Monday, March 11, 2024
HIV testing under OSU grant recommended for all demographics, including women Raynee Howell Staff Reporter Access for sexual health care is expanding, especially for women. The Office of Women’s Health, a branch under the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, leads National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on March 10 to encourage prevention, care and treatment for the female population. At-risk populations, including men who engage in sexual activity with other men and those who use drugs by IV needle, are at the forefront of the conversation. Despite the importance of addressing at-risk populations, it can be harmful for women to be left out of the discussion. Women make up 18.4% of the people living with HIV in Oklahoma, according to AIDSVU. Nationally, women make up 23%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2021, 19% of new diagnoses in the United States were women. Melinda Caldwell, OSU grant coordinator, said she encourages everyone, despite identity, to test for HIV, but she acknowledges women are a part of that everyone. “It’s recommended that everyone get tested, regardless of risk, but I will say, especially women who are participating in risky behaviors, such as the use of IV drug needles,” Caldwell said. “I think it’s just being aware of if you fall
Raynee Howell
into those risky behaviors, or if you have of their status, you probably want to get multiple sex partners and you’re unaware tested.” See HIV on 8
President Biden’ State of the Union address could point to contentious trail to November Jake Hernandez Staff Reporter
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The Double Violets performed Fence’s “Destroy Boys” with the duo’s fangirl in the crowd, Sadie Cowan’s niece.
Students bring electrifying, lit-up performances during annual SUAB talent show Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter There is no doubt about it: Oklahoma State University’s got talent. Nine talented Cowboys and Cowgirls took to the stage to compete in the Student Union Activities Board’s annual Talent Show. They put their hearts and souls into every note and move in a fantabulous showing. Annisa
Clark danced the night away to open the night’s performances. Clark is not one for putting herself out there, but for dancing; she’ll brave the crowds. “It’s one of my favorite things to do,” Clark said. “I’m usually very reserved.” Clark wasn’t the only dancer of the night. Pratikshya Paudel floated onto the stage. The Nepali native paid tribute to her culture with her beautiful pink ensemble and a traditional Nepali dance. Her
mashup of modern music and traditional moves led to multiple rounds of applause. Dancing is a form of expression, and Paudel said it doesn’t matter if the music is modern. The dance always adapts. “I think the language or communication, it doesn’t matter so you can dance to any song,” Paudel said. “The music doesn’t matter for dancing. You will just express yourself when you dance.” See SUAB on 5
To say expectations were running high for President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address would be a drastic understatement. Americans were hoping to hear the president talk about the economy, which 64% of Americans do not feel confident about, according to AP poll. President Biden’s mental health is also a major issue with the populous, and 6 of 10 Americans think the President is in severe decline, according to AP poll. With these major issues alongside a laundry list of other worries Americans have, this was Biden’s moment to reaffirm to the country that he is the right choice in this upcoming election. The State of the Union address began with Joe Biden being escorted to the podium 26 minutes late, which was the first of many highs and lows throughout the rest of his address. The first issue the President addressed was not about domestic, but
instead about the war between Russia and Ukraine. He called on Congress to pass a bipartisan act to strengthen Ukraine, because of Europe and the rest of the free-world being at risk from Putin. Joe then transitioned into mentioning Jan. 6, 2021, and how it was the biggest threat to American democracy. He called on the country to uphold democracy when it comes to voting in the upcoming election. He mentioned the former president not by name, but in reference to the mistakes that were made during the pandemic. The President then stated that the COVID vaccine is being used to fight cancer. On the economy front, Biden reassured voters. “American consumer spending confidence is up,” he said. Other than that brief moment, the economy was mentioned sporadically in passing breaths about new acts his administration had passed throughout his presidency. Biden continued his address on the topic of Roe v. Wade, talking about how the Supreme Court got it wrong, and with re-electing him, he would restore it as the law of the land. See Biden on 6