September 2024

MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

THE STANDARD SEPTEMBER ISSUE

2 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

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THE STANDARD SOMETHING NEW TO DO NEAR MSU! Downtown Springfield Farmers Market OPEN NOW!!

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FARMERS MARKET YOUR DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

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1822 Park Central Square Springfield, MO 65806 Autumn Equinox in Missouri is Sunday, September 22nd at 7:43am

is now STRONGer than ever.

New office location: Strong Hall 362!

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 | 3

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A note from the editors Leaves aren’t the only thing changing this season. A new president joins the university and names a new athletic director; a team of three editors lead The Standard; and The Standard has moved to Strong Hall after 16 years in Clay Hall.

This school year has already brought many changes, but we’re here to change with it. The role of editor-in-chief has been split three ways, with Em Blackstone, Liz Garcia and Jayden Pettus sharing the position. Together, we’re working to provide a consistent stream of stories that matter to you.

To stay updated on all things Missouri State, you can follow us at @thestandard_msu on Instagram and X, and The Standard on Facebook.

Sincerely, Em, Liz and Jayden

Standard staff Editorial staff Liz Garcia co-editor-in-chief Jayden Pettus co-editor-in-chief Em Blackstone co-editor-in-chief W. Paul Bohlen editor Reporters and visual artists Arden Dickson photographer Charles Sargent photographer Cooper Sams reporter Madison Reece reporter Mason Ray reporter Jude Jenkins reporter Maddux Radosevic reporter Robin Garner reporter

Maura Curran reporter Spencer Justice photographer Kaylee Vaughn photographer Copy Editors Liliana Hayes Maddie Tuning Isabel Gamble Advertising staff Caedran Yeidel advertising sales assistant Cadance Ruth advertising designer Professional staff Jack Dimond faculty adviser

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4 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

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FALL FESTIVAL ROUNDUP

Five must-see events around the Ozarks MADISON REECE Reporter While fall temperatures in the Ozarks may still be weeks away, the festivities are just around the corner. From apple fairs to pumpkin festivals, this season will offer a variety of local events that capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re looking to savor seasonal treats, enjoy live music and parades or to simply soak in the changing leaves, these upcoming fall festivals are sure to offer something for everyone.

Wickman’s Garden Village Annual Fall Festival: Sept. 14-15 1345 S. Fort Ave., Springfield

including mums, pansies and pumpkins. Best of all, the festival is free and open to the public. For more information, visit facebook. com/wickmans.

47th Annual Fair Grove Heritage Reunion: Sept. 28-29 138 S. Main St., Fair Grove

Step back in time at the 47th Annual Fair Grove Heritage Reunion hosted by the Fair Grove Historical and Preservation Society.

Taking place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept.

28-29, this event boasts hundreds of craft booths featuring a variety of handmade goods, live music from local artists, historical demonstrations and a fall-themed parade.

Admission for the reunion is free, but there is a parking fee. Don’t miss this chance to experience small-town charm with a historic twist. To learn more, visit fg-historical.org/ heritage-reunion.

Wickman’s Garden Village, located just east of MSU, will kick off the season with its annual Fall Festival. Running Sept. 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 33rd Annual Pumpkin Daze Fall 3 p.m., this festival will feature local food Festival: Oct. 4-5 vendors, artists and crafters, as well as family-friendly activities like pony and barrel J.R. Martin Park 300 E. Hines St., Republic The Pumpkin Daze Fall Festival will train rides. The event will also showcase a celebrate its 33rd year this October. This variety of fall decor and florals available for festival raises funds for local scholarships purchase at Wickman’s Garden Village:

Harvest Moon Festival: Oct. 6 5176 N. Fremont Rd., Nixa

Experience a magical evening under the stars on Oct. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Harvest Moon Festival, held at Cassidy Station at Estes Farms in Nixa. Taking place at a historic 150-year-old farmhouse, this event will offer a night of wine tasting, an elegant dinner and other culinary experiences under the autumn stars. Proceeds from the festival will benefit local children’s charities throughout the Ozarks. Tickets are required and available for purchase on the Price Cutter Charity Championship website, with couples tables priced at $500 and tables of eight priced at $1,850. For more information, visit pricecuttercc.org/events/harvest-moon-festival-7/.

Apple Butter Makin’ Days: Oct. 11-13 240 N. Main St., Mount Vernon

Rounding out the fall session in Mount Vernon, Apple Butter Makin’ Days is a fall festival staple. This festival is set to run Oct. and community grants, supporting students 11-13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Since and organizations in the area. On Friday, Oct. 1967, this festival has celebrated the age-old 4, from 12 - 6 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 5, tradition of making apple butter and today it from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy a variety of fall features over 400 booths featuring local activities including craft booths, food trucks, artists and craftspeople, handmade foods, and and a kids zone. The festival is also a live entertainment. With events like the weigh-in site for the Great Pumpkin Comwiener dog races, family-friendly games and monwealth pumpkin weigh-off. Guests are the largest parade in Southwest Missouri, invited to see some truly giant pumpkins there’s plenty of fun to be had. Learn more at while supporting a great cause. Visit mtvchamber.com/apple-butter-makin-days. republicpumpkindaze.com/ for more html. information.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 | 5

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Attendees traverse through a crowded Walnut Street near downtown Springfield at the 2023 Cider Days festival, which took place on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17, 2023.

Photo by W. Paul Bohlen Q@anthro_paul_ogist

Cider Days returns to Springfield this month JUDE JENKINS Reporter Q_judejenkins

and of course, apple cider.

Cider Days is set to take place on Sept. 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and will feature crafts, foods and music from local artCider Days returns to historic Walnut Street ists, vendors and musicians. Naturally, Cider in Springfield to showcase local music, art, food Days would not be complete without apple

cider. Cider Days 2023 had an estimated attendance of 20,000 people across both days of the festival, and the event’s organizers expect this number to only grow. This year’s festival will bring back an eclectic roster of some familiar faces from previous years, and the festival boasts its ability to always have new guests on top of longstanding favorites.

Whether you are an apple cider enthusiast or not, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds ensures the two cider booths are fully stocked on hot and cold apple cider. In addition to regular cider being served, Brick River Cider Co. will be selling alcoholic cider in the front yard of the Walnut Street Inn for the 21-and-up crowd.

Cider Days will feature music from local artists such as the Princesses of the 417 — who will perform each day of the festival — along with sets from molly., Sade Shine, The Bridgetones and Shawn Munday performed throughout the weekend. The musical lineup also includes a performance by the Parkview Lassies on Sunday. Dance groups such as Springfield Little ThePhoto by W. Paul Bohlen Qanthro_paul_ogist atre, Pat’s Clogging and the Fresh-squeezed lemonade soon to be enjoyed at the 2023 Cider Days festival. Crafts, foods Springfield Ballet will be joining and music from local artists, vendors and musicians can all be found at Cider Days. the entertainment as well.

Cider Days’ organizers urge attendees to come hungry, as there will be plenty of food trucks and local vendors to grab a bite from.

Hailey Magnus, a representative for the festival, recommends Lae’s Eggrolls and Tinga Tacos, and suggests washing it down with a bucket of lemonade from Chuck Wagon Lemonade. Cider Days 2023 featured vendors such as Greek Belly, The Wonkie Waffle and many more that attendees can expect to return.

In addition to highlighting local food vendors, the festival aims to represent local artists and businesses. Attendees can expect a full roster of local activities ahead of them at Cider Days. Artistree Pottery will have a “paint your own pottery” stand; AR Workshop will sell home decor and signage, as well as have a create-your-own yarn pumpkin workshop; The Ritzy Flat skincare will have a Ford Model T for people to take pictures in; and Flora and Forge will have a beautiful array of hand-picked flowers for buyers to choose from.

Returning to the festival is J.L. Long Traders, who “love seeing Walnut Street so active,” according to Co-owner Kelle Long. Growing up, Long even performed at Cider Days with Springfield Little Theatre.

“It’s fun to see people still enjoying the festival after all these years,” Long said.

Sponsors of Cider Days include Phelps County Bank, Andy B’s, Greenlight Dispensary, Mercy, Mama Jean’s Natural Market and many others. A complete list of sponsors can be found on the Cider Days website.

6 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

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Eight cozy books to enjoy this fall EM BLACKSTONE CO-Editor-in-Chief Qemblackstone As the weather cools, leaves begin to fall, shirts are swapped for sweaters, pumpkin-flavored treats re-emerge, apple-scented candles fill the air and the only thing left to complete the picture is to curl up under your favorite cozy blanket with an equally cozy book.

From new books inspired by BookTok, to older, beloved classics, these books have what you need to make this fall as cozy, comforting and entertaining as possible. Let this list inspire you to add on to your own To Be Read list.

In with the new: ‘The Pumpkin Spice Cafe,’ by Laurie Gilmore

3.46 stars on Goodreads with about 45,000 ratings.

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe has rapidly gained popularity on BookTok and been featured in numerous fall inspired book recommendation videos. The grumpy vs. sunshine trope is in full force when a city girl inherits a small cafe and tries winning over a local grumpy farmer. This cozy, small town romance book is the perfect way to (pumpkin) spice up your fall.

‘You Again,’ by Kate Goldbeck

3.6 stars on Goodreads with about 42,400 ratings.

According to readers on BookTok and written reviews, this book is a reimagined, modern version of “When Harry Met Sally”. Emotionally charged enemies-to-friends-to-lovers and incredibly funny. A love story with modern problems and characters who may be hard to like at some moments, but feels like fall and is worth a spot on your TBR list.

Photo by Em Blackstone Qemblackstone “The Invisible Life of Addie Larue,” “You, Again,” “Bride” and “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” were published after 2020.

These recent releases have gained popularity on BookTok. The classics including “A Walk to Remember,” “Little Women,” “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Dead Poets Society” were released predating 2000 and still remain popular today.

4,330,400 ratings.

While any of the Harry Potter books are excellent for fall, the third book is the perfect combination of spooky and heartfelt. Tension ‘The Dead Poets Society,’ by Nancy is high with the terrifying guards of Azkaban H. Kleinbaum at the school, and Harry must find strength 4.18 stars on Goodreads with about 120,700 within himself, while discovering who is friend ratings. or foe in a complex, magical world.

There’s nothing that says fall quite like the Dead Poets Society. A new English teacher at ‘A Walk to Remember,’ by Nicholas a boys’ school inspires the revival of a secret Sparks club, the Dead Poets Society. The members 4.2 stars on Goodreads with about 816,200 learn the beauty of poetry and the book encour- ratings. ages life, dreams and joy. A beautiful, thought This book is best saved for a rainy autumn provoking book that is best to read under a cozy day since it’s best known for making readers blanket with a candle lit. shed a few tears. This coming of age love story weaves together both tragedy and love for ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of two teenagers in the 1950s. A Nicholas Sparks Azkaban,’ by J.K. Rowling romance novel is just what you need to warm 4.58 stars on Goodreads with about your heart this fall.

The classics never go out of 4.04 stars on Goodreads with about 365,000 style:

‘Bride,’ by Ali Hazelwood

ratings.

Bride has it all from Vampires to Werewolves and promises a fiery, paranormal romance. Perfect to save for later in October to get into the halloween spirit.

‘The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue,’

by V.E. Schwab

4.18 stars on Goodreads with about 1,158,000 ratings.

This book is a long-time inhibitor of BookTok. Bargains, curses, sold souls and epic adventure through many centuries will leave you entertained and occupy your mind with thoughts of dark magic, making you grateful you didn’t make a deal with the devil.

‘Little Women,’ by Louisa May Alcott

4.16 stars on Goodreads with about 2,280,600 ratings.

Little Women is the perfect book for cozy comfort. Following the life of three sisters as they navigate their struggles through life, it explores themes of family and thankfulness, leaving you smiling along with each page of the story. This is truly a feel-good story and is best saved for late fall to leave you excited for Christmas just around the corner.

Even if your TBR list is already a mile long, there’s always room for one, or a couple more additions. Especially ones as cozy, magical, and heartwarming as these.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 | 7

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8 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

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President Williams joins MSU with initiative EM BLACKSTONE CO-Editor-in-Chief Qemblackstone On July 1, 2024, Dr. Richard “Biff” Williams became the 12th president of Missouri State University. Two months into his new role, President Williams already feels at home in Springfield and has been welcomed with open arms by the community, faculty, staff and students.

“I feel like my wife and I really fit the community. We’re very comfortable here. The community is very warm and welcoming,” said Williams.

Part of his new community are also fellow Springfield university presidents. Just recently, Williams was invited to lunch with the presidents, including the new Drury University President, Jeff Frederick.

So far into his presidency, Williams has undergone extensive training to catch up on how the university operates. After serving as president of Utah Tech for 10 years, Williams brings considerable expertise, but there’s always something new to learn.

“Everything’s different from university to university, so the board of governors put together a transition plan for me of all the different departments I need to learn about, trainings I should get on budget and procurement — and different things — so I’ve been going through that and there was 70 items that I had to do and I’m done,” said Williams.

Williams says he feels confident in his progress so far, though it will most likely take all year to get entirely educated on the university. Throughout his experience in education, he has occupied a variety of roles. Williams believes this diverse background will help him be a successful president.

His professional history includes University of Northern Iowa, where he was a faculty member; executive associate director of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services; athletic training department chair; and associate dean of the College of Education. He then served at Indiana State University as provost and vice president for academic affairs and founding dean of the College of Nursing, Health and Human Services. In his most recent role before MSU, he served as President of Utah Tech.

“I feel like each one of those institutions gave me a new perspective, and I don’t think there’s a lot of presidents that can say ‘well I was a faculty member, then a program director, then department chair, then associate dean, a dean, a president’ and so I am just really grateful I have those experiences, and I think it helps me because I can relate to different faculty and staff at different stages because I’ve been there.”

In addition to learning the inner workings of MSU, he has made a considerable effort to meet as many people as he can. Through talking with faculty and staff at the university, Williams discovered something that stuck out to him.

“What I’ve learned from this university is that people come here and they stay. So talking, going on my listening tour, people usually introduce themselves and say how long they’ve been here, and you just constantly hear 25, 35, 40 years. I’ve even heard 45 years,” he said. “That says a lot about the university, that people come, they like it here, they’re comfortable here, they feel valued here.”

When Williams first began his presidency at Utah Tech, his goal was to stay for 10 years, then find another university that would help him grow and stay professionally satisfied.

True to his plan, he left Utah Tech after 10 years. Now that

Photo courtesy Missouri State University

President Biff Williams connects with students to learn about MSU. he’s landed at MSU, he has another plan.

“To be honest, my plan is to retire here, if they’ll have me,” said Williams. “I think you can do a lot in 10 years, but I think it takes you 10 years to really start seeing all the work come together, so I would really like to be here to finish out my career if I could. Things happen, but that’s my plan for now.”

In his 10 years spent at Utah Tech, Williams said he was building the university from the ground up. At MSU the foundation is already established, and other objectives will be his priority like supporting the things MSU already has established.

“I was building a university out there (in Utah), so a lot of my focus was on building buildings, building academic programs, where here, it’s really about supporting the faculty and staff, looking at the buildings we have — how can we improve them?”

During the summer and since classes resumed in August, Williams has immersed himself in campus life activities.

From Bear Bash to Playfair, helping with move-in day, Convocation and cheering at a football game, he said seeing the students back on campus again was his favorite part to starting the year.

“Move-in day was really fun because all the energy comes with the students,” said Williams. “And you can just feel it. In the summer you’re walking around and there’s some students, but when all the students are here, there’s just a lot of energy.”

While spending time around MSU students for the first time as president, Williams was surprised at the number and type of interactions he has experienced so far, including lots of requests for selfies. He said a lot of these interactions were done by former MSU President Smart, and he’s happy to continue that tradition.

“The students are so nice here. Not that they were not nice everywhere else, but I don’t know if it’s that we’re finally out of the COVID funk a little bit, but students come up to me and talk to me all the time, and they would at other institutions, but not like here,” he said. “I get stopped all the time… I have loved that. That’s been great.”

President Williams is most excited for one university event in particular, and was surprised that people were already planning months in advance.

“Homecoming. I’ve read so much. I’ve seen so many YouTube (videos) and different posts and different things. I think you all do it really well,” said Williams. “I’ve seen a lot of great homecomings, but I’m really anxious to watch Homecoming.

That’s gonna be fun I think.”

Coming into his presidency, Williams’ goal was to talk to students about their experience at MSU. This was a vital step for him considering he employed the same tactic at Utah State, which helped him learn what to improve on. As a result of his listening sessions, he realized “the 10 years I was there, they hit the nail on the head. That’s exactly what we needed. And that’s what we did.”

“That’s really important for us to have different groups of students come and have dinner with my wife and I, and then to talk about their MSU experience. That’s been a lot of fun,” said Williams. “We exist for the students. That’s why you have a university.”

Williams has seen results using this method, so he hopes to take these student experiences at MSU and create a strategic plan to further develop the university.

“I’m looking forward to the strategic planning process, hearing the student voice and seeing what it is that we need to improve upon or what we’re lacking, what we need to add on, because the student’s are gonna tell us,” said Williams. “And then if we capitalize on that, then the students will be here to really enjoy it.”

Although he’s currently planning for future strategic goals, Williams has already made an impact by playing a role in the hiring of the new athletic director, Patrick Ransdell. Williams recognized the importance of athletics at the university and is excited for the future of MSU’s athletics programs.

“He’s really well suited to build a revenue stream. So I think that we’re gonna see athletics really explode here in the next few years,” said Williams.

Williams believes improving the athletics programs will open a door for the university, and help garner more prestige.

“People will see our band, people will see the research we’re doing. They’ll see the academic programs that we have.”

With Williams’ strategic plan estimated to be finalized June 2025 and Ransdell bringing his expertise to MSU, the changes will hopefully further enhance the MSU experience. Williams suspects the strategic plan will most likely involve a list centered around academics, enrollment, operational efficiency and new degree programs.

“My focus with the strategic plan is to really emphasize that this is going to be our plan. Our — meaning it’s the students, the faculty, the staff, the alumni, the community, the legislature, past donors and business leaders,” he said. “So my main goal is to have us all rally around a common purpose to figure out what is it that we want to do.”

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 | 9

Ransdell named director of intercollegiate athletics JAYDEN PETTUS Co-Editor-in-Chief Dpettusjayden MSU introduced Patrick Ransdell as its new director of intercollegiate athletics at a public news conference on Friday, Aug. 30, in the Plaster Student Union Theater.

The news conference welcomed lots of fanfare and excitement among current and former student and faculty in attendance.

Ransdell will become MSU’s 11th athletic director (AD), signing a five-year deal to hold the position through 2029. Prior to joining the Missouri State Athletics Department, he was the deputy AD for external relations at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, serving since 2021.

The search to find a new AD began on June 12, after former AD Kyle Moats announced he would be leaving the school to become the AD at Eastern Kentucky University. Brent Dunn, chair of the AD search committee, said that the committee reviewed 54 applicants for the job, and landed on Ransdell out of three finalists. “[Ransdell] is the right person to lead Missouri State University athletics as we prepare to join Conference USA next year,” Missouri State President Dr. Richard “Biff” Williams said. “His experience and leadership style will help Missouri State move to the next level of competition.”

Aside from his time at Appalachian State, Ransdell brings experience from multiple positions at the University of Central Florida, where he spent five years serving as the executive associate AD for revenue generation, before taking on the role of chief revenue officer for UCF’s athletic department.

Additionally, Ransdell spent time holding leadership roles at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, University of North Carolina - Wilmington, Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina and the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi for 20 collective years of experience at six different Division I universities.

During his time at both Appalachian State and UCF, both schools saw a major boost in total attendance across all sporting events, while having national success on the playing field.

Appalachian State even led the nation in percentage of stadium capacity filled during his tenure.

Ransdell joins MSU Athletics in a time of major change across Missouri State. A new President, multiple head coaches and now a new AD all take helm this year, while next year the school moves to Conference USA. With a glaringly obvious attendance issue, Ransdell seems to be a promising pick for Missouri State athletics.

“My family and I couldn’t be more excited to join the Missouri State family and serve as

Photo by Jayden Pettus Qjpettus_media Newly named MSU Athletic Director Patrick Ransdell prepares to speak at his first news conference on Friday, Aug. 30, in the Plaster Student Union Theater. your next director of athletics,” said Ransdell.

“I want to thank President Williams and the Missouri State Board of Governors for their trust and confidence in my ability to lead our athletic department to new heights. I also appreciate the search committee for their dedicated efforts throughout the interview process.”

Ransdell is ready to begin his story at MSU. “I am eager to work with our talented student-athletes, coaches, staff, passionate alumni and enthusiastic fans,” said Ransdell.

“With Missouri State’s history of success, solid foundation and the opportunity of growth for both the university and the surrounding community of Springfield, I could not have dreamed up a more ideal place for the Ransdell family. We are ready and excited to begin this journey together.”

Photo by Jayden Pettus Q@jpettus_media

Attendees welcome newly named MSU Athletic Director Patrick Ransdell at news conference on Friday, Aug. 30, in the Plaster Student Union Theater.

10 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

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Garner: ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ brings back the golden age of comics in a new style Robin Garner Reporter ;,DyippieRobin The first animated Batman show to be released in a decade has a lot on its shoulders.

The legacy of “Batman: The Animated Series” is something that every adaptation of Batman has been compared to since it first aired in 1992. “Batman: Caped Crusader” is held to a higher standard, considering it’s produced by one of the co-creators of “Batman: The Animated Series,” Bruce Timm. Timm isn’t the only big name attached; Matt Reeves and JJ Abrams are also producers, and former Batman comic writer Ed Brubaker was a head writer for the show. “Batman: Caped Crusader” is also the first major project since the untimely death of legendary voice actor Kevin Conroy, who was the voice of Batman since his debut in the original series.

Despite the abundance of expectations thrust upon it, “Batman: Caped Crusader” is a welcome addition to the Batman canon.

The show is vaguely set in the 1940s, and it uses inspiration from Batman comics of that era to establish the show’s tone. While the content is not overly dark, it does confront the very real corruption in both the police and the political system. This notable period of comics is referred to as the Golden Age, but it’s no longer a direct source of inspiration.

This aspect of “Batman: Caped Crusader” is what piqued my interest. It’s a modern look at the old era of comic books, blending elements from the Modern Age and the Golden Age. You can see that blend with Batman’s costume, which is based on his early appearances in the comics but cleans up Bill Finger’s original design.

Batman himself has an interesting characterization.

The modern lens on the Golden Age hero informs this emotionally stilted, traumatized man who wants to help, but in doing so, closes himself off from his only remaining family, Alfred Pennyworth. Batman’s deep voice is default when on screen,

regardless of the setting. Even when he’s safe and alone in the Batcave, he speaks with the same voice he uses on patrol. He’s afraid to be vulnerable and remove his mask, to admit to himself that he’s just a man.

One of my favorite moments in the season is when Bruce is thinking back to childhood; we see him as a nine-year-old standing at the foot of Alfred’s bed recounting a mission. You already see him adopting a pre-pubescent version of the voice he later uses. It’s an amazingly effective scene that shows us the trauma Bruce faces, and how it informs the most basic aspects of his character.

Throughout the season, Batman’s character slowly converts from a man with no allies and is hateful to Alfred, to a member of a team working against the impossible odds of Gotham’s criminal underbelly. This is a Batman who is learning to open himself back up.

Batman’s loneliness is a unique concept in the Golden Age — he’d always been accompanied by Robin. However the modern character has such a recognizable character arc that it becomes central to understanding him. It was such an important moment in the finale when Batman actually addresses Alfred by first name

instead of just calling him Pennyworth.

“Batman: Caped Crusader” is fundamentally an origin story, despite the fact that the first episode already establishes Batman as a fulltime vigilante. It takes a lot of inspiration from stories like “Batman: Year One” by Frank Miller; both Batman and his allies have to learn how to work together. This can make some of the characters feel off at times. Out of the main cast, Jim Gordon felt the most flat, and his relationship with Batman needed more development. This is partly because Barbra Gordon is a more active character in Batman’s origin and is the first person outside of Alfred to have any means of communication with him. It’s an interesting direction for the characters, and it sets up a future “Batgirl” well, but it does leave Jim feeling underdeveloped. His main role in the story is as Lieutenant Gordon, one of the only good cops in the Gotham City Police Department.

The corruption of the police and the political system of Gotham is a central theme in the show — we even see the police releasing a supervillain out into the streets in an effort to catch Batman. Detectives Flask and Bullock take up the face of corruption, and while they’re

two recurring villains, the show didn’t spend much time exploring what would happen with two very corrupt people running the task force.

This was a recurring issue throughout the show. The episodic format was effective in allowing Batman to fight multiple villains and showcase a lot of cool concepts, but the short season made it so that certain themes would get dropped or felt underexplored.

Harvey Dent had the most consistent, enjoyable arcs, especially in the latter half of the season when we see him through a more personal lens instead of solely through Barbra’s interactions with him. He becomes a compelling character who is the central focus for the last two episodes.

The second to last episode is my favorite.

The conflicts between Bruce and Dent merge together, ultimately leading Dent to becoming two-faced. It’s one of the most interesting aspects of the series.

Overall, “Batman: Caped Crusader” is a good show that leads the Batman mythos in some interesting directions, but it fails to explore all of its themes in enough depth for them to be compelling.

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‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ surpasses billion-dollar mark at the box office COOPER SAMS Reporter Less than a month following its July 26 release, “Deadpool & Wolverine” currently sits as the eighth superhero movie of all time to cross the billion dollar total at the box office.

It is the first superhero film to do so in over two years, since “Spider-Man: No Way Home” did so in late 2021.

It also became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, surpassing “Joker,” which was released in 2019. The success of “Deadpool & Wolverine” is not just financial. The film currently sits at a 95% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.0 rating on IMDb. In a post-“Avengers: Endgame” world — and with duds like “Madame Webb” and “Morbius” marking the superhero genre with a black eye — “Deadpool & Wolverine” has managed to capture audience’s hearts in a way recent superhero films have utterly failed to.

With a star-studded cast filling titular roles and beloved characters — Ryan Reynolds and

Hugh Jackman continuing their roles as Deadpool and Wolverine, Wesley Snipes as Blade and Chris Evans reprising his role as Johnny Storm — the movie features an array of characters that audiences are familiar with, placing them together on screen for the first time.

The film is not just fan-favorite characters returning for a mashup. Deadpool’s trademark juvenile humor is back and stronger than ever, now with all of Disney property available to him as cannon fodder, including references to Spider-Man, the Avengers and even Kevin Feige himself.

While this crass humor is still essential to the movie — as it has been in past Deadpool releases — this film also featured a seemingly missing piece from many recent superhero flicks: heart.

From Ryan Reynolds to Channing Tatum, it is clear that “Deadpool & Wolverine” was a labor of love from everyone involved. The plot very much reflects the journeys of those on screen, with the story revolving around Deadpool and his gang of cast-off characters simply looking for meaning and importance after being rejected from their world.

Despite the usual Deadpool antics with bizarre sex jokes and absurd fourth wall breaks, the end credits reveal this film for what it truly is: a genuine, heartfelt story. “Deadpool & Wolverine” concludes with a loving tribute to 20th Century Fox with clips of Fox’s long history with superhero films. Memories of the very first “X-Men” and most recently “Logan,” play as the names of cast and crew scroll by.

It is this love and genuine care in “Deadpool & Wolverine” that has caused it to be so well received. It currently sits at over 1.1 billion dollars in total gross, with that number surely climbing each day.

Perhaps the film could revive the once-dominant genre of superhero films and usher in an era rivaling 2010s Marvel. Or maybe, just as the film is a perfect tribute to the end of 20th Century Fox, it will end up seen as a bookend to the reign of superhero films.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is a perfect send-off to what superhero films have always been: violent, bombastic — stupid even — but always a ton of fun.

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Emerald City meets emerald season

Photo by Liz Garcia @liz.vanessa__ Springfield Little Theatre’s season lineup also includes “Exit Laughing” and “The Little Mermaid.”

Springfield Little Theatre opens 90th season with ‘The Wizard of Oz’ LIZ GARCIA Co-Editor-in-Chief Qliz.vanessa__ Springfield Little Theatre opens its 90th season — named their emerald season — on ­Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. with the age-old classic, “The Wizard of Oz” at The Historic Landers Theatre in downtown Springfield.

The musical is directed by Beth Domann, the executive director of SLT. Domann has held the role of executive director since 2004 and has worn a variety of hats throughout her long history with the theater. In 1996, she became the education director, then shifted to artistic director in 2002. One of Domann’s first experiences with theater was with SLT. In high school, her theater student teacher

brought her to SLT for an audition, and Domann was cast as Card Number Five in “Alice in Wonderland.”

SLT’s origins stretch back to 1934, opening with its first production, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” The Landers Theatre was constructed in 1909 and has been continuously used to host motion picture showings or theater productions since. SLT purchased the

building in 1970. “(Springfield Little Theatre is) the oldest community theater in the state of Missouri,” said Domann.

“The Wizard of Oz” musical is an adaptation of the iconic, beloved 1939 film. According to Domann, the stage production is a close retelling of the film, with the exception of a few different numbers. The stage adaptation still includes famous tunes from the film like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard.”

Domann further brings the magical world of Oz to life using fly systems. With the help of ZFX — a flying company that helps theaters get actors in the air — audiences will see Dorothy blown away by the tornado that transports her to Oz and watch Glinda’s bubble miraculously float.

Dorothy’s canine companion Toto will be played by a Border Terrier named Grace. Grace joined the production after Domann reached out to her cousin, a veterinarian, about finding clients who would volunteer their pets for the production.

“We love this dog, she’s perfect. She’s doing a great job,” said Domann.

SLT further immerses audiences in the Emerald City with a green carpet and photo opportunity welcoming them to the performance as they enter the theater. According to Domann, emerald jewelry has been donated

by Maxon Fine Jewelry that will be raffled off throughout the season.

A pre-show event called the Emerald City Gala will be hosted at The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 14th, leading up to the main performance later in the night. Guests will celebrate SLT’s emerald season with live music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. This ticketed event also includes a seat at the 7:30 p.m. show. Following the performance will be an afterparty, where gala ticket holders are invited to meet “The Wizard of Oz” cast and crew.

Despite having been with SLT for over 30 years, Domann is still excited by rehearsals and the thrill of opening night.

“Opening nights are fun. Finally, people are getting to see what it is you’re doing and what you and the cast have been working on,” said Domann.

The Landers Theatre is currently undergoing slight renovations, including installing new HVAC systems, updating sinks and wallpaper in the bathrooms, and changing the carpet, which are all expected to be completed by opening night.

To learn more, visit springfieldlittletheatre. org.

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HOT TO GLO Chappell Roan donates ticket sales to Springfield LGBTQ+ resource center LIZ GARCIA Co-Editor-in-Chief Qliz.vanessa__ Pop musician and southwest Missouri native Chappell Roan will be donating a portion of the ticket sales from her upcoming tour dates this fall to The GLO Center here in Springfield.

On July 16, Roan announced new tour dates on X for her ongoing tour, The Midwest Princess Tour. The upcoming shows will be performed in Rogers, Arkansas; Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Franklin, Tennessee, along with music festival performances at All Things Go and Austin City Limits in between. From all three tour shows, $1 per ticket will be donated to The GLO Center, a Springfield-based organization providing resources, support, and advocacy to LGBTQ+ individuals living in the Springfield and Ozarks community.

Aaron Schekorra, executive director of the GLO Center since January 2024, said there are a total of 28,500 available tickets across the three shows coming this fall. Assuming each show is sold out, the total donation amount is expected to be $28,500, Schekorra said.

“For an organization of our size, it’s a significant amount of support,” he said.

The GLO Center plans on using half the donated money towards keeping their doors open and funding programs currently in the works. Next month, a grab-and-go food pantry will be available to anyone in need of food access. Schekorra said there are individuals who currently visit The GLO Center and eat in the space, but it may be their only meal of the day. The remaining total of the donation will fund new initiatives to support and promote local queer artists.

Photo by Liz Garcia Qliz.vanessa__ The GLO Center is located at 518 E. Commercial St. in Springfield. The center was founded in 1966 by local community leaders and is the only LGBTQ+ resource center in southwest Missouri.

Roan’s advocacy for queer individuals in the Midwest has highlighted the importance of servicing LGBTQ+ individuals in parts of the country where resources and support are harder to come by, and has framed a more positive outlook for the organization, Schekorra said.

“We’ve been here for years and we’ve had moments where we’ve been on the news and more front of mind, but usually, unfortunately, (those moments) are around (The GLO Center) fighting for rights or dealing with local and state government making poor decisions that negatively impact the lives of queer people,” he said.

Roan, who hails from Willard, Missouri, has quickly catapulted into extreme stardom.

In just the past six months, she has joined Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts Tour as an opener; released

her most recent single “Good Luck, Babe,” which currently stands at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100; and has played at prominent music festivals like Lollapalooza and The Governors Ball, attracting large crowds.

According to a Lollapalooza representative who spoke with CNN, Roan was moved to perform on the festival’s main stage after interest increased in the weeks nearing her previously scheduled performance on a smaller stage. Despite her growing success, Roan continues to support her local community and unabashedly uses her platform to raise awareness about the presence of LGBTQ+ communities in Midwestern and rural areas.

“There are queer people everywhere in these teeny tiny towns who are the same as the bitches on the coasts,” Roan said in an interview

with drag queen Trixie Mattel in Paper Magazine.

Roan first embarked on The Midwest Princess Tour in 2023. On Sept. 20, 2023, she performed a show in Springfield at The Gillioz Theatre. Admission to the concert was free, but Roan encouraged donations to The GLO Center.

“While the celebration is free, we highly encourage donations, all of which will go to support GLO, the LGBTQ community center in Springfield,” she said in an Instagram post.

The GLO Center was contacted about a partnership with Chappell Roan’s upcoming Midwest Princess shows through PLUS1, a registered 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that engages artists with social change through various means.

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Bohlen: An extra reason to listen to the Bears in 2024-25 W. PAUL BOHLEN Sports Editor Dwpbohlen From the gridiron to the court to the diamond, MSU Athletics are returning, as all students are, to campus. With all the excitement of the new seasons that are starting and the clean 0-0 slates that leave all possibilities open, there’s another reason for all Bear fans, students, alumni and the like to tune in this year.

The 2024-25 academic year will be the final full year of coverage from the Voice of the Bears beloved broadcaster Art Hains.

Aside from a four-year period in the early 1980s, Hains has been the Voice since 1977, when he was a fresh graduate from Southern Methodist University only 21 years old. In that time, he called play-by-play for football, men’s basketball and baseball and worked his way into the hearts of countless Missouri State fans and members of the Springfield community.

Most recently, Hains has been in the news for his harrowing battle with West Nile Virus since September 2022; for a period of time, doctors did not expect him to survive.

Yet here he is, calling Bears games still.

Hains made his return to broadcasting on Sept.

23, 2023, when he sat in a modified recording studio to accommodate his wheelchair atop the Robert W. Plaster Stadium grandstand, watched and cheered on by all in the press booth that day. Missouri State defeated the Utah Tech Trailblazers, 59-14, in a fantastic showing of offense where starting quarterback Jacob Clark nearly broke an MSU rushing yards record.

It was a wonderful game to have him back to, and while neither the football, basketball or baseball seasons were particularly prosperous after that point, having Hains back made it a little easier to stomach.

Hains’ presence has been as much of a mainstay at those events as former Director of Athletics Bill Rowe or former men’s soccer head coach Jon Leamy. They’re part of the MSU community, and you can take solace in know-

ing they’ll be there, good or bad, rain or shine, win or lose.

That made it all the more bittersweet to hear of his upcoming retirement after the first home game of the Bears’ football season in Conference USA, in September 2025.

“Due to my physical limitations, it’s become more difficult to prepare for and describe the games the way I once did,” Hains said.

“The time comes for everyone, and this being our last year in the (Missouri Valley Conference), I’ll just go out with The Valley.”

I call it bittersweet because while Hains’ being missing from the Bears’ broadcast will be quite a loss, it’s sweet because he, of all people, deserves a farewell tour. I’m thrilled he gets the chance to make the hero’s exit.

I can’t say Hains is the greatest broadcaster ever; I can’t say I grew up listening Photo by MSU Creative Services Art Hains has been the Voice of the Bears since 1977. to him every game; I can’t Corey Riggs, Hains’ broadcasting partner say — not for sure at least — that he’s had any not know Art,” Ford said. “And if you do know of the so-called greatest calls in college sports. Art, you love Art.” for more than a decade, will be his successor.

But I can say that Hains is my favorite broadThat brings us to my request: you all, those I have full faith that Riggs will do an amazing caster. of you reading this, should tune in to his cov- job as the next voice of the Bears. I don’t know, I just love the way he tells stories and how erage of football, basketball and/or baseball however, if he will ever become “The Voice of utterly maroon and white he is. More than a games this year. Even for one game, just don’t the Bears,” or if Hains’ legacy will live on in great broadcaster, he’s a great person; I’ve gen- let yourself go through life not being able to that name. uinely never heard a bad thing said about him. say you’ve caught one of Hains’ shows.

The point I want to make is that we have Former men’s basketball head coach Dana Just to be clear, he doesn’t need my help, had something really great here since 1977 and Ford spoke highly of Hains when, at a Bears and this isn’t advertising. I’m writing this col- not enough of us have recognized that. We have game on Dec. 9, 2023, Springfield Mayor Ken umn as someone who, first of all, is deeply one more season — and one game next season passionate about the Bears, and second, sees — to acknowledge it.

McClure declared it Art Hains Day. You won’t regret catching the Missouri “I don’t know how anyone can be associat- people like Hains as few and far between nowSports Hall of Famer on his farewell tour. ed with the university in any kind of way and adays.

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