UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE
The Highlander
VOL. 74, 75, ISSUE ISSUE 30 01 VOL.
For the week of Tuesday, September 29, 2026
est. 1954
2 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org
Humans of UCR
Staff Editor-in-Chief
Compiled by Ian Palma, Managing Editor
Angelica Brianna Acosta
editorinchief@highlandernews.org Managing Editor
“
Ian Palma
“I did summer research here at UC Riverside under a lab. I just spent my summer doing research and helping graduate students. I’m hopefully going to present my whole project in the spring.”
managingeditor@highlandernews.org News Editor
Kassandra Aguirre
news@highlandernews.org Asst. News Editor
Andrew Hagler
asst.news@highlandernews.org
“I’m taking physical chemistry [and] biochemistry in the second part of the series. I also have to take an ethnic studies class as general education.”
Opinions Editor
Jasmine Nguyen
opinions@highlandernews.org
Asst. Opinions Editor
Shreya Patel
asst.opinions@highlandernews.org
“My goals this year is just to not stress so much and spend my last year with friends. I want to socialize but also do well with school.”
Features Editor
Malini Joseph
features@highlandernews.org
Asst. Features Editor
Rachel Ko
“I remember there’s this checklist of what Riverside students should do before they graduate that I want to do with my friends such as going hiking.”
asst.features@highlandernews.org
Radar Editor
Jihoon Kwon
radar@highlandernews.org Assistant Radar Editor
Abigail Ortiz
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Izzy Graham
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Iyanna Wallace
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Alexander Wang
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THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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CHASS Welcome Week Celebration 11am to 1pm Hinderaker Hall
Tuesday
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Upcoming Events
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Fall Involvement Fair: Meet Student Orgs 10am to 1pm UCR Bell Tower 2026 UCR Fall Career & Internship Fair 11am to 3pm HUB (Highlander Union Building)
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4 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
News
NEWS
The Highlander celebrates its 75th edition COMMEMORATING DECADES OF INDEPENDENT STUDENT JOURNALISM.
highlandernews.org/category/news
Riverside train set on fire in robbery A BURLINGTON NORTHERN AND SANTA FE TRAIN SHIPPING GOODS FROM LOS ANGELES TO CHICAGO WAS SET ABLAZE. ANDRREW HAGLER Assistant News Editor
ALEX WONG / THE HIGHLANDER ANDRREW HAGLER Assistant News Editor
The 2026 fall quarter marks the unofficial 75th anniversary of The Highlander. The Highlander is a studentled newspaper that was founded at the University of California Riverside (UCR) in 1954. Since its founding, The Highlander has served both UCR and the Inland Empire by reporting on issues pertinent to the community, such as local politics, campus government and student protests. The organization also draws attention to campus life through features voices student perspectives through its opinion section, recognizes student athletics through sports and highlights the arts in the local community through its radar section. As an award-winning publication, The Highlander represents UCR in nationally acclaimed journalism competitions every year, namely the California College Media Association’s (CCMA) Best of Student Media Awards. In 2026 The Highlander won two CCMA awards. Henya Dadem, a Highlander Marketing Intern at the time won third place for best online advertisement.Ian Palma,
former radar editor and current years. managing editor won first place Nearly as old as the school for best Arts & Entertainment itself, The Highlander has story, beating out over 15,000 served as a record of campus competing colleges and history and issues relevant universities participating in to the UCR community. In each. 1970, The Highlander covered Many of the Highlander’s Governor Ronald Reagan’s alumni have gone on to visit to campus along with the pursue prestigious careers student protests and police in the creative fields. Steve confrontation that followed, Breen, Pulitzer prize winning reflecting The Highlander’s cartoonist, began his career as a continued coverage of student cartoonist for The Highlander. protests and activism In Emily Wells, a UCR alumni, 2024 the Highlander covered started her journalism career 7-months of pro-Palestinian as a contributing writer for The student protests, encampments Highlander and later became and negotiations, highlighting the arts & entertainment editor student discontent and before going on to work as advocacy. an editor of fashion and art Since its founding, The magazines and as a reporter Highlander has remained for the Press Enterprise. She an independent news currently teaches writing at the organization, prioritizing the University of California Irvine “pursuit of truth, the free and is a published author. exchange of information and The Highlander, was known ideas and maintaining a fair as the UCR Cub for its first two and independent student voice.” years before being renamed. For most of its history, The The organization was founded Highlander has been entirely in 1954, despite having self-funded until 2001, when existed for 72 years, its 75th ASUCR passed a referendum anniversary issue releases in to provide it with funding. The coincidence with the start of its Highlander remains primarily 75th annual volume, due to the self-funded through advertising ■H release of multiple publications revenue. in certain school ALEX WONG / THE HIGHLANDER
On Thursday, Sept. 17, a Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway train was set on fire in Riverside as part of a robbery, allowing suspects to rob freight cars while the train had stopped. After receiving a report around 4:40 a.m. firefighters arrived at the scene to discover a shipping crate opened and on fire, which they were able to extinguish. Officials have not yet released a statement on what items were stolen and whether any suspects had been arrested. The robbery reflects a trend of increasingly aggressive railroad robberies conducted by organized groups stealing and reselling cargo, following an attempted San Bernardino train robbery in August where suspects opened fire on BNSF officers. These were preceded by heists in the Victor Valley area, with officers recovering more than $437,000 in cash and stolen goods last month. BNSF spokeswoman Lena Kent stated that BNSF police are currently investigating the attack, and “working with federal, state, local, and tribal police departments to coordinate our approach to disrupting criminal activity and arresting offenders.” ■ H
highlandernews.org/category/news
NEWS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
5
UCR surpasses their former admissions records THE INCREASE INTENDS TO FURTHER SUPPORT UNIVERSITY GROWTH. KASSANDRA AGUIRRE News Editor
In July 2026, the University of California, Riverside’s (UCR) admissions office announced that they had broken their previous admissions record again, citing the expansion as part of efforts to promote university growth. With this, some have begun to criticize the decision, referencing the need to respond to existing student concerns. According to the University of California’s (UC) admissions office report, there was an overall admissions rate of 88.2%, accepting a total of 74,300 undergraduate students. Around 86% of those consist of incoming freshmen with 13.96% being transfer students. Associative Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services Emily Engelschall provided a statement to UCR News, the university’s media publication, discussing the landmark amount of admissions, stating, “This milestone reflects that families across the country understand that UCR offers an exceptional return on investment and that we pair world-class academics with the robust campus support systems that students need to succeed, graduate, and launch impactful careers.” They also reported that this year’s
admissions saw historically high rates of first generation and low income students become accepted while also admitting more women, Asian, Black and Hispanic individuals than any of the other nine UC’s. UCR was also reported to be the best school in the nation, tied with Florida International University, for social mobility. In the previous year, there was a 82.7% overall admissions rate, with 62,017 out of the overall 74,962 of applicants being accepted and 8,293 ultimately committing to UCR. There was an increase in 3,271 more admitted students this academic year. Due to further admission data not being released until later in the year, an increase or decrease in the number of applicants cannot be reported. The increase in admissions is intended to support university growth by addressing various strategic goals listed in UCR’s 2030 strategic plan, a document which outlines various objectives including building financial stability, investing in students and staff and developing notoriety for the school among others. Despite the university’s goals being publicized, the record level of admissions
has drawn backlash from members of the public. Many commenters, especially on online platforms, suggest that the increasing admissions record will only stress access to resources such as parking and access to affordable housing for existing students. Instagram user a.ll.ya commented under a post published to the UCR Instagram page, “You guys have somehow ‘broke the record’ every year since my freshmen year and I’m a senior now. Maybe have enough parking and resources to accommodate all these students first.” Currently, there are 24,000 students attending UCR and recorded plans to further stimulate university growth suggest that number will continue to rise in coming ■ years. H
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
The New Undergraduate Teaching and Learning Facility is set to open its doors this month THE UTLF WILL SERVE A GROWING STUDENT POPULATION WITH AN ESTIMATED 4,500 SEAT DEFICIT. ANDREW HAGLER Assistant News Editor BENJ
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The University of California, Riverside’s (UCR) new Undergraduate Teaching and Learning Facility (UTLF), was completed in late July and will open for instruction in late September of 2026. The facility is located on the westside campus entrance at Canyon Crest Drive where University Avenue ends, south of the UCR Soccer stadium and there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 13 to officially celebrate the building’s debut. The new building will provide UCR with additional classroom space focusing on undergraduate education, and lower-division breadth requirements in particular. It aims to meet needs for studio, lab and classroom space created by increased enrollment, with an estimated 4,500-seat deficit. The project, funded by the university’s state budget and overseen by McCarthy Building Companies, cost a total of $156.3 million and reflects a
recent construction boom on campus in recent years, following North District 2, the new School of Business, and School of Medicine building 2. The project completed construction roughly two years after it began in fall of 2024, with the demolition of Lot 19, previously located on the UTLF’s allotted area.Seating around 1,700 students, the four story, 100,700-square-foot building includes two lecture halls, 19 mid to small sized classrooms, six biology labs, and four chem labs. In 2024, the facility was projected to provide an 18% increase in overall seating, a 54% increase in biology lab seats and a 20% increase in chemistry lab seats. The UTLF is equipped with specialized classrooms including biology and chemistry labs with vacuum snorkels, fume hoods and storage rooms for biology and chemistry supplies. The building also includes a 3,400 square foot dance studio complete with sprung wood flooring, increasing space for instruction and performances by the Department of Dance. Composed of brick, concrete shear wall, metal grilles and extensive clear glass, its two open glass stairwells overlook the Amy Harrison Athletic Field and UCR Soccer Stadium and feature redlit handrails visible at night. Additionally, the building is topped with solar panels contributing to the campus’s
electrical grid. The UTLF has a lactation room along with male, female and gender inclusive restrooms. Additionally, each floor has lounge space including the third floor reading room with five framed stained glass windows on the wall. They were originally kept in storage from a 1950s era campus chapel and restored with new glass, framing and backlighting. Along with a 2,700-square-foot outdoor performance area, the UTLF is accompanied by an outdoor plaza with a covered pavilion, benches, shaded tables and a rock and water landscape. Associate Provost Ken Baerenklau, chair of the project working group, emphasized that the modern, flexible classrooms will provide faculty with a greater degree of instructional freedom and will give students, “the same sense of pride and excellence that students feel at other top research universities across the country.” Campus Architect Jacqueline Norman highlighted the uniqueness of the UTLF as a highly interdisciplinary space, stating that,“Students of all different backgrounds pursuing different interests will be in the same space and be seeing these other activities going on around them… I think it will be one of the more exciting learning environments on ■ campus because of that.” H
6 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
NEWS
highlandernews.org/category/news
Riverside returns ‘e-conveyance’ ordinance to committee for further review THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE WOULD HAVE BANNED E-SCOOTERS ON CITY SIDEWALKS AND PARKS BUT WAS RETURNED DUE TO PUBLIC CRITICISM.
ALEXANDER WONG / THE HIGHLANDER ALEX WONG / THE HIGHLANDER
MICHAEL GOI, Contributing Writer
On Tuesday, Sep. 22, Riverside City Council unanimously decided to send an ordinance that would amend the city’s municipal code targeting unsafe riding on various e-mobility devices termed ‘e-conveyances.’ The decision came after more than 200 calls and 22 crashes reported to the Riverside Police Department (RPD), back to be further reviewed by the Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee following public feedback. Currently, the ordinance would restrict the use of ‘e-conveyances’ such as e-bikes, e-scooters, electric skateboards among other devices operating on sidewalks and city property, including parks and trails like the Santa Ana River Trail. Additionally, the ordinance would prohibit e-conveyance users from operating devices in an unintended manner, including transporting multiple passengers at a time, carrying packages that may inhibit control or visibility and using a phone unless it’s used in hands-free operation among other safety-focused measures. Violations could result in a fine of $250 per infraction or $1000 per misdemeanor which would apply to all users, including minors, with parents of minors being responsible for the violation and fines. The ordinance was initially scheduled for voting on Sept.15, but was pushed back to committee by the council members following criticism from online and in person comments. Public concerns mostly centered around the banning of the city’s trail networks and parks.
Riverside resident and commissioner of the Parks and Recreation Commission for Ward 2, Kevin Dawson, stated that as the ordinance is currently written he could not “identify any substantive changes,” from the prior ordinance. He also told the council, “the ordinance cites [Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)] rule for private businesses and other public accommodations, but Riverside is a public entity and a different ADA rule applies to cities, and that rule specifically addresses powered mobility devices used by people with mobile mobility disabilities and requires consideration on whether they can safely be accommodated.” Following public comment which occurred on Sept. 22, Councilmember Sean Mill stated, “I want to make sure that we’re not banning e-bikes from the Santa Ana River Trail,” but further added that bicyclists need to be mindful of pedestrians in shared spaces. Councilmember Chuck Conder added, “We’re not trying to prohibit the legal use by responsible people, responsible adults, responsible youth … but we are trying to protect the health and safety of our citizenry.” Conder and Mill have said at the meeting that they have worked for months with city staff and the RPD on the ordinance to address increased complaints and safety concerns from the community. Since the start of the year, RPD has reported more than 200 calls for service to its emergency and non-emergency phone line regarding e-bikes and over 22 crashes.
University of California, Riverside (UCR) campus research officer Kevin Gutierrez claimed that the ordinance would not affect use on campus, as municipal code only affects city property, but would regulate use on sidewalks and roads immediately surrounding it. Gutierrez added that the UCR scooter policy is also under review, as other campuses grapple with striking a balance between student flexibility and campus safety, stating “We want to make sure our decision making will keep our students safe, but still make these devices available for everyone…” Riverside residents John and GiGi Arnold organize the Riverside Light Parade, a monthly bicycle event that draws more than 600 cyclists, many of which use e-bikes, along with running an e-bike sales business. John said he agreed with the city council on getting illegal e-bikes off the road, but cautioned that the ordinance as written would have a tremendous impact on the Riverside Light Parade, as they “ride though two parks,” during their monthly rides. He also stated , “So taking that away from us would be heartbreaking for a lot of people because they love riding through there,” No date has yet been announced for when the committee will review it or when the ordinance will return to city council. ■H
highlandernews.org/category/opinions
Opinions
OPINIONS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
7
Looking back at stepping stones in university journalism THE HIGHLANDER TURNS 75 THANKS TO THE PEOPLE WHO PAVED THE PATH. JASMINE NGUYEN Opinions Editor
1971:
Daily Cal, the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) newspaper, earned independence after the university administration attempted to fire three editors in response to an editorial. In order to prevent future interference in staffing from the University, The Daily Californian came to an eventual agreement with UCB to become financially and editorially independent as a nonprofit organization. Impact: College newspapers nationwide adopted similar operational independence and distance from their affiliated university to protect the freedom of student press.
1949: University of California Los Angeles
(UCLA) student council rejected The Bruin’s choice of Editor-in-Chief(EIC) and managing editor(ME), five editorial board members resigned and the newspaper’s staff went on strike for the summer. The paper returned to operation the following academic year after the student council accepted the choices for the editor positions. The student body voted for the EIC and ME positions until 1962, when the council allowed the editor positions to be selected by the Publications Board. Eventually started funding its own operation and could operate more independently until 2009, when the student body passed a referendum to help fund the newspaper.
UC vs. Paper blurb
Across the UC system, student newspapers have worked to gain editorial independence from their universities and student governments. Today, each campus’s newspapers are student run and operate independently from their associated university. While UC newsrooms do receive funding through student fee referendums and selfgenerated revenue, policies are put in place to create operational distance between student government and editorial staff. They often refer to The Society of Professional Journalists’s (SPJ) code of ethics, a guide designed to help journalists take responsibility for the information that they provide. Among those recommendations is to act independently in service of the public’s interests. The Highlander, as well as other UC publications, draw from such ethical guidelines. The distinction between a newsroom, administration and student government is critical to fair reporting. A student newspaper cannot hold its university accountable while its university holds the reins. ■H
Trading wonder for an algorithm WHY OUR ABSOLUTE TERROR OF UNCERTAINTY IS CAUSING US TO OUTSOURCE THE HUMAN MIND TO AI. EMILY TONNU Contributing Writer
You don’t have enough time to figure this out on your own. That command hums behind every fluorescentlit library desk and open laptop on campus. As a Creative Writing major and a university writing tutor at the University of California Riverside (UCR), I recognize that voice immediately. It is the sound of modern panic. Beneath our obsession with artificial intelligence lies a cultural cowardice in the face of uncertainty: a deep-seated terror of not knowing the answer right away. By letting algorithms swallow our cognitive friction, we trade away the messy, vital vulnerability that makes human thought worth having in the first place. Whenever a complex creative hurdle looms over me, or a dense writing assignment demands answers I feel completely unequipped to find, self-doubt takes over. I freeze the moment I open a blank document, convinced I lack the analytical wiring needed to break through the wall. Facing high-stakes deadlines and rigorous essay prompts, I understand the temptation of artificial intelligence (AI)intimately. Just last quarter, staring down a critical-theory paper at 2:00 a.m., my thesis was falling apart while the cursor just blinked mockingly. The pull of AI felt like reaching for a life raft: Why suffer through three hours of second-guessing yourself when a machine can hand
you a polished, grade-A answer in six seconds? I hovered over the tab, calculating the exact cost of grabbing that lifeline just to get some sleep. That same desperation plays out regularly in my one-on-one tutoring sessions. Students across various majors come to my desk carrying a heavy mix of anxiety, exhaustion and creeping deadlines. Some use AI individually out of sheer desperation when a dense, theory—heavy prompt feels impenetrable, while others lean on it because professors have explicitly integrated generative tools into assignment guidelines to test workflow efficiency. The root issue is systemic. Modern academic and corporate culture treats speed as a moral virtue and perfection as a baseline requirement, leaving zero room for the disorienting, necessary phase of not knowing. When students sit down with me, they often apologize profusely for their messy, disjointed rough drafts, treating an unpolished sentence as a personal moral failing. They want an automated fix because they have been conditioned to believe that struggle equals failure. But hHuman instruction offers something entirely different from an algorithm. When I work through a session, I don’t hand them a pre-packaged, flawless paragraph. Instead, we sit together in the discomfort of uncertainty. I ask probing questions,: “So what were you actually trying to say here?” or “What’s your
actual take on this?” We wait out the silence until a clearer version of their own voice finally surfaces. An algorithm does the exact opposite. It offers a painless exit, erasing the waiting period between the question and the answer. When usage of AI becomes the default, it systemically erodes a student’s confidence in their own cognitive voice. If I turn to AI, I retrain myself to believe that a thought lacking instant clarity holds no value, conditioning my mind to view cognitive friction as a system failure. AI has become my generation’s ultimate shortcut—-it edits out the confusion before we even give ourselves the chance to figure out what we actually believe. Yet, a machine can only ever generate a competent synthesis of everything already said online. It will forever lack your unique perspective, your lived lens, and the subtle, irreplaceable thrill of piecing together a truth out of your own confusion. Outsourcing the struggle guarantees outsourcing the breakthrough. When you push past the panic and write through the mess, your words carry a distinct, indispensable human value that no algorithm can replicate. We don’t need to fear the blank page or the uncertainty that comes with it— ; that uncertainty is precisely where our minds finally come alive. ■H
8 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
OPINIONS
Features
highlandernews.org/category/opinions
A Letter to the Highlander
THE HIGHLANDER STAFF EKTA DHYANI Ad Representative
Angelica Bria
nna Acosta Editor - in - C hief
“What drew me to the Highlande r was the dedication and hard work the students working for the organization put into the paper. I have many fond memories since working at the Highlander. A lot of my memories took place in the office, in the late hours of the night, while I was scrambling together an article that needed to be ready for production the next day; though I was stressed in those moments, those moments also built me as a writer and as a person. The Highlander grew my love for the Riverside community and my appreciation for the community University California Riverside (UCR) has built.”
“It was so much fun to meet all these new people, especially coming in new this year! I hope this year is great with the Highlander and I’m excited to learn a lot this year!”
Adrian Duran Ramirez Ad Representative The “I’m just now starting my role at working Highlander.I am hoping that by ional and here I could build up my profess t with so nec con to g new people personal skills alongside meetin working ile wh mories I made that one day I could share fond me at the Highlander.”
IAN PALMA Managing Editor
“What initially drew me to The Highlander was the fact that I could pretty much hyperfixate on many of the shows, movies and music I love. Growing up, writing was one of the few ways I could fully communicate and express myself. The Highlander provided me an outlet to say what I wanted to say all while helping me hone my skills as a writer. Through the newspaper, I’ve also met some of the funniest and most intelligent colleagues one can ever come across. I hope to focus more on humanity-based journalism, documenting the lives and everyday experiences of students in a way that highlights the best of what people can do.”
Agna Son eji Productio n Manage
r
“I started worki ng at the Highlan der by getting scouted at tabling while ou r previous business m anager had baby ch icks for people to ho ld. I really wan ted to hold th e ba by chicks, stopped more about the by and learned Highlander. The environment was and everyone w very inviting as friendly. Bei ng here has help informed, grow ed m e stay more better connectio ns, and improve professional life! more in my The memories I’ ve made at the some of my favo Highlander are rite times and I am so so glad fo r the community to continue grow ing.”
ADELIA URENA Art Director
“I applied to the Highlander Newspaper as a design intern because I loved drawing! As time flew, we’re making ambitious covers and fun stories with student comics! My colleagues have been so kind, from when I was a baby intern to now. How far we’ve gone in this sliver of our lives, even winning awards in San Francisco. For my coworkers and managers who have graduated, our graphics team, comic artists and all of the Highlander Newspaper family: thank you for having me, teaching me and allowing me to be my most creative self. I will continue to do my best.”
Malini Joseph Editor Lead Features
der, I e Highlan h T d e in rst jo ldn’t go “When I fi an outlet so I wou ing, find Since join t. n e wanted to m rt a st incred in my ap stir crazy eet the mo tures m to le b a n fea I have bee and discover new le p n such a o e e e p b ible d. It’s te is x e n sionate even know tive minds and pas ’t n d a h I t a taught e tha h cre lander has h of Riversid rience working wit ig H e h l expe erything T to learn.” wonderfu ful for ev te ra g o s I still get hearts. I’m me and everything
XOCHITL GUTIERREZ Business Manager
“I was in need of a job when I first came across the Highlander. It was the end of my first year at UCR, and I had failed miserably at making any friends on campus. I had no clue what was in store for me at The Highlander, but even now as a third year, I firmly believe that it is the only place I’ve felt I belonged on campus. I’ve met some of the coolest people and enjoy what I do working for the school newspaper.”
RACHEL KO Assistant Features Editor
“I’ve always loved reading and writing, so joining The Highlander just pretty much checked off everything I’ve wanted to do. I hope that The Highlander will continue to dish out high-quality articles and comics and pictures and everything and that more and more readers will flock to the stands to grab an issue!”
ister Jeremiah Fin r ness Manage Assistant Busi Complace because I am a “I always feel out of ow kn t n’ do I e and feel lik puter Science major the to s ate rel ards when it get what I am aiming tow le, vibe and passion I op pe nt, me on vir en the nse of belonging and Highlander. That said, people just brings a se se the d un aro ing rk it may not be in my from wo as much even though t jus ive str a nn wa makes me foreseen future.”
OPINIONS
highlandernews.org/category/opinions
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
KASSANDRA AGUIRE Lead News Editor
“Joining The Highlander was something I had imagined since my high school graduation, but getting to walk into a space with such passionate and compassionate people was something I could not have anticipated. I hope that with the amazing energy which exists within the newspaper, we can continue to provide a space for those within the UCR and local communities to find solace while having a great time ourselves!”
Andrew Hagler Assistant News Editor e I was “I joined The Highlander becaus cared I motivated to write about issues muabout and be a part of the local com and grow as a writer. I hope to nity. I also wanted to make friends f writers and fellow editors as build strong connections with staf de.” well as with leaders here in Riversi
9
Abigail Ortiz
Assistant Radar
Editor
“What initially drew me to The Highlander were the warm welcomes at the writer’s meetings. The Radar section specifically allowed me to write about topics that I am interested in that I never thought I could write about. The Highlande r allows me to connect with people and subjects that I probably would not have discovered on my own. Music, art and enter tainment are what give my everyday life pleasure and writing about it feeds my mind as well as soul. I hope The Highlander gives others the satisfaction of seeing their individual thoughts and ideas have a place to flourish.” IZZY GRAHAM Lead Sports Editor
“One of my favorite memories was my first year with the Highlander getting to travel to Vegas with our managing editor and another sports writer and getting to commentate the women’s basketball team as they played in the Big West Tournament. Definitely a fun bonding experience trying to navigate Vegas all on our own!”
JAZZY NGUYEN Lead Opinions Editor
“What drew me to the Highlander is the same thing that drew me to journalism 8 years ago — nosiness. That incessant need to know the who, the what, the why, why, why, led me down a path of late nights, impossible deadlines and a circadian that has entirely lost its rhythm. I’ve gone places with a notepad and pen that I wouldn’t dream of approaching with a taser (Meninist rally) and I have never been happier. Some call it Stockholm Syndrome; I call it the Highlander.”
Shreya Patel
Assistant Opin
ions Editor
“One of my core memorie s with The Highlander was interviewing The Carrot Guy. This was the most sid e-quest that has ever side-quested because of how spontaneous it was. It was fun to ask questions, join in on jokes and make connections with a walking carrot lol. At the end, we also received a carrot pen and carrot guy’s autograph when I walked with him bac k to the HUB. In the future , I wish to get more opinions from stu dents on campus on what the y think about mascots/social media influencers on campus and ho w they want to see them contribute to the UCR community.”
Vash Chen Lead Photo Editor lcoming everyone “I remember how we hired. I’m extremely was when I was first one of UCR’s greatgrateful to be a part of I work with. l to all of the people fu nk tha so I’m d an it has est traditions ost 7 years now and alm r fo sm ali rn jou I’ve been doing people discover what aningful. I hope more me y ibl red inc so en be the joy it brings!” The Highlander and of rt pa a be to s an it me
JIHOON KWON Lead Radar Editor
“Despite my years of experience working as a student journalist, I’ve never gotten to be part of a newspaper quite like The Highlander. It’s given me a platform where I can develop my own voice and perspective as a journalist as well as a community of people that are both respectful and professional. As I take on the position of the Radar editor, I hope to provide this experience that I was fortunate enough to enjoy to all incoming writers of the section.”
Iyanna Wallace s Editor Assistant Sport
nder on a he Highla T d e in jo sted in “I totally been intere ould s y a lw a e w whim. I’v t I never thought I u b ended I m . s it li t a abou journ g in th e m o ght by os at was tau th actually d e rs u o C short an R’ long story sd n up taking a , n a v ta Elango re with “A Chief, Ma eting. Now I’m he in und r o it d rE me m glad I fo ’s r I’ te ! ri L w O the forme t L , rs e the same p at my fi f my nam I ended u rs can find in front o e th r” o o it e d p o E orts dIh :)” sistant Sp nder when I did an found here e v I’ y la h it n ig The H commu outlet and
JOSEY WANG Assistant Video Editor
“Joining The Highlander as a first year was my first step towards opening myself to the UCR community more. I look back upon my time being a contributor with so much love, knowing that I was full of apprehension and hesitance, but I marched forward anyway. Since then, working with the other staff members has been nothing but welcoming and supportive,and I hope to continue preserving UCR’s voice through my future work here!”
Edwin Basurto Lead Video Edito r “I first started working with Hig hlander News my first year to become a photographer. My favorite memory being our trip to New York for the CMA Conference. My hope for this year is to win a video award.”
Three cheers for 75 years!
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ADS
Horoscopes
Flowers from the stars
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): Helicornia
You bring the fun into the room just like the helicornia flower! But don’t forget to put work before play.
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WHAT FLOWER ARE YOU THIS WEEK ACCORDING TO THE STARS? MARIA MARTINEZ Contributing Writer
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): Gladiolus
You worked hard all summer or are stressed thinking about classes and school life. Don’t give up! Let your perseverance shine like a gladiolus flower.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19):
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18):
Yellow Lily
Gardenia
You are grateful, optimistic and creative and will build good relationships. This week you are as happy as a yellow lily for the good things in your life.
Aries (March 21 – April 19):
Purple Hydrangea
Loyalty, abundant and having a deep understanding of others is what makes you as beautiful as a purple hydrangea flower. Your week will be a will of nurturing and happy experiences just like this flower.
You are as elegant as the gardenia flower, hard working and leader energy. Everyone will seek your advice, but remember to respect private conversations as you tend to also love drama.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20):
Cherry Blossom You represent new beginnings and strength. Let this week be your new cycle to improve and continue your love for personal growth.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis)
You are still stuck in the past of good or bad memories like a forget-me-not flower. Keep your memories as a reminder to move on and learn to make new memories.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20):
Orchids
You are luxurious as you are kind. Your soul is like an orchid flower, but don’t let your love and ambition for money keep you from giving back.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20):
Lotus
You are not in your balanced cycle of life right now, but let your energy be turned into hope and balance like a lotus flower. Don’t let your anxious thoughts distract from who you want to become.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22):
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22):
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22):
Yellow Poppy
Chrysanthemum
Alstroemeria
Maybe you’re bored of the same routines. Give yourself a little change of scenery and keep moving forward! Your success will come with discipline, just like a yellow poppy.
Heartbreak or a mission to find peace is what makes you a chrysanthemum flower. Let your heart heal and remember there is truth and love that comes from tragedy.
The friends you make are everlasting friendships! Support and lasting bonds are blooming into your life like the alstroemeria flower.
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FEATURES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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Words from the Wind ISABELLA MARTINEZ Contributing Writer
My least favorite feeling is hot wind in my face. But, unfortunately for me, my mom says days with the windows down make life more exciting. And as I look over at her after a long, eight-hour shift, wind flowing in her newly grayed hair, she does look excited as if we were going to the beach and the day had just started. Yet, we were only on our way to Del Taco, and our day as cashiers at the hardware store had just ended. I felt the wind finally start to more calmly comb my hair as she began braking to turn into the drive-thru. Finally, I could think without the warm, summer air harassing me. As she was ordering, mindlessly asking for my shrimp tacos, I thought about earlier in the work-day. My day started as normal as any other. I was ringing up a regular customer who had known me since I was eight. He always told me with kind eyes that in the nine years he had known me, I had never changed. From helping my mom read the small numbers on barcodes, to now having a three-year job of my own at the same store. Today, however, he’d asked me a question that left me stumped. “So, where have you applied to for college?” I froze. I told him I had no intention of going to college, especially right now. He paused. I was handing him his receipt at this point, slowly waiting for the transaction to be over. “What’s your plan then, Bella?” My heart raced nervously as I told him my plans to work and help my mom with my younger brother. I continued on with my aspirations of even becoming the manager at this very hardware store one day. He took his receipt. “You have so much life ahead of you, kid. You don’t want to be like me or your mom. Go to school, Bells,” He turned and left. I looked down at my hands, and they were still outstretched, empty, handing him his receipt. My hair was in another unforgiving fight with the wind. But this time, when I looked down, there were fast-food bags in my lap. I turned and saw my mom’s bright smile as she was singing a random song by Jodeci. She was so happy to finally be going home, smile lines and eye bags fully cooperating. “Hey, mama?” I finally mustered. “What’s up, buttercup?” There was a certain fondness in her voice, one I always strived to replicate when responding. Now there was only Jodeci and wind filling the pause
I needed to gather the courage to articulate my next question. “Could I go to college?” The wind slowly faded away while the windows were being rolled up. She continued to turn the music down until there was only quiet. “Community college?” She prompted. “No, like a university.” I started to feel stupid for asking. My mom was the hardest-working person I knew. Why wouldn’t I want to be like her? I found myself pleading for the music to be turned up, the wind to come back- anything so that my mother’s silence couldn’t be heard. Tears welled in my eyes as I waited. “Well, I can’t afford it. What? You’d go next year?” She now asked, all fondness forgotten. “There are scholarships, Mama.” More silence followed. “No.” “No, what?” “No college.” “Why, Mom?” Tears were now streaming down my face as I begged. “You wanna leave me?” It was now my turn not to respond. I slowly felt the wind fill the car again and music returned to the scene. She needed my silence to be drowned out as well. After what felt like forever, we finally reached home. She put our piece-of-shit car in park, but her fingers lingered on the keys in the ignition. She turned to me, tears flowing in her tired eyes. “I’ll miss you.” And she does. My displeased mother calls me at least once a day to tell me to come home and all the things I’m missing at work. She tells me tales about the dogs and how my younger brother is misbehaving. Continuing with what she made for dinner, and about my cousin’s baseball games. Yet, she ends every phone call with, “I’m proud of you.” Those four words every night remind me of my purpose here at UC Riverside: to be better than the ones I love and to make them proud. No matter how scared, alone, nervous, or displaced I feel away from my home. Now, when I lie in bed, I leave the window open to feel the hot wind on my face as I drift to sleep. Every night, I hear the wind whispering a lullaby of pride from my mother ■ that carries me to bed.
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12 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
NORM’S NOOK FEATURES
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SPOTLIGHT
The Bell Tower
ALEX WONG / THE HIGHLANDER
MALINI JOSEPH Features Editor
The Bell Tower is a staple of University of California Riverside (UCR). It can be seen from nearly everywhere across campus, especially with its height resting at 161ft tall. This tower is a homing beacon for those who are lost. For all the incoming freshmen who aren’t sure how to navigate this new or large campus, let the Bell Tower help you reorient yourself
and guide you toward success. Students aren’t the only ones who rely on this gargantuan structure. Raccoons and birds have been known to seek haven in its holed walls, climbing it for recreation or building nests near the top. The Bell Tower is a truly reliable building. ■ H
75TH ISSUE ANSWERS
(DON’T PEEK!)
By Malani Joseph, Features editor DOWN: 1. Pop Culture Section 2. Campus Culture Section 3. 75th Anniversary material 7. Still image
ACROSS: 4. Name of the newspaper (2 words) 5. Special Anniversary 6. Section that judges 8. Section that illuminates 9. Moving pictures
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FEATURES
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Zesty chicken with veggies and rice Brianna Galaviz-Villagómez, Contributing Writer This is a great balanced meal and can easily be your next lunch!
Prep Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4
Instructions: First, place the chicken in a medium sized bowl and add the spices until the chicken is nicely seasoned. Add oil to a large skillet on medium heat and once it’s hot, add the onion and garlic and stir until they caramelize. Add the chicken and orange juice over the chicken. Add ¼ cup of water once the juice gets absorbed so it doesn’t get dry. Cook until the chicken is a golden brown color. Next, cut your cauliflower, zucchini and carrot into small pieces. Add 1/4 cup water into a separate skillet and add the veggies. Cook for 10 minutes or until they are soft. Lastly, wash the rice thoroughly and add it to a saucepan with boiling water. Put a lid half way on top of the pot and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice ■is soft. ■ H
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TEST YOURSELF!
What fall-themed coffee drink are you?
Take this quiz to find out which autumn-related drink you resonate with the most. By: Rachel Ko, Assistant Featured Editor
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
3 chicken breasts 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice 1/4 cup of water 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil 1/2 of a yellow onion 2 pieces of minced garlic 1/8 teaspoon of paprika 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon turmeric 1 bell pepper 1 zucchini A whole head of cauliflower 1 medium sized carrot 1 cup of brown rice 2 cups of water for the rice
SUDOKU
1. Your friends ask you to hang out. You … A. Go apple picking with them and later make piles of leaves to jump into! B. Would rather stay inside with a nice book and hot drink. C. Invite them in to bake some fresh cinnamon rolls with you. 2. It’s your turn to pick a movie. You’re choosing … A. “Shrek 2.” You’ve been in way too many debates on whether the first or second move was better. B. “Parasite.” It’s the best comedy thriller out there that really makes you rethink how our society is structured. C. “Princess Bride.” Who isn’t a sucker for happy endings? 3. When looking for a cafe, you … A. Look through all of your saved videos on Instagram to see which viral cafe to visit next. B. Just go to the nearest one in the area. C. Walk around until you find a cafe with a small line: not too long of a wait, and customers guarantee a good place!
answer key
DIFFICULTY: HARD
If you got “A” the most, your fall-themed coffee drink is pumpkin spice latte. This iconic drink literally screams autumn, as characterized by its traditional pumpkin tastes and hints of ginger and nutmeg. You love to have fun and are not afraid to whip out those classic fall traditions that you did when you were young. While your interests are not exactly niche, you still know how to have a good time and are always on the hunt for anything that may remotely intrigue you.
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If you got “B” the most, your fall-themed coffee drink is pumpkin cream cold crew. Bitter black coffee with just a dash of sweetness from the pumpkin cream is your vibe. Individualism suits you best with your solo hobbies, and you often find yourself in deep thought. Social outings aren’t your favorite, but you’ll still go as long as Senorita Awesome isn’t present. If you got “C” the most, your fall-themed coffee drink is maple cinnamon chai latte. With the perfect combination of bitter and sweet, this cozy, homey latte makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. You enjoy comfortable hangouts with the people you love, as long as they’re around. You’re not too picky when it comes to planning and will always be that one person who says, “I’m fine with anything.” ■H
FEATURES
14 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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Trader Joe’s weekly round up FOR COOKING NOOBS AND NOVICES.
SOPHIA UCROS Contributing Writer
Eating while also living off a college budget is so hard right now. Fear not! Your local retired Trader Joe’s employee, myself, learned a thing or two about which products are perfect for college students. This user friendly guide is for people with beginner to average cooking experience and just the thing to take your meals from just surviving to mildly tasty. 1. Staples in the frozen aisle The first and most versatile pick is going to be the teriyaki chicken. It is abundant in quantity and tastes great, even without the sauce, making it the perfect option to pair with just about anything. As a side, you could go for the Joe’s dinner mac and cheese or the frozen jasmine rice. However if you’re perhaps more of a healthy side dish kind of person, all of the Trader Joe’s frozen veggies are long lasting and perfectly quick to warm up. My favorite is frozen edamame. Any of their frozen pastas are easy to make in the microwave or stove top and can be topped off with a protein of choice. Some of their better ones are the alfredo or the focaccia pink sauce pasta.
The last and most pivotal item is the chicken or pork soup dumplings! They’re a very delicious midnight snack that takes no more than 2 minutes in the microwave and leveled up with a side of their crunchy chili onion oil. 2. Late night sweet treats It wouldn’t be a grocery run if there weren’t a few unexpected sweet treats in there. Some fan favorites are the dark or milk chocolate pretzels. Beware though, as they WILL disappear fast when snacking with a good tv show. The sour strawberry belt strips aren’t in season often but if you’re lucky, you should snatch up at least one or two. The brookies in the baked goods section are a good mixture of doughy and crispy, a great pick if you’re craving something that feels homey. Finally for a sweet treat on the go, the mini chocolate chip cookie bags are a necessity, arguably better than Famous Amos, and cheaper as well.
3. Breakfast, the most important meal of the day Start off by picking up some vanilla almond granola to throw over smoothies or Greek yogurt, a perfect crunch and level up of flavor. Some of their multigrain crackers are good with some cheese. They also have frozen turkey sausage patties along with hash brown slabs, which can be used to make hash brown sandwiches; innovative but quick. Lastly, my personal favorite is avocados! Trader Joe’s avocados never disappoint and that’s coming from the inside scoop of someone who helped unload them from the truck. 4. The most important item The final item on our list is to treat yourself as you walk out. I know it’ s not cheap as a college student when our budget is quite literally in the negatives. However, if you go to the filler flowers section, then some of the purple and magenta flowers are the perfect pop of color to make your week. If I were a scientist, I would say they improve mental health and just make the day brighter so go get yourself some ■ flowers! H
Best and worst study spots on campus THE DIFFERENT TIERS OF STUDY SPOTS ON SCOTTY’S LAND. RACHEL KO Assistant Features Editor
Even though it’s only week one, you may find yourself already stacked with homework, twenty pages of readings and a midterm that’s in just two weeks. Alas, such is the sad life of a college student, but locking in may be easier than you think with this high-quality tier list of the best and worst spots to study on campus. Third floor of the Student Success Center (SSC): 7.5/10 Make sure to get this right: third floor only! The first and second floors are often not just full of people hustling and bustling, adding a lot of unwanted noise to the place. But since the third floor is, to most people, too tiring to climb up to, there’s less people and is much quieter. The desks and couches are also clean, and you even get a nice view of the campus outside.
Bytes: 9/10 A great place to study, with an abundance of tables and seats and comfy sofas. Grab a crème brûlée or a hot sandwich from the cafe for your study session, and you even get the option to work indoors with nice air conditioning or outside with the warm fall breeze.
on the ground, and the tables and chairs make a lot of noise when you have to move them. If you’re a self-conscious germaphobe, this location may not be for you. The Barn: 8/10 Surrounded by good food and a warm atmosphere can be perfect while studying. Laughters and the occasional live band music may act as background noise for some, helping students focus, but if you get distracted easily, maybe find another spot.
Olmsted Hall’s basement: 1/10 Not only is the basement dimly lit and just straight up creepy half the time, but the stark absence of desks and chairs make it pretty much impossible to cram in some study time. A single point is allotted only because the basement The Bell Tower: 4/10 seems like a good place to shoot a A fun, lively place with skateboard horror film. users constantly practicing new tricks and moves and the smell of crisp, clean Tables outside the bookstore: 6/10 grass all around, yet there are only a This is an okay place to lock in, as you few stone benches and steps that one get to feel the outside air for once and can utilize to study. The vibe is nice, but people watch when you want to take a unfortunately inconvenient. break. Some downsides of this spot is ■ that there’s an awful lot of bird poop H
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Comics
FEATURES
Lock In - Adelia Urena
Oh How you Love Baking! - Natalie Marquez
Reflections of Success - Joshua Pena
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16 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
FEATURES
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Radar Where are the female headliners? 2022 WAS THE FIRST AND LAST YEAR UC RIVERSIDE’S FALL BLOCK PARTY HAD A HEADLINER WHO IS A WOMAN. ABIGAIL ORTIZ Assistant Radar Editor
University of California Riverside (UCR) is a school that prides itself on being inclusive both in social and academic aspects. Considering UCR has a mix of different genders, ethnicities and sexualities among the student body, why has the headliner position of arguably the biggest school coordinated event reserved for only male performers? Block Party is an annual concert held by the Associated Students Program Board (ASPB). The student run organization is funded by fees charged to each individual student quarterly. Every fall since 1999, three artists and one DJ perform on campus during welcome week to create the first taste of independence for many freshman students. It is a highly attended event that runs out of spots for entries days before anticipated. Flo Milli was the first and last woman who headlined the UCR fall concert in 2022 alongside Emotional Oranges and Lunay. Since Milli’s performance, no other female artists have been selected as headliners of the concert, but have been included in the concert as openers and DJs of the event. The most recent female performer was DJ Chels at the 2026 Block Party. Notably, the organized concert that included the most female headliners was ASPB’s winter quarter festival Winter SOULstice.. Winter SOULstice was an R&B concert that brought many big names to campus. H.E.R and Alina Baraz, two female artists, were both headliners of Winter SOULstice and managed to deliver an entertaining performance while maintaining an energized crowd. An article from The Highlander covering Winter SOULstice in 2019 states, “despite being the last (and therefore latest) performer, Baraz receives the
largest crowd enthusiasm by far.” Winter SOULstice was not at the same capacity of students as Block Party or Spring Splash, but the female headliners did not lack the ability to keep a crowd energized and entertained. Winter SOULstice was canceled for the foreseeable future in 2024 because of budget constraints in the promise of focusing funds on the fall quarter Block Party festival and the spring quarter Spring Splash festival. Even since the termination of Winter SOULstice, many can agree that the quality of the festival has gone down. The criticism of ASPB’s lack of inclusivity does not stem from the exclusion of different genres. Most concerts have had a variety of genres including hip-hop, indie and EDM. Since the festival’s origin in 1999, the headliners of the Block Party concert have either been male bands or soloists of different respective genres. Although Block Party does not lack genre inclusivity, it lacks women as headliners. Female artists can draw in a crowd, they can keep an audience energized and put on a well produced performance, sometimes even better than their male counterparts. As stated in a 2018 article from The Highlander covering Winter SOULstice “H.E.R. knew how to connect and relate to the audience better than any of the other performers. By speaking to the crowd’s sensibilities and expressing herself effortlessly through her music, she capped the night off excellently.” The limited space that H.E.R was given in 2018 did not cause her set to be any less entertaining and captivating to the audience. Considering ASPB is a studentfunded organization, there should be more consideration taken when choosing a headliner for
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
one of the biggest social events of the year. Every genre of music has popular female artists. There are many major female artists that the majority of the student body enjoy and would like to see in concert on campus. Genres most represented in Block Party lineups such as hip-hop and indie have many popular and well known female artists even though they are considered male dominated genres. Musical talent is not gender conformative. There are genius female and gendernonconforming artists as well as male artists. It can be argued that many female and gender-
nonconforming artists have to work harder than their male counterparts to be taken seriously in the music industry. This is because the majority of the music industry is dominated by men due to the plethora of jobs behind the scenes. Considering that it took 23 years to have the first woman headliner at the fall concert, it should be ASPB’s goal to keep the inclusivity when it comes to the festival. Since ASPB is for the students and by the students, it is important to have a range of artists of different genders, ethnicities and sexualities to be reflective of the ■ diverse UCR student body. H
highlandernews.org/category/comics
COMICS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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List of films about journalism in recognition of The Highlander’s 75th anniversary CINEMA’S FASCINATION TOWARDS JOURNALISM. JIHOON KWON Radar Editor
Films and filmmakers have had a long fascination with journalism, capturing and highlighting multiple facets of the profession. For some directors, the idea of freedom of press has been portrayed as something to be celebrated and defended at all cost, while others have focused on the obsessive nature of reporting and media. In recognition of The Highlander’s 75th anniversary, the following is a list of films about journalism worth engaging with. “The French Dispatch” by Wes Anderson In what may be the most meticulously crafted film for a director who has made a career out of his formal austerity, Wes Anderson captures his love and romanticism for journalism. Particularly inspired by his appreciation of The New Yorker, many of the characters are loosely based on editors and journalists from the magazine. Anderson’s playfulness beneath rigor fits excellently with the subject matter as the audience is given the impression they are reading from a magazine rather than watching a movie, with absurd amount of ideas being conveyed in such a short amount of time through the detached, deadpan performance shot in Anderson’s signature symmetrical shots. “Zodiac” by David Fincher David Fincher’s take on journalism is much grittier, characterized by obsessive nature and the inability to reach the truth. In pursuit of the identity of Zodiac Killer, the film portrays the San
Francisco Chronicle’s political cartoonist Robert Graysmith’s (Jake Gyllenhaal) mere fascination slowly turning into obsession. While the more professionally trained reporters like Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.) abandon the pursuit entirely, Robert continues to investigate, putting himself in serious danger yet failing to resolve the mystery.
seems to be asking the question of whether capturing the objective reality through journalism even is a possibility. Furthermore, following an incident which turns France into the very subject for reporting, the film seems to be interrogating the nature of media which appropriates the experience of people for public consumption, ultimately isolating them. Ultimately, the film is largely centered around the discrepancy “The Post” by Steven Spielberg between what is portrayed in the There is something unmistakably media and the reality. American about the spirit of Steven Spielberg’s films, often celebrating “Civil War” by Alex Garland different highlighting different In A24’s one of commercially pillars that hold up the nation. most successful films, Alex This becomes increasingly more Garland asks the ethical question apparent in Spielberg’s later works of intervention versus detachment such as “Lincoln.” Subsequently, it for journalists. This is especially is only natural that he examines the explored through juxtaposing first amendment, specifically the Jessie Collin (Cailee Spaeny) to freedom of press. In “The Post,” Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst), two journalism is shown to be the journalists in different stages very thing holding MAINupSTAmerican of career and Jessie’s eventual democracy against the systemic resemblance of Lee following failure of intentionally deceitful moral exhaustion from witnessing government. It is no mistake that the horrors of war which leaves the the setting for the film is during audience unsettled. the Vietnam War under the Nixon Administration when the mistrust “The End of Tour” by James of the U.S. government reached Ponsoldt an unprecedented peak. Spielberg The biographical film based on holds the notion that it is the role journalist David Lipsky’s recount of the press to inform the public in of the road trip with David Foster the face of ORANGE such injustices.ST Wallace during his book tour explores the complex nature of the “France” by Bruno Dumont relationship between the reporter In Bruno Dumont’s more overly and the subject, exploring different satirical voice, “France” offers a aspects such as the inherent sharp critique of contemporary inequality in their dynamic as the media. The character of France de one asking questions and the one Meurs (Léa Seydoux), a celebrity being asked questions, the fear of journalist, highly regarded by the being reduced down to a stereotype public for her integrity who in reality in writing and a lingering genuine ■ stages and orchestrates her shots, connection. H
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RADAR
highlandernews.org/category/radar
Album Review: “c” LUCY BEDROQUE’S NEW ALBUM IS SONICALLY WELL-CRAFTED, BUT LACKS THE INNOVATIVE EDGE. JIHOON KWON Radar Editor
From Playboi Carti to Ken Carson to Osamason to Che to 2slimey, the rage sound in the underground scene seemed to have been headed in a singular direction of crafting the most distorted quality the artist can possibly produce both sonically and aesthetically. While the rest of the underground was engaged in a race to reach the state of pure noise, Lucy Bedroque brings something entirely novel to the genre.
that the upcoming album would be the noticeable on this track, as they treat it one that brings these two worlds together, with deep understanding of the source with “b4c” tracks hinting at it. while successfully making it their own.
Prior to the album’s release, Lucy had been very particular about creating a certain atmosphere around it, with leaked images and videos hinting at a project that is much darker and mythical, even dropping a game the week leading up to album’s release where the release date was teased to lean into this tone. And finally Formerly known as lostrushi, Lucy was on Sept. 18, Lucy’s highly anticipated considered one of the faces of digicore, album “c” dropped. with “Sisterhood” being listed second on Rate Your Music’s list of top-ranked From the very first track, “ALL digicore albums. Heavily influenced by SPEAKERS GO TO HEAVEN,” the the Japanese subculture, the La Familia- direction that Lucy is headed in terms of affiliated rapper’s works carried elements sound is very apparent. With the Canadian of nostalgia and angst beneath the producer skai, who has worked on some seemingly high-energy and warm sound. of the most important rage albums such as “Flex Music” and “A Great Chaos,” Lucy In their transition to rage music, this adopts the messier and more distorted background allowed Lucy to bring qualities of rage genre, but with their own something fresh to the oversaturated unique spin to it, alternating between the genre, leaning into electronic sound howling vocals one would expect from to create the aggressiveness instead of heavy metal to their usual wistful one. abrasiveness like many other rage artists have. Their mixtape “Unmusique,” The following few tracks, “THE which leans heavily into these elements, 9TH CIRCLE,” “SPEED DEMON,” easily placed Lucy as the pioneer of the and “STONE IN FOCUS” are some of post-rage era of the underground scene. the most notable ones with incredibly Furthermore, there was a mainstream creative sound designs and flows. “THE appeal to the project as well with tracks 9TH CIRCLE” and “SPEED DEMON” such as “2010 Justin Bieber” going viral. particularly do an excellent job of maintaining and continuing what worked With the support from the underground in “Fête de la Vanille” and “Unmusique.” scene and curiosity from mainstream, it In “STONE IN FOCUS,” Lucy samples seemed as though the next album Lucy Aphex Twin, imbuing a sort of ambiance drops would be a career-defining one. mixed with volatility. Lucy has previously With the two seemingly different identities called out “larpers” who are not genuine Lucy has built through their “Sisterhood” fans of electronic music sampling Crystal and “Fête de la Vanille” phase and Castle on Young Dabo’s stream. This “Unmusique” phase, it was anticipated viewpoint that Lucy has on sampling is
Following tracks fall short in comparison to the brilliant start Lucy has to the album, however. Instead of working with the usual hyperpop and digicore producers such as egobreak, much of the tracks are by major rage beatmakers such as Pink Noise-affiliated producers Ginseng and MISOGI. The tracks produced by them, however, are fairly reminiscent of “EARDRUMMER” by Che and other songs they’ve worked on in the past, simply with Lucy’s voice added. And while these are far from being poorly produced, it’s also very difficult to claim that they are innovative in any way. “C SECTION” is a standout from the second half of the album. This song, which made it to the tracklist last minute as it was only supposed to be featured in “b4c,” is certainly one of the more experimental attempts by Lucy, with a stutter hook that adds to its explosiveness. While “c” technically doesn’t live up the high expectations set by the fans, it certainly has moments that listeners who’s been following Lucy’s career for an extended period of time would appreciate, with references such as the inclusion of their old lostrushi producer tag in “OROCHMARU” or the “I was comin’ up, that 2010 JB buzzin’” line in “ERASE YOUR SOCIAL.” Verdict: “c” by Lucy Bedroque is an extremely well-crafted rage album with some extremely stellar moments, but loses its momentum with lack of freshness. ■ H
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Ed Sheeran caves to stadium owners pressure and kicks Macklemore of his tour THE RICH AND POWERFUL ARE FINDING NEW WAYS TO CENSOR ARTISTS. ANGELICA BRIANNA ACOSTA Editor-in-Chief PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA
Ed Sheeran’s North American “Loop” tour has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The British singer/songwriter has been under serious fire since his opener Benjamin Hammod Haggerty, better known as Macklemore, was kicked off Sheeran’s tour after pressure from stadium owners. Macklemore was allotted to play eight of Sheeran’s locations as an opener. However, stadium owner Robert Kraft refused to let Sheeran play at Gillette stadium if Macklemore was to open for him. Kraft gathered other stadium owners on Sheeran’s tour to act in solidarity. Macklemore was seemingly punished
for saying two words “Free Palestine.” Macklemore has been a loud advocate for the rights of the people in Palestine, often letting his beliefs be known on large stages. Macklemore has even released a song in support of Palestine called “Hind’s Hall,” a reference to an act of protest that took place at Columbia University. “Hind’s Hall” was a direct reaction to the death of six-year-old Hind Rajab who was killed by the Israeli military in Gaza. Kraft said in a statement, “Based on Macklemore’s recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran’s shows in New Jersey and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.” However, what Macklemore did and has done is not antisemetic. There is a common misunderstanding that any criticism of Israel and their actions in Gaza are antisemetic. This is simply not true. Macklemore said at the very show Kraft speaks of “to all of my Jewish brothers and sisters criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, in no way is a criticism of you … My message
is for peace, love, for all human beings to be treated with dignity and respect and equality.” Support for Palestine has somehow become associated with hate speech as seen with the reaction from Kraft. Kraft and others like him have weaponized the word “antisemitism” in order to silence the voices of those willing to speak out against the genocide in Palestine. Historically, the arts are a reflection of the political climate at the time. Even more true to this fact is those in power will try to censor the arts when they don’t fit the narrative they want painted. We see history repeating itself now in the situation between Macklemore and Ed Sheeran. One was silenced for their unbending morals and beliefs and the other, though they may not agree with the decision made, was complicit in the censorship. Censoring artists without repercussion indicates that complicity is the new normal. There is a clear distinction between hate speech and saying things that those in power deem offensive. Macklemore’s only crime was refusing to be silenced and refusing to be complicit to those who wish to brush ■ Palestinian suffering under the rug. H
Prepare to be confronted with “Primetime” LANCE OPPENHEIM OFFERS A SURREALISTIC TALE OF OBSESSION, EGO AND VIGILANTISM. IAN PALMA Managing Editor
From “The Drama” to “The Odyssey” and, in just a few months, “Dune: Part Three,” it’s safe to say that Robert Pattinson has been on a generational run. Despite taking up roles that place his acting range on full display, the last thing anyone would have thought was for him to play America’s most famous predator catcher. As ludicrous as it sounds, Pattinson’s dedication to the bit, along with director Lance Oppenheim’s proficiency of the psychological thriller genre, has resulted in what may be one of the most interesting films of 2026. Armed with a seedy, neon ‘80s slasher film grain filter, Oppenheim perfectly encapsulates an era of American television when ratings came before discretion. With kaleidoscopic and highly saturated colors that feel straight out of a Gaspar Noe film, the surrealistic visual direction evokes a sense of mockery for this certain period in television history all the while adding on to the film’s fever dream tone. While some of the horror visuals work superbly when heightening the suspenseful atmosphere Oppenheim was trying to go for, one can’t help but think how dramatically superficial and unnecessary it feels especially when considering just how dull the real events actually were. “Primetime” makes it practically clear
that Chris Hansen is not a man to be rooting for. Along with a vivid portrayal of his more personal issues, the reasons for Hansen’s overall obsession with capturing predators is displayed in a way that neither glorifies or vilifies him. One of the most interesting conflicts that the film has to offer is the clash between Hansen’s mission of stopping child predators all the while “cleansing the world of an ancient evil” and his overall obsession for fame and recognition. If anything, Hansen is painted more as a complex character than a straightforward villain. Additionally, the film exceptionally outlines the mental toll that Hansen’s crew faced given the excellent performances of Skyler Gisondo and Phoebe Bridgers. The film doesn’t shy away from positing questions surrounding the harmful consequences of civilian justice and how actual law enforcement contributes to these detriments when outright allowing vigilantism to happen. One of the film’s gravest injustices has to do with the lack of displaying the various degrees in which predators were actually charged. Those more familiar with what went on behind the scenes know that “To Catch a Predator” has played a part when it came to the cases of predators being thrown out due to the show’s interference in the investigations.
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Despite having the opportunity to establish a more cohesive message surrounding predatorcatching and vigilantism today, the film ultimately cops out with a contained story of Chris Hansen’s rise and fall. Even with its missed potential, the film holds up as a snapshot in time when American television was unregulated and concerned with entertainment rather than ethics all while placing another notch in Robert Pattinson’s belt when it comes to top-grade acting performances. Verdict: Despite valuing style over substance, “Primetime” manages to tell a solid tale about the heyday of Chris Hansen and “To Catch a Predator.” ■ H
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA
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Sports
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College football culture is the most interesting thing about the season NFL RIVALRIES HAVE NOTHING ON COLLEGE RIVALRIES. IYANNA WALLACE Assistant Sports Editor
I’m not just talking about the National Football League (NFL) when I say ‘Football season is here and it is thriving,’ I’m also talking about collegiate football as well.
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of Southern California (USC). This rivalry has greatly surpassed the field and goes into the campus and Los Angeles culture. The theft of UCLA’s Victory Bell by Regardless of the sport, a team rivalry USC students in 1941 has turned into an all makes a game more interesting to watch. Whether a team is competing for a championship, advancement into the playoffs or just bragging rights a person never wants to miss a big rivalry game. Notable rivals on the professional level include the Las Vegas Raiders vs the Kansas City Chiefs, and we cannot forget also the historical competition with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers that has been happening since 1921. Whether it is a territorial showdown like the Battle of the Bay, the former Oakland Raiders vs. the San Francisco 49ers, or a division fueled competition like the Dallas Cowboys vs the Philadelphia Eagles. NFL rivalries are no light matter but they are not as centralized as College Football rivalries. College rivalries do not only stem from competition on the field but they also bleed into the overall campus culture surrounding the universities.
While both Southern California and Alabama have a deep cultural competition they look dull when compared to University of Michigan and Ohio State University. This rivalry has been present between the two universities since 1897 and is known as one of the greatest rivalries in college sports. Simply referred to as “The Game,” this match up starts before the players even stand on the field.
The annual tradition for the Ohio State Buckeyes is crossing out every single letter “M” they can find on campus with a red “X.” This includes all signs and statues that are on campus! And during the game energy is at an all time high. In the height of the out fight of who will win it back on the field. competition even the marching bands from The tagging of statues, the merchandise sold both universities get in on the rivalry . in student stores that contain direct attacks on one another has shown just how deep this While NFL rivalries can be intense, college campus “beef” goes. football has turned competition into campus traditions that are continuously practiced Alabama’s lack of a professional team in throughout each campus. NFL rivalries are the state has reinforced the need for college only surface level, relying on divisions and not football. Whenever the Iron Bowl happens, so much on a true sports hatred and tradition. the matchup between University of Alabama Even when people graduate and rosters and Auburn University, the rivalry branches change, these traditions are still practiced and far outside of campus. Everyone, including the rivalry still continues. people who have never attended either school, ■ is picking sides and creating a community around supporting either school. H
Everyone in Southern California knows about the infamous cross-town rivalry between
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UCR should bring back their Football program REMEMBERING THE HIGHLANDER FOOTBALL TEAM.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UCR IZZY GRAHAM, IYANNA WALLACE Sports Editor, Assistant Sports Editor
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) has an esteemed sports program having multiple sports including basketball, volleyball, soccer and more.; however. The, the The absence of a football team has left a very prominent hole in campus sports culture. UCR’s division II football team was active for 21 seasons from 1955 to 1975 having numerous successful seasons throughout its history. During its 21 seasons, the Highlanders had a total of three conference championships, and seven players drafted into the National Football League (NFL), making the football team a key part of UCR athletics. The 1960 season, where the Highlanders went undefeated in their conference, and with a 17-3 record in the 1972 season established the
team as a force MAIN to be reckoned with ST conference wide. By the end of the program’s history, the Highlanders had an all-time record of 84-83-8. The program’s final season came in 1975. Despite the Highlanders accomplishments on the field during their 21 years of operation, on Dec. 4 1975, it was decided that due to poor attendance and lack of ticket sales the Highlander football program would be discontinued. After its ORANGE discontinuation,ST football has never returned to UCR, leaving the Highlanders as one of seven, of the UC campusesCampuses without a football program today. Nearly 51 years after its discontinuation, the idea of bringing back a football program at UCR still remains. Football games create one of the most unique environments for students in high school, college and
more. Whether you’re attending because a friend made you or for the love of the game, football games allow you to forget about everything else going on academically and focus on the 11 people representing your school. So why doesn’t UCR bring their football team back? When UCR discontinued their football program in 1975, there were approximately 4,800 students enrolled in the University. Flashforward to now, approximately 27,600 students are enrolled in the University. If one of the main reasons for discontinuation was lack of ticket sales and attendance, this is a problem UCR would be less than likely to face with the current enrollment ■ being up by 24%. H
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SPORTS
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RIVERSIDE RECAPS MEN’S SOCCER - SEPTEMBER 23 UC RIVERSIDE VS. SACRAMENTO STATE UNIVERSITY 3-1 L WOMEN’S SOCCER - SEPTEMBER 23 UC RIVERSIDE VS. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY FULLERTON 2-0 L WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL - SEPTEMBER 24 UC RIVERSIDE VS. UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY 0-3 L WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL - SEPTEMBER 26 UC RIVERSIDE VS. SACRAMENTO STATE UNIVERSITY 0-3 L WOMEN’S SOCCER - SEPTEMBER 26 CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY VS. UC RIVERSIDE 0-2 L