May 1, 2026

May 1, 2026

Real Students. Real Stories.

Vol. 90 No. 11

SGA passes six new bills

Tennis on page 7

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2 May 1, 2026

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TTU's second memorandum pushes for a "phase-out" of academic paths

instructors must provide alternate materials or avoid allocating instructional time to those topics. n April 9, Texas Tech chancellor Brandon Creighton The seven-section memorandum clarifies definitions that released another memorandum banning the were vague in the previous memorandum and establishes a teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity strict framework for removing specific content from university (SOGI) theories at universities in its system. classrooms.

This memorandum is the second one released this academic As per the previous memorandum, the university will year on the same topic, but the first released after Creighton continue to only recognize two genders. Professors must took over as chancellor. prioritize President Donald Trump and Governor Greg Abbott's The directive bans the teaching of sexual orientation and legal definitions of gender over scientific theories surrounding gender identity as empirical fact across all system campuses.

SOGI topics.

The TTU system is establishing a “phase-out” of academic In fact, professors are prohibited from teaching about programs that relate to SOGI. Undergraduate degrees, gender fluidity or a gender spectrum. including majors and minors, as well as graduate degrees in Under the new guidelines, biology and sociology courses gender studies and similar fields will be removed as an option must adhere to these standards, though the memo clarifies that for incoming students within the TTU academic system. instruction on chromosomal variations and intersex conditions However, students already enrolled in these programs will is permitted as long as it is not used to validate "sociological be permitted to complete their studies. frameworks."

For MSU, this means the "women and gender studies" Coursework required for professional licensure will be minor will be phased out beginning next semester. exempt. Instructors may evaluate sexual orientation and For undergraduate students, the most immediate impact gender identity topics exclusively through the lens of the DSM will be the "Alternate Materials Rule." This requires that if diagnostic criteria to meet patient-care standards. a core course includes SOGI themes in its primary texts, To enforce these new rules, the TTU System will implement standardized syllabus templates across all campuses. The mandate requires faculty to explicitly disclose all covered topics and faithfully adhere only to those contents, allowing university leadership and compliance teams to efficiently evaluate course materials.

The system carved out narrow, specific exemptions for certain academic pursuits, including upper-level public policy courses and historical instruction.

Faculty may still teach about the AIDS epidemic or figures like Alan Turing, provided the COURTESY OF TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY instruction remains focused on objective historical analysis This memorandum is not the first that the TTU system has sent out regarding disrather than "contemporary cussions of sexuality and gender identity within the classroom, April 27. advocacy."

WICHITAN STAFF

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Vol. 90 | No. 11 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

Editor-in-Chief: Sabrina Harrison Photography Editor: Madisyn Butler Business Manager: Bernard Sasu Boateng Spanish Editor: Juliette Saltos Molina Social Media Manager: Inuka Hulathduwage Advisor: Professor Jonathon Quam Issue Staff: Alex Rhea, Trevor Kelley, Jazz Guillory, Marlee Whitson, Xavier Rosenbaum, Astrith Alvarez, Kassidi Ferguson, Helen Hamberg, Jay Prado, Khloe Sullivan, former editor-in-chief Abby Turner

While the phase out program pushes heavily for the complete absence of education on or discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity, graduate level coursework and instruction with the express purpose of preparing grad students for independent research has created some exceptions for the inclusion of sexual orientation or gender identity topics.

Administrators face a strict deadline for these changes.

Provosts at MSU and other component institutions have until June 15 to complete a comprehensive program review. This review will identify every major, minor and certificate program centered on these topics to be targeted for closure and an immediate admissions freeze.

While current graduate students will be allowed to finish their degrees and theses through a temporary "teach-out" process, the memorandum signals a permanent shift in the system’s academic offerings.

"Moving forward, these criteria establish the system-wide standard for all course content and academic offerings across the TTU System," Creighton said in the memo.

We are following this story and will update as soon as we have more information.

COURTESY OF TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY Chancellor Brandon Creighton attends MSU's grand opening the Student and Military Success centers weeks after the April 9 memorandum was sent out, April 29.

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May 1, 2026

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Texas's "Drag Ban" to go into effect on May 18 SABRINA HARRISON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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COURTESY PATRICIA LIM ON KUT Drag queen Bridgette Bandit uses her performance to educate the audience on current anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Texas, April 27.

n May 18, Texas’s “Drag Ban” will go into effect.

Senate Bill 12 is a law that was passed in the 2023 Texas legislative session with the intention to ban “sexually oriented” drag in public spaces and in front of minors in Texas.

Though the bill may seem reasonable at first glance, the vague wording and broad definitions leave all drag performers at a risk of being sued no matter the content of their show.

The bill had initially been blocked in September 2023 when the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) alongside Baker Botts LLP had sued the state on behalf of The Woodlands Pride, Abilene Pride Alliance, Extragrams, 360 Queen Entertainment and Brigitte Bandit in order to challenge it.

Though the district court had ruled that the bill was unconstitutional due to the vague language used in the bill (as well as the bill being a prior restraint on speech), the U.S. court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit claimed that the prosecution had no grounds to sue.

The 5th Circuit upheld that the drag shows put on by The Woodlands Pride and Abilene Pride Alliance are not “arguably” described in the bill

because both have a previous record of putting on “family-friendly” and “child-oriented” shows.

Though this distinction is beneficial to drag performers who are putting on shows for children, ultimately the broadness and subjectivity of the language used in the bill is still dangerous for drag performers.

Adding on to this, the 5th Circuit never ruled that the bill was constitutional. Instead, it overturned the district court’s ruling and sent it back to the court for further analysis.

As of now, the lawsuit to get SB12 overturned is still ongoing. If you would like to help mitigate any damages caused by the bill, consider supporting your local drag performers or mutual aid funds like the Mahogany Project's Drag Rapid Relief Fund.

SGA approves six pieces of legislation to go into affect within the next few years SABRINA HARRISON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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he Student Government Association (SGA) approved six bills at their last meeting on April 21. These bills will go into affect as soon as the SGA and MSU work out logistics including funding, staffing, location, etc.

The following bills were approved: End-of-Year Donation Drive The "End-of-Year Donation Drive" bill was proposed with the intention of reducing waste from students moving out of their living spaces at the end of the year, as well as reducing costs of moving in to other students.

In an "end-of-year donation drive," students who have gently used home items or items they are unable to take with them to their new space can donate those items to MSU for other students to make use of in the upcoming year. Items may include things like ottomans, shoe racks, laundry baskets, and home decor among other things.

No official list has been put together yet, but as more details are worked out, students will be notified of what items they can donate.

A bill to Require Complete Snow Removal from High-Traffic Areas Prior to Reopening After Snow Days The snowstorm that hit in January had students trudging through slush and ice to get to class. Though most of the snow and ice were gone within the week, the shade produced by the trees between PY and the CSC prevented the ice from fully melting, causing a slipping hazard.

This bill would require MSU facilities to clear snow and ice from high traffic areas before students are able to come back on campus. It would also require MSU to actively and effectively communicate with students about the state of ice and snow on JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN the walk ways of campus.

Every registered organization is required to The Campus Outdoor Development have a senator represent them during senate Act meetings to make sure every voice is heard, Did you know Legacy Courtyard is not April 21. complete?

The original plans for the space had included a fire pit, and outdoor-study stations.

All of the infrastructure for these amenities were installed, however the university ran out of money before it could finish the project.

The "Campus Outdoor Development Act" is a bill proposing the continuation of this project alongside the addition of other outdoor-study stations and covered seating around campus.

The SGA plans to work with MSU to find funding for this project without raising fees for students.

A bill to Establish a Meditation and Multi-faith Prayer Room This bill is what it says on the tin. The SGA JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN wants to establish a multi-faith prayer room Vice president of internal affairs Emily for students of any religion to utilize while on Shephard leads senate meetings by gocampus. ing through agenda meetings, presenting This room would be open not only to proposed bills and calling on senators, Muslim and Christian students, but students April 21. of any faith will be welcome to utilize the room as a quiet, calm space.

Community Garden Initiative at Midwestern State University The creators of this bill wanted to create a community garden that is accessible to all students at MSU. The garden would be maintained by the MSU Collegiate Farm Bureau and would promote hands-on learning about plants and gardening. It would also give students on campus access to fresh produce.

Currently, MSU already has a community garden that is operated by the Redwine Honors program and is only accessible to honors students.

Unlike the Honors garden, any student would have the ability to plant and nurture seeds in the community garden under the supervision of the MSU Collegiate Farm Bureau. Students who plant in the garden would be responsible for maintaining their plant.

Supporting The Use of The TransferMe App Transfer students often have problems with what credits can and cannot transfer between campuses. The use of the TransferMe App would help prevent students transferring in the Texas Tech University system from getting confused about what credits can and cannot transfer.

However, the app can only be used between universities in the TTU System.

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Celebration of Scholarship XAVIER ROSENBAUM REPORTER

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JAZZ GUILLORY | THE WICHITAN

Mechincal engineering sophmore Aaron Castillo waits for MSU students to check-in at the Celebration of Scholarship-Undergraduates April 16.

n Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16, MSU hosted its annual Celebration of Scholarship. This event allowed faculty, graduate and undergraduate students to present their their research in coordination with EURECA. These panels covered many of the breakthroughs of science, culture and education. German associate professor Kyung Lee Gagum’s presentation was about the research focused on the Korean immigrants who emigrated to Germany and the interconnections of the two populations, titled “What they brought home: Artifacts from Korea.”

During her presentation, she dove deep into the struggles that the 18,000 Korean workers

migrating to Germany faced.

Many of the Korean immigrants eventually returned home and established a museum in Seoul.

This museum contains many of the artifacts that the workers used in day to day life, and Environmental storytelling exhibitions throughout the museum provide an experience unlike any other. Gagum’s presentation provided an incredible look into the achievements and struggles the Korean immigrants faced.

Biochemistry associate professor George Liang held a presentation over the research he has conducted in tandem with his undergraduate students.

Their research was focused on the prevention and disruption of protein aggregation, which is the primary cause of diseases like Parkinson's Disease.

They created a compound known as CPSR43 which

prevents and can even reverse protein aggregation.

This groundbreaking research is still within the early stages, despite this, the results are incredibly promising.

Liang noted that the next step for this research is testing on lab mice in order to determine the potential effectiveness of the treatment.

If further funded and allowed proper time and resources to develop, minds like Liang and his undergraduate research team are capable of making strides towards combating and potentially negating the consequences of major ailments such as Parkinson's.

While Gagum and Liang are conducting incredible research, it is important to make note of the fascinating findings of the many brilliant undergraduate students here at MSU like geology sophomore Aesop

Boudreau.

His research presentation was over the exploration of chondrite meteorites. Chondrite is an undifferentiated meteorite, offering a glimpse of what life was like when the solar system was forming.

Chondrite meteorites are found all over the Earth, the study confirmed that the chondrite studied at MSU was the same as similar chondrites found all over the world. If you were to gather all of the chondrite you would have over two kilograms of meteorite.

Be sure to get into contact with EURECA to propose your undergraduate or graduate research. The greatest mysteries of the world are waiting for you to solve them.

Wichita Falls welcomes Enchanted Pages Bookstore HELEN HAMBERG REPORTER

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newly opened shop in the Wichita Falls community called Enchanted Pages Bookstore had a steady crowd and strong sales during its first major event Saturday, April 24.The event celebrated Indie Bookstore Day and brought crowds that exceeded expectations.

Nearly 600 people attended the bookstore’s grand opening a week ago, and shop owner Shahnika Lopez was thrilled.

“I was ecstatic,” Lopez said. “We were not expecting that big of a turnout at all. We’ve definitely got a lot of support from the community, so it’s been great.”

Her friendly staff offered refreshments to attendees as they arrived. Exclusive Indie Bookstore Day totes containing a bookmark, stickers and a keychain were given to the first 25 purchasing customers.

A special selection of “blind date with a book” packages was available for purchase.

Lopez’s pink shop is filled with hundreds of well-organized books and a variety of on-theme gift items, including coffee sleeves, Kindle covers, candles, tote bags, T-shirts and bookmarks. Genre selection is limited to a few popular categories and some children’s books.

Local reading enthusiast Maya Yates described the store as “really cute.”

“I think it’s great. I love an independent bookstore,” she said.

Her friend Grace Pfaffle, a senior at MSU Texas double majoring in English and history, agreed.

“I think small bookstores are really nice. There are big corporate bookstores where there are lots of options, but it doesn’t feel as cozy or as personal,” Pfaffle said. “I think it’s a great way to support your community. If you are somebody who is interested in reading, it’s a great way to open your mind to new genres that maybe you wouldn’t have read in the past. I think it’s a really great thing.”

Both women said they had seen a few items they were considering buying and that they would be back. Yates added that visiting the HELEN HAMBERG | THE WICHITAN farmer’s market and then stopping Book enthusiasts fill the shop for their Indie Bookstore Day event, April 24. by the bookstore would be a fun way to spend a Saturday morning.

The nearby Wichita Falls Farmers Market is located at 807 some events, so customers should check the calendar for dates Austin St. and is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and times.

Enchanted Pages Bookstore is also offering activities. The Enchanted Pages Bookstore is located at 1108 8th St., in the May schedule includes a book bedazzling class, an audiobook building with the large eye mural by artist Ralph Stearns. The walk, a watch party and a book club. store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There is a cozy reading lounge where book lovers can sit Customers should bring a card for payment, as cash is not and read or gather to connect and unwind. Book clubs are accepted. welcome to reserve the space to meet and talk about books.

More information, event sign-ups and upcoming releases Lopez hopes to host a book club meeting and craft night are available at enchantedpagesbookstore.com. each month. The store will be closed to nonparticipants during

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May 1, 2026

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A reflection on my first year as a first gen student ASTRITH ALVAREZ REPORTER

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irst generation college students, despite getting much needed help and support, are not understood by peers who have had family members attend college before

them.

I was once told that it is everyone's first time attending college, not just my own. I acknowledge that.

However, I also acknowledge that it is my first time attending without having been told stories from my parents of their college experience. It is my first time attending while feeling guilty from not being able to take my parents to class alongside me to give them the college experience they did not get the chance receive.

It is my first time not having a sense of what school I want to attend because I was raised to know that an education at any college or university is a privilege, no matter how big or small the institution is. It is not just a first experience for me, but for my family as well.

Everyone speaks of the student’s experience. However, emphasis should be placed on the family as well, especially when they come from different cultural backgrounds, some of

which are very collectivistic.

Moving away from home is a huge deal, and it is difficult for families to accept that it is happening.

There is a struggle considering the cultural norms they leave behind when they move to find opportunities away from their homes.

A personal example of mine is my own family dynamic. My parents are from a pueblo in Mexico where girls live in their fathers’ house until they are married, and finally move into their husbands' family home. You can imagine how resistant my own father was to me moving out at 18, even though it was only to go to school and continue my education.

Sometimes being a first generation student is telling your parents that everything is okay when it in fact is not. Not because you want to lie and make them believe it, but because you do not want them to stress about not being able to help you.

Because even though they have experienced hardships more difficult than you ever have, they still lack the experience of taking simple college classes.

That is why there is an immense amount of pressure to do the best that you can in everything that you do as a first generation student.

COURTESY OF ASTRITH ALVAREZ Looking back on everything I have accomplished this year, I have found Astrith Alvarez and her parents, Raymundo Alvarez and myself comparing my milestones to Tomasa Coronado, attend Astrith’s Kappa Delta Chi Alpha every milestone my mother has had at Kappa class’ spring presentation after driving up from my age.

Gladewater, Texas, April 25.

At 8 years old she was already selling things at flea markets to make money and washing plates at her grandmother's college as a first generation has been nerve wracking, exciting, restaurant. At 8 years old I had the luxury of fulfilling and emotional. I would not trade the experience playing with toys and having my room painted for anything, and I hope that every first generation student, pink. no matter their background, knows that they are already At 18 years old she was taking care of a kid accomplishing so much by continuing their education. and selling tamales to make extra money. At 18 The road can be rough, but the key is to never give up and to years old, I was privileged enough to graduate keep your family or support system close always. high school with many accolades and awards.

Now I am in college.

I joined The Wichitan, the University P r o g r a m m i n g Board, Kappa Delta Chi, Philosophy Club, the Catholic Campus Center, was recently accepted into the Redwine Honors Program for the upcoming Fall semester and am continually involved on campus as a Texas Leadership Scholar.

My first year of

COURTESY OF ASTRITH ALVAREZ

Alvarez and her parents celebrate after she graduates from high school, April 25.

KASSIDI FERGUSON | THE WICHITAN

Alumae Stacia Miller networks with sociology and psychology freshman Katlyn Cornett and others at table at a first gen event, Nov. 6, 2025.

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Mental health matters -- YOU matter you joy.

You feel like not doing anything.

You feel low, down, drained, exhausted and ife can get tough when your overall utterly defeated. mental health gets bad, and I You might start to have thoughts that make understand that. Some things do not you feel like you do not belong in this world, feel the same as they used to for a while. You but know that all of those negative thoughts do not feel like doing things that used to bring and feelings are not forever.

They will pass.

It takes some time and effort to see some progress and start feeling like yourself again.

I understand how putting in the effort is difficult and there is no sugarcoating it.

Trying to get better after of having bad mental health is hard.

However, it is possible to recover and feel better about yourself.

COURTESY OF MICHEILE HENDERSON OF UNSPLASH "Then how do I A study done by UCLA shows that 16% of college students get better? How do display signs of depression, 17% show signs of anxiety and 27% I make this pain go reported feeling burnout, April 27. away?”

ALEX RHEA REPORTER

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My answer to that is there is no one way to get better and feel like how you felt before you started having bad mental health.

However, what I can say is this: Never hesitate to reach out to mental health counselors. Even if you feel your mental health is "not that bad," it can not hurt to go to a counselor.

Talk to and be around people whom you enjoy spending time with.

Try to find joy in the little things in life.

Write down how you feel in a journal.

It is okay to feel what you feel and take time for yourself.

What you feel is completely valid and no one can invalidate that.

In addition to those, I want you to know you are not alone in this. There are many people in the world – including myself – who are struggling with their mental health and the push we give ourselves day by day as we live our lives.

It is not fun at times, but from my experience there are those times when I start feeling like myself again.

However, there are those other times when I feel exhausted and not feel like doing anything. That is when I feel the most vulnerable, but I know it will not last forever

and that is why I keep hoping that life gets better for me.

If you or someone you know is going through a hard time, know that it is perfectly okay to feel everything and all feelings are valid. Ask them or yourself, “How are you feeling? No, actually, how are you actually feeling right now?”

I promise you that just checking in on yourself or someone else you know makes a difference.

Please check in on yourself and surround yourself with the people you love or enjoy being around with.

Know and understand that everything will be okay. You are going to be okay.

Lastly, if you or someone you know is really having a hard time and is starting to have suicidal thoughts call or text 988, which is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They are there to help you when you really feel unsure about how you feel and about living.

The website for the Suicide & Crisis Lifelines is 988lifeline.org On campus, students can utilize free mental health services at any time through TimelyCare or from the MSU Counseling center at 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Opinion: Demanding "proof" someone is a fan is ridiculous MADISYN BUTLER REPORTER

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COURTESY OF REDDIT I remember watching "The Batman" growing up and falling in love with Batman and the DC world, April 27.

would definitely consider myself a fangirl. I tend to gravitate towards fictional characters, but there are definitely a few celebrities that I would not be able to form words around.

I love when I enter a new fandom and get to learn more about different characters and headcanons (this is often something that fandom believes to be true, but is not proven or stated in original media).

People may not know this about me, but my favorite superhero is Batman. I have always had an attachment to his character, and I have learned a lot about him through the different media I have consumed.

I know some of the basics like how he

became Batman and he has four sons. I have also "no thank you." Instead of making someone prove learned some of the more obscure facts like the fact themselves, maybe share why you love something that he has had one female Robin. or someone.

However, I do not know everything. I have only I think the fandom world would be a lot better if read a few comics, and most of the media I view we all just found joy in our shared interest, rather tends to be the older animated shows and movies. than making people feel bad for not knowing as But I am a true fan because I love the character. much.

I do not need to know everything.

Not everyone believes this statement though. Sometimes when people (especially women) are fans of something, other people (typically men) will make them “prove it.”

And if they do not know everything, then they are a "fake" fan.

No one has to prove anything to be a fan.

New fans exist, casual fans exist.

However, instead of welcoming everyone into a fandom, people seem to think that there has to be a certain level of knowledge needed to be considered a fan.

I think this is ridiculous. We do not owe anyone anything. I can be a fan of something and only have minimal knowledge on the subject. I can love Batman without having knowledge about every aspect of his story.

Someone like a band without being able to name every single member off the top of their head. We attend a concert without knowing COURTESY OF MADISYN BUTLER every lyric from the early parts of their career.

Me and my friend Noelle Miner attended the Eras Why must we prove ourselves as fans?

Tour, even though we did not know the words to So the next time someone asks you to every single song, Oct. 26, 2024. prove you are a fan of something, just say

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May 1, 2026

Double win for the MSU Tennis Teams

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ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN

Selin Sepken readies to serve to her opponent in the match against Sul Ross State, April 25.

ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN

MSU women’s tennis team watches on as the prepare for their match, April 25.

ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN

Jasmin Crain sets up for a forehand return in her match, April 25.

ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN

MSU women's tennis player and Sul Ross State opponent shake hands after the match, April 25.

ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN

MSU tennis players share a bananna in between matches, April 25.

ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN

ASTRITH ALVAREZ | THE WICHITAN

MSU’s men’s team all smiles after a successful day in the courts, April 25.

MSU men’s tennis team watch their teammates match as they prepare for their match against Sul Ross State, April 25.

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Remember, I’m just a girl, sitting in front of her TV, struggling not to cry.

KHLOE SULLIVAN REPORTER

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s someone who loves romantic comedies, "Notting Hill" immediately captured my attention with its simple, calm environment and complex relationship between two people from completely different worlds.

Written by Richard Curtis, directed by Roger Michell, and produced by Duncan Kenworthy, "Notting Hill" was inspired

by Curtis’s fascination with contrasting worlds and his own personal experiences.

“What would happen if a movie star were to walk into a small, everyday shop in a normal part of London?” is exactly what this film explores, and it does so in the best way.

The rom-com came out in 1999, made approximately 363 million dollars worldwide at the box office, and stars Julia Roberts as Anna Scott and Hugh Grant as William Thacker.

"Notting Hill" follows a divorced man who owns a small travel book store in Notting Hill, London. He seems content with where he is in life, but not much more than that.

It also follows a famous Hollywood actress trying to navigate the boundary between what she wants and what she has to do.

The movie opens with a montage of Anna that fades into William walking through Notting Hill, describing all the small things that make up the place he lives, which is his “favorite bit of London.” This shows why he loves Notting Hill, even with struggles in his life, like his wife leaving him for another man and now living with an eccentric Welshman named Spike.

Anna walks into William’s travel bookshop and looks around. They banter a bit before she leaves, then they run into each other again and he accidentally spills coffee on her.

They go back to his flat, where she gets cleaned up and they share a small, sweet interaction.

He tells her she is “heavenly,” but does not push further.

Whether it is because he is a respectful, decent guy or because he can sense her boundaries, he keeps his distance in a quiet, considerate way.

She leaves, then returns to the door after forgetting a shopping bag. When he retrieves it, she kisses him.

Before leaving, she says it is best not to tell anyone about this, and he cheekily agrees.

Shortly after, William learns Anna tried to reach him when Spike fails to pass along her message that she is at a hotel under the alias “Flintstone.” He finally speaks to her again, and they make plans for later that day.

William arrives at the hotel, where he is mistakenly treated as an interviewer for her new film and awkwardly interviews actors before finally speaking with her. They plan for her to be his date to his sister’s birthday.

At dinner, his friends and family do not fully recognize her at first, but when they do, they try to stay cool around the Hollywood star. They end up enjoying her, and she fits in effortlessly, laughing and joking as if she belonged there.

One of the sweetest moments comes when they sneak into a private communal garden and share laughs and a romantic kiss before sitting on a lonely bench together.

The humor continues throughout the film as their relationship builds until he discovers she has had a boyfriend in America the whole time.

Shortly after William finds out, she shows up at his door because of nude photos of her have been leaked. It happens only a short time after, keeping everything in a very quick emotional

shift between the two moments.

Even after the pain she causes, he tells her not to worry and that it will be alright.

They talk over tea, where he learns she is no longer with the other guy and has been thinking about him.

Anna stays the night, sharing quiet and funny moments with William. Being a gentleman, he takes the couch and lets her have his room.

That night, she comes downstairs and they share a tender kiss, leading to them spending the night together.

The next morning is perfect until paparazzi arrive. Anna opens the door wearing only William’s clothes and ends up blaming him for the situation before leaving, telling him, “I will regret this forever,” even if she does not mean it.

COURTESY OF IMDB After more bumps in the road, Anna returns to his bookshop and finally lays her Roger Michell directs Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, who star in heart bare. But after everything, William "Notting Hill," April 27. cannot fully trust her and pushes her away to protect himself. two people falling in love and finding their way back to each Even with this though, Anna has left and came back so other through the challenges of fame and normal life, which is many times by this point that it is hard for William to even why it ranks fourth on my top romantic comedies of all time trust or believe it. So trying to protect his heart he pushes her list. away this time.

Rightfully so after all the times she has cast him to the side and he forgave her.

Before leaving she delivers the heart tugging line that makes me cry every single time. “Don’t forget, I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”

William talks with his friends and family, who help him realize he made a mistake. They track her down to a press conference, where he apologizes and asks her to reconsider. After his confession and apology a reporter asks how long she plans to stay in Britain, she answers “indefinitely.”

The film ends with William and Anna married and back at the garden sitting on the same bench together.

Not only is this a great film about two people from different worlds coming together, but the way it is shot makes the story feel even more personal and raw. The soundtrack also guides us through their emotions, making the relationship even more relatable.

COURTESY OF REEL VIEWS Needless to say, this "Notting Hill" had a budget of $42 million and grossed $364 million worldwide, film humorously and April 27. emotionally represents

Khloe Sullivan Rating 4/5

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COURTESY OF SPOTIFY

Reporter Xavier Rosenbaum plans to make the most of their summer and not blow their chance to have fun while listening to "Blow"

by Ke$ha, April 29.

COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA

Photographer Kassidi Ferguson is in love and loving "Summer Love" by Justin Timberlake, April 29.

May 1, 2026

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COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA

Photographer Jazz Guillory loves to spend the summer with his family and listening to "Family Ties" by Baby Keem featuring Kendrick Lamar, April 29.

Wichitan song of the summer COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA

COURTESY OF SPOTIFY

Photographer Marlee Whitson says "iloveitiloveitiloveit" by Bella Kay brings the good vibes to her summer plans, April 29.

COURTESY OF GENIUS

Reporter Alex Rhea wants an extraordinary summer, even with "Normal" by BTS playing, April 29.

Reporter Astrith Alvarez wants to have the time of her life this summer while listening to the Pitbull song of the same name, April 29.

COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA

Photography editor Madisyn Butler hopes to drop dead the way Olivia Rodrigo decribes in her newest single, April 29.

COURTESY OF SPOTIFY

Editor-in-chief Sabrina Harrison plans to stay stateside this summer, just like Pink Panteress, April 29.