Mustangs Fall Short
Editorial: Hope, community and Beto O'Rourke
THE WICHITAN STAFF
The only thing that fights hate and division is hope and community. That was the point former representative Beto O’Rourke hammered home when he came to Wichita Falls on Monday, Feb. 16.
MSU is a campus made up of people from all backgrounds from countries all over the world. With that, there is bound to
TREVOR KELLY | THE WICHITAN Beto O'Rourke passionately speaks to students' about their concerns over their safety, Feb. 23.
be division, whether that’s by race, class, gender or sexuality.
However, this division has not and will never benefit students.
As the country becomes more divided, it is important for students to band together and support each other in whatever way we can.
“We're all in this together,” O’Rourke said. “Because they're attacking each and every single one of us, trying to divide us and separate us so that they can take us out and take us down.”
O’Rourke is right.
Division ultimately creates weaker factions that are easier to control. It is easier to step on and stamp down individuals than it is to fight against large, organized groups.
Whether we are fighting adversity outside of campus, or antagonists on campus, it is important to rely on your fellow student. That may be your roommate, or a student organization, it really does not matter. What matters is knowing you have a community on campus.
Right now, students are scared. They are scared for themselves; for their friends; for their families.
Though this fear is not unfounded, it is easily manipulated. Whether it results in a “crabs in a bucket,” or an “us versus them,” mentality, the results end up the same. We become so
focused on fighting each other, we become blind to the real problem – injustice.
Ultimately, there are very few of us that will never be impacted by injustice, and so by working together, we can make each of our lives better.
Sometimes that means banding together with a group of people you have never interacted with. Sometimes that means meeting in the middle with people you disagree with.
However, that does not mean compromising our morals or our rights.
As the philosopher Sir Karl Popper stated in his book, “The Open Society and Its Enemies - Volume One: The Spell of Plato,” we cannot tolerate intolerance.
“If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them,” Popper said.
So ultimately, it is up to us to fight and resist intolerance in any way we can. Whether that is by helping your neighbor directly, or standing up for what is right.
“We've got to come together, [there are] more of us than there are of them, and understand that in our unity we really have power. We've got to use that to fight back," O'Rourke said.
ICE detains MSU student
On Feb. 20, ICE
detained finance senior Romario Hughes. As of now, no details have been released as to why he has been detained.
While at MSU, Hughes was part of multiple student organizations, including Formula SAE , the Caribbean Student Organization, the Student Government Association and Redwine Honors.
News of Hughes’s detainment spread on YikYak over the weekend after photos of his mugshot were posted on the “SayCheese Wichita County Mugshots & Arrests,” Facebook page.
Students on YikYak were split on how to feel. Some students admonished ICE’s detainment of the Hughes while others pointed to his previous arrests as reason for detainment.
Despite the theories being
Vol. 90 | No. 8
Midwestern State University
Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704
wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan. com @wichitanonline
spread on YikYak and Facebook, nothing has been officially confirmed.
Right now, there is a GoFundMe organized by Adrian Lanier for Hughes’s legal funds.
It is important to remember that in the United States, all people are innocent until proven guilty and have a right to a fair and speedy trial.
We will be following the case and updating as information is released.
Editor-in-Chief: Sabrina Harrison
Managing Editor: Sana Hussain
Photography Editor: Madisyn Butler
COURTESY OF DILLARD BUSINESS INSTAGRAM
Hughes was involved throughout campus including the Formula SAE team, SGA, Redwine Honors and CSO, Feb. 25.
Business Manager: Bernard Sasu Boateng
Spanish Editor: Juliette Saltos Molina
Advisor: Professor Jonathon Quam
Issue Staff: Alex Rhea, Trevor Kelley, Astrith Alvarez, Carma Hulse, Kassidi Ferguson, Jazz Guillory, Maliya Hadley, Marlee Whitson, Bailey Jordan, Andrew Thomas, Helen Hamberg, Dazzirae Chumbley, Briyanikha Talbot, Thia Moss
Copyright ©2026.
First copy free. Additional copies $1.00 each.
COURTESY OF WICHITA COUNTY JAIL
Hughes was detained and booked on Feb. 20 at the Wichita Country jail, Feb. 25.
The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.
Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration of Midwestern State University.
The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include an email address, telephone number and address.
THE WICHITAN STAFF
SABRINA HARRISON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
TMSU continues to grow
his semester, MSU is seeing an abundance of growth.
The overall enrollment this year has increased by 0.33% from last spring, with a majority of the increase coming from undergraduate students.
Part of this comes from the fall cohort, who saw a 5.2% increase in the number of first time, full time students.
So far this spring, MSU has seen a 87.8% retention rate. This is an increase from the Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 academic year, which only saw a 82.4% retention rate.
Part of what helps keep students in college from the fall to the spring semester is understanding their needs. MSU has received a grant from the Gardner Institute that allows the university to be more specific in the way it helps students.
“This grant is focused on retention, and it's especially focused at the granular level in terms of courses,” President Stacia Haynie said.
To get to the granular level, faculty members are evaluating the courses and making sure they are student centered.
“Are there courses or the structure of it that can present barriers to students? And so how do you have a smoother flow for that? Are there particular areas where you need to think through, ‘what does the student need to be prepared for the next one?’” Haynie said. “And so it's, it's beyond making sure students get advised and like, [...] really looking and working with faculty to look across all of what we do for students." Though the grant is helpful in keeping students enrolled, Haynie cited the staff and faculty as the ones who keep students enrolled.
“Seeing this number move on retention, that's a
Letter from the editor: Change in schedule
We will be going on a short break due to Spring Break and a news conference staff members will be attending. Our next official issue will be published on Mar. 27, 2026. However, we will still be publishing on the website and our social medias. Follow us for more on Instagram and X(formerly known as Twitter) @WichitanOnline; and Facebook @theWichitan.Facebook, nothing has been officially confirmed.
function of people identifying a student who, you know, needs support [...] whatever that may be, and getting that student those resources,” Haynie said.
Some of these resources include the MSU Counseling Center, financial aid resources and Mustang’s Pantry. However, this semester MSU has created even more resources for students.
Both the Military Education and Student Success Centers are open temporarily in building 16, which formerly housed the Counseling Center.
With both of these new departments open, MSU has had to hire staff on to help run them.
“We've hired about 20 new positions to support those things that include the Student Success Coaches," Haynie said. "So are working one-on-one with students who may need help, whatever it is, navigating through life in your academic space. So some of the work being done there. And then we have some additional positions that we'll be hiring for that as well.”
Ultimately, MSU is still focused on getting students the access to resources they need to succeed. Though part of it is
getting them these resources, Haynie believes that what truly helps is making students feel confident in their abilities.
“Some of it is, I think, believing in the student when the student may not yet believe in themselves,” Haynie said.
Valentine's Day with the birds
MADISYN BUTLER | THE WICHITAN Building 16 holds both the Military Education and the Student Success centers which are currently open to give more resources to students to help with retention, Feb. 25.
ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN Director of Stem Center for Excellence Taylor Majewski explains how birds communicate, Feb. 14.
THE WICHITAN STAFF
ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN Jennifer Mclarty views the diverse birds residing at Sikes Lake Feb. 14.
Professor talks about how to prevent "Sexploitation"
CARMA HULSE REPORTER
On Feb. 11, professor Catherine Earley lectured about sextortion and how to get through it.
Sextortion is when an offender convinces you to send sexually explicit images or videos, and then threatens to show the photos or videos for more sexual imagery or money.
The common age that the offenders go for is originally 14 to 17-year-olds. In the talk, Earley discussed the five steps perpetrators operate. They start with initial contact. This means they create a fake social media account and pretend to be the same age as the victim. Sometimes, they will use a script to trick the victim.
Next is escalation. The predator will try to move the conversation to a private platform and then prompt you to send them nude photos.
Third, they start threatening to send the photos or videos, demanding compliance. They will even go as far as to provide personal information so you feel pressured to give in. It is important that you do not. Compliance shows you are willing to give them more.
Next, they demand pre-calculated transfers based on what they think the victim can pay.
Once they get what they want, they will move to the next target.
Here are some important red flags to watch out for:
If an empty or newly created profile follows you, do not follow back.
If you are talking to someone on social media and then they ask you to suddenly switch to a more “private” platform, run.
If you feel like you are being love-bombed and pressured, do not give in.
If you notice these signs after something happens, make sure to disengage and preserve evidence. It is important not to fall into any bait that they give you and not delete anything. Every piece of evidence can help you.
If you find yourself in this situation here are the five steps to help yourself:
Preserve evidence
Report to campus police and TitleIX office
File an online report (CyberTipline or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Childred [NCMEC])
Provide case number to local police
If needed, escalate to the FBI.
In March 2022, Jordan DeMay age 17, took his own life six hours after sending nudes to someone he thought was a girl his age. They turned out to be Nigerian brothers demanding $1,000.
DeMay could only pay $300 and told the brothers that he would kill himself because he could not pay anymore.
The brothers responded with, “Do it fast or I’ll make you do it. I swear to God.”
DeMay took his life because he thought that killing himself would be the only way out.
If you find yourself in this situation, do not be afraid to reach out to the campus and community support resources. Your action plan should be to report the problem, file with the NCMEC so you can build a case, use “take it down,” call the police and contact your bank.
Campus resources
The TitleIX office: (940)396-4213
Residence Life and Housing: (940)397-442
Campus Police: (940)397-4239
MSU Counseling Center: (940)397-4618
Dean of Students: (940)397-7500
Catherine Earley: (catherine.earley@ msutexas.edu) (940)397-4319
listen as guest
JAZZ GUILLORY | THE WICHITAN MSU students
speaker Catherine Earley discusses red flags when meeting someone online, Feb. 11.
JAZZ GUILLORY | THE WICHITAN MSU students watch a video about Jordan DeMay's sextortion story, Feb. 11.
JAZZ GUILLORY | THE WICHITAN Academic department chair Catherine Earley presents the Online After Dark: Digital Exploitation presentation to MSU students at Legacy MPR, Feb. 11.
JAZZ GUILLORY | THE WICHITAN Academic department chair Catherine Earley educates the students about what action they should take if they are in a certain situations, Feb. 11.
More than a moment: Why awareness still matters
DAZZIRAE CHUMBLEY REPORTER
Take Back the Night brought together a large crowd of students to confront an issue that is often discussed quietly, if at all. The event was hosted by the Title IX Office of and The Office of Residence Life and Housing. Around the room, posters presented national and campus statistics about sexual assault, highlighting the prevalence
of violence affecting both women and men. Students moved between tables, reading facts that were difficult to ignore. The information was not new to many, but seeing it displayed publicly reinforced an important truth: Sexual assault is not a distant issue, it is one that impacts college communities across the globe.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came during a collective moment of silence.
That pause served as a reminder of survivors who have shared their stories, those who have not and those who may still be navigating their experiences in silence. Events like Take Back the Night continue to exist not because awareness has failed, but because sexual assault and violence continues.
In 2026, conversations surrounding consent, reporting and survivor support remain necessary. Public acknowledgement creates a space for survivors to feel seen and for communities to examine their role in prevention.
According to graduate assistant with the Office of Resident Life and Housing Jasper King, “A quarter of men experience sexual assault violence at some point in their life as well as young adults between the ages of 11 and 17."
She also reminded students, “to be sensitized to what's happening because it doesn't occur to a lot of people that sexual assault happens more frequently than they may think
and to not be a bystander."
Their message emphasized that the evening was not only about statistics, but about fostering understanding and encouraging students to utilize available resources. Organizations present at the event echoed that sentiment.
Gamma Phi Beta shared information about support services, reporting options and a game that highlights some scenarios that may not be very easy to talk about.
“You can always talk to someone about it, and if you have questions there's either someone who might have the same question or someone who has the answers. So just a lot of open minds all come together to help hold support for something that really is worldwide," Gamma Phi Beta member Emily Diehl said.
Their presence reinforced that advocacy does not end when the event concludes; it continues through ongoing outreach and student engagement.
While the event itself was brief, its purpose extended beyond a single gathering. Take Back the Night demonstrated that awareness is only the beginning. The real work requires continued conversations, accountability and a willingness to support those affected. The event served as a reminder that prevention does not begin in crisis, it begins in acknowledgement.
Can we save the Art Walk?
HELEN HAMBERG REPORTER
The future of the Wichita Falls Art Walk is uncertain after organizers announced they will no longer produce the event in 2026, prompting artists, city officials and supporters to meet Monday, Feb. 9, at the Big Blue Atrium.
Downtown Wichita Falls Development announced Jan. 30 that it will no longer produce the Art Walk in 2026. The organization lost most of its funding last year, and the event has become too large for it to manage.
Art walk founder and local business owner Sam Pak led the meeting and shared his thoughts on what changes would need
to be made to continue the event. The main issues are funding, security, safety and sanitation, according to Pak.
“We need a well-established nonprofit organization to step up and take ownership of the Art Walk. We need seed money from the city to help them begin and help it be sustainable,” Pak said. Future events will also need boundaries and a better registration process for vendors.
Community members were given the opportunity to share their thoughts. Many said the event provides a place to gather, belong and feel part of something bigger than themselves. Others said the city needs it to give people “something to do.” Several artists expressed concern about the loss of income because of the cancellation.
“This is something I count on to get through from March to October,” one artist said.
Others agreed and spoke about the uncertainty of investing time and money in inventory if they may not have a place to sell their work.
City Council member Mike Battaglino, District 4, reassured the crowd that the art walk was on the council’s agenda.
“I can promise you that the mayor and the rest of the council are talking about this really important decision. It’s important to them,” Battaglino said.
The city of Wichita Falls has hosted the After-Hours Art Walk for nearly a decade in its downtown streets. It started as a small art show and grew into an event spanning more than four city blocks, with food vendors, live music and other
entertainment. The free event gives artists and vendors space to display and sell their work and interact with the public.
The Art Walk has been popular with students at MSU, who attend and sell their artwork.
No official plan to continue the art walk has been announced. Those who would like to see it continue can contact Wichita Falls city officials through the city’s website at https://www.
CARMA HULSE | THE WICHITAN Students pin a sexual assault awarness ribbon if they know someone who has been affected by sexual assault, Feb. 19
ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN Vendors, such as Jessica Smith, sell various items and are now worried about inventory and financial security, Oct. 2, 2025.
ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN Vistors browse artwork at the Wichita Falls Art Walk just months before organizers annouced the events closure, Oct. 2, 2025.
MSU men's basketball
MARLEE WHITSON | THE WICHITAN Guard Terrance Ramirez (5) shoots his third free throw of the game after his tough layup, Feb. 14.
MARLEE WHITSON | THE WICHITAN Guard Terrance Ramirez (5) looks to turn his free throw attempt into a completed and-1, Feb. 12.
MARLEE WHITSON | THE WICHITAN Guard Orlando Horton, Jr. (12) takes the ball down the court to start the play, Feb. 12.
MARLEE WHITSON | THE WICHITAN Forward Jonathan Jackson (11) waits for Texas A&M International University to inbound the ball and start the possesion, Feb. 12.
THIA MOSS | THE WICHITAN Guard Terrance Ramirez (5) drives to the paint to make a tough layup, Feb. 14.
basketball double header loss
MARLEE WHITSON | THE WICHITAN Foward Kadon Jackson (0) takes a breath as his teammate shoots his freethrows, Feb. 12.
THIA MOSS | THE WICHITAN
Forward Kadon Jackson (0) sets a hard screen to create space for an open 3-point attempt by guard Jonathan Jackson (11), Feb. 14.
MARLEE WHITSON | THE WICHITAN Guard Jordan Reed (3) looks to inbound the ball after being knocked out of bounds, Feb. 12.
THIA MOSS | THE WICHITAN
Forward Jonathan Jackson (11), guard Terrance Ramirez (5), guard Orlando Horton, Jr. (12) and forward Tehshaundre Cole (10) exit the timeout huddle along with the rest of their teammates, Feb. 14.
THIA MOSS| THE WICHITAN
The MSU Women's Basketball team celebrates after winning against Texas A&M Kingsville 67-60, Feb. 14.
THIA MOSS| THE WICHITAN
The MSU Women's Basketball team fighting against Texas A&M Kingsville for the ball, Feb. 14
MARLEE WHITSON| THE WICHITAN Da'Lonna Choice (13) waits to pass the ball to her teammate, Feb. 12.
MARLEE WHITSON| THE WICHITAN Kerbie Cash (15) stops to take a breath and tie her shoe, Feb. 12.
MARLEE WHITSON| THE WICHITAN Macie Upshaw (5) looks towards her coach for guidance, Feb. 12.
Basketball Team
MARLEE WHIITSON | THE WICHITAN Da'Lonna Choice (13) gaurds a player from Texas A&M International, Feb. 12.
THIA MOSS | THE WICHITAN
MSU Women's Basketball team do their chant before heading back into the game, Feb. 14.
MARLEE WHITSON | THE WICHITAN Veonce Powell (0) looks to her teammate while waiting to pass the ball, Feb. 12.
THIA MOSS | THE WICHITAN
Macie Upshaw (5) goes to make a layup during the game, Feb. 14.
ABBUTLER | THE WICHITAN Sydnie Rios (11) tries to slide to third but get called out, pushing the game to 11th inning, Feb. 15.
BUTLER | THE WICHITAN Erikha Ibarra-Subia (1) makes it home off a linedrive from Madison Stewart (12), the first run for the Mustangs and ties game with Lubbock Christian University at the bottom of the seventh, Feb. 15.
At
BUTLER
THE
gets out at first, ending the game in a loss for the Mustangs of 3-2 after 13 in- nings, Feb. 15.
MADISYN
MADISYN
MADISYN
|
WICHITAN Stormy Daniel (6)
MADISYN BUTLER | THE WICHITAN Hayeli Acosta (7) runs home and ties to game again in the bottom of the eight inning, Feb. 15.
MADISYN BUTLER | THE WICHITAN Audrey Sierra (15) cheers on her teammates from the dugout, Feb. 15.
MADISYN BUTLER
the top of 8th inning, right fielder Erikha Ibarra-Subia (1) tries to make a diving catch and get the third out, but misses the ball, Feb. 15.
BRIYANIKHA TALBOT
REPORTER
Winter Olympics Recap
Featured in the Feb. 6 opening ceremony was the simultaneous lighting of two Olympic cauldrons, symbolizing Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as the co-host cities for the Winter Olympic Games.
After 17 days of historic firsts, record-breaking performances and unexpected controversy, the curtains were drawn on the 2026 Winter Olympics at the historic Verona Arena on Feb. 22.
This marked the first time in history a Winter Olympic Games closing ceremony was held at a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, the Olympic Games saw more than 2,000 athletes from over 90 countries compete in various disciplines.
Brazil wins gold for the first time ever
Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the first Winter Olympic medal for the country. He is now the first athlete representing a South American nation to win a Winter Olympic gold. In an interview with CNN, he said that he hopes this gold medal can shed light on the power of people’s differences.
U.S. Ice Hockey teams make jaw-dropping history
Both the U.S. women's and men’s ice hockey teams won gold at the same Winter Olympics, making it the first time for both teams.
The men’s team won 2-1 in an overtime game against Canada.
This day marked the first time in 46 years the U.S. men’s ice hockey team won gold.
The last time American men won gold for ice hockey was
in 1980 when they defeated the Soviet Union.
History repeated itself and the U.S. women’s ice hockey team won gold in a startling overtime game against Canada. The score was an identical 2-1.
Norway’s medal dominance
Norwegian athletes proved their prowess by topping the medal count for the third consecutive games.
They concluded the winter games with a record-breaking 41 medals.
Norway topped their own 2018 record at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games where they won 39 medals.
First motherson duo at the games
Sarah Schleper and Lasse Gaxiola from Mexico made history as the first motherson duo to compete at the Winter Olympic
Games.
It was Gaxiola’s first game and his mother's seventh. She is also the oldest female Alpine skier to compete at a Winter Olympic Games.
Italian Arianna Fontana wins big Arianna Fontana was triumphant on her home soil by becoming the first woman to win a medal at six consecutive Winter Olympic Games.
The short track skater concluded her career as the second most decorated Winter Olympian, and the most decorated short track Olympian.
Controversy off the Ice
In spite of the memorable historic moments seen at the 2026 games, it was not without controversy. Norwegian biathlete and bronze medalist Sturla Holm Laegreid unexpectedly made an emotional confession in a post-race interview.
“Six months ago I met the love of my life. The world’s most beautiful, sweetest person. And three months ago I made the biggest mistake of my life and cheated on her,” Laegreid said.
He wanted her to see what she meant to him. His confession was not well received and he was criticized for taking attention away from Johan-Olav Botn who won gold in the event.
After three days, the Olympic village reportedly ran out of 10,000 free condoms. It was not restocked in time for Valentine’s Day according to reports. An International Olympic Spokesperson did not comment on restocking plans, but he mentioned that the shortage meant “Valentine’s Day is in full swing in the village.”
COURTESY OF THE ATHLETIC
The U.S. women's hockey team wins gold against Canada in overtime, continuing their streak of making the podium since the team's inception in 1998, Feb. 25.
COURTESY OF ABC7
Eileen Gu, 22, wins three medals in freestyle skiing, making her the most decorated freestyle skier in Olympic history, Feb. 25.
Glowing, growing and golden with Alysa Liu
SANA HUSSAIN MANAGING EDITOR
When Alysa Liu struck her final pose at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on Feb. 19, she was not just celebrating an Olympic gold medal. She was celebrating the radical act of walking away and the courage it took to come back.
Liu, 20, ended a 24-year drought for American women in figure skating by securing the individual title at the 2026 Winter Games.
But the greatest lesson from her journey is not found in her career-best score; it is found in the two-year gap on her resume when she chose to stop being a prodigy and start being a person.
NBC Sports reported that her return was marked by a newfound sense of joy that had been missing for years, noting that her performance was less about technical perfection and more about a visible, internal shift.
Liu became the youngest U.S. champion in history at age 13. By 16, the "great American hope" was exhausted.
The sport she loved had become a cage of monotonous training, isolated dorm life and constant external control.
We often normalize this "grind" until it grinds us into nothing.
She told the Associated Press during her initial departure that she had started skating at age five and never really had a break. She felt trapped and stuck, eventually concluding that the sport simply was not worth the personal cost.
How many of us are "trapped and stuck" in something we once loved? Whether it is a career, a degree or a hobby, we tell ourselves that quitting is a failure. This "person" in our head tells us that if we stop now, we are doomed. But staying when
"Send
your soul is empty is the real waste.
In 2022, she did the unthinkable by retiring at the height of her career. She traded the rink for UCLA, road trips with friends and a trek to Everest Base Camp, according to her personal social media updates and interviews with Sports Illustrated. She proved that when passion becomes a chore, the most productive thing you can do is stop.
The path back to the podium began not with a skating coach, but on a pair of skis during a winter break trip in 2024. She told U.S. Figure Skating she had not felt that adrenaline rush since she had quit, and after skiing, she felt a spark of curiosity to see what the ice felt like again.
When she returned, she did so on her own terms. The New York Times noted she took control of her music, her costumes and her schedule. She moved away from the "poker face" of the past, opting instead for a glittering gold dress and a visible piercing that signaled her new, edgier autonomy.
Her coach, Phillip DiGuglielmo, told CBS News that Liu is a better skater now because she is in charge, turning what used to be a directive-heavy environment into a collaborative one. While most athletes buckle under the weight of an Olympic comeback, Liu arrived in Milan remarkably unbothered. She famously told Reuters she felt "no pressure at all" because she no longer tied her self-worth to a piece of metal.
She explained to Golden Skate that winning and losing do not affect her anymore, and that medalling does not fulfill her because she skates simply because she likes to skate. This detachment allowed her to deliver a near-flawless free skate to Donna Summer’s "MacArthur Park Suite."
Even before the scores were read, Liu had already won the internal battle.
She told Olympics.com that she didn't need the gold medal; what she needed was the stage, and she got that.
Help"
is a worthwhile thriller film
CARMA HULSE REPORTER
When Alysa Liu struck her final pose at the Milano Ice SkSam Raimi's "Send Help" is a twisted comedic survival thriller starring Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle and Dylan O’Brien as Bradley Preston.
This thriller starts with Linda preparing to take a promotion. Linda’s whole world falls apart when her dead boss’s son, Bradley Preston, gives the promised promotion to her work-stealing employee, Donavan (Xavier Samuel).
After the upsetting revelation, Bradley decides to extend an unwanted invitation to Linda for a business trip.
Unfortunately, the plane for this business trip crashes, leaving Linda and Bradley stranded on an island. Linda is extremely happy as she is obsessed with "Survivor" and has always wanted to be on it.
Bradley, on the other hand, is injured and
stuck with the one person he dislikes the most. The tension between McAdams and O’brien throughout the movie is fantastic.
Watching this movie and seeing how Linda and Bradley’s relationship develops does not prepare you for the number of plot twists happening between them.
I am so used to seeing Rachel McAdams play beautiful and sexy characters, so watching her play this introverted, embarrassing, and awkward character really shows her acting range. Also, seeing Dylan O’Brien play such a dirtbag and seeing how quickly his character's attitude can change just shows how far his acting has come.
I will say that the special effects, when it came to blood, were not the best. When Linda would kill an animal for food, the blood would look unrealistic.
The animals did not look good either. They just look fake and messy.
She joked that even if she had fallen on every jump, she would still be wearing her dress, so "it's all good."
Alysa Liu’s story is a blueprint for the modern age of burnout. It is a reminder that our brain turns anxiety into a prophecy of "I have to do this," when in reality, the best work comes from "I want to do this."
Her journey suggests that breaks are not failures, but can be the only way to save your love for your craft. It shows that autonomy is fuel and that you cannot truly excel in something you do not own.
Finally, it proves that pressure is a choice; when you prioritize the effort over the outcome, you become untouchable.
As her teammate Amber Glenn told USA Today, it is important for the community to see that it is okay to take time. For Liu, that time did not just lead to a gold medal; It led back to herself.
OF
Liu wins gold in Women's Single
ing, making her the first American to do so in 24 years, Feb. 25.
Overall, this movie has great acting, an amazing story-line and OK special effects. If you like psychological thrillers, this movie is the one for you.
Starring Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle, "Send Help" portrays her growth from a passive, overworked employee to a cunning survivor once stranded alone with her arrogant boss, Feb. 25.
CCOURTESY OF CINEAMO "Send Help" grosses approximately $20 million domestically its opening weekend with a budget of $40 million, Feb. 25.
COURTESY OF BLOODY DISGUSTING
COURTESY
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Alysa
Figure Skat-
A tradition full of foam and colors: Understanding carnival in Ecuador
JULIETTE SALTOS MOLINA SPANISH EDITOR
Imagine you are walking peacefully down the street when, out of nowhere, someone throws flour, foam and water at you. Could you handle it? If the answer is no, then you might not be ready to experience Carnival in Ecuador.
Carnival is celebrated in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent in the Christian calendar. Because it follows the liturgical calendar, the dates vary each year, but it usually takes place between late February and early March. In Ecuador, it often results in a two-day national holiday and, in some cases, even longer.
It is a celebration defined by color, joy and a bit of chaos. Those who choose to participate take to the streets to throw water, eggs, flour or foam at one another sometimes with friends and family or with complete strangers.
For this reason, some people prefer to stay home to avoid getting soaked, while others believe these playful “attacks” should only happen among close friends. Either way, the streets transform into spaces of laughter and shared excitement.
Celebrations vary by region. On the coast, where the climate is warmer, many families head to the beach. During the day, the sand fills with parasols, vendors sell ice cream and the ocean breeze softens the midday heat. At night, however, the atmosphere shifts as music fills the streets and people gather to dance
and continue the festivities.
In the highlands, where temperatures are cooler, Carnival takes on a different character.
In Ambato, for example, the famous Fiesta de la Fruta y de las Flores (Fruit and Flower Festival) is held. The city hosts parades featuring large floats decorated entirely with flowers and fruits, while dancers in traditional clothing perform behind them, celebrating both cultural identity and agricultural abundance.
Another renowned celebration takes place
in Guaranda, in the Andean region. Known as the “Carnaval de los Diablos” (Carnival of the Devils), it features participants dressed in elaborate devil costumes made of brightly colored fabrics and decorated with bells, mirrors, sequins and other striking details. The masks are intentionally bold and intimidating, adding a dramatic and symbolic element to the celebration.
Carnival is also a significant culinary moment. Across the country, families prepare traditional dishes associated with the season.
Fanesca, a rich soup made with grains, legumes, and fish, appears on tables nationwide and represents community and tradition. Other foods commonly enjoyed during these festivities include fritada, potatoes with guinea pig, blood sausages, chigüiles, sweets made from sambo or quince, chicha, tamales and the region’s iconic aguardiente, Pájaro Azul.
Although Carnival today is widely associated with playful water fights and vibrant street parties, its origins date back to the preColumbian era. Indigenous communities celebrated the harvest season with music and dance. After the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, these indigenous traditions blended with Christian customs, gradually evolving into the Carnival celebrated in Ecuador today.
At first glance, this celebration might seem overwhelming. However, beyond the water and flour, Carnival is ultimately about joy, connection and honoring traditions that have shaped the country for centuries. The music, colors and shared laughter draw people together, and before long, you may find yourself swaying to the rhythm alongside the crowd.
So, what are you waiting for? It might be time to buy that ticket and experience
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Parade of Fruit and Flowers celebrated in Ecuador, Feb. 17.
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People playing with foam during a parade, a tradition that is famous during Carnival, Feb. 17.
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Ecuadorian men play at the carnival by throwing water at each other, Feb. 17.
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Carnival of the Devils is celebrated in Guaranda, Feb. 17.