G O I N G GOING D A R K DARK
U.S. TikTok ban pushed back 75 days after brief shutdown
DAKOTA OSWALT News Editor | @doswalt_NWMSRN
The morning of Jan. 17, the Supreme Court of the United States gathered to vote on a decision to ban TikTok — owned by ByteDance — in the U.S., unanimously agreeing to move forward with it.
The government has been talking about this ban for nearly five years.
Although the most recent ban initially persisted, President Donald Trump has since extended the ban by 75 days in order to find a U.S. buyer, according to PBS News.
During Trump’s first term, he said additional steps must be taken to deal with the virality of apps available in the United States owned by the People’s Republic of China. He said these apps threatened national security, foreign policy and the economy, according to the Trump Whitehouse Archives.
“At this time, action must be taken to address the threat posed by one mobile application in particular, TikTok,” Trump said in an executive order Aug. 6, 2020.
However, in June 2024, Trump joined the platform as a way to advertise his presidential campaign, gaining over 15 million followers.
entity that would be affected by a ban.
Ashlee Hendrix is the digital content manager for the University. She works with Northwest’s social media pages and engages with prospective students.
Trump is not the only person to campaign and advertise through the platform.
Reports show U.S. TikTok advertisement revenue was projected to reach over $10 billion in 2024. TikTok also made up 3.4% of the total U.S. digital advertising market, according to Basis Technologies. A Business Insider survey also found that most advertisement buyers prefer TikTok over other short-form video content providers, like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
TikTok is the main platform for millions of small businesses, social media influencers and institutions across the country.
Hendrix said she approached the potential TikTok ban with a wait-and-see attitude, as it has been talked about for many years. She said if anything happened, the University would likely reposition itself, either using TikTok content for already-popular platforms, or moving to another app.
TikTok was shut down around hours in the U.S.
Northwest is one
“I know that there’s been some talk of Lemon8, and then there’s another ByteDance app (RedNote), but I don’t think it’s a smart move to go to another ByteDance app if they’re going to get rid of TikTok,” Hendrix said. “We just have to be adaptive to what’s available and what becomes popular.”
Northwest Senior Marketing Specialist Kala Dixon said she would be surprised if TikTok went away for good, but she doesn’t necessarily believe its disappearance would negatively impact the University.
Hendrix said Northwest’s TikTok page is performing well, but traffic is higher on Instagram Reels. Due to this, and the popularity of other similar apps, Dixon said the social media team will be responsive to whatever app comes next.
“It’s all so similar, it’s a lot of the same students seeing the same things,” Dixon said. “It just depends on the platform, so I don’t think it’s going to be detrimental to our recruitment efforts at all.”
Individuals from across the country gathered to participate in the People’s March Jan. 18. Maryville was no different, with a group of demonstrators and signs appearing outside of the Nodaway County Courthouse at 10:00 a.m.
The People’s March, previously known as the Women’s March, started in Washington, D.C., as well as across the United States. People held signs advocating for issues like women’s health care and social security.
Nancy Zelif, a retired professor of computer and information systems at Northwest, helped organize the march in Maryville. She said she was motivated by concern for current issues talked about in Jefferson City, Missouri, such as genderaffirming care and abortion.
I felt that as a professor at a public institution, I had to remain a bit more neutral. Once I retired, I felt the need to speak out, especially with the overturning of Roe v. Wade.”
NANCY ZELIF RETIRED NORTHWEST PROFESSOR
“I felt that as a professor at a public institution, I had to remain a bit more neutral,” Zelif said. “Once I retired, I felt the need to speak out, especially with the overturning of Roe v. Wade.” Roe v. Wade is a Supreme Court case that allowed abortion access throughout the United States of America. It argued, in short, that the right to terminate a pregnancy is protected under the right to privacy. This was overturned in June 2022, leaving it up to the state. Zelif said she is worried about the rights of her two daughters, who have had high-risk pregnancies, in Missouri, where abortion access has been a contentious issue. While Missouri voters elected in favor of an abortion amendment to the state’s constitution Nov. 5, Zelif expressed doubt that the state will fully implement the will of the people on this issue. She also voiced concerns about upcoming legislation related to gender-affirming care and the state’s handling of the recent minimum wage increase. This includes the recent Senate bill 49, which bans gender-affirming medical care for minors and newly elected members of Missouri Congress looking to have exemptions to the wage increase.
Bird flu found in northwest Missouri
DAKOTA
A highly pathogenic avian influenza virus — most commonly known as bird flu — is making its rounds across the United States. It largely impacts animal health, and the H5N1 strain has had many effects on the Midwest livestock industry recently.
Christi Miller, the communications director at the Missouri Department of Agriculture, said the virus primarily travels in wild waterfowl, but can spread through domestic poultry as well — and the highly pathogenic strains can be deadly for both. Typically, it spreads while waterfowl is migrating during the spring and fall, but she said Missouri has been dealing with this throughout winter as well.
“The Missouri Department of Conservation pays attention to the wild birds that are impacted by this virus, and then the domesticated poultry falls into the Missouri Department of Agriculture,” Miller said. “We have had some cases in our state, including a case in northwest Missouri.”
That facility needs to sit fallow for a time period to make sure that it’s cleaned and sanitized and to try to rid that virus.”
CHRISTI
Bird flu was detected in northwest Missouri in December, but Miller said the rest of the cases took place in the central and
southern parts of the state.
When the virus is found on farms, Miller said there is a quarantine period to try to eliminate it from the location.
“That facility needs to sit fallow for a time period to make sure that it’s cleaned and sanitized and to try to rid that virus, so we are not passing it on to the next set of birds to come into the area,” Miller said.
Mammals can also be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza. This can occur if they eat other infected animals or if they are exposed to contaminated environments, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While bird flu is deadly to poultry, it affects cattle much differently, as death is less likely to occur. Similar to how the regular influenza virus affects hu-
mans, Miller said bird flu causes the cows not to feel well for a few days before recovering. The cows’ milk production decreases during this time as well.
As of now, Miller said bird flu has not been detected in the dairy herds in Missouri. However, bird flu was detected in Iowa dairy cows for the first time ever last summer, according to KETV NewsWatch 7.
Kelly Cunningham was the student manager of Northwest’s dairy herd when he attended the University 30 years ago. Now, Cunningham is the co-owner of Milk Unlimited Dairy Farm in Cass County, Iowa, where he said there have been no cases of bird flu in the cows.
While Cunningham has never dealt with bird flu on his farm, he and Miller both said pasteur-
Art exhibition showcases artist’s family lineage, displays history
ized milk is generally safe to consume. Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to kill off unhealthy bacteria.
“Raw milk — unpasteurized milk — is a different story, and I can’t speak to that,” Cunningham said. “But to my knowledge, if the milk has been collected in a sanitary fashion and then pasteurized by a pasteurizer that’s approved by our Iowa state health or Missouri health department, there should be very, very minimal risk of bird flu transferring from pasteurized milk to humans.” Cunningham wants people to know that, if processed and sanitized properly, dairy products are safe to consume.
When domesticated farm birds are determined to have bird flu, Miller said its products are not put into the food supply. Like Cun-
ningham, Miller also wants consumers to know dairy products, once pasteurized, are safe.
Miller said farmers are doing a great job with biosecurity measures — such as sanitation and traffic control — which is why Missouri hasn’t seen any cases in cows. She said being strict with these procedures is vital right now, as bird flu continues to spread. Miller encourages poultry owners to recognize signs of sickness in their birds. If they observe their birds eating less, or see a sudden and rapid increase in death loss, Miller said they are encouraged to call their veterinarian or the MDA for assistance.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture website includes information on all cases of bird flu in the state since 2022.
“I want you to continue our story,” artist Robin North’s uncle said before passing away of Alzheimer’s disease in 2019. Slavery and segregation are events the North family lineage has experienced. However, regardless of how adverse that history may be, North has accepted his uncle’s wishes and continues to showcase his family’s history, inspiring other people to explore their own ancestry in return.
Washi paper printing, he expresses certain fragile moments of history with the incorporating art medium.
Through the use of art, from photography and Japanese
For example, when making some of his pieces, he uses platinum-palladium prints to create long-lasting work that will not fade.
“It is very difficult to make these platinum-palladium prints,” North said. “If the paper holds up, these images will not fade. These will still be here, that’s the significance of these images. You’ll see all these different symbolisms within the work. That’s what those things are about.”
North’s exhibition speech took place an hour before the reception 6 p.m. Jan. 23 in the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building.
During his speech, he explored his family history, including assimilation and segregation in 1950s America. He said his focus is aimed at showcasing the histories and truths of the African Diaspora and families of African descent of the Deep South, to understand the horrors they experienced.
The start to his familial exploration began when his uncle adopted him at a young age. North said his uncle was like a father figure to him after his birth father passed away shortly after his birth.
Although his uncle is white, his uncle was enrolled in a Black-only school in the 1950s due to hypo-descent or the “one drop” rule. The rule stated that any person with even 1% of Black ancestry was considered Black. North said because of his uncle’s experience in the 1950s, his uncle started to explore his familial line. He found their groundroots and share his findings with the rest of his family.
“He asked me to continue his work and to have these conversations about our family history,” North said. “So in that, I have learned to journey. I wanted to understand where my origins were. I did this and started getting a better understanding about who I am as a person, where I am.”
North said he felt he had a purpose in life after he took over his uncle’s passion for researching his family ancestry, continuing to tell their story through his art. He learned to have difficult conversations about the events of the past, hoping he could inspire future generations to look into their own family lineage.
After North’s exhibition speech, graduate student Darren Ross said he started to think about his own family history while North was speaking.
“The story of Robin North had piqued my interest,” Ross said. “It was something you really wouldn’t expect. After meeting him and also seeing his work, it transformed me immediately. It’s more of a reconnect with your personal history, understanding that your own life is way more important than you think.”
Ross said he never thought about how his elders and ancestors worked hard in the past to allow him to achieve goals in the present, like attending college. He said the art was relatable and allowed him to think about his past. Freshman Autumn Starks said
she found North’s presentation intriguing and his art was unique. Like Ross, she began to think more about her family history.
“I gained a different perspective that I thought about and I thought it was really insightful,” Starks said. “The storytelling and the journey itself kind of inspires me to get a look back at my ancestry because that’s something I want to figure out for myself.”
North said his connection with his lineage has gotten stronger and he hopes to inspire other people to learn about Black history and their own roots. With his experience, he hopes he can have conversations about the past to create a better future through his art.
“It gives me an opportunity to have conversations about my family’s journey and how those experiences inform who I am,” North said. “Those can be used for future endeavors and creating dialogue and conversation to help solve some of the issues we deal with. You can be able to engage a lot more with the
it
conversation because
comes from a personal perspective.”
Visiting artist Robin North shares details about his family history and its connection to his art during an exhibition speech Jan. 23.
LILLY HALLMON PHOTOGRAPHER
Several cows at the R.T. Wright Farm, located behind the Agriculture Learning Center, eat food in the field Jan. 21. Although there have been no reported cases in the Maryville area, mammals, as well as birds, can contract bird flu.
KENDYL LAY PHOTOGRAPHER
Mozingo Lake Recreation Park plans approved
pumps as is).”
Multiple initiatives to improve Mozingo Lake Recreation Park were approved at the Maryville City Council meeting Jan. 27.
One contract was for the replacement of an irrigation pump and motor with Dexter Pump Service. Mozingo Lake Recreation Park Director Jordyn Greenhaw said there are two pumps at the park, both necessary to water the grounds at the park, but they have exceeded their 20year life spans by an additional 10 years.
Last year, Greenhaw said someone came to clean the pumps and make sure they worked correctly, and an issue was found. The original manufacturer, however, had gone out of business, so a piece was temporarily welded on to make the pump function properly.
Although there are two irrigation pumps, Greenhaw said they are both in the same weakening state.
“If both pumps happen to stop working during the summer, it would require our staff to hand water all of the greens multiple times a day, but we currently don't have enough staff to do that,” Greenhaw said. “Just for functionality reasons and operational reasons, it's just not a very viable option (to leave the
With such a specified profession, Greenhaw said Mozingo Lake Recreation Park was only able to get a few quotes for the irrigation pump and motor replacement.
The lowest quote was from Dexter Pump Service, which Greenhaw said has been a trusted service provider for the park in the past. The quote was at $22,562.50, and Maryville’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget allowed for $90,000 in the Mozingo Recreation Fund.
“This will get us by and make sure that we're on the proactive side…because the pumps take six to eight weeks to get in and both lines have to be completely empty, so we (won’t) be able to have any water in our irrigation system,” Greenhaw said.
New signage is another amenity expected to make its way to Mozingo Lake Recreation Park following a contract approval with National Golf Graphics, LLC.
When the park was first created in 1995, it worked with local businesses to sponsor brand signage. However, many of those businesses have since changed their names, updated their branding or shut down, causing the original signs to become irrelevant. Greenhaw said the new plan is for businesses to sponsor signs over a threeyear period before changing them out.
“What we are suggesting is updating that signage to the industry standards and just kind of create a better overall experience for any players, because
Water Treatment Plant funding to be voted on in special election
After over five years in the making, Maryville’s new Water Treatment Plant may soon become a reality.
The project includes replacing the existing Water Treatment Plant, which was built in 1958. It also consists of other infrastructural upgrades. In its entirety, the project has an estimated cost not to exceed $50 million.
A special election is scheduled for Feb. 4 for Maryville residents to authorize this funding. City Manager Greg McDanel said the money is not a tax, but instead comes from the Missouri Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which is a loan the city will pay back over time.
“That SRF program provides really low-interest financing, which is identified as the most economical financing tool for this project,” McDanel said. “In order to access SRF funding through (the) Department of Natural Resources, our voters have to authorize a not-toexceed project amount.”
There was an uptick in algal blooms at Mozingo Lake in 2017, where the city’s water comes from. This algae causes the water to have a noticeable taste and odor. McDanel said the current Water Treatment Plant cannot combat this.
McDanel said the city has already invested close to $2.5 million in the issue of taste and odor so far. This has caused an increase in water rates for Maryville residents in recent years.
“As far as what the impact (of) this project will do to rates, we are estimating a not-to-exceed rate increase of $10 per customer for the average bill by the end of (Fiscal Year) ‘28, so by the end of 2028,” McDanel said.
In order to access SRF funding through (the) Department of Natural Resources, our voters have to authorize a not-to-exceed project amount.”
GREG MCDANEL
MARYVILLE CITY MANAGER
He said the $50 million figure is a placeholder. If the city moves forward in design and construction of the project with the intent of keeping it as cost effective as
possible, McDanel said it will not issue bonds it doesn’t need.
To identify a technology that would address the algal issues at Mozingo, McDanel said the city looked at other states who have dealt with the same problems. He said Texas has been using ozone and biofiltration technology for over 20 years, so city staff visited numerous water plants in Texas to become familiar with it.
McDanel said if it progresses, it will be the first biofiltration and ozone plant in Missouri.
McDanel said if the authorization is not approved during the election, it won’t stop the issues.
“It means that the city will have to regroup and potentially analyze other financing mechanisms to build a project that will likely come (at) a higher interest rate and thereby a higher associated impact to water rate users,” McDanel said. “We believe that the SRF provides the lowest interest financing tool, and that's why we're asking voters to authorize our not-to-exceed amount of $50 million.”
Construction is anticipated for 2026. The estimated completion date is set for late 2027.
“We simply just encourage all… to scan the information and get the information they need to make an informed decision on February 4,” McDanel said.
it would also include directional signage,” Greenhaw said. Another contract with Nodaway Valley Bank for a lease purchase of a 2024 T86 T4
Bobcat Compact Track Loader was approved. This vehicle is to be used for other maintenance efforts at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park.
DAKOTA
DAKOTA OSWALT News Editor |
Maryville City Manager Greg McDanel explains how the new Water Treatment Plant process is continuing during the Jan. 27 City Council meeting. A special election will be held Feb. 4 for citizens to approve the new plant funding.
AARON HARE PHOTO EDITOR
CRIME LOG
for the week of Jan. 30
Northwest Missouri State University Police Department
Jan. 19
There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Forest Village Apartments-Willow.
Jan. 17
There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Perrin Hall.
Jan. 16
There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Perrin Hall.
Jan. 14
There is a closed investigation for stealing in Forest Village Apartments-Sycamore.
There is an open investigation for domestic assault in Tower Suites West.
Maryville Department of Public Safety
Jan. 22
There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 1000 block of North Buchanan Street.
Jan. 20
There was an accident between Heather Breshears, 52, and Jordan E. Wilmes 32, on the 100 block of East South Avenue.
Jan. 19
There was a summons issued to Vengalarao Yeluri 24, for driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident on the 500 block of East Seventh Street.
There was a summons issued to Christopher A. Wilcox, 39, for driving while revoked on the 1100 block of South Main Street.
Jan. 18
There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 300 block of North Market Street. There was an accident between Nicole M. Talbott, 39, and Nicole L. Aragon, 26, on the 1200 block of South Main Street.
Jan. 17
There was an accident between Ellie G. Clay, 20, and Kyle D. Kelmel on the 700 block of North Dewey Street. Clay was charged with careless and imprudent driving.
Jan. 16
There was a summons issued to Chase R. Berdaus, 26, for no valid driver’s license and speeding on the 2000 block of North Main Street.
International students talk struggles
Dhomps said due to the culture he was raised in, it was a shock that American students are not as interactive with each other outside of class.
There are over 1,000 international students on campus. International students travel far, and represent a minority compared to the rest of Northwest campus.
International student Emiri Takahashi is a freshman from Japan. She said she has a good time on campus, but sometimes students will ignore her when she speaks due to her limited English ability.
“I know it is because of my English,” Takahashi said. “So I feel sad about it. I feel left out.”
Takahashi said in Japan, teachers tend to lecture most of the time with little chance for student discussion. Students are expected to be quiet and listen to the lecture. She said in the U.S., it is the opposite, since students often lead the discussions in class.
She said she enjoys the difference in culture. However, because her experience in Japan is different from American expectations, she sometimes struggles to contribute to class discussions.
“In a Japanese class, if I raise my hand, I’m different,” Takahashi said. “I have been there so long in Japan, I cannot adjust to the American system.”
Takahashi said she can answer simple questions most of the time. However, complex questions become difficult for her, which are often the target questions during class. Although her English has improved since she started at Northwest in August, she often finds herself lonely outside of class.
Two French students, freshmen Camelia Louisa Caire and Géraud Dhomps said they feel the same way. Both said students in the U.S. don’t seem to interact much after class or make friends outside of class hours.
“At first, I wanted to have friends to hang out with,” Dhomps said. “For us in France, it’s natural. Here, I got friends from classes and it stopped there. So I just stopped trying to make friends.”
Dhomps said he makes friends with other international students more than with American students due to this.
At first, I wanted to have friends to hang out with. For us in France, it’s natural. Here, I got friends from classes and it stopped there. So I just stopped trying to make friends.”
GÉRAUD DHOMPS
FRENCH EXCHANGE STUDENT
Since international students can relate to each other about struggling to communicate with other students, Dhomps said they tend to bond easier with each other. Caire expressed a similar thought.
“I’m friends with international students because we can understand each other,” Caire said. “With Americans, they’ll just be friends with you for like, one hour in class, and after, you’re not friends. And that’s so
different because when you talk to someone, I feel it’s like the beginning of a friendship.”
Although the issues of limited English and maintaining friendships outside of class seem to be common and recurring issues, all three students said they have a good time in the U.S. and enjoy exploring American culture.
Dhomps and Caire are part of the International Student Organization. Dhomps recommends that international students look into the organization. He said many international students make friends with one another due to the club, and it could be a good opportunity for them.
Caire said regardless of some of the issues she experienced on campus, she enjoys the social culture in America. She said she enjoys the friendliness and conversations most Americans in the U.S. engage in. Dhomps and Takahashi said the same thing.
“Like, if you talk to people, they’re going to give you all of their life,” Caire said. “Even when you’re not friends. It’s just social, and you can have many conversations.”
Dhomps said students who cannot express their ideas clearly seem to be left out most of the time, but it could be more negatively impactful for international students. His suggestion to international students is to get out of their comfort zones and talk to American students, regardless of their English speaking skills.
For students from the U.S., he recommends they should listen and take their time to understand their international peers.
“Don’t talk too fast,” Dhomps said. “Most of the international students, I guess, are scared they will bother you with their poor English. Make sure to help them to feel like they’re at home because they’re here to do their studies, but they’re also here to enjoy life.”
MARCH CONTINUED FROM A1
Zelif said the march was inclusive, regardless of political affiliation or identity. While the event was sponsored by Northwest Missouri Rural Democrats, she said the purpose of the march transcended party lines.
“We just welcome everybody,” Zelif said. “It’s not a blue wave or Democrats-only event — it’s a march for people.”
TIKTOK CONTINUED FROM A1
While the ban was set to go into effect Jan. 19, U.S. users said goodbye much earlier than expected. The app went dark around 9:30 p.m. Central Standard Time Jan. 18. A message appeared, informing people who tried to open the app or were already on the platform that a law banning TikTok in the U.S. had been enacted and they couldn’t use the app for the time being.
“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office,” the second half of the message said. Nevertheless, this ban only lasted about 14 hours, as people in the U.S. were able to access the app
She said she hopes onlookers understood the protest as a demonstration of care and support for the community.
Despite the cold, participants like Rachel Day, an assistant professor of fine and performing arts at Northwest, said attending the march was important to her in order to advocate for her rights.
“My 21-year-old daughter told me when I moved to Missouri three years ago, ‘I will not come to Missouri because my uterus is illegal in Missouri,’” Day said.
around 11:30 a.m. Central Standard Time Jan. 19. A similar message appeared upon opening the app at that time.
“Thanks for your patience and support,” the new message said. “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”
However, Trump didn’t take office for nearly 24 hours after the returning message, at 11 a.m. Central Standard Time Jan. 20.
While the future of TikTok is unclear — with the ban still a possibility in the next 75 days — it seems everything is operating normally on the app for the time being. Trump said there would be no penalty for continuing services in the United States.
A full, in-depth timeline of the TikTok ban and the government’s role in it can be found on The Associated Press website.
International Student Organization President Favour Adewuyi and Secretary Daniel Sherchan explain to senior Mistura Hassan what countries are represented throughout their program during the Spring Organization Fair Jan. 23.
LILLY HALLMON PHOTOGRAPHER
RAIEA SALERNO News Reporter | @Raiea_S
Community members come together to raise awareness of women’s rights at the People’s March Jan. 18.
ALLY JEFFRIES PHOTOGRAPHER
History is repeating, rights are being taken
BROOKLYN FARNAN Missourian Columnist @TheMissourian
Look, I’m a doom-scroller at heart. I own up to the fact that I have a small obsession with not only social media, but TikTok in general. I — along with many people in America — have seen the evolution of TikTok from a dance app to one with different sub-genres that span a countless amount of interests.
TikTok is absolutely more than teenagers dancing. It’s been more than that since lockdown. COVID changed the way people posted on TikTok. It became focused on the fact that every single one of us was stuck in a house, questioning every single aspect of life.
This potential ban is stupid and baseless. Not to mention a complete violation of Americans’ First Amendment rights. The banning of TikTok is the beginning of banning rights in general in America. I urge every single one of you to look into the rights protected by the Constitution, and read into the definition of propaganda.
The First Amendment right is one of the most quoted rights. A right that is the basis of all we stand for in America — or so we claim. So now, sitting here watching as politicians attempt to ban an app under the shield of “protecting American citizens” is genuinely laughable.
This ban is rooted in the fear of the Chinese government. More than 20 legislators justified their support for banning TikTok. They cited the risk of foreign propaganda as well The legislators used the content available to minors and the alleged suppression of proUkraine videos as reasoning. Just a reminder — the CEO of TikTok is Singaporean and has had no ties to China or the Chinese government.
The claims of protection could be fine if the concern was genuine, but as a general rule in this country, we can’t just go banning anything we don’t like.
The ban lasted less than a full day. Watching the app go dark was one of the weirdest things I have witnessed.
The second the app went dark my phone began blowing up as my group chats from every facet of my life cried out in anger. What is the point of banning an app when there are 36.8 million people who fell below the poverty line in 2023? I’m just saying, America has more issues than an app. People are having large issues with not feeling as if they are being heard. This is concerning for a country that is supposed to be a representative democracy.
TikTok is now up and running, after multiple ‘thank yous’ thrown Trump’s way — the man who wasn’t president when the app went dark and came back online, but was president when the app’s original ban was proposed.
The app being banned is forcing the American people to watch the government banning something that is a fundamental constitutionally protected right.
History repeats itself, and we all saw how a country turned out when the government started banning free speech and knowledge in the early to mid1940s. It ended poorly, but at least I can get back to doomscrolling, and that’s what truly matters — I guess.
THE STROLLER:
Your Bearcat wants to leave this planet
In response to recent world and local events, I have decided I don’t want to live on this planet anymore. I’m simply over it. Waking up on this planet every day is perpetually exhausting — and I’m done with living in fear. You’re telling me, in the past school year I’ve had to deal with Beyoncé trying to kill me, random celebrity look-alike contests — no one actually looked like the celebrities they
were claiming to — and now the potential TikTok ban? Enough is enough.
I did not sign up to live in a world where the one thing that can bring me happiness — doom-scrolling — is taken away from me. I was looking into purchasing some real estate on Mars, where problems such as these don’t exist. I could live there peacefully with the rovers and extraterrestrials.
Of course, I probably
won’t have access to Wi-Fi on Mars, but then at least I’ll be able to avoid the craziness that will ensue when President Donald Trump turns the app into “TrumpTok.”
After further research, I’ve now realized one of my only ways of getting to Mars would be on one of Elon Musk’s SpaceX rockets. Unfortunately, Musk is also one of the reasons I want to leave Earth in the first place, so I think that plan is out of the picture.
Maybe I could invent a time machine and go back to a time when the world had no one but dinosaurs and cavemen. I think evading death by velociraptor would be way better than facing some modern-day struggles. Or, maybe I just need to wait for death, or the Rapture — whichever comes first.
TikTok ban directly violates our First Amendment rights
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
If you don’t know what that is — it’s the First Amendment right protected by our constitution. This right is being infringed upon by the Supreme Court’s decision to ban TikTok, directly attacking our freedom of speech.
This is the first time in history the government has approved the restraint of an entire form of communication, according to FIRE. Over 170 million Americans — more than half the population of the country — use the app as a way of communicating with others.
Our freedom of speech has taken a hit and our government is responsible. Aren’t they supposed to be the ones upholding the U.S. Constitution? It has been preached to us since elementary school that the First Amendment is one of the most important protections.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee Report said part of the regulation is about a ‘propa-
YOUR VIEW:
What do you think of the TikTok ban situation?
ganda threat.’ This is not the early 1900s when the Espionage Act — an act outlawing the criticism of the U.S. government — was put into place. That was an act meant to silence people during war, we are allowed to criticize the government, and other countries doing it too doesn’t mean it’s propaganda. Taking away our freedom of speech or pushing us further into censorship is not a solution to any problem. We’ve already seen how Americans felt isolated from the rest of the world when TikTok went dark. A lot of users are still sharing distress over the disconnect.
People use the app to build communities and find those similar to them. You can find almost anything you’re looking for. There is no other application that provides the same services. Thousands of Americans make an income off TikTok, and that shouldn’t be taken away..
This application is mainly targeted toward younger generations and gives them a platform to share their stories and voices. Our youngest Supreme Court justice is 52 years old, which can only represent barely over 15% of TikTok users over 45 years old that use the application.
AVA MILLER Sophomore Biomedical Science
“I love TikTok, first of all, so I wasn’t very happy about it. I kind of thought, if it actually happens, it’s fine, I’ll get over it. But, I’m happy it’s back now and I’m curious to see if it stays.”
MARLON LINARES Junior Business Technology
Let’s not forget President Donald Trump was one of the first people to bring up the possibility of banning TikTok because it is a national security threat. His signing of an executive order to put the ban on hold for 75 days does not make him the hero — our rights are still on the line.
The messages shown on TikTok when the ban was lifted were off-putting. Trump was thanked and referred to as the president before he took office. Is this the propaganda threat the House Committee on Energy and Commerce was worried about?
There are plenty of other applications Americans use that are owned by China or Chinese corporations, it’s inconsistent to only ban TikTok. We saw users moving to RedNote — a Chinese social media app similar to TikTok — before it went dark. It’s almost pointless to follow through with the ban when people will find a way around it no matter what.
There are plenty of other issues — including climate change, gun violence and affordable health care — the Supreme Court could be focusing on. Banning an entertainment app and infringing on a right we’ve had since 1791 shouldn’t be one of them.
“It’s kind of sad. I have to stick to Instagram Reels but I prefer TikTok. I deleted it so I can’t access TikTok now and, if anything, it’s probably a good thing since I spent so much time on it.”
NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN
“I was sad that it was getting banned but at the same time, I didn’t fully believe that it was going to be gone. I thought the little message that popped up on TikTok, that was thanking Donald Trump, was kind of a scheme of some sort.”
OUR VIEW:
ANNA CASE CARTOONIST
KIRA HEESE Freshman Radiological Sciences
The Stroller has been a tradition since 1918 and does not reflect the views of The Northwest Missourian.
NEXT WEEK IN SPORTS
NW MBB
vs. Missouri Western
3:30 p.m. Feb. 1 St. Joseph, Missouri
vs. Central Oklahoma
7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 Edmond, Oklahoma
MHS GBB
vs. Harlan Community
5:30 p.m. Jan. 30 Harlan, Iowa
vs. Pembroke Hill
6:45 p.m. Jan. 31 ‘Hound Pound
vs. Lafayette
6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 Lafayette High School
vs. Smithville
6 p.m. Feb. 6 Maryville High School
NW WBB
vs. Missouri Western
1:30 p.m. Feb. 1 St. Joseph, Missouri
vs. Central Oklahoma
5:30 p.m. Feb. 6 Edmond, Oklahoma
NW T&F
Washburn Open Jan. 31-Feb. 1 Topeka, Kansas
MHS WRES
Boys Varsity Triangular
5:30 p.m. Jan. 30 Maryville High School
Maryville Tournament
10 a.m. Feb. 1 Maryville High School
Varsity Triangular
5:30 p.m. Feb. 4 South Harrison High School
MHS BBB
vs. Kearney
6:45 p.m. Feb. 4 Bearcat Arena
vs. Lafayette
7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 Lafayette High School
MHS girls basketball claims win
OLIVIA WALLACE Sports Reporter | @_oliviawallace_
Taking down a ranked Nodaway-Holt with a 12-point difference wasn’t. Coach Del Morley reflected on the early start to put the team up by 14 points to Nodaway-Holt’s 3, but keeping the lead was difficult for the team.
“I’ve been doing this a long time,” Morley said. “Over the years, if you get out too quick at the start, sometimes there’s a little relaxation. I don’t think people intend to.”
Nodaway-Holt had to quickly adjust to the ‘Hounds’ defensive pressure with one guard down, but the team came in prepared. Senior Spoofhound forward Alyssa Cunningham helped lead the team with the first five points on the board but also with the team’s morale.
“I went into it as, like, I do every other game, and shoot good shots,” Cunningham said. “Drive when it’s good, make layups. And I think making that three off the bad was really good motivation. Got us really going good.”
Maryville is coming off a big win against Cameron with a 66-29 final before facing the 17-1 Rockets.
“This team’s (Nodaway-Holt) better than the two teams we played last week,” Morley said. “We knew they were a really good team, and we know that one was hard to deal with.”
Despite only practicing for one hour a day, the ‘Hounds came into the game with one thing in mind: defend the ball. In the second half of the game, it was tugof-war – constantly stealing the ball and missing corner shots.
“I really thought our pressure would bother more than it did,” Morley said. “I mean, that’s kind of been our bread and butter we created. An awful lot of our offense has been created by our defense, and we still had some of that tonight, but not nearly as much as we normally do.”
Cunningham was a part of
DEFEATED CONTINUED FROM A8
“We will be required to play an entire 40 minutes on both sides of the ball,” Keeley said. “Both teams will have an entire week to prepare and both teams are coming off a disappointing performance on Saturday, so hopefully we can respond starting in practice on Monday. We will try to narrow in on some details that can improve our efficiency as well as keep fresh legs and fresh minds.”
The ‘Cats are set to tip off against the Griffons at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Missouri Western Fieldhouse in St. Joseph.
the bread and butter against Nodaway-Holt with multiple layups and defensive plays to score, as well as keeping the motivation up for the entire team. With the clock ticking down and the Spoofhounds still up, Morley took one last timeout to regroup the team.
WIN CONTINUED FROM A8
Graduate guard Caely Kesten said the team’s defense needs to step up against Bonilla and the Griffons if it wants to come out with a victory.
“I think right now, defense is lacking a little bit,” Kesten said. “If we can stop their bigs, stop them in transition, and Bonilla, who is their point guard, has been someone who’s been good for them. So, really just stopping the
The Spoofhounds came out with a 63-51 win against Nodaway-Holt with the last play being down court and not being able to shoot the ball due to defense. The ‘Hounds have one more game this week against Pembroke Hill 6:45 p.m. Jan. 31 at Maryville High School gym.
ball — all aspects of defense. If we can keep them under 40 or 50 points, then that’ll be ideal for us.” Kesten led the Bearcats with 15 points, four rebounds and two blocks in the duel earlier in the season. Northwest is coming off its season-best 54.7% shooting performance against Central Missouri Jan. 25. Missouri Western has won 10 out of its last 13 games, while Northwest has won four out of its last 13. Meyer said it will be nice to have some extra time to get ready
“I mean a lot of us really wanted to win the game, some of us, me and Jalea (senior guard Jalea Price),” Cunningham said. “I know I’ve been playing against these girls for 8-10 years, like it’s a rivalry that’s not a rivalry.”
for the Griffons.
“With us having a break this big, we’ll take a couple days off, and then we’ll get back into our skill work and practices, and prep going into Mo West,” Meyer said. “Hopefully it’ll be good to get a couple days to get your bodies right and feel good, and then get back to work.” Northwest will face Missouri Western 1:30 p.m. Feb. 1 in St. Joseph — the Bearcats’ last win over the Griffons was Dec. 18, 2021 at Bearcat Arena.
tational, but his team lacked preparation in its first match of the season, when they fell to Platte County (7-9) Dec. 2 by 26 points.
“It’s going to be a very tough week with some really good opponents, but with this young team, we look at it as a really good opportunity to grow and to get better and to be challenged,” Stoecklein said. The Spoofhounds suffered a tough 47-72 loss Jan. 21 to East Buchanan. After not playing a game for seven days after that, they hit the road versus West Nodaway Jan. 28, and fell 60-44 making that two straight games with a defeat.
Stoecklein said before the West Nodaway game that rest and recovery are important to bounce back after the prior defeat.
“Getting some rest, and preparation is key, and to play hard with enthusiasm,” Stoecklein said. “Our last game a week ago, we got beat pretty badly. So, we’re looking to really show some improvement in some of the areas where we struggled.”
Early on in the season the Spoofhounds won five of its first six games. Stoecklein’s team started o ff on the right track in the Savannah Invi-
Stoecklien said his team lacked that chemistry and readiness off the jump.
“The first game we lost, we had zero practices with our football boys (on the team),” Stoecklein said. “They played on Saturday. We then turned around and played on Monday.”
Two days later, Dec. 6, against Smithville, the Spoofhounds conquered the Warriors by 10 points.
Following the beginning of the season contests Senior Matthew Walter was taken out for the season by a knee injury.
“Still some ups and downs, a young team, inexperienced, don’t have a lot of varsity experience,” Stoecklein said. “Around Christmas break, we lost Walter to a knee injury, who was our leading scorer, and that kind of stuff. So, there are still some ups and downs with some very young players.”
Stoecklein and his team will look to maximize their abilities and efforts to make the new year one to remember.
Maryville girls basketball senior forward Alyssa Cunningham goes up for a shot during the 61-42 win over the Bishop LeBlond Jan. 24. The ‘Hounds’ face Pembroke Hill next 6:45 p.m. Jan. 31 at Maryville High School.
AARON HARE PHOTO EDITOR
Maryville boys basketball coach Matt Stoecklein cheers during the Spoofhounds’ 65-58 win against Mid-Buchanan Jan. 17. AARON HARE PHOTO EDITOR
2024-25 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
SOURCE: BEARCAT ATHLETICS
NW women’s basketball’s Caely Kesten makes impact
Bearcat women’s basketball graduate student guard Caely Kesten’s goal is to make a lasting impact on those around her, both on and off the court.
Kesten earned Third Team All Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association honors and an MIAA Scholar-Athlete distinction for her performance during the 2023-24 season. She ended the season averaging 12.3 points per game, starting in all 31 games and made a team-high of 53 three pointers. But to Kesten, that’s not what really matters.
“Your stats are going to be in the record book, but who’s to say that someone else isn’t going to pass it?” Kesten said. “But I would say I really want to be someone that people look up to and someone that people remember. People are usually like, ‘Who do you know?’ but it’s really like, who knows you? Who’s going to remember you and what you did? And I want to leave here with a lasting impact on the people around me and just be there for people and be their shoulder to rely on.”
Kesten has continued to be a rock for the team, starting in all 20 games so far and averaging 14.2 points per game. She put up a career high of 27 points on Nov. 9, 2024, against Minnesota State, which resulted in a Bearcat win 85-67.
With only nine in-season games left, her goal is to leave it all on the court.
“Some personal goals I have have been just to be able to leave with no regrets,” Kesten said. “Every day is a gift, and being able to make sure I take advantage of the opportunity, take advantage of being a student-athlete, and make the most out of this experience while I have it; also cherishing the people I’m around and experiencing this fun time of life with them.”
Although the women’s basketball team (10-10, 3-7 MIAA), isn’t doing as well as the 2023-2024 season (23-8, 16-6 MIAA), Kesten acknowledges the differences between the two years and the challenges they have faced.
“I think every season is different,” Kesten said. “This year has fluctuated where last year, I would say, is the best we’ve ever played as a team. This year, we’re picking and choosing when we want to push the ball and when we want to score. We’re looking in transition and scoring fast that way; we do score well on the half court, and so being able to decipher what is best, I’d say is the biggest difference.”
The Bearcats are preparing for their next game against Missouri Western (12-6, 7-3 MIAA) 1:30 p.m. Feb. 1. In their last matchup on Dec. 3, 2024, the Griffins took down the ‘Cats 57-48. During the game, Kesten scored 15 points, including four 3-point shots. Kesten’s mindset going into the game is to focus on exploiting opportunities to ensure success on both sides of the ball.
“Every day, be ready to come and attack practice
and become better,” Kesten said. “And then just look at their tendencies and how we can limit those. But also, what can we capitalize on and how are we going to score? How are we going to defend and what’s going to be productive against that?”
This mindset has not only shaped Kesten’s approach to competition but also helped her develop key life skills over the years.
“It’s definitely taught me leadership, especially now, being my fifth year,” Kesten said. “I’ve had a little bit of experience under my belt. But just like the leadership of being able to make those connections with people, just being athletes and an athlete in general, time management, handling my responsibilities, holding myself accountable as well as others, and then just, like, the beauty of friendship.”
career
minutes played so far field goals made Jan. 22 3-point field goals made Nov. 11
Northwest then-junior current-graduate student guard Caely Kesten looks to pop up for a shot during the Feb. 24, 2024 matchup against Missouri Western.
AARON HARE PHOTO EDITOR
LEAH COX Sports Reporter | @byleahcox
Bearcat women’s basketball to take on Missouri Western
Northwest women’s basketball looks to build off its home-andaway series sweep over Central Missouri with nine games remaining in the season and a chance at redemption in the next matchup Feb. 1 against Highway 71 rival, Missouri Western.
The Griffons (12-6, 7-3 MIAA) got the best of the Bearcats (10-10, 3-7 MIAA) in their previous matchup this season, 57-48, Dec. 3, 2024. This game also marked the first MIAA game of the
season for both teams, and the ‘Cats were 7-1 on the season and ranked No. 9 nationally headed into it.
Head coach Austin Meyer said he is ready for the challenge against a good Missouri Western team.
“Obviously, they got a lot of kids that can score it, and they can shoot it and they space you out,” Meyer said. “A smaller team, but yeah, really good. So, you know, we’re going to go to the film obviously and prep, and hopefully be ready to go.”
The Griffons came out strong in the previous matchup and won the
first quarter against the Bearcats, 224. Northwest’s four points in the first quarter remains the lowest quarter score of the season thus far.
Heading into halftime, Missouri Western took a 34-21 lead over Northwest, due to Griffon senior guard Alyssa Bonilla’s 21-point barrage in the first half. Bonilla led the way in Missouri Western’s triumph on Northwest’s home floor with 28 points, 11 rebounds — despite her 5 foot, 4 inchframe — and five steals.
Northwest men’s basketball looking for win
Northwest men’s basketball (4-15, 2-8 MIAA) dropped its chance to claim a home win against the University of Central Missouri (10-9, 5-5 MIAA) Jan. 25. The Mules came out on top, 70-53. This extended the Bearcats losing streak to five games.
Northwest previously defeated UCM in a close battle, with a final score of 63-62 Jan. 9. During their loss Jan. 25, the Mules kept the Bearcats at a 39.5% (17-of-43) shooting percentage. In comparison, UCM had a 60.4% (29-of-48) percentage from the field.
Head coach Matt Keeley said the difference in this matchup was physicality. The ‘Cats struggled to gain momentum, leading to a 17-point advantage for UCM at the end of the first half, 37-20.
“I thought that they simply played harder and more physical than they did last time and certainly more so than we did this time,” Keeley said. “That was especially true at the start of the game and throughout the first half.” Senior guard Emorie Knox led the ‘Cats in scoring with 15 points. Knox played for nearly the entire game with 36 minutes logged. Keeley said he’s a vital asset to the team.
“Emorie (Knox) is certainly a guy that we count on on both sides of the ball,” Keeley said. “Often times how he goes from
an energy and effort standpoint rubs off on the rest of our guys. We need him to be dialed in at all times.”
After this loss, the Bearcats will continue their search for a win against Missouri Western (13-7, 5-5 MIAA) in the Battle of Highway 71 rivalry game. Keeley said the team will work on taking control moving into this weekend after struggling with
decision-making against UCM.
“We are best statistically when we are in transition,” Keeley said. “We were able to get several more baskets in transition against them the first time than we were tonight. Our screening and decision-making also took a step back tonight and will be something we need to improve on moving forward.”
After the ‘Cats’ 80-69 loss
to Washburn Jan. 22, Missouri Western also faced a tough loss to the Ichabods 85-52 Jan. 25. Keeley said the ‘Cats and Griffons are in similar positions going in and having a week to prepare will help. During their last meeting on Dec. 3, the Griffons triumphed by just four points, 70-66.
The snowy season for Maryville boys basketball is approaching the halfway point. Sitting at a 7-7 record, they will take on the Kearney Bulldogs of Kearney, Missouri, at 7:30 Feb 4. at Maryville High School. The following day Maryville will face an away test once again against a familiar opponent in St. Joseph-Lafayette Feb. 5 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Both teams are heading into the matchup knowing each other very well, dating back to March 2 of last season in the Class 4 District 16 Tournament. The Spoofhounds fought hard and came out with the 63-51 win. The Fighting Irish are going to give them their best shot this time around. Head coach Matt Stoecklein said he continues to emphasize improvement, pushing his players to elevate their game week after week.
Northwest women’s basketball junior guard Lindsey Kelderman brings the ball up the court during the Bearcats’ 66-61 victory over the Washburn University Ichabods Jan. 11. Kelderman was consistent from behind the arc, shooting 50% (2-of-4).
HANNAH CLAYWELL MANAGING EDITOR
TREY HOUCHIN Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports
Northwest men’s basketball junior guard Ja’Vion Byers attempts to pass during the Bearcats’ 70-53 loss against the University of Central Missouri Jan. 25. Byers recorded a total of 10 points against the Mules.
ALLY JEFFRIES PHOTOGRAPHER
KAITLYN LISKO Sports Editor | @kaitlynmlisko
LANDON CLOUSE Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports