fear and terror has created stigmatism against those trying to come into the country because of the values we held. We are a country made and built by immigrants.
Trump will continue breaking promises to American citizens and profiting from the lower and middle classes’ losses. The billionaires in attendance at his inauguration will be the only ones to benefit from his presidency. His executive orders were mainly for show and hardly do anything to truly help the American people. Instead of renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, he should focus on helping those who voted for him in many other crises that this country faces. The fact that so many people now have to live in fear of what this country will become is against everything this country once stood for. There is no “We the people,” if that only applies to a select, very rich few.
able to work without penalties. To all student journalists: the most important thing for you to do, ever, is to know your rights. Make sure your voice is heard.
The Argonaut will never work for the university. If UI attempts to change our payroll system in the future, we encourage them to invite us to the decision-making table.
At a time when the news industry is hurting economically, newspapers are shutting down across the country and there are worldwide threats to journalism, this has only proven our dedication to our freedom. We will continue to advocate for a degree of separation from the university to uphold our commitment to student journalism and the freedom of the press.
The Argonaut is proud to be For, Of and By the Students, and we refuse to be anything less.
Andrea Roberts ARGONAUT
CBS News
As he was being sworn in, Donald Trump did not place his hand on the Bible
Moscow People’s March shows the importance of protesting
of political issues, highlighting things like abortion bans, environmental issues and the loss of DEI programs at UI.
Many at the march were also there to protest the many actions of Idaho legislators and the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
Over 200 locals gathered for the People’s March on Jan. 18, which was organized by Bans Off Moscow. It was coordinated with many other marches around the nation the same day.
Participants met at the Moscow City Hall and, at 2:30 p.m., marched down to East City Park to finish off the day with a rally. They were there to bring awareness to a variety
Trump has been sworn into office as of Jan. 20 and has already signed nearly 50 executive actions on his first day, more than any presidents before him. Many of them target the well-being and rights of U.S. citizens.
He is putting higher tariffs on countries such as China, Mexico and Canada. When tariffs are enforced, those fees
are passed on to the consumers, meaning we can expect to see a rise in prices of goods from those countries.
He has pardoned multiple people, notably including many of the Trump supporters who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection. He also began his mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in major cities, starting in Chicago, which has already led to the arrest of over 1,000 migrants.
ductive rights in the U.S.
Recently in Idaho, we have seen the Legislature ban a multitude of books by passing House Bill 710, allowing for censorship and penalties in schools and public libraries, as well as bills that suppress the rights of trans youth.
Within the past week, the Legislature approved a resolution to petition the Supreme Court to overturn gay marriage. Not to mention, Idaho has some of the most restrictive repro-
In the upcoming years, there will likely be a lot more efforts to remove rights from targeted groups. It is important to keep in mind and take inspiration from demonstrations like the People’s March as we move forward.
Although protesting has its limits and downsides, it has always brought many benefits. Protesting allows us to exercise our freedom of speech; it brings attention and awareness to political issues. Assembly can help people find community and support around them and lead to political change as it has
so often in the past. Many of the rights we have today were from protests and the people who participated in them.
The actions of our state and federal governments are making people frustrated and worried about their safety and freedom. This is why the People’s March was organized in the first place. Demonstrations like these highlight the importance of community organization and give a productive outlet for the frustration people feel, which is why we should keep this momentum going and continue to organize in the future.
ASUI President introduces new semester
Hey, Vandals! I am excited to be back for my final semester as ASUI President. Last semester, I learned a lot about prioritizing projects and feel grateful to have (almost) the same team as we did last year so we can have a smooth transition into the spring.
This semester, we’ve already completed one of the largest projects that ASUI hosts, which is our Legislative Ambassador Trip. We brought 25 students from across the University of Idaho to Boise Jan. 27-28 to help showcase the importance of higher education and how incredible our students are. While we were there, we hosted a breakfast (that we met at 5:30 a.m. in the lobby of our hotel), a lunch with
alumni in the Idaho Legislature and an open house at the McClure Center. This was especially impactful because these events occurred on the same day that UI was presenting our budget to the legislature. This is my third time going on this trip and certainly my favorite year.
Aside from that project, ASUI members have been assigned to living groups and will begin going to those consistently in the coming week. As always, feel free to reach out if your representative isn’t coming or you’re a part of a group that would like them to come. We’re all about making sure all parts of the UI feel connected to what ASUI is doing. Additionally, ASUI is interested
in ensuring we are supporting a wide variety of organizations and student clubs this semester. To help accomplish this, we’ve bought tickets to the Black Excellence Gala and Taste of Nepal, both events I encourage all students to attend. ASUI members have the option to attend one or both of these events and we are giving away tickets on our Instagram @asuidaho.
As usual, our office is always open in the ISUB. We are located above Einstein Bagels and you can usually assume our door will be open from around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. I’d love to hear your thoughts about what ASUI should focus on during this spring semester.
John Keegan | Argonaut Hundreds gathered in East City Park
John Keegan | Argonaut One of many community-made signs at the People’s March
John Keegan | Argonaut Participants carried multiple signs and posters covering different topics
Smith
Colton Moore | Argonaut Martha Smith at an ASUI meeting
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John Keegan | Argonaut
Cambree Miller as Queen Elizabeth
John Keegan | Argonaut Cale Wilponen as Robert Dudley
John Keegan | Argonaut
Luke Messerly as both Phillip II, King of Spain and Henry, Duke of Anjou
John Keegan | Argonaut Layton Ritteras as both Archduke Charles, Prince of Austria and Eric XIV, King of Sweden
John Keegan | Argonaut Madison Studer and Kylie Morris as two Ladies of the Privy Chamber ask their queen to read her proposal letters
John Keegan | Argonaut Devony Hunter as Kat Ashley embraces Queen Elizabeth
John Keegan | Argonaut
Cambree Miller as Queen Elizabeth speaks to her Ladies of the Privy Chamber during their “girls’ night”