HIGHLANDER
THE
University of California, Riverside
ISSUE 73 VOLUME 13
For the week of 21, JANUARY 2025
est. 1954
CEASE FIRE IN GAZA Israel and Hamas six month ceasefire halts 15 months of violence
Fire breaks out in Positron Laboratory Immediate evacuation followed by investigation of the Physics building to determine cause of fire.
After 470 days of genocide, Gaza looks to rebuild.
By: Mata Elangovan, Managing Editor
By: Senna Omar, Editor-in-Chief
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fire broke out on campus at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) and prompted immediate evacuation and disbursement of the fire investigator and Hazardous Materials Team to investigate the situation. The fire was reported at 2:20 p.m on Jan. 16, 2024 in Physics building 1159 on the northeast side of campus near Winston Chung Hall. While the cause of the fire has not been determined as of publication, investigations are currently underway.
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fter 470 days of genocide, negotiation efforts between Hamas and Israel have resulted in a temporary ceasefire. In the first phase of this three phase plan, on Sunday, Jan 19, 2024 three Israeli hostages were exchanged for approximately 90 Palestinian prisoners of war. The start of this ceasefire was set to begin on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. Gaza time, however, the plan was delayed by three hours by Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu. Mediated by the United States (U.S), Qatar, and Egypt, this ceasefire mirrors a three-phase deal proposed by Former President Joe Biden eight months ago in May 2024; it calls for the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners of war and an end to all fighting in Gaza for 42 days (six weeks). Former President Biden explained in his farewell address, “This plan was developed and negotiated by my team and will be largely implemented by the incoming administration. That's why I told my team to keep the incoming administration fully informed.”
The wing of the Physics building where the fire occurred is known as the annex and is home to the Positron Laboratory which is located in room 1159 according to a paper posted on an exterior entrance. The building was promptly evacuated by the UCR Building Emergency Staff and no civilian injuries were reported.
After 470 days of genocide, Gaza looks to rebuild. Newsom’s proposed Read More on page 3 NEWS
UC budget cuts threatens UCR’s future
A reporter in the audience asked who in the history books would be credited with orchestrating this ceasefire, and the Former President responded, “Is that a joke?”
Gov. Newsom’s proposed budget cuts to UC’s operational funds will significantly harm campuses like UCR, which heavily depend on state funding.
President Donald Trump — inaugurated into office for the second time yesterday, Jan. 20, 2024 — was quick to claim credit for the ceasefire in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. President Trump shared his pleasure with the agreement, “This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies.”
By: The Editorial Board
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n Jan. 10, 2025, Gov. Gavin Newsom released his budget proposal for 2025-2026, kicking off negotiations between the governor and the state legislature over California’s fiscal priorities. Calling this year’s budget “a non-event,” Gov. Newsom’s proposal anticipates a total budget of $322 billion — the second largest state spending plan ever — with a “modest” surplus of $363 million following the previous year’s deficit of $46 billion.
“We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!”
While certain areas saw a rise in funding, including K-12 education and community colleges, the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) budget was slashed by nearly eight percent — totaling $772 million combined. According to the proposed budget, UC’s operational funding will be reduced by $396.6 million as the state plans to defer $240.8 million from the five percent base increase until 2027-2028 and $31 million for the ongoing program to “replace nonresident students with California students” at UC campuses like Berkeley, Los Angeles and San Diego.
The first stage of the ceasefire will last six weeks; during this time, 33 of the remaining 98 Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for the return of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees — the exact number of Palestinians who will be released has yet to be revealed. Read More on page 4, NEWS
Read more on page 9, OPINIONS
In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The life story of a civil rights activist and pastor: Legacy turned to a day of service. By: Senna Omar, Editor-in-Chief
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n Nov. 2, 1983, former President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law designating the third Monday of January a federal holiday. The holiday serves in remembrance of the civil rights leader Dr. Marin Luther King Jr. First introduced just four days after his assassination, this legislation took over 15 years of persistence from civil rights activists to be recognized federally, and an additional 17 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states. Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Day is the only federal holiday that is designated as a national day of service, encouraging Americans everywhere to engage in community service in honor of MLK. Born in Atlanta, Georgia on Jan. 15, 1929, Dr. King led The Civil Rights Movement across the United States (U.S.) from the mid-1950s until his assassina-
tion on April 4, 1968. His leadership was fundamental to ending legal segregation and achieving civil liberties for African Americans in the U.S. Dr. King came from a Southern middle class family. Growing up on Auburn Avenue, also known as “Black Wall Street," this bustling street was home to some of the most successful Black businesses and churches predating The Civil Rights Movement. From an early age, King was exposed to prejudices that were familiar to Black families living in the South. Read more on page 8, NEWS