The Reveille 2-2-26

BEATS AND

BARS

Meet this LSU student DJ who spins the soundtrack for game days and nights out.

LSUReveille.com

‘FOR THE CROWD’

Alex Alvarez uses his passion to bring people together

BY MIA HATTAWAY Staff Writer

When now construction management senior Alex Alvarez joined the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity his freshman year, he was looking for a sense of community. Within a year, he would become known as DJ Alvy, providing the soundtrack to game days on the Parade Ground and late nights in Tigerland.

Alvarez, 21, started his DJ gig as a hobby, but it soon became the foundation of his time at LSU, connecting him to unimaginable opportunities, lifelong friends and crowds larger than he could have pictured when he spun his first few tracks in his dorm room.

Alvarez was gifted his first DJ board for Christmas during his freshman year of college. Since ATO didn’t have a DJ at the time, Alvarez seemed like the natural fit for tailgates going into the following school year. During the summer before his sophomore year, Alvarez decided to commit two hours a day to honing his craft of mixing music.

This role in his fraternity ended up transcending just football season. Because he was already working at The Revelry when he started DJing, Alvarez was able to build connections within the nightlife scene that helped him land other gigs down the line.

“All it takes is one transition for the workers to be like, ‘Oh, that guy’s awesome,’ because they’re not really paying attention the entire time,” Alvarez said. “All I need is one little moment that they recognize, and then it’s just all word of mouth.”

Alvarez leads with intuition when it comes to his tracklist. Though he tries to be proactive about what songs he will likely play, he prefers taking an in-themoment approach to match what the crowd is feeling.

“If I were to plan out 20 songs beforehand, and I were to play the first three songs and the crowd’s not feeling it, then what are you gonna do?” Alvarez said. “I just learned that you can plan all you want, but at the end of the day, if you’re truly playing for the crowd, you’re not gonna be able to predict what they want to listen to or what’s working at the moment.”

With this approach, he described his music style with one word: jambalaya.

“It’s a little bit of everything,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez believes that, as important as the music is, much of DJing comes from how you interact with others.

“It’s really all just social networking — just giving people a reason to say a good thing about you,” Alvarez said. “Even if it’s not your music, just being nice to people.”

Past the value of networking,

this interest has allowed the DJ to develop a handful of soft skills.

“It taught me time management,” Alvarez said. “When I’m doing a transition, if someone’s talking to me, you still have to be able to focus on that, because, again, you’re playing for the crowd. You have to be able to balance conversation and working, and then just overall tolerance.”

Alvarez credits LSU’s class offerings — specifically the ability for students to make their own schedules — as an important part of how he is able to maintain work-life balance.

When the San Antonio native was applying to colleges, he was already familiar with the South and knew he wanted to avoid harsh winters. With his favorite color being purple and having just watched LSU win the 2019 College Football Playoffs, he thought to give LSU a shot. Seeming like fate, Alvarez received his LSU acceptance email on Christmas Eve.

Once he first got to campus, Alvarez joined ATO as a way to meet like-minded students.

“We’re a very out-of-state fraternity, so that’s really nice,” Alvarez said. “You’re not going into high school 2.0; we don’t really get guys we knew in high school. I think that when everyone comes in and they have the same ambition to make new friends, that’s really helped. I think we’re a really close chapter.”

Alvarez’s former roommate and continuous best friend, senior general business major Sammy Ponce, was introduced to the DJ through ATO and has been with him from the beginning of his side hustle.

“I had met him before he started, or when he was picking it up as a hobby,” Ponce said. “I stayed over at his house for two weeks in the summer, and that’s when he got really into it.”

Ponce, 21, experienced more of Alvarez’s learning process than most of their fraternity brothers likely did at the time.

“From seeing him just being in his room and doing it as a hobby — kind of [Alvarez] saying, ‘Oh, it’s cool, but I don’t know if I want to do this’ — to seeing him perform on a bigger stage with the crowd going crazy is pretty cool,” Ponce said.

Alvarez has even built friendships on the foundation of his musical venture. Political science sophomore Luke Hill, 20, was first acquainted with Alvarez due to their shared musical interests.

“I met Alex during rush because I was like, ‘I DJ too,’” Hill said. “Ever since then, we’ve just hung out and made a really good friendship through that.”

Hill, originally from Ashburn, Virginia, found solace in the community of ATO, especially in that of Alvarez, who was later assigned as Hill’s big brother in their fraternity. As a big, Alvarez acts as a

mentor and friend within ATO.

“Being from so far away, finding someone with such a niche common interest made it where we had a connection right away,” Hill said. “That just made me actually get to know him. It’s really easy to not only be co-workers with him, but also just friends with him.”

After Hill joined ATO, he was prompted to join Alvarez in DJing for tailgates during football season. When Alvarez had work commitments at The Revelry, Hill, known as DJ Stutter, would start a set, allowing his big to join in after work.

“Usually I’ll start just because I had to be out there a little bit earlier,” Hill explained. “After a couple hours, he’ll hop on … then towards the end, we play for an hour or two just together because it’s always a lot of fun when you have two minds on it instead of one.”

Though DJing became an important role for the duo within their fraternity, the pastime remained enjoyable for the pair to bond over.

“About once a week, we try to go to mine, and we’ll play for, like, two hours just in my room,” Hill said. “We’ll just DJ together, and we just show each other weird stuff that we’ve been thinking of.”

Keeping this pursuit fun is a focus of Alvarez’s. Though he initially struggled with imposter syndrome, he tries not to take his work too seriously.

“You’re always gonna be harder on yourself than the crowd,” Alvarez said. “At the end of the day, you’re trying to play for a crowd,

B-16 Hodges Hall

Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, La. 70803

so eventually you’re gonna have to throw yourself out of the nest.”

Hill can attest to Alvarez’s struggle with doubting his skills.

In November 2024, Alvarez competed in Tiger TV’s Battle of the DJs. Despite being anxious about his performance, he ended up winning the competition.

“I remember sitting in his room while he was trying to plan out what songs he was gonna play and him just being so in his head about it,” Hill said. “Then he went and he played it and it was insane. It was so sick to watch. I’ve seen some sets live, but that was one where I watched it and I was like, ‘This is actually a level above.’”

To Hill, seeing his friend’s success is all the more motivating.

“With Alex, we both kind of feed off of each other,” Hill said. “It’s like a friendly competition.”

As the DJ approaches his graduation this December, he isn’t planning on continuing with music after college. Though he would definitely spin a few tracks if a friend asked him to, he doesn’t feel any pressure to make the hobby work out long term.

“It’s definitely not about the money and the business of it,” Alvarez said. “It’s just for fun. I think it’s like one of those where you never want that to be your plan A. If you rely on that too heavily, I think you kind of lose the love for the art that it is itself. At the end of the day, you shouldn’t be DJing for yourself; you should be DJing for the people in the bar.”

For more information on upcoming sets, visit DJ Alvy’s Instagram.

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CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

The Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure its readers the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes that may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified, please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or email editor@lsu.edu.

ABOUT THE REVEILLE

The Reveille is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Reveille is free from multiple sites on campus and about 25 sites off campus. To obtain additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall or email studentmedia@ lsu.edu. The Reveille is published biweekly during the fall, spring and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. The Reveille is funded through LSU students’ payments of the Student Media fee.

NEWS

BY MAIA TYLER Staff Writer

ICE PROTEST

RESEARCH

LSU signs research agreement with Army

BY CADE SAVOY Deputy News Editor

LSU and Army and Cyber Command (ARCYBER) have entered into a formal agreement to cooperate on advanced research, prototype development, education and training and technology transfer.

Amid unprecedented immigration raids, cities, organizations and individuals have organized protests against the presence and implementation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

LSU’s Students for a Democratic Society held an “ICE Out of Everywhere” rally Thursday in Free Speech Alley. It served as a response to the killings of U.S. citizens by ICE agents.

SDS referenced the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Both were U.S. citizens killed in separate encounters with ICE agents within three weeks. Protesters also decried the murder of Keith Porter Jr., who was fatally shot by an off-duty ICE agent in California last year.

In each case, families and civil

BY MADDY SNYDER Staff Writer

An LSU student organization hosted a clothing drive aimed at supporting children in the foster care system.

rights advocates questioned official accounts and called for independent investigations, contributing to the debate over the use of force and power that federal immigration enforcement has access to.

SDS member Gabriela Juarez led much of the demonstration. Juarez was previously arrested on LSU’s campus after speaking beyond the allotted time during public comment at a presidential search committee meeting in October.

“There’s an idea that LSU is a very conservative campus,” Juarez said. “I think you’ll find if you actually go and talk to the student body, regardless of the language or words that they might use, that they are not supportive of this farright, MAGA agenda.”

The hour-long demonstration featured organized chants and re -

marks from speakers representing several LSU student organizations, including Students for a Democratic Society, Feminists in Action and the Road Socialist Organization.

Protesters chanted slogans such as “Money for jobs and education, not for mass deportation” and “No one is illegal, power to the people.” One chant was delivered in Spanish, as participants voiced support for immigrant rights.

“In my four years, this is my first time seeing a positive protest in Free Speech Alley,” said Joliegh Josephs, a coastal environmental science senior who was at the protest. “It’s good to see something you can feel good about.”

Despite not being able to protest on the steps in front of the union, hecklers passing by and police presence, members of SDS were satisfied with the turnout.

“During the rally, I felt very hopeful. We’re seeing people get involved in the struggle, and we’re seeing them resist ICE,” said Ziad Eissa, the vice president of SDS. SDS also demanded that LSU and LSUPD have no collaboration with ICE. This stemmed from an incident last year where the university cooperated with ICE in the arrest of two Iranian students.

They also want LSU to provide “Know your rights” training for faculty, staff and students. And monitor the visa status of immigrant students to help them retain documented status.

In addition to the protest, SDS created a petition on actionnetwork.org, which reiterates the same demands.

“We’re going to continue demonstrating until LSU meets our demands,” Eissa said.

Injustice Reform hosts clothing drive Student protester gets school ruling

For the past two weeks, the Injustice Reform club collected gently used clothing in front of Coates Hall to donate to children in foster care. All donations went to Brave Heart Louisiana, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children who are experiencing the trauma of being removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Brave Heart delivers gifts such as clothes, backpacks and gift bags to children in the Louisiana foster care system.

Club President Ashawna Smith founded the club after witnessing the failures of the criminal justice system while working at the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office as a sophomore.

Smith said she noticed that many of the individuals arrested

for crimes did not fully understand their rights and often endured long, exhausting interrogations that would not end until they confessed.

“I just thought that was very inhumane, and so I made Injustice Reform to shed light on that and be an advocate for people in those situations,” Smith said.

The primary goals of Injustice Reform are to educate individuals on their rights, empower others to combat injustice and serve those who have been harmed by the criminal justice system.

The clothing drive is another way for the club to serve people who have been failed by the government and need extra assistance.

Many of the kids in the foster care system were born to parents who were not ready or willing to care for them, Smith explained.

Even after being removed from those situations, the kids still do not have all the resources they need. These clothing donations will help foster children feel more comfortable and cared for.

“We just wanted to provide

them with something nice because kids in the foster care system have been through a lot,” Smith said.

Vice President and Community Service Chair of the club N’Khia Zachary was the primary organizer behind the clothing drive. As chair, Zachary is constantly searching for new ways for the club to serve the Baton Rouge community.

The idea got a clothing drive came to her after speaking with someone who was raised in the foster system. She learned that many of the clothes foster kids received were inadequate, often riddled with holes and permanent stains. Zachary decided to organize the drive to provide foster children with more comfortable, clean clothes.

“I feel like someone should have the opportunity to wear basic leggings and a T-shirt and some jeans and some socks without having to worry about [the clothes] being dirty or having holes in [them],” Zachary said.

The club continues to grow and

After a hearing Thursday, LSU has handed down its punishment for a student arrested while protesting during a presidential search committee meeting in October.

LSU found Gabriela Juárez, who was arrested and sent to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison after going over her allotted time during public comment, responsible for failure to comply and obstruction but not responsible for disorderly conduct, Juárez told the Reveille.

Juárez said she received a twosemester warning and will be required to complete a university Moodle course, but she was not

ARCYBER is a subcomponent of the U.S. Cyber Command and is the military’s top hub for data processing and data-related research. It is responsible for defending Army networks, facilitating cyberspace operations and providing critical intelligence to Army and Joint Force Commanders.

According to LSU’s official press release, “The partnership with LSU will be led by ARCYBER’s Cyber Technology and Innovation Center (ArCTIC), an Army Technology Transfer Program-approved laboratory responsible for research and capability development.”

Building on LSU’s 2022 designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) by the National Security Agency, the agreement provides for shared access to university and command facilities, a joint pursuit of critical defense research actions and other initiatives aimed at bolstering national security.

LSU President Wade Rousse has lauded the agreement as a testament to LSU’s history of collaboration with the U.S. military. “LSU’s proud military legacy is core to our identity as an institution,” he said.

LSU was founded in 1860 as a military academy and remains one of the only a handful American universities designated as landgrant, sea-grant and space-grant institutions.

“The partnership with U.S. Army Cyber Command underscores our research excellence, and more importantly, offers our students and researchers an incredible opportunity to translate their technical knowledge into real-world results,” Rousse continued. “Collectively, we are contributing to a more secure future for both Louisiana and the nation.”

ARCYBER officials have also celebrated the partnership.

“By collaborating directly with LSU’s students, faculty and researchers, we are fostering relationships that will drive innovation and equip the next generation of cyber leaders. Collectively, we are contributing to a more secure future for both Louisiana and the nation,” said Lt. General Christopher Eubank, the commanding general of ARCYBER.

Professor explains abortion pill extradition request

BY AIDAN ANTHAUME Staff Writer

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said last week that he will not honor Louisiana’s request to extradite a California doctor accused of mailing abortion pills into Louisiana, escalating a legal fight between two states with sharply different abortion laws.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has identified the doctor as Dr. Remy Coeytaux, a San Francisco area physician charged in St. Tammany Parish with “criminal abortion by means of abortion-inducing drugs.”

The charge carries a potential sentence of up to 50 years in prison, according to Murrill.

California is one of 22 states that has enacted “shield laws,” which are measures designed to protect healthcare providers and patients from out-of-state investigations, extradition requests and other legal penalties for reproductive care that is lawful within their borders.

Ethan Vogin, an LSU law student and College Council president at the Paul M. Herbert Law Center, said the conflict reflects a basic feature of American federalism: that states can take different approaches to public policy.

“There’s a constitutional theory

abortion rights rally in downtown Baton Rouge, La.

called the laboratories of democracy,” Vogin said. “All 50 states have the ability to experiment with social policy.”

States like California and New York have adopted shield laws in support of abortion rights after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

“If I were to take a high-capacity magazine for a firearm and knowingly ship it to California, I would be violating California law. The people of California have an expectation that when their criminal laws

are broken, the suspects will be held accountable in a court of law,” said Vogin, the former president of LSU’s Turning Point USA chapter.

To understand what could happen next, LSU Law Professor John Devlin said the key question is whether extradition rules apply when the accused never “fled” the state seeking to prosecute them.

“The question would be, how broadly is the Puerto Rico v. Branstad case going to be interpreted,” he said, referring to a 1987 U.S. Supreme Court decision involving interstate extradition.

“Louisiana would have to take some action, presumably in federal court,” Vogin said.

He clarified that any case would turn on the underlying facts, including whether the doctor was ever in Louisiana.

“Until Louisiana brings some action, I don’t think anything’s going to happen,” he said.

If Louisiana escalates the standoff, Devlin said the fight could land in federal court as “Louisiana v. California,” asking a judge to order California comply with the extradition request.

CLOTHING, from page 3

expand their outreach. It plans to continue focusing on serving underprivileged youth in the Baton Rouge area.

Smith and Zachary’s next project will involve collecting donations for Easter baskets to give to children whose parents are unable to afford them. They said they are eager to continue serving and advocating for justice.

, from page 3

placed on university probation.

Juárez was one of seven students arrested at the Oct. 1 meeting, of whom are all members of the activist student organization Students for a Democratic Society. The other six were arrested after following Juárez outside as she was detained and blocking the police car that carried her from leaving.

Juárez was officially charged with resisting an officer and interfering with an educational practice.

The presidential search committee ultimately narrowed down three finalists for the university’s open presidential position, and the LSU Board of Supervisors selected Wade Rousse as the system president and appointed James Dalton, another finalist, to the revived position of chancellor over the Baton Rouge campus.

ENTERTAINMENT

What are LSU students wearing this Mardi Gras? Here are the latest trends

BY CHARLOTTE TRENTALANGE Staff Writer

With Mardi Gras season in full swing, LSU students are scouring local boutiques, thrift stores and online websites for their perfect parade day outfits. From sequins and metallics to budget-friendly finds, here’s where students are shopping and what styles they’re looking for.

What’s trending this year?

This year’s Mardi Gras trends combine the classic festive statement pieces with a modern twist. More cold-weather outfits are popping up on social media, like leather and denim jackets, due to the decrease in temperatures. Fringe is also showing up on everything from boots to dresses, and students are experimenting with new silhouettes like puff sleeves and bubble skirts while still embracing the form-fitting maxi dresses that can often be seen up and down Bourbon Street.

This year also marks a resurgence of 2010s fashion influence, with handmade beaded tops and chunky gold jewelry paired with basic T-shirts. Patterns like polka dots and deer print are also this winter’s newest fashion fixation.

Shopping local

Most LSU students say their first choice is online shopping, where they can find inexpensive options and choose from an endless selection. But for the last minute shopper, local boutiques offer a wide range of curated pieces that no one else will be wearing.

With two locations in Baton Rouge, Frock Candy offers the classic Mardi Gras color palette in countless styles. The boutique’s selection ranges from purple checkered pants to bright green cowboy boots, plus accessories like sequin earrings, belts and hats. Frock Candy is also known for carrying the Queen of Sparkles Mardi Gras collection, which is the envy of any parade. With prices ranging from low to high, there’s something for every budget.

Just steps off LSU’s campus, Rodéo Boutique has you covered head to toe. For more subdued colors and high end pieces designed to make you stand out, Rodéo is the place to shop. The store’s inventory includes fringed skirts and leather jackets that you could easily pair with any basic. If you’re looking for clothes that won’t sit in your closet all year, these pieces are worth their price.

From sweaters to jeweled bodysuits, Bella Bella offers festive looks for every age. Locat-

ed on Perkins Road, they have a huge selection of colored denim sets, jackets, gloves and hats to survive the colder temperatures we’re seeing this season. Offering a modern take on the classic Mardi Gras style, Bella Bella is mixing pastels and Louisiana-inspired prints into its wide inventory.

Thrifting and DIY

Although you’ll be sure to stand out in pieces from local boutiques, LSU junior and finance student Taylor Friedrich takes it one step further by creating her own outfits for the season. Friedrich, who owns her own sustainable clothing line called T’s Bikinis, has been sewing and designing her own outfits for game days and Mardi Gras since last year.

PUZZLES

She said her routine involves searching thrift stores to find clothes that have dated designs hidden in quality fabrics, then going home and making something completely new.

“I like going out and knowing someone won’t be wearing the same thing as me,” Friedrich said.

This year, she’ll be wearing a matching top and skirt set she made from a pair of Tommy Hilfiger pants she found at The Purple Cow, a thrift store in Baton Rouge.

How much are

students spending?

Friedrich said she spends around $90 for all the materials and clothes she buys at the thrift stores, but spends around 20 hours sewing and creating her outfits.

In the same price range, Carolina Mehaffie, a sophomore marketing student, said she pays for a monthly clothing rental service called Nuuly. It allows her to choose six styles from its selection for $92 a month. She said she’s already picked out the outfits she plans to wear for Mardi Gras.

Yelise Otero, a marketing student with a fashion merchan dising minor, said she bought a matching set for $100 that she plans to spruce up with items she already owns. She said she sees other students do the same, buying one or two new outfits for Mardi Gras and combining them with items they already own to keep costs down.

Whether wearing clothes you already own or splurging on a statement piece, Mardi Gras fashion comes down to showing off your own style and personal expression while enjoying the celebration.

SPLASHANNIVERSARY

How are students reacting to the freezing temperatures?

BY LILY CENTOLA Staff Writer

It seems like winter has gone into full swing as temperatures have dropped below freezing over the past week in Baton Rouge. On Jan. 26, LSU’s campus was closed due to the freezing temperatures. On Tuesday morning, cars were glistening with icy layers and sidewalks had an extra shine about them. How are LSU students feeling about this seasonal chill?

As a Colorado native who sees snow each winter, Ryder Rinow, a sophomore majoring in sports commerce, is not shocked by the weather.

“There is a much larger overreaction to winter weather down here than there is in Colorado,” Rinow said.

He commented on the peculiarity of the weather, comparing it to his home where the cold is anticipated each winter.

“I came down here for the warmer weather, and over the last

two years have had more winter storm days off here than my sisters back home,” Rinow said.

Sophomore Kate Smith, a sociology major from New Orleans, believes the weather last year prepared her for this year and acknowledges LSU’s efforts of precaution.

“We are a little bit used to it since last year we had the snow, so they are kind of more cautious with the weather to make sure everyone is fine and safe,” Smith said.

Smith was not expecting the

snow last year, so she had to get resourceful when it came to winter gear.

“Last year when it snowed, we did not know what to do. I wore a literal rain jacket,” Smith said.

Layne Sherman, a sophomore communication disorders major, appreciated the resourcefulness of students last year during the spontaneous flurry.

“My roommate last year did not have boots to wear in the snow, so she wore her sneakers,” Sherman said.

Back in her home state of Georgia, low temperatures are typical around winter time. Sherman is used to school being canceled due to freeze warnings.

“In Atlanta, at my high school at least, on our calendar we would have extra days in the year so they could take off school as a precaution,” Sherman said.

She believes living a bit more north than Baton Rouge has prepared her for surprisingly low temperatures in the South.

“I knew what jacket I was going to pull out from my closet,” Sherman said.

On the other hand, sophomore psychology major and Baton Rouge native Katie Scott believes her wardrobe is less prepared.

“All of my clothes are strictly for when it is hot outside, so I have to pull out some jeans and sweatpants. My wardrobe is very small,” Scott said.

As someone from the South, Scott is also not a fan of the cold temperatures.

“I honestly am not used to the cold since I am from Louisiana. I hate it,” she said.

Freshman Daryl Trann, a biology major from Alexandria, likes the way the cold affects her on a day-to-day basis. She believes it eases her daily routine, and she likes that it gives her a break from the hectic aspects of her life.

“I actually really enjoyed it because we got to get out of school,” Trann said. “I like the colder weather because I am not sweating walking to class.”

10 movies to add to your watchlist this Black History Month

BY SARAH WALTON Staff Writer

When it comes to media, especially film, Black culture and history is often ignored, minimized or poorly represented. As time goes on, that seems to be changing. “Sinners” was just nominated for 16 Oscars, but this record-breaking movie is not the only fantastic Black film out there. In honor of Black History Month, here are some incredible films, old and new, to add to your watchlist.

‘Sing Sing’

Underrated is not a strong enough word to describe this film. Released by A24 in 2023, “Sing Sing” follows a group of men in a prison outreach theater program as they devise and perform their newest piece. “Sing Sing” is a sobering look at the American prison system, what comes from the pain and dehu-

manization of incarceration and how art can not only heal, but inspire. Colman Domingo stars in what is one of his greatest performances ever. Based on real people, with some of them even acting in the movie, there is so much beauty and heart in a film like this.

‘One Night in Miami…’

When you think of historical figures of the ‘60s and American Civil Rights Movement, it may be hard to imagine what they’re like all together. This film follows Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, Muhammad Ali and Jim Brown on an imaginary night of them all together as they wrestle with the reality of their lives during the Civil Rights Movement.

Starring “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom Jr., and with beautiful and moving performances all around, there is so much to enjoy and understand with “One Night in Miami…”

‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ Set in Louisiana, “Beasts of the Southern Wild” is a film that follows six-year-old Hushpuppy in her bayou community as her father grows sick and prehistoric beasts begin to roam free. A Sundance Film Festival winner, this is the wild and emotional movie to take a chance on.

‘Miss Juneteenth’

Released in 2020, “Miss Juneteenth” is about former pageant queen and mother Turquoise Jones and her daughter, Kai, as she goes through the Miss Juneteenth pageant in hopes that she will win a full-ride scholarship to a historically Black college.

‘Nickel Boys’

Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning book of the same name, “Nickel Boys” is about two boys forced to attend an abusive reform school. Set in the 1960s, the film is a story reflecting the real experiences of those who did and did not survive the reform school system.

‘Last Holiday ’

Though it is a holiday movie, “Last Holiday” is always a good choice when trying to find something heartwarming to watch. Starring Queen Latifah, the movie is about Georgia Byrd and her journey to appreciate her life after learning she has a terminal illness.

‘Wendell & Wild’

Produced by the iconic Jordan Peele, “Wendell & Wild” is another stamp in the history of stop-motion animation. Directed by Henry Selick, the creator of Coraline, the movie is about punk rock teen Kat who summons demon brothers to help her after the loss of her parents.

‘Cinderella’ (1997)

A little bit older, but always a classic, is the 1997 adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” starring Whitney Houston, Brandy Norwood and Whoopi Goldberg. This film is an iconic retelling that is just as fun, colorful and sonically wonderful as it was almost 30 years ago.

‘One of Them Days’

The most recent movie on this list, “One of Them Days,” is a hilarious comedy starring SZA and Keke Palmer playing roommates on a mission to make enough money to pay their rent. As hijinks ensues, their characters do their best to get through

one of those just absolutely long and somewhat crazy days.

‘If Beale Street Could Talk’

One of the most beautiful love stories put to film in recent years, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” is about Tish and Fonny as they build a life together. Set in the 1970s in The Bronx, the film follows this couple and their family as they deal with the reality of Fonny getting arrested for a crime he didn’t commit.

From stories about the human condition to tales of magic and whimsy, there are so many lesser known films to pick from and watch during Black History Month.

SPORTS LSU conditioning coach and amputee enters global fitness contest

BY AINSLEY FLOOD Sports Editor

Katie Guillory is the assistant strength and conditioning coach for LSU gymnastics and beach volleyball, training athletes as a former one herself. She was a captain of LSU softball, most notably leading the team into the College World Series back in 2012.

She’s also a recent amputee after losing her left foot in a jet ski accident on July 4, 2025.

A little over six months later, Guillory is competing for $20,000 in a global health and fitness competition that relies on votes to make it through each round.

“It’s extremely uncharacteristic of me, but I just went big and did it, and so far, so good,” Guillory said. “The community has stepped up big time in order to help me, and I just have to keep the ball rolling on that.”

Her online presence plays a hand in that. She shares bits of her recovery process, showcasing her optimistic attitude while also not diminishing the reality of amputation.

Guillory describes herself as straightforward, blunt and practical, so it was easier to instantly accept and make peace with her new situation.

Just over two weeks post-op, she was ready to get back in the swing of things at LSU. She was discharged on a Saturday and texted her boss asking to come in to work on the following Monday. That same determination is what jump-started her recovery.

Guillory said she was in the best shape she’d achieved in a long time when the accident occurred. She may have lost her progress, but Guillory credits her prior health and fitness for expediting her recovery process.

ROLLED

While life is a little more consistent these days, Guillory still faces the struggles of many amputees, including navigating prosthetics and pain regulation.

At the mercy of her leg, she adapts and finds ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Guillory began posting about her journey on social media as a method to hold herself accountable and connect with the amputee community, but the support she has received has been overwhelming.

“That’s kind of given me the juice to keep going in hard times, and I feel like now I’m in a pretty good spot,” Guillory said. “I have never felt more pulled to God’s calling than I do now.”

That’s exactly why she’s in the running for Ms. Health and Fitness, a charity competition for those promoting wellness within their community. Currently in the first round, Guillory is depending on voters to stay at the top of her group. Every week, there will be a cut until a winner is chosen among the remaining contestants.

“I figured, I have the momentum, I have the drive right now,” Guillory said. “I have the desire, I have the passion and I have the platform. Let me just give it a shot.”

If she won, Guillory would become the first amputee winner in the competition’s history, along with earning the cover of HERS Muscle and Fitness Magazine and that $20,000.

While it’s out of her comfort zone, Guillory has bigger reasons for wanting to enter.

“I hate that it makes it about me, but I’ve been told by so many people close to me that this is an opportunity to inspire those people around me,” Guillory said. “Use your platform and not even make a name for yourself, but show people that there is a way.”

That list of reasons includes her newfound dream of qualifying for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, which she has already begun training for in track and field.

“I feel like I got the ball rolling, and I’m pretty clear on what I want to do in life now and what I feel like God has called me to do,” Guillory said. “I think it’s up to me now to just kind of live that out to his fullest potential.”

That prize money would help fund her Paralympic ambitions, but her main goal in this competition is to just show others what’s possible.

“If I just wanted $20,000 for myself, I wouldn’t have gotten into the competition,” Guillory said. “Being able to utilize that money in a way that will either help others or will help me continue to inspire people through my actions — that’s what I want.”

TIDE

Women’s basketball buries Alabama in points

BY TRE ALLEN Staff Writer

The saying goes, “the early bird gets the worm,” and for an earlymorning tip-off between LSU women’s basketball and Alabama, it was LSU that came away with the worm and the victory with a 103-63 victory.

The Tigers got going with head coach Kim Mulkey’s favorite thing: defense.

Forcing Alabama into tough shot selections, drawing offensive fouls, blocking shots, getting steals and forcing over-the-back violations, all made for a stifling effort defensively.

LSU created 11 turnovers in the first half alone and held Alabama to only 39.3% from the field and 29 first-half points.

Turning those defensive possessions into points, with 11 of them coming off turnovers and 14 from fastbreak points.

As a team, LSU finished with 11 blocks and nine steals.

“I always say blocking shots is one of my favorite things to do in a basketball game,” Kate Koval said. “It just brings so much energy, and we just get hyped for each other. So I feel like it definitely is contagious.”

On offense, the Tigers dominated during the first 20 minutes, scoring 49 points while shooting 57.6% from the field and 62.5% from the 3-point line.

Mikaylah Williams scored 11 of her 15 points in the first half, shooting all over the floor. She knocked down her usual mid-range jumpshots and stepped out to the 3-point line.

The Tigers also got a big boost from their bench to start the game, with freshman ZaKiyah Johnson scoring 11 first half points, who ended the game with a doubledouble with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Amiya Joyner also chipped in nine points, four rebounds and two blocks off the bench

There were multiple plays in transition or attacking the basket in the half court, where the Tigers made the extra pass to find their

open teammate for a better shot.

LSU finished the game with 20 assists as a team, showing that the Tigers weren’t afraid to share the ball either.

“I think all of us know we’ve got a lot of depth and a lot of talent, a lot of people that can score the ball, but sometimes in that moment, we think, as a player, this bucket, ‘I’m shooting it’ and that’s okay, but man, think how crazy the crowd goes and how your teammates go crazy when you share it,” Mulkey said. “That’s just unselfish play.”

They even added a little flair with guards like Jada Richard and MiLaysia Fulwiley dropping off a few no-look passes that got the crowd off their feet.

The energy continued into the second half with more hustle plays and more intensity.

Koval got the start after an impressive showing on both ends of the court during her last game against Arkansas, and once again

brought the effort that was contagious like a cough during flu season.

Picking pockets and getting steals, the 6-foot-5-inch forward was even able to live her dreams as a guard and got out in transition for the layup. She finished the game with eight points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two steals.

The Tigers didn’t slow down at all, continuing to suffocate the Crimson Tide and get out to a lead as large as 42 points.

Usually, when LSU gets out to large margin victories, you expect the veterans like Williams or Flau’jae Johnson to be the ones leading the charge for the Tigers. Yet, it was the other players, such as Richard, Fulwiley and Bella Hines, who played in the second half.

“She doesn’t have to do as much, probably on the offensive end, as she’s had to, and it’s the same way

Women’s hoops faces two top-5 tests ahead

BY TRE ALLEN Staff Writer

A month filled with Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras festivities will be anything but lovely for LSU women’s basketball.

The SEC schedule has always been grueling, as it puts every team to the test with the SEC and NCAA tournaments right around the corner.

The Tigers have a tough road ahead of them during the teeth of conference play as they will face two of the top five teams in the nation in February.

A chance to earn some key victories, here’s who LSU is up against.

Texas

The highly anticipated rematch with Texas is next for LSU, and this time the Tigers will travel to Aus -

tin.

Texas started the season 18-0 and was ranked as high as No. 2 before falling to LSU, then losing its next game against South Carolina.

The Tigers were able to get the best of the Longhorns, defeating them at home 70-65. Despite both teams struggling to shoot the ball, LSU was able to get more help from its players as five players were in double digits.

Texas is led by its star Madison Booker, who dropped 24 points against the Tigers roughly two weeks ago.

This year, Booker has once again lived up to expectations, averaging 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.6 steals on 50.8% from the field. Sharing the same num-

Men’s basketball gets back at South Carolina in overtime win

BY RAMI BURKS Staff Writer

LSU men’s basketball barely hung on in overtime to top South Carolina in the rematch of the season.

The Tigers were leading the Gamecocks entering halftime, and the scores were knotted at 47 just as the second half began. From here, the two teams battled back and forth to claim another SEC victory on the season. LSU narrowly clinched its second conference win with the 92-87 victory.

In true LSU basketball fashion, the winning baskets were scored in the form of free throws. In overtime alone, the purple and gold scored nine free throws in 12 attempts, but it was Max MacKinnon who put it away for LSU.

The Tigers took the victory with a 3-point shot and 20 seconds left on the overtime clock.

The last time these two teams faced off, the Gamecocks owned the Tigers, easily taking a 28-point lead to open the game. However, on Saturday, the Bayou Bengals were on a mission of vengeance.

GYMNASTICS

Head coach Matt McMahon has taken his place on the hot seat this season, and he was fired up for his team to take the victory. His team led most of the first half by several points and then lost the lead nearing halftime.

Following the first matchup against South Carolina, McMahon said they never pushed the Gamecocks into an uncomfortable position. That appeared to be a goal entering this rematch.

“We never made them uncomfortable in the first half,” McMahon said after the first matchup. “Their physicality really bothered us.”

The Bayou Bengals played harder than they have all season. They truly left it all on the court in this game.

The purple and gold played a fairly complete performance compared to their last few outings. The defense stepped up a little bit, and the offense performed despite Dedan Thomas Jr. being out for the game.

Thomas has been out for most of SEC play. He only played in a handful of games in the last few weeks, and he was marked ques -

tionable for Saturday. He’s been considered day-to-day since he’s been out, McMahon said during a press conference.

“We don’t want to put anybody as ‘out’ the night before a game, and then they show up the next day and play for a lot of reasons there,” McMahon said after the Tigers’ loss to Kentucky. “He’s going from clearly being out to being doubtful. He’s making great progress. He’s still day-to-day.”

The rest of the team clearly gained experience from their first time playing South Carolina, as this game was more in the Tigers’ favor. The first time these teams faced off, MacKinnon led the team in points scored with 15. On Saturday, Mike Nwoko led the Tigers with 21 points. Defensively, Rashad King held it down for the Tigers with six defensive rebounds and one steal.

Despite all of the drama this matchup brought to the table, LSU brought the win back to Baton Rouge, but if McMahon wants to cool his seat completely, the Tigers need to win a few more games.

LSU takes on Georgia for its

next matchup. The Tigers hope that the energy from this victory can carry over to try to keep the

season alive. Tip-off versus the Bulldogs is at 5 p.m. on Feb. 7 in the PMAC.

Gymnastics claws its way to first road win against Missouri

BY GABBY GRAY & DELANEY POTTHAST Staff Writers

It was a Tiger versus Tiger catfight that battled down to the last routine of the night when No. 2 LSU gymnastics found itself in Columbia, Missouri, against No. 7 Mizzou.

With a final score of 197.675197.500, LSU’s dominant performances on floor were the difference maker in this matchup. It finally finding a rhythm after early struggles on the event this season.

The Tigers began on their strongest event, looking towards Lexi Zeiss once again for the leadoff uneven bar routine. Despite being on enemy turf, Zeiss put up a 9.800 to start the purple and gold Tigers off strong.

Trailing behind Zeiss with her return to the bar lineup after a week off from competition was ju-

ALABAMA, from page 9

with Mikaylah,” Mulkey said after the Arkansas game. “They’re enjoying, I’ll call it their basketball team, because that’s your two captains.”

Hines was all over the place, drawing her signature charges and getting multiple and-one plays on offense.

Fulwiley got her rhythm back, playing the majority of the second half after struggling to find her shot in the last game against Arkansas.

It didn’t change who she was as she continued to dish flashy passes, as she drove the lane and played lockdown defense.

All 11 players who logged minutes for the Tigers scored as LSU eclipsed 100 points once again this season.

nior transfer Madison Ulrich, who earned a score of 9.925, one of the highest for the rotation.

Among the biggest names in the Baton Rouge bar rotation tonight was freshman Haley Mustari, who made her collegiate debut. Though competing in the lineup for the first time, a 9.900 from Mustari helped to keep the Tigers in the lead.

Rounding out the first rotation for the Bayou Bengals were familiar faces Courtney Blackson and Konnor McClain, who earned a 9.925 and 9.825, respectively. They helped ease LSU into the second rotation with a 0.100 lead over Mizzou.

As Zeiss prepared to lead the Bengals down the runway, the sophomore added to her event average with a score of 9.775. That was shortly followed by a 9.825 from McClain, LSU before turned heads for Blackson’s vault return.

Competing a Yurchenko one

PREVIEW, from page 9

ber as her idol, Kevin Durant, she proved to be an all-around scorer while being a top-10 scorer in the SEC.

Booker isn’t alone, however, with six other Longhorns averaging nine points or more per game. When Texas looks for another scorer in its offense, it will turn to Jordan Lee and Aaliyah Crump, who are second and third on the team in scoring at 14.2 and 13 points per game.

With so much scoring depth, Texas is a perennial powerhouse on offense, ranking top five in both field goal percentage and scoring. While LSU was able to limit them last time out, don’t think it’ll be easy.

and a half, the Boise State transfer earned a 9.900 to finish her night. As the scores started to build, a season-high 9.950 from Amari Drayton found its way into the vault total for LSU.

Kailin Chio, the 2025 NCAA Vault Champion, anchored the lineup, redeeming herself with a stuck landing and a 9.950 to match her season-high from Kentucky.

Entering the halfway point of the meet in the lead 98.800-98.625, the Baton Rouge Tigers rallied their energy over to the mat as they took on the floor exercise.

Looking to improve the team’s ranking on the floor, senior Emily Innes led off LSU with a 9.850. Freshman Nina Ballou followed with a 9.900, matching her season high from her competition against the Wildcats.

It was only up from there as Kylie Coen followed with a matching

South Carolina

There’s always a story when LSU and South Carolina play. There was the SEC Tournament game that resulted in ejections, and now former South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley transferring from the Gamecocks to the Tigers this past offseason.

LSU and South Carolina will meet on Valentine’s Day for a matchup that will be less than a lovely competition.

The Gamecocks are still one of the best teams in the country despite suffering two losses to both Texas and Oklahoma in the regular season. They were able to get their revenge on the Longhorns during their second matchup, defeating them 68-65.

South Carolina also picked

9.900, topping her season high of 9.825 on the event.

After finishing a pass with a faulty landing, Drayton stepped out of bounds, requiring a mandatory tenth of a deduction from her score.

The judges took longer than usual to award Drayton’s score, handing out Chio’s 9.950 and Kaliya Lincoln’s 9.925 before they finally landed on a 9.775 for the junior.

With Drayton’s score being the lowest on the event, it was, of course, not factored into the event’s composite value. The team’s total score on the event landed at 49.550.

This set LSU ahead of the competition by three-tenths as it prowled into the fourth and final rotation on the balance beam. While the competition was becoming close, the crown was still up for grabs as the two sets of Tigers fought to the very end of tonight’s meet.

Coen led off on beam with a

up another big win against No. 5 Vanderbilt, winning by 29 points. Going into this season, the team landed the nation’s leading scorer, Ta’Niya Latson from Florida State, who averaged 25.2 with the Seminoles.

With the talent surrounding her on the Gamecocks roster, she doesn’t have to do as much scoring, with 15.2 points this year, but she’s shooting more efficiently from the field (49.3%) and the 3-point line (39.2%).

However, it’s the blossoming of sophomore forward Joyce Edwards, who’s leading the team in scoring. After averaging 12.7 points per game last year, she has taken over as the No. 1 option, averaging 20 points per game on 59.3% from the field.

9.850 as Zeiss followed with a 9.825. Drayton came to the rescue with 9.925, matching her season high.

Lincoln fell short with a 9.750 McClain couldn’t execute with a disappointing 9.550, cornering the team to count Lincoln’s low score.

Following McClain’s season low score on the balance beam, it all came down to Chio in order for LSU to secure the win. She needed a 9.900 in order to take the adversary Tigers down, and having recently earned a perfect 10 on the event, she easily stuck 9.975 for her team.

With Chio’s score leading the event, LSU sank its claws into Mizzou with a 0.175 lead over the black and gold Tigers, marking its territory as it collected its first road win of the season.

The Baton Rouge team returns home next Friday for yet another catfight against the Lions of Penn State.

Expect this game to be physical, intense and close. The last time South Carolina came to Baton Rouge was in 2024, when the Gamecocks escaped with a sixpoint victory. The Tigers will want their revenge to protect home court.

While these games may be the frontliner of February, LSU can’t forget about other opponents, such as No. 17 Ole Miss, where the Tigers will travel to Oxford for a team known for its grit-and-grind play style under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.

LSU will also face No. 15 Tennessee at home, where four of its starters are in double digits for points. It should be a fun test for the Tigers right before the postseason.

LSU invests in new buildings while neglecting campus roads

RILEY’S REVIEW

RILEY

One late night this past September, while pulling into a parking spot in a poorly lit lot on the far side of the East Cam-

pus Apartments footbridge, the front right wheel of my Tacoma hit a deep rut in the asphalt that jerked my steering wheel into the vehicle parked in the adjacent spot.

While the accident was, from a legal standpoint, my fault, there was nothing out of the ordinary about my parking — I always prefer to pull in because

my depth perception suits that strategy over backing into a spot.

Had the rut not been there in the first place, I would have parked with no issue. To be completely honest, I do partially blame LSU.

There’s no doubt in my mind that LSU has an extremely low standard for the quality of its roads and parking lots. Everyone knows it. As I write this, I can conjure up a mental map of practically every pothole on the the east side of campus: the almost foot-deep craters in the front ECA lot, the alternating series of ruts and potholes in the footbridge lot, the yard-long stretches of stripped asphalt all along Lee and so many more.

For students commuting, it’s certainly aggravating. For those who live on campus, like myself, it is both a nuisance and a sign of disrespect.

We pay an exorbitant amount of money to attend LSU, to have a parking permit that only works for a handful of zones and we already have to fight with around 10,000 permit-holders for spots.

With these limited options

and high costs, one would expect a little maintenance at least from time to time to protect students’ vehicles from damage.

This is certainly not to say that I expect LSU to fix a rut, crater or pothole every time one appears — that would be impractical. The university should, however, take a hard look at its priorities.

Over the last year, LSU has been working toward its goal of becoming more “pedestrianfriendly,” and if the road quality doesn’t bother you from a vehicular standpoint, it might from the standpoint of a walkable campus.

Think back to our recent storm where it rained for two days — it took all of 20 minutes for every single pothole on Nicholson Road to fill up, and there are craters on both sides of every single crosswalk. You couldn’t cross the street or even walk on the sidewalk without soaking your tennis shoes or getting splashed by oncoming traffic.

Every time it rains, areas all along campus and in the parking lots that aren’t even low to the ground flood and stay that way

for the next day at a minimum. No one can enjoy a “pedestrian-friendly” campus when all of its access points are underwater, just as no one can enjoy such a campus when its access points are crumbling underfoot.

Even worse, it’s not like these problems are unfixable. At the very least, portions of campus roads could be closed off like we do during football season to at least temporarily fill potholes until the summer when the road could be re-done. The residential parking lots would have to be a summer project, but certainly require attention as well.

The university is seemingly focused on a slew of new projects: the new library, new dorms, the Interdisciplinary Science Building, renovations on the French House, et cetera — all things that should be exciting but instead pale next to LSU’s lack of care for the infrastructure that actually allows the student body to access these projects.

Riley Sanders is a 19-year-old biology major from Denham Springs, La.

This venue steps off campus should revive its cinema offerings

AVA

One of my favorite things as a LSU student is learning about the history of my soon-to-be alma mater.

I’ve spent many afternoons perusing archived editions of the Reveille, fascinated by how much life has changed through generations of Tigers. However, the information doesn’t stop there; I hear many stories from family and friends who share their experiences of campus life during their time as undergraduates.

I learned from one such tale of yesteryear that LSU once had a movie theater just steps off campus. I wish that was still a reality. Apparently, students aren’t the only ones to come and go.

After doing a little Nancy Drew work, I discovered that this said movie theater is still standing. The Varsity, which serves as

EDITORIAL BOARD

Jason Willis Editor in Chief

Managing Editor Courtney Bell

Kaley Melancon News Editor

Sports Editor Ainsley Flood

Garrett McEntee Opinion Editor

a live music venue located right next door to The Chimes restaurant, was once where locals and students alike enjoyed the latest film releases.

While a live music venue is cool, The Varsity Theatre isn’t the only one that exists. There’s literally the Revelry right next door, available for our favorite local college bands to do their thing.

Imagine Canes, live music venues and a movie theater all on the same strip, that would be a major win for LSU students.

Movie theaters are quintessential shared spaces to wander off to for a bit of planned or spontaneous entertainment. A much-needed third space.

While coffee shops and dining options serve their purpose, a movie theatre would be the perfect hub for a solo date in between classes or for a weekend movie date with friends.

And yes, I know there’s a Cinemark on Perkins Rowe, which I do happen to enjoy and frequent occasionally, but having a movie

theatre so close to campus would make moviegoing more accessible, especially to first-year students settling into their new home away from home.

Not to mention, there’s something about a historic movie theater that has qualities a modern one lacks. Historic theaters spark up feelings of nostalgia with their ornate details and charm.

So who can we collectively petition to either bring back The Varsity as a full-on theater or at least a place to occasionally screen our favorites and new releases?

The Revelry hosts Tuesday karaoke nights, what if the Varsity took a page out of their book and hosted Monday-Thursday movie nights? We still want bands to play, obviously, but why not make room for a few monthly screenings? I know a list of regulars that would keep the box office busy.

The more entertainment options, the better. Students won’t just stay cooped up in their dorms and apartments day and night.

LSU’s campus and its surround-

ing areas are prone to evolving with the addition of food trucks and walk-up coffee shops, so let’s continue this exciting trend of expansion.

While many students regard LSU’s campus as its own city within Baton Rouge, why not actually treat the campus area like

one? Ditch the traffic and allow students to have all they need in walking distance right on LSU grounds for safety and convenience.

Ava Francis is a 22-year-old journalism major from New Orleans.

The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to editor@lsu.edu or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions. Editorial Policies and Procedures

Gun carriers keep silent in the wake of Minneapolis shootings

BERGERON’S BRIEFINGS

THOMAS BERGERON Columnist

On Jan. 24, federal law enforcement officers from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Local officials stated that Pretti was a Department of Veterans Affairs nurse and had a license to carry a concealed firearm.

While Pretti was actively carrying his concealed handgun during a confrontation with CBP officers — an encounter he recorded on his phone — his sidearm only exited its holster when a federal officer removed it. Despite confiscation of Pretti’s firearm, and with at least six officers attempting to detain him, one of the masked agents fired into Pretti at close range, while the man was still on his knees.

Whether that use of lethal force was lawful remains under dispute. Though if the Second Amendment exists as a safeguard against government overreach, this moment should test its most adamant defenders.

August 1992, Ruby Ridge, Idaho. After selling two sawed-off

shotguns to a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) informant, ATF agents issued a warrant for former U.S. Army veteran Randy Weaver. After he failed to appear in court, a team from the U.S. Marshal Service initiated a raid to arrest Weaver. This arrest attempt transformed into a bloody, 11-day siege that started with the Marshals killing the Weaver family dog and ended in the deaths of Randy’s son, Samuel Weaver, Randy’s wife, Vicky Weaver, and U.S. Marshal W.F. Degan.

February 1993, Waco, Texas. The ATF obtained search warrants to pursue the arrest of Branch Davidian cult leader David Koresh and search his compound for illegal firearms and explosive devices. An initial raid into the doomsday cult’s compound left four ATF agents and six Davidians dead.

This failed operation escalated to a 51-day siege involving the FBI, Texas Rangers and the U.S. Army. On April 19, the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team breached the compound with armored vehicles and deployed nonlethal CS gas to clear the compound.

While the vehicles successfully breached the walls and agents deployed canisters of CS gas, the siege ended in the burning of the Davidian compound, killing 76 men, women and children. The

exact cause of the fire is disputed to this day.

April 2014, Bunkerville, Nevada. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sought to seize rancher Cliven Bundy’s herd of cattle after Bundy refused to pay more than $1 million in grazing fees for use of public land.

The Bundy family refused to recognize the U.S. government’s authority over the land, declaring a “Range War,” where hundreds of conservative protesters blocked the entrance to what is now Gold Butte National Monument. While no one was killed, armed militiamen trained guns on federal agents attempting to round up Bundy’s cattle. The BLM ultimately withdrew and released the cattle.

These three events are frequently cited by gun rights activists, right-wing militia groups and anti-federalists as egregious examples of government overreach and excessive force. In each case, though, some kind of legal violation was committed: failure to appear in court, possession of illegal firearms or unpaid federal fees. However, the arguments surrounding these cases are not about lawbreaking nor compliance, but about state violence and control.

And yet when a licensed gun

owner is killed in Minneapolis after an intense encounter with state functionaries, the messaging shifts to the former, rather than the latter. “FAFO” for some, but not “FAFO” for all.

If degrees of compliance are now the test for which lethal force is acceptable, then that same logic should be applied to the outcomes of Ruby Ridge or Waco. If the presence of firearms at a public demonstration alone legitimizes violent escalation, then the armed protesters at Bunkerville may have warranted an entirely different response from those BLM rangers.

To many Americans, the right to bear arms is a sacred right meant to safeguard against a tyrannical state.

To quote the late Charlie Kirk, “The 2nd amendment is not for hunting, it is not for self-protection. It is there to ensure that free people can defend themselves if god forbid government became tyrannical and turned against its citizens.”

Some would argue that killing a law-abiding citizen during an enforcement encounter while lawfully owning a firearm tests the meaning of “shall not be infringed.”

If “We the People” only believe that the right to bear arms is conditional upon partisanship,

then that right ceases to function as a restraint on power. This legal framework cannot be practiced selectively. If so, this means that the passages in the Bill of Rights are nothing more than a Bill of Privileges, granted and revoked whenever ideology aligns with power.

Thomas Bergeron is a 26-yearold graduate student from Baton Rouge, La.

Jan. 19, 2013, during a Guns Across America rally. The nationwide rally was in support of the Second Amendment and called for no new gun laws.

Louisiana Senate race is a battle of loyalty, not ideology

CRAWFORD’S CORNER

GORDON

CRAWFORD

Columnist

As we enter the month of February, and the filing deadline for the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Louisiana is rapidly approaching, and with the Democratic Party essentially a non-factor within the competition, the general factions that will come to shape the race have generally calcified.

On one side, you have the incumbent, Bill Cassidy. Cassidy,

who took office in 2014 whilst riding the wave of Obamacare backlash, faced little competition from his fellow Republicans during his first two electoral campaigns, and was able to position himself as a staunch conservative, albeit one who was willing to collaborate on bipartisan projects.

However, one bad call is all it takes to ruin years of goodwill.

Five years and a vote to impeach later, and the sharks smell blood in the water. Cassidy faces a field of zealous Trump loyalists, ready to deliver the long-awaited consequences for that ill-advised move.

Rep. Julia Letlow came in late in the game, but she came in with perhaps the biggest prize of all: the big man’s precious endorsement. Trump extended that golden carrot before she had even entered the race, likely reasoning that her multimillion dollar war chest as a member of the U.S. House was the best shot at outpacing Cassidy’s own deep pockets.

Following behind her is John Fleming, current state treasurer, original frontrunner, and longtime fixture on the hard right. A founder of the Freedom Caucus, the furthest-right segment of Congress, he proudly boasts on his website that he was “MAGA before MAGA was cool.”

When I look at the state of this race and the options proffered to the Louisiana voter, it fills me with a great disappointment.

I do, to some extent, feel grateful that we at least have the opportunity to truly make a decision. Driving through Mississippi a couple of years ago during the campaign of Sen. Roger Wicker was truly saddening, with a bevy of signs scattered around without even the slightest hint of opposition. At the very least, our Republican Party is not a monolithic juggernaut simply dispensing marching orders from within without question.

However, when you truly assess the candidates before you, how much choice do you really have? The phrase “moderate Re -

publican” is frequently thrown around in American politics, and Bill Cassidy has somehow fallen within those ranks.

What really is a moderate Republican?

Terms like conservative or liberal may be vague, but they at least have definable characteristics. What is “moderatism?”

Is it simply your willingness to break with general party norms? Senators like Joe Manchin and John McCain earned their status as moderates by leveraging power to truly disrupt their own party’s agenda and shape it to their end. Manchin used power as a swing vote in a tied Congress to kill Biden’s Build Back Better plan, whilst McCain broke with his party to save Obamacare in 2017.

What true moderate bona fides does Cassidy have to stand on? Overall, Cassidy holds a lifetime rating of 62% with the Heritage Foundation, one of the pre-eminent conservative think tanks, and his session rating usually matches fairly closely with the overall Republican average.

That is, to say, whenever the Republican Party needs him, he falls in line.

He has used the current session to meekly complain about aspects of the Trump administration like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine policy or ICE’s overzealousness before always falling in line and voting with the party winds. As Trumpism has over-

taken the party, Cassidy has continued to boldly vote however he is told.

The Senate race this year is truly no battle over ideology. Cassidy is not the “centrist,” and Letlow is not the “far-righter.” Even Trump avoided criticizing Cassidy for anything specific in his endorsement of Letlow.

No, this Senate race is merely a question of how sycophantically loyal Louisiana is to be for the foreseeable future to the vision and actions of one man: the president.

The Senate is the final institution standing in his way. That’s the lesson he learned from his first term. For a president obsessed with quick, blunt action, the old “cooling saucer,” a name given to the Senate by George Washington, must drive him mad. This time around, Trump has determined that if the Senate will not come to him, he will have to take it. Even those senators who had tried to fall in line to avoid the hammer are not safe.

Louisiana voters, I’ll end with this: Senate terms are six years long, while Trump has less than three left — barring any alterations to the process. Voting for a loyalist now commits you to the wills and whims of a movement and a man for whom the future is incredibly unclear.

Gordon Crawford is a 20-yearold political science major from Gonzales, La.