Two CWU professors share their journeys to America
How to combat seasonal depression
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Vol. 129 NO. 1
January 16, 2025
By the students, for the students
THE CLOCK IS TICKING ON TIKTOK
What A Potential “Ban” Means For US Citizens TOO HOT, TOO COLD:
HEATING ISSUES IN BROOKS LIBRARY? $3.8 MILLION INVESTED INTO BROOKS LIBRARY
Photos courtesy of Brandon Mattesich
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ikTok is a platform with over 1 billion active monthly users, it is used by over 50% of adults under the age of 30 and unless the Supreme Court acts soon it is facing a nationwide shutdown. Why is TikTok being targeted?
Jackson Roberts Co-Editor-in-chief rooks Library is where many CWU students find themselves diving into their studies and furthering their academic knowledge. However, lately staff and students have complained about the heating throughout the building. As the library celebrates its 50th anniversary, it welcomes changes that will solve these heating issues as well as make overall improvements to the school’s longtime library. Library Paraprofessional Tom Dell who works in access services and has worked at the library for nearly 28 years, is tired of the building feeling hot in some places and cold in others stating that it is uncomfortable at times. “Sometimes people have to use their own space heaters, it’s not great,” Dell said. “It’s important that people are comfortable if they’re here to study. They are having to bring electric blankets and coats and stuff, that’s not awesome.” According to Director of Capital Planning & Projects (CPP) Delano Palmer, the current heating issues are isolated to the exterior perimeters of the east and north sides of the building where radiators are responsible for providing much of the heating. The library has supplemental heating located on the north side of the building to offset the issue as much as possible. “Our Facilities Maintenance Department (FMD) has per-
Brandon Mattesich Co-Editor-In-Chief
formed several minor modifications to extend the life of systems, but eventually like most mechanical systems they reach a point in which replacement is necessary,” Palmer said. “The Capital Planning team began a first phase Library Energy Efficiency upgrade project in July of 2023, which removed one of two failing coils improving a large portion of Library heating and general building pressurization while operating at higher efficiency. The first phase project was completed in fall of 2024 prior to the onset of winter weather.” The upcoming plans include a second phase for the Energy Efficiency upgrades that will replace the second damaged coil. This is thanks to CCP being awarded a $956,000 Department of Commerce Grant in fall of 2024. The contracted partners are currently working on engineering for the Spring 2025 construction that is anticipated to be completed by June of this year. “The preservation, remodel, and new construction of our campus building is how FMD and CPP live into the values and mission of the university,” Palmer said. ”Our work represents the physical manifestation and embodiment of a model learning community of equity and belonging. Our entire team takes great pride in making our campus beautiful and even through the struggles of aging
facility we remain steadfast to address these needs to the best of our ability.” Palmer also stated that Brooks
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Due to legislation signed by Joe Biden, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is being forced to sell TikTok to a U.S. owner or shut down entirely. If the Supreme Court does not overturn this legislation, TikTok is set to shutdown all U.S. operations on Jan. 19. “I was initially skeptical about the ban, and I’m still pretty skeptical about it,” Dr. Matthew Altman, chair professor of philosophy, said. “ByteDance doesn’t have any free speech protections because it’s a foreign company, it’s not covered by the constitutional protections … The free speech issue doesn’t really come up with the company itself. It comes up more with the people who are using it as sort of a public square in which to express themselves. On that, I think there’s a lot more merit to the case of not having a ban.” The legislation in favor of forcing ByteDance to divest TikTok argues that because TikTok is a Chinese owned company, there are safety concerns surrounding two key factors. First, is their collection of user data ranging from location to biometric data such as face prints and voice prints. And second is their ability to use the platform to silence or promote propaganda relating to the Chinese government. TikTok’s defense combats the legislation from a user perspective, arguing that restricting TikTok in the U.S. is infringing on the rights of its users as protected in the first amendment. TikTok, currently being one of the largest social media platforms globally, argues that by effectively banning their app the U.S. government is restricting the free speech of its citizens.
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