The Argonaut | April 16, 2026

Doug Wilson promotes Christian nationalist values

Christ Church, NSA, King’s Cross Church

Lance n’ Alma win Pres, VP

strategist.

Azocar Agurto is an international studies and political science major who currently serves as the director of legislative affairs for ASUI. Azocar Agurto said that one of the biggest roles she has held was being the chairman of her housing community as a freshman.

Butikofer and Azocar Agurto said they want to create a community of hardworking, involved, passionate and future thinking people for their cabinet, as well as the ASUI culture next year.

Q&A

to shut down a gay bar,” Wilson said.

Wilson mentioned the Stonewall Riots of 1969, where queer Americans fought back against government-sponsored persecution of sexual minorities. These were a major turning point gay in the

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the right to vote, Wilson has become known for arguing against it, in favor of a system where votes are cast by household. Multiple questions were asked about his continued stance on the matter.

of the

recommend

“But I would not want a sexual Gestapo,” Wilson said. “Pride parades, pride month, all of that, there will be no public ceremonies, no government support.”

bring their instrument, and I don’t think those ones are for me, but there are many more which have no requirements other than showing up. On Thursday, April 23, I will be leaving class at 12:15, when I would normally head home, but I have decided that I will stay on campus that day.

He suggested laws par-

“I’m not trying to reverse the 19th Amendment right this minute. What I would like us to do is model and explain what we do in our church elections, which is what I think is closer to what we used to do,” Wilson said.

Folkenflik talks journalists’ role as witnesses

ARGONAUT

To end out each night, there are ticketed events in the ICCU Arena, with prices ranging between $40 and $70 depending on demographic and seating choice. These headliners, which can be likened to the keystone speech of a symposium, are what I had previously thought Jazz Fest was all about. They are, after all, the performances which will be used in next year’s promotional material. But dare I say, they are not Jazz Fest in totality. They are the icing on the cake. Everybody can define their own Jazz Fest

Idaho Board of Ed visits Moscow

Dakota Steffen ARGONAUT Students, faculty discuss future of ed, UI achievements

The Idaho State Board of Education heard from University of Idaho students, staff and faculty on their concerns for higher education on the first day of the board meeting in Moscow. Debbie Critchfield, Idaho’s superintendent of education, asked the student panel what they see in their futures and what challenges they anticipate.

“I’m part of the College

of Science and there’s a lot of uncertainty with AI right now. There are some people who are really for it. I personally am not. But there’s a lot of, we don’t know what it looks like. We don’t know if these degrees we’re getting are going to be worth anything. Will our jobs still be there?” Reagan Johnson, a senior studying mathematical biology, said.

Faculty are also uncertain about the future of education amidst rapidly evolving technological climates.

“One of the top concerns is what AI is going to do for them and what it means for their jobs upon graduation,” Sanjay Sisodia, department head for the Department of

Business and a professor of marketing, said.

UI president Scott Green delivered UI’s annual report to the board of education, providing updates on the university’s strategic plan.

Due to state funding cuts, UI intends to reduce certain programs, such as engineering, cybersecurity, agriculture, veterinary medicine, health care and mining. UI is also delaying hiring, reducing travel and discretionary spending and offering an incentivized retirement program.

Green mentioned UI’s trends of growth over the last decade, saying that he anticipates enrollment will begin to decline. “We have a lot of conflicting data that

have this, frankly, trying to figure all this out,” Green said. “Maybe they’re applying to fewer schools, and so far, our yields are good... But I’m bracing the campus that enrollments could be down this year for the first time in five years.”

UI also requested that the board allow the university to begin planning and design for the Idaho Water Center Laboratory and Classroom Improvement project, which will provide medical education classrooms in the existing Water Center building in Boise.

The board unanimously approved UI’s request to begin planning and design, for an amount of $467,045.

Willems,

Nearly 80 people filled the courtroom in the University of Idaho Menard Law Building, not for a court hearing, but for the 14th annual Oppenheimer Ethics Symposium.

The keynote speech was given by David Folkenflik, a media correspondent for NPR, who covered censorship, the growing pressures media professionals face and the important role journalists have in bearing witness to the world around them.

Folkenflik began by discussing his early journalism experience, where he focused on covering reality TV show “Big Brother.” Folkenflik explained how the show premise surrounding constant surveillance reminded him of the philosopher Jeremy Bentham’s panopticon prison design.

In the design, a single warden sits in the center of a circular room, able to look anywhere, but not everywhere. The possibility that the warden is looking at a given prisoner is enough to keep them in check.

He believes that journalists need to bear witness directly, unlike how a panopticon prison works. Not only that, but they need to accurately reflect the ideas that the people they write about represent.

“I’m proud about the degree to which we reflect people in their own words, in their own voices, and try to take their opinions, thoughts and perspectives seriously,” Folkenflik said.

Folkenflik talked about some significant examples of bearing witness in major investigative reporting stories.

The Boston Globe’s uncovering of child molestation in Catholic churches would not have happened without journalists bearing witness to wrongdoing.

Folkenflik believes that journalists need to play the role of bearing witness and believes that building trust through fair and consistent reporting is how they achieve this.

AP News Wire

Eastern U.S. to face unusual heat wave going into weekend

Nam Y. Huh | Associated Press A volunteer clears branches after Mich. tornado

SEASIDE PARK, N.J. (AP)—A long-lasting weather pattern is blasting hot air across the eastern United States.

The unusual heat wave threatens to shatter record high temperatures Wednesday in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Forecasters expect near-record temperatures to last into the weekend.

The heat is unusual for April due to its early timing and duration. The National Weather Service says the heat wave should break later in the weekend, bringing cooler temperatures by Monday.

Heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S. with young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions especially vulnerable.

Sexual abuse allegations against Congressmen spur resignations

Stephen Groves and Joey Cappelletti ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP)—Resignations came quickly this week from two congressmen accused of sexual misconduct toward staff members.

Reps. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, and Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, both made announcements within hours on Monday afternoon that they would be stepping down from Congress. Yet some congresswomen said that the pair of resignations took too long and only showed that Congress must do more work to rid Capitol Hill of sexual predators.

53 million people utilize new Trump tax breaks before filing

Fatima Hussein ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP)—The tax filing deadline for most Americans is Wednesday, and President Donald Trump’s administration is highlighting the impacts of Republicans’ massive tax and spending law. The law eliminates taxes on tips and overtime for millions of people, exempts interest on certain car loans and gives new deductions to some seniors.

The administration says more than 53 million filers claimed deductions under these provisions, as of Tuesday. Despite these changes, polling finds that most Americans still think their taxes are too high. Democrats say Americans are reeling from the high cost of living as Trump focuses his attention on the Iran war.

Live Nation and Ticketmaster deemed industry monopolies

Larry Neumeister and Jennifer Peltz ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK (AP)—A jury has found that concert giant Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary engaged in an anticompetitive monopoly. The New York jury decided Wednesday on claims from dozens of U.S. states that the entertainment ticketing behemoth was a monopoly that cost concertgoers and sports fans.

Live Nation Entertainment owns, operates, or controls booking for hundreds of venues. Its subsidiary Ticketmaster is widely considered the world’s largest ticket-seller for live events.

The civil case, initially led by the U.S. federal government, accused Live Nation of using its reach to smother competition. Its lawyers didn’t immediately comment leaving the courthouse. A lawyer for the states called it a “great day for antitrust law.”

ASUI puts a pause on club funding as semester ends

Only three ASUI sessions left in the school year

Sam Walsh ARGONAUT

No new funding bills were proposed at the ASUI Senate meeting on April 15, marking a pause in club funding as the semester comes to a close.

The senators shared updates for ongoing projects after which the meeting moved quickly to adjournment. No audience members spoke to the senators.

The 2025-26 academic year marked a milestone in ASUI policy, making the club funding process much more transparent than it had been in previous years by turning each request into a bill which was voted

on by the senate floor.

Previously, club funding was handled internally with no explanation or policy for the amount awarded.

“ASUI has provided a lot of financial opportunities to clubs and organizations and are reevaluating how much we have to offer the rest of the semester,” said ASUI Vice President Bryant Sitts.

The meeting lasted only 12 minutes, which

has not happened since the beginning of the academic year.

Elections for ASUI will take place in the last of their three remaining sessions, where the new president, vice president and senators will be sworn in.

ASUI’s three final sessions can be attended on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Clearwater Room in the ISUB.

UI VP of research urges faculty to apply for grants

Provost search narrowed down to four, April decision

Joshua Reisenfeld ARGONAUT

Despite significant cuts to scientific funding over the past year, now is a good time for University of Idaho faculty to submit grants to the National Science Foundation, according to Christopher Nomura, Vice President for Research and Economic Development.

Nomura was invited to the Faculty Senate meeting on April 14 to provide an update on the search for the new interim provost, who will take over the position currently held by Torrey Lawrence at the end of the semester, but was asked later in the meeting to provide insight on grants and research funding.

“The [grant] agencies,

many of them, their staffing was cut between 30% to 60%,” Nomura said. “What the program directors are saying is they don’t have enough time to put out funding announcements, but they’re going to have to spend the money.”

According to Nomura, Congress increased federal funding to organizations such as the NSF in a recent bill, so there is money to support research. Currently, UI is down about 60% in funding decisions, which are formal commitments to back research projects, compared to the same time last year or two years ago.

“It’s okay to submit an unsolicited proposal to the NSF,” Nomura said. “This is an unusual circumstance, and I normally wouldn’t ever give this advice to anybody, but it’s better at this point if you have an idea, to just submit the proposal and wait for panel feedback.”

Because of the staff shortages, few funding

The Argonaut Directory Dakota Steffen Editor-in-Chief argonaut@uidaho.edu Reagan Jones Social Media Manager argonaut@uidaho.edu John Keegan Multimedia Editor arg-photo@uidaho.edu Joshua Reisenfeld News Editor arg-news@uidaho.edu Brooklynn Jolley Life Editor arg-life@uidaho.edu Jayden Barfuss Sports Editor arg-sports@uidaho.edu

announcements are being made, and program officers can take between six months and a year to reply.

By submitting unsolicited proposals, which still must follow the proposal and award policies and procedures guide, Nomura said there was an actual opportunity to receive grant funding, though it may be slow.

Nomura commented that it would be beneficial to create an official university communication about this grant submission process.

Nomura gave an update on the search for a new provost. Lawrence, who has served as provost since April 2020, will be returning to his position at the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the end of the spring 2026 semester.

According to Nomura, who is also the search committee chair, and UI Chief of Staff Sunny Wallace, the selection process has narrowed down the pool to four

candidates. Each candidate will be invited to in-person interviews and stakeholder meetings in the coming week.

These interviews will offer the community the opportunity to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate, Wallace said, which will be considered by President Scott Green, who will make the final decision.

The provost, also known as the executive vice president, is a member of the president’s core leadership team and serves as the chief academic officer. The provost serves as the chief executive officer at UI when the president is unavailable. In the search timeline presented by Wallace, the appointment decision will be made by the end of April. More information on the provost search can be found at the interim provost and executive vice president website on the UI website.

Longshore said that, in this system, women would not be completely excluded from the voting block, and could vote for themselves if they were unmarried or living alone.

“[The idea is] basically recovering the family as the fundamental unit of society,” said Longshore.

Freedom of religion is one of the main tenets of the United States as enumerated in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights, to which the question was posed what protections should be given to non-Christian communities, despite the claims that the United States is a Christian nation.

All three panel members, Longshore, Wilson and Sumpter, agreed upon there being protections for minority religions in the concept of a Christian state. While the state would not endorse or allow other religions to

promote or convert people within a Christian state, they would be free to practice the religion privately.

They elaborated that their ideal state would not allow for religious institutions or buildings outside of the state mandated religion, Christianity. In other words, there would be no room for mosques, synagogues, temples or any other place of worship outside of the Christian church.

As for other sects of Christianity, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Saints or the Catholic Church, they said that the mission of this Christian nationalist state would be to work with the Catholic Church to find common ground between the two sects of the religion.

This, however, does not extend to the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints, who Wilson said would be treated as another minority religion within the

Christian Nationalist state he envisions. He believes that their doctrine is not sound and is a hybridization of new age mythology and Christianity.

“We see ourselves as

He recalled visiting a man’s home at 10 p.m. only to get yelled at by the wife for showing up at such a late hour in the night. He said he was transparent about his motives; he was there because he had witnessed that man being treated unfairly. After being invited in and talking until 1 a.m., he was able to gather documents that supported the unfair treatment he believed the man was experiencing.

Folkenflik also spoke about the external pressures which shape the press, often away from its core values.

“We are the subject of our own personal strengths and imperfections, but increasingly we are finding that the press is subject to pressure as well,” Folkenflik said.

He pointed to the federal government as a key contributor to the conflict.

One instance Folkenflik described involved Brendan Carr, head of the Federal Communications Com-

being directly commissioned by the Lord in the great commission to disciple America, baptize her and to teach her to obey everything Jesus taught,” Sumpter said.

mission, opposing Jimmy Kimmel appearing on ABC. This was in response to comments Jimmy Kimmel had made regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

This led to Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, the two largest TV stations, pulling ABC and the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show from their broadcast. Folkenflik explained that this could have been related to both media groups currently pending federal communication approval.

Despite the external pressure, Folkenflik continued to emphasize how fairness and transparency are vital in the media’s role of bearing witness.

Folkenflik had previously been invited to attend the event in 2020 which was eventually changed to a 2021 Zoom meeting due to COVID-19.

The Oppenheimer Ethics Symposium, named after UI alumni Doug and Skip Oppenheimer, is an annual event where speakers talk about ethical issues facing the media landscape.

Faculty Senate votes to allow non-tenure track sabbatical

Joshua Reisenfeld ARGONAUT

Giving Day 2026 sets donation record at $1.8 million raised

Vandal Giving Day 2026 was April 7-8 and raised an estimated $1.87 million that came from over 3,000 gifts. Donations support scholarships, programs and student success initiatives.

“I don’t have the final number,” said University of Idaho Provost Torrey Lawerence at the Faculty Senate meeting on April 14. “I know it was record-setting, and it’s pretty impressive.”

All funding goals were completed, unlocking donation matches from the university and other funding sources. Donators in Idaho contributed to 1,994 of the gifts, and 372 came from donators in Washington.

In 2025, Vandal Giving Day raised $1.2 million.

Planned retirement program application deadline extended

The deadline for opting in to the university’s Planned Retirement Program with added incentive has been extended to Friday, April 17, from March 31.

To be eligible, employees must have an appointment of 0.75 full-time employment or greater, be at least 53 years old at the time of entry, have completed a minimum of five years of service at the University of Idaho and have no written notice or contract for any other retirement agreement. Employees who opt in to the program will receive a one-time payment equal to two pay periods of base salary in the first pay period of Fiscal Year 2027.

Nez Perce Drive closed to through traffic through September

Nez Perce Drive on the University of Idaho campus will be closed for construction from Monday, April 13, through September. The road is fully closed from University House to Walenta Path trail located opposite of the UI water tank. Beginning on April 18, the road closure will extend to Blake Avenue, blocking all street parking for the Greek houses along this segment. The road will remain open to local vehicles.

This project is part of a state-supported alteration and repair project to improve pedestrian safety and upgrade utilities. The project will repair roadway surfaces, widen sidewalks, add raised crosswalks and reconfigure on-street parking to help slow vehicle traffic.

The arboretum and golf course are still accessible from the direction of Perimeter Drive.

Annual river cleanup and potluck Thursday at Berman Park

There will be a river cleanup and potluck hosted by the University of Idaho Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects today, April 16, at 5 p.m. The cleanup will be of the Berman Creekside Park in Moscow located on the Latah Trail/Paradise Path east of Highway 95.

Volunteers will help to restore sections of the river by picking up litter, followed by a potluck meal. Participants are encouraged to bring food to share and SCASLA will provide hot dogs and buns.

Arbor Day tree dedication and city remarks Friday, April 24

The Faculty Senate voted 18-4 on April 14 to allow non-tenure track faculty to apply for sabbatical leave and removes a stipulation that 100% of sabbatical leave must be dedicated to research.

These changes came from a Faculty Senate nontenure track task force that has been exploring different ways that the university could support non-tenure track faculty members.

More recently, the Idaho State Board of Education changed its policy to allow non-tenure track faculty to apply for sabbaticals, which was one of the items the task force had previously discussed.

“If ISBoE [Idaho State Board of Education] allowed non-tenure track sabbatical, I believe we should implement this,” said Stefan Tohaneanu, a professor in the department of mathematics and statistical science.

According to Dan Hickman, chair of the sabbatical committee, and Barb Kirchmeier, a member of ad hoc committee on nontenure track faculty, there would be no direct fiscal impact on the university as these changes would only widen the applicant pool for sabbatical. Due to budget limitations more than a decade ago, the current university process for approving sabbatical starts at the college level, operating differently in each school, and then is approved at the university level.

“I support everything that’s in these changes except the addition of non-tenure track [sabbatical], which may sound very harsh,” University of Idaho Provost Torrey Lawerence said. “I am very concerned by changing our process to do it in this way, it will actually disadvantage nontenure track faculty.”

Lawrence explained that in meeting with the deans, a few were neutral towards the expansion, while most were against the change. The increased workload resulting from this bill would be placed on deans, which includes deciding who will

teach the professors’ classes while they are on sabbatical.

Among the concerns was the fact that non-tenure track faculty would be in competition with tenure track faculty for professional development opportunities such as sabbatical. Under the current system, non-tenure track faculty have access to professional leave, which is rarely used.

“A lot of the things you characterize there as negatives are precisely what we pay deans three times more than the rest of us to figure out,” said Jerry Long from the College of Law. “I just don’t see how all of those negatives even come close to outweighing the positives of treating the folks that do a lot of the heavy lifting in this university the way they deserve to be treated.”

Kristin Haltinner said that when she spoke to deans, some were in favor and needed to sort out how it would work in their college, while others were neutral in their response. Only one had concerns about the expansion.

Kirchmeier shared a response from a non-tenure track faculty member that

they had consulted while developing this expansion.

That faculty member said they were hired specifically because of their experience in the field, but on a non-tenure track contract, they would not be able to take sabbatical and go back out into the field to develop more of the skills which made them an attractive hiring choice.

While the fiscal impact was stated as zero, senate expressed that sabbatical came at a price as the university had to pay for additional faculty to teach the classes in the professors one or two semester-long absence.

“I think this is an issue of equality on our campus. I think it’s a slap in the face to not provide the same opportunities to our colleagues who are non-tenure track,” said Deborah Thorne from the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. “It just feels like it’s a real unnecessary ranking, very hierarchical, and to make that process different for two different classes, it’s just classist to me. I will support that everyone has access to sabbatical.”

There will be a tree dedication for Arbor Day from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 24, hosted by the Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the city of Moscow. The event will include a ceremonial planting of a cascara tree in the pollinator garden, followed by remarks from faculty members and city officials.

The pollinator garden is located along Paradise Trail and across from the Guy Wicks Field. Attendees will also be able to meet the garden at the northeast corner of Guy Wicks Field, where Paradise Path crosses Stadium Drive. Lookout Restaurant and Bar reopens since December closure

The Lookout Restaurant and Bar overlooking the University of Idaho golf course has reopened as of Saturday, April 11. The restaurant serves wings, chicken strips, handcrafted drinks and more. Access to the restaurant is not blocked by construction on Nez Perce Drive. The restaurant closed on December 10, 2025, due to a HVAC system failure which required a full HVAC replacement.

Multicultural group helps minority Vandals

In wake of 2025 DEI closures, Multicultural Greek Council steps up

Emily Morales ARGONAUT

When the University of Idaho dissolved its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, in compliance with state law, there became a support gap for minority communities on campus.

In its place, UI’s Multicultural Greek Council has stepped up to provide support and structure for students that was previously offered through university DEI programs.

Cesar Sandoval, President of Omega Delta Phi, a multicultural fraternity, said the College Assistant Migrant Program was

a helpful guide to university and a support system for him as a freshman, but CAMP also closed in 2025 amid national and state pushback against DEI.

“We try to be there for the community and try to build a pillar for students of color, especially Hispanic students of color, now with the state getting rid of DEI and not having a CAMP program,” said Kassandra Ortiz, president of Gamma Alpha Omega and Vice President of MGC.

Multicultural Greek was first established at UI in 1999 with the sisters of Gamma Alpha Omega, one year after National Multicultural Greek Council began in 1998. Since then, MGC has grown to include seven fraternities and sororities at UI.

Although Multicultural Greek and Mainstream Greek share similar practices

like chapter, supporting philanthropies, networking and community service, what sets them apart is that culture is at the basis of what they do, according to MGC president Miguel Rios. Additionally, MGC does not have live-in houses like other Greek organizations on campus.

“The way that we organize supporting philanthropies or charitable organizations is more often revolving around physically serving the community,” said Eliot Wilson, president of Lambda Theta Phi. “We go out and rake community members’ yards in the fall. We make dog blankets to donate to the Humane Society. This keeps us directly connected to who we are serving, face to face.”

MGC provides support on campus by organizing events and initiatives that promote community for students. This year, MGC

“I really want to see a cabinet be a powerful, involved group of people. People who are not sighing that they have another meeting, but are excited to be there. They want to do the work. ASUI runs on smaller compensations based on what stipends look like, so we run on passion,” said Butikofer. They also highlighted their campaign group.

“We have six qualified, amazing, active people who are not really receiving anything for helping us but gave everything to do so. We have people who ordered things over spring break when they were on vacation, we have people who helped us table, take photos, edited things on the fly, and that kind of energy is something we want to take to a larger stage for cabinet. We want it to be active,” said Azocar Agurto.

Butikofer and Azocar Agurto said they ran their campaign on the three pillars of support, voice and opportunity. The first pillar aims to increase student access to resources. To increase student voice, Azocar Agurto and Butikofer said they want to improve engagement in ASUI, as well as create space for students to voice concerns on both on UI issues, and on local and state government concerns.

Lastly, to create opportunities for students, Butikofer said he wants to connect campus departments with students in need of internships or experiential learning.

Azocar Agurto also added that anyone can be a part of the ASUI cabinet, no matter their previous affiliation with ASUI.

“You don’t have to be a senator. We are open to look at departments, clubs, organizations, that maybe not as involved in ASUI, but are incredibly qualified for the job,” said Azocar Agurto.

The transfer of power between the current ASUI administration, headed by President Seyi Arogundade and Vice President Bryant Sitts, will be on May 6 at 7 p.m.

set up an ofrenda, a home alter popular in Mexican culture to celebrate the day of the dead, on the first floor of the library.

They also collaborate with UI clubs like Campos which aim to continue the work of the CAMP program. For example, they put on an event for farmworker appreciation week and work with PODER of Idaho to help support families who are affected by ICE.

“MGC is an organization which is always thinking about others in all of their actions, ” said Erin Lasher, the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “What I see in the MGC community is the values that these organizations place on integrity and character…they’re never not wearing their letters, they’re always so cognizant of how their individual actions represent their brothers and sisters.”

They also put on open informational events that Wilson said aim to improve the community. These events include Road to Responsibility: a DUI prevention talk, a toxic masculinity talk and help with Take Back the Night and These Hands Do Not Haze events.

Examples of organizations they fundraise for are: AIDS and HIV awareness (Gamma Alpha Omega), American Cancer Society (Kappa Delta Chi) and Wounded Warrior (Omega Delta Phi).

“It’s not just the hours; it’s the willingness and desire to connect with the community and give back. That is something I think MGC brings to the table,” said Lasher.

Although MGC is not exclusive to the Latinx community, Hispanic individuals make up the majority of the MGC at UI. Washington State University’s MGC, for example, has African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander and Latinx fraternities and sororities.

Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor to speak to UI students Thursday

A-bomb storyteller

Keiko Ogura on Zoom

Joshua Reisenfeld ARGONAUT

Keiko Ogura, one of the few remaining survivors of the August 6, 1945, Hiroshima atomic bombing, will speak to University of Idaho students through a free Zoom webinar on Thursday, April 16, from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Registration is free and open to everyone and must be completed in advance.

Ogura was 8 years old in 1945, and lived 1.5 miles away from the hypocenter. She has shared her experience with world leaders and people from more than 50 countries.

In 2011, she was appointed as the official A-bomb storyteller by the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation. In May 2023, Keiko spoke to leaders attending the G7 Summit, and in 2024 she received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from UI.

Ogura has spoken to UI students annually since September 2022, when she was invited by the Japanese instructor Azusa Tojo who had previously heard her testimony, to visit Moscow.

A link for registration can be found through the UI events page.

“Hamilton” musical sparks discussion about American democracy at panel

Community comments on American Revolution

Dale Fussell ARGONAUT

“Legacy. What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see,” said Alexander Hamilton, portrayed by LinManuel Miranda, in the musical “Hamilton,’ which was shown as part of an America 250 event at the University of Idaho.

Between the two play acts, a panel discussion featuring UI professors and Moscow community members was held.

Kathy Dawes, a former educator and candidate for the Idaho State House race for seat 6B, touched on the question of if the United States was a democracy prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“Did we really have a democracy before 1965? Were we a democracy before that?” Dawes questioned.

Touching on this topic, Lawrence Hatter, an associate professor of history at WSU, remarked that it was necessary to recognize the representation of history. Hatter also stated he was very excited when “Hamilton”

was released, as American history would be represented in a large media form such as Broadway.

Although Hatter questioned whether the musical relates to American democracy today, he said many people did not think of Hamilton on a macro level outside of him being on the $10 bill. Hatter expressed gratitude toward this as it represents a different narrative of the founding of America, outside of the staple founding fathers such as Jefferson, Washington and Adams, but Hatter warned about the ideologization of the founding fathers.

The question of what we should do for this anniversary arose from an audience member, to which the panel brought up some interesting points.

“Do whatever you want to do,” Bryce Blankenship, a senior instructor of philosophy, said. He further explained that it is really an act of self-determination whether you feel comfortable celebrating in the state of the United States today or not.

Markie McBrayer, an associate professor of political science at UI, commented on the democratic backsliding seen in America

today and globally. McBrayer cited the V-DEM Democracy Report 2026, which showed a decline in American democracy comparatively. She said that when a democracy backslides, on average, it doesn’t recover fully.

Although this may be grim, McBrayer emphasized a few things we can do in an interview with The Argonaut performed prior to the panel discussion.

McBrayer was asked how we can learn from the past in the United States to help move forward today and progress.

“Read as much as you can—I’m not joking,” she said. “Read about American history, politics, culture and art. Read about foreign politics. I think the question is, how can we all learn more about this country and its evolution to give you a better sense of your rights, as well as how to hold government accountable. The more you learn, the more you can engage with American democracy currently, but also into the future.” McBrayer encouraged civil engagement. It is important to continue to vote locally, state and federally. This is the way that you can have your voice represented.

Review

Super Mario Galaxy Movie is fantastical

Whimsy and delight follow this new animated feature with an all-star cast

Andrea Roberts

ARGONAUT

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” was not meant to be satirical, or to have a deeper meaning to it. It simply was what it was always intended to be: a funny animated movie with an all-star cast, highlighting characters from a classic video game that most popular culture knows about.

The movie was released on April 1, 2026—an homage to audiences to not be taken seriously.

Since the second weekend of its release, the movie has made over $300 million worldwide.

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” follows Rosalina, played by Brie Larson. Rosalina is an iconic Mario character. Rosalina was first discovered by players in the Super Mario Galaxy game.

She is a powerful princess whose job is to watch over the cosmos and protect the lumas, who she is the adopted mother of.

When the movie opens, Rosalina is on a floating conservatory reading a story to the lumas. She recalls the adventure of Princess Peach, who is played by Anna Taylor-Joy; Mario who is played by Chris Pratt; and Luigi who is played by Charlie Day, from the first film against Bowser, played by Jack Black, who was the antagonist.

Her conservatory, where she lives with the lumas, is attacked, and the audience is able to catch a glimpse of her full powers. She is a very powerful being who has a star wand that gives her star-like powers.

However, when a luma gets out of the conservatory, Rosalina gets distracted and

she and the luma, played by Virginia Dare Jelenic, are kidnapped by the new antagonist—Bowser Jr., played by Benny Safdie.

Bowser Jr. is Bowser’s only known child and was first introduced in Super Mario Sunshine. He wishes to take back his father from Princess Peach’s castle, who was shrunk at the end of the last movie.

The movie goes back to Mario and Luigi, who are now living in the Mushroom Kingdom. They fix plumbing issues, including one that lands them in a desert where they discover an iconic character, Yoshi, played by Donald Glover.

They decide to take him back with them, and the three of them quickly become best friends, much to Toad’s—played by Keegan-Micheal Key— disdain who feels jealous over the new friendship.

While Rosalina is captured, she manages to briefly escape and helps the luma break free. She tells the luma to find Princess Peach before she is captured again.

During Princess Peach’s birthday, she reveals to Mario that she doesn’t know where she came from and the mushrooms had taken her in as a child and raised her.

A shooting star passes by them, and they quickly realize that it’s crashing into Earth. They go to find the source, only to find out that it’s the luma.

The luma and Princess Peach sneak out in the night to rescue Rosalina. Upon seeing a picture of her, Princess Peach realizes she recognizes her.

Mario and Luigi are put in charge of the kingdom, but Bowser Jr. quickly finds them and lifts the castle into the sky in hopes of rescuing his father. They crash on an unknown planet, and Mario and Luigi escape with Bowser.

Bowser convinces them that he has changed and wants to do better. He hopes he can reconnect with Bowser Jr.

Then, just as the audience thinks Bowser is redeemed, Bowser Jr. finds him, and they reunite.

The questions the audience are left with are: has Bowser really changed? Will Mario and Luigi reunite with Princess Peach to help Rosalina and the luma? Why does Princess Peach recognize Rosalina?

The movie has beautiful animation, showcasing the epic universe that the movie is set in. The visuals of the stars, planets and galaxies showcase Illumination’s iconic animation style with a little twist.

The movie also brings in more iconic characters for fans of the game and leaves a promise of more characters to come in future movies.

However, hardcore fans of the video game may not like the movie. Rosalina, although supposed to be a major character of the movie, is hardly shown and when she is, she is in a cage. Many fans wanted to see more from her character, and that may be in the case of future movies.

Another disappointment was there was no banger musical number from Black that fans have come to expect from his projects.

While “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” doesn’t break new ground, it doesn’t need to. The film succeeds as a visually vibrant, fast-paced adventure that leans into humor and nostalgia rather than depth.

While some fans may be disappointed, its energy and visuals make it an enjoyable addition to the franchise.

KINO Film Festival returns for its 26th year

The festival features films from across the Pacific Northwest

Brooklynn Jolley

ARGONAUT

The 26th Annual KINO Short Film Festival will take place on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, at the Kenworthy.

Festival passes will be available to purchase in advance for $20. The festival pass provides access to every event—with priority access and reserved seating—the workshops and the afterparty.

Festival passes can be purchased online at www.kinofilmfest.org.

Individual tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $5 each. No presales will be available for individual tickets, and priority will be given to passholders.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with filmmakers as they share their work.

There will also be a series of professional-led workshops that were introduced at last year’s festival. These workshops will cover key aspects of filmmaking and provide an opportunity for hands-on learning from professionals in the industry.

The submission categories were ex-

panded this year to accept more projects and offer more screenings. The new categories include narrative shorts, documentary shorts, animation, music videos and an experimental category.

The goal of KINO is to showcase and support short films and up-and-coming filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest by accepting projects from a variety of skillsets.

KINO shows films from programs in Idaho, Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Montana.

The audience will vote for their favorite film, and winners will receive recognition as the Audience Choice Award Winners.

Additionally, a team of jurors working in the film industry will watch and rate submissions. They will settle on their top favorite films and make the final determination for which films will be selected for screening. Some films may also be recognized with an award in various categories.

The categories include: Best Film, Best Student Film, Best Animation, Best Documentary, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Editing and Best Production Design.

KINO is held every spring in Moscow at the Kenworthy, and it’s a great opportunity to see the future of film from aspiring filmmakers, professionals and students alike.

Mental Health Walk draws crowd in Moscow

The event began with a rally and personal speeches, meant to underscore support and perseverance

Cal Torres ARGONAUT

On Saturday, April 11, the Disability Action Center held the seventh annual Mental Health Walk in Moscow.

“This event is meant to stop the stigma against mental illness. We want people to understand that people with mental health disabilities, they can still thrive in their communities and have wonderful lives,” said Hollyanna Call, who has helped organize the walk for the past three years.

“We are trying to build an event that raises awareness, that builds connection in our community, that helps people just have a really fun time together.”

A rally was held prior to the event, in which Latah County Commissioner Tom Lamar detailed issues with the Idaho legislature previously voting to cut mental health care to balance the state budget.

Speeches were also given by Bryce Blankenship, a University of Idaho philosophy professor and candidate for the Idaho State House of Representatives, and members of the Disability Action Center, Alterna-

tives to Violence on the Palouse and Vandal Recovery.

The most heartfelt talks, however, were

those given by community members Steve and Andrew, who spoke of struggling with alcoholism and CPTSD.

Vicki Leeper also read her poem, “What We Call It,” about the terminology used to describe mental illness.

The path itself, a 5K, spanned from Friendship Square to the start of the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail and back.

At the halfway point, volunteers stood to give out water.

“I believe mental health is a big part of our wellness, not just body, physical, but it’s also an im-

portant aspect of our well-being. I’m an advocate for exercising our body, but it’s also exercising our minds,” said Imelda Stout, a retired nurse and stay-at-home mother.

She had driven half an hour to participate in the event, along with her group.

“It’s a combination that goes together, so I am a big fan of activities outdoors…I try to do groups with my people in Uniontown; I run a workout group for my people there. I thought I would extend an invitation to them and to see if they wanted to do something like that with me today.”

Participants donned signs and T-shirts supporting mental wellness and encouraging others to seek resources.

“I think sometimes [mental health is] not given the full weight as we do our physical care and healthcare, and I think of it as a three-legged stool,” said Shannon May, a local running for Latah County Clerk.

“We need to include that and bring more awareness to it.”

The SSC will host the fifth annual Earth Jam

actions that the SSC takes to protect both of those things.

Earth Jam is an annual event held by the University of Idaho’s Student Sustainability Cooperative.

This year, it will take place on April 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ISUB Plaza and Green.

This event will be the largest sustainability event of the year, hosted by the SSC.

In celebration of Earth Month, the SSC collaborated with various campus partners and local organizations to bring a much larger Earth Jam this year. They will have over 15 activities for attendees to engage in.

Some activities include local food trucks, a 360-degree photo booth, a bike raffle station, rock painting and so much more.

Earth Jam is a celebration of the environment, the Moscow community and the

This event works to highlight and foster environmentally friendly and sustainable practices across UI and the greater Moscow community.

Students who attended Earth Jam last year or in previous years may bring their screen-printed T-shirts to this year’s celebration and have the option to screen print an exclusive design.

Sweet and savory honey garlic chicken

bit of the sauce to baste your chicken while they cook.**

This honey garlic chicken recipe is so easy to make, and the notes of sweetness from the honey and savory from the garlic pair well together.

Serving it with rice or some stir-fried vegetables makes for a delicious and well-balanced meal.

Ingredients: For the chicken Chicken breasts (one per person)

Garlic (minced or crushed)

Honey

Soy sauce

Ginger (zested)

Chili flakes

For the stir-fry vegetables

Asparagus (chopped)

Carrots (chopped)

Onions (diced)

Oil

Sauce*

Directions:

Mix minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, zested ginger and a dash of chili flakes into a bowl or a bag. Marinade your chicken breasts in it for at least two hours. Save a

After the chicken has marinaded for two hours, you can either cook it on a grill or in a pan. Baste the chicken with some sauce; do this on both sides when you flip it.

Once each piece of chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, they are fully cooked.

While your chicken cooks, chop your veggies. Put the carrots and asparagus in a pan with some oil and cook for around two to three minutes, then add the onions.***

After the onions have been added, pour the sauce into the pan and continue cooking. Taste the carrots and asparagus to determine how done they are, and once they’ve reached your desired texture, take them off the heat.

When everything is finished cooking, serve and top off with a little extra sauce.

Enjoy!

Chef Notes:

into the

the

* Use the same ingredients as the sauce that you made for the marinade. Do not

Spring brings flowers and UI students out into the sunshine

Jazz Fest Guide

The 59th annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival

“ “

Why people should consider going to this year’s Jazz Fest

I never made memories with people who were assumedly making some of their best memories of the semester.

I never participated in an event that people around the Pacific Northwest ask about when I say I am a student at the University of Idaho.

But I still have Jazz Fest 2026 where I can change all these things.

A few of the workshops recommend attendees bring their instrument, and I don’t think those ones are for me, but there are many more which have no requirements other than showing up.

On Thursday, April 23, I will be leaving class at 12:15 p.m., when I would normally head home, but I have decided that I will stay on campus that day.

There are half a dozen performances which start at 12:40 p.m.,

all about.

They are, after all, the performances which will be used in next year’s promotional material.

But dare I say, they are not Jazz Fest in totality.

They are the icing on the cake.

Everybody can define their own Jazz Fest experience, whether it’s a student travelling across the state for their first performance, or a UI music student showcasing to their peers what they have spent the past years learning.

I have chosen to define Jazz Fest as the almost spontaneous attendance of the concerts and workshops offered throughout the week.

And you can define Jazz Fest for yourself, however big or however small that participation may be.

I hope I have convinced you, as I have convinced myself while writing this, why you should go to Jazz Fest.

LHJF 2026 features four concerts

Keegan Argonaut

John

Jazz Choir sings at the 2025 World Music Celebration Christopher Sprague ARGONAUT

A variety of performances this year

This year, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival is presenting four concerts. LHJF will bring together

JAZZ FEST WORKSHOPS

Lionel Hampton School of Music ensembles, outside students and professional performers for the concerts. Tickets will be available online at uitickets.com or at the door.

The first concert will be on April 22 at 7 p.m. in the Administration Auditorium. The concert, Hamp’s Gala, is the traditional kick-off for the LHJF. The performance will feature ensembles from the LHSOM. The performance is free but tickets are limited.

The next concert will be on April 23 at the ICCU Arena at 7 p.m. The World Music Celebration will feature performers Tito Puente Jr. and Summer Camargo, as well as the UI Jazz Band I and Jazz Choir I and the World Beat Ensemble.

During the concert, they will also announce the awards for the

Elementary Competition, Junior Competition, College Competition and the Junior Sweepstakes Winner. On April 24, Jazzmeia Horn and Warren Wolf will perform at 7 p.m. in the ICCU Arena. This concert will feature Horn and Wolf, as well as the UI Chamber Jazz Choir, Jazz Band I, the Palouse Jazz Project and Hamp’s Jazz Ambassadors. Also during the concert, there will be the live finals for the Senior Vocal Sweepstakes Competition and the Senior Avista Scholarship Competition. At this time, they will announce the Senior Vocal Daytime Competition Winners, the Senior Instrumental Daytime Competition Winners (Friday entries), Senior Vocal Sweepstakes Winners and the Senior Vocal Avista Scholar-

ship Winners. The final concert of the festival will showcase Something Else! and the Lionel Hampton Big Band and will be at 7 p.m. in the ICCU Arena.

During this time, there will be live finals for the Senior Instrumental Sweepstakes Competition, the Senior Instrumental Scholarship Competition and the Senior Instrumental Avista Scholarship Competition.

The awards for the Senior Instrumental Daytime Competition Winners, the Senior Instrumental Sweepstakes Competition Winners and the Senior Instrumental Avista Scholarship Winners will then be presented.

For more information on events, tickets and artists, visit www.uidaho.edu/events/jazz-fest.

2:45-

to affect campus parking

The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival is one of the largest events that the University of Idaho hosts. The music festival takes over campus and the community, which comes with some pertinent changes that students, staff and community members should be aware of.

Reserved Jazz Fest parking Orange Lot 24 will be reserved entirely for Jazz Fest after 5 p.m., and the organizers will designate

how that lot is used. Permits for this lot are not for sale to the public because that lot will be used for performer parking, deliveries and more—as designated by the Jazz Fest staff.

Red Lot 48 on the east side of campus, north of the CLASS Annex, will be fully reserved for Jazz Fest volunteers.

Free visitor parking

Free parking for visitors will be available for evening concerts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 23-25 in select lots.

The west Kibbie Dome area, which includes Red Lots 34 and 34W and Blue Lot 57, will be reserved for free visitor parking.

On the east side of campus, Blue Lot 60 will also be free visitor parking.

Bus parking

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 23-25, Blue Lot 110 and the RV Lot in the west Kibbie Dome area will be reserved for bus parking.

What should students do to prepare for these changes?

During large events like the Jazz Fest, Parking and Transportation Services encourages students who park on campus to consider other options that may ensure they receive a spot on campus.

“Consider carpooling, using SMART Transit, walking or bikeriding as alternatives to bringing personal vehicles to campus,” Kelly Jennings, the program manager, wrote in an email to The Argonaut.

Jennings encouraged students to give SMART Transit a shot, especially if they’ve never used it before. SMART Transit has eight

on- campus stops that may help students get to their destinations. The transit hours are 6:40 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.

“Helpful strategies are to plan ahead to park in an alternative location and to allow extra driving time on campus to accommodate higher than usual amounts of traffic on campus streets,” Jennings wrote.

Additional things to consider are the closures of Nez Perce Drive between Blake Avenue, and the golf course parking lot—Lot 44—that students may need to plan around.

Jazz Fest enriches student lives

LHJF is an annual series that made its debut in the spring of 1967. The event features a multitude of performances, from professionals and university staff to an array of eager students.

Paige Wilton ARGONAUT

“Jazz is such a large genre, and here there’s room for everybody,” said sophomore Isabella Ross about the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.

The festival acts as a celebration of music and connection and plays an important role in its contribution to the University of Idaho’s community culture. While it reaches people near and far, those most impacted are often the students at UI.

Since its founding, the LHJF has been nationally recognized for the renowned work it produces, as well as the immense community outreach it provides. For many students of the Lionel Hampton School of Music at UI, their involvement in the festival goes back long before becoming Vandals themselves.

While this is only his first year at UI, freshman in music education Aaron Sadler has been involved with the jazz fest since early high school.

“In high school, our jazz band would get to play in front of professional musicians and get feedback from them,” Sadler continued. “We would also be able to

STUDENT LHJF PERFORMANCES

UI, piano

10 a.m.: Lucas Bastos, UI, piano

10:20 a.m.: Soren Hatch, UI, drums

10:40 a.m.: Elias Caballero, UI, guitar

11 a.m.: Morgan Baker, UI, vibraphone

12:40 p.m.: Robert Eagle Staff MS Combo II

1:10 p.m.: Robert Eagle Staff MS Combo I

1:40 p.m.: Hamilton MS Combo II

2:10 p.m.: Hamilton MS Combo I

2:50 p.m.: Max Bartron, Whitworth, drums

College instrumental solos and combos— TLC Room 046

• 8 a.m.: Xander Helt, UI, tenor sax

• 8:20 a.m.: Braden Ryder, UI, trombone

• 8:40 a.m.: Daniel Garcia, UI, trumpet

10:40 a.m.: Liam Fish, UI, trumpet

11 a.m.: Evan Washburn, UI, alto sax

11:20 a.m.: Colin Honberger, UI, alto sax

11:40 a.m.: Alex Ramella, UI, tenor sax

12:50 p.m.: Will Strauch, Whitworth, trombone

1:10 p.m.: Christopher RodriguezChen, Whitworth, tenor sax

1:30 p.m.: Whitworth Infinity Jazz Combo

2 p.m.: Whitworth Speak No Evil Jazz Combo

Elementary, junior and college vocal solos—TLC Room 050

•

•

attend workshops, concerts and get to hear some fantastic music.”

While his enthusiasm for music goes back to his childhood, Sadler attests to the impact this festival has on those pursuing a life in music. He believes that the LHJF contributes to the student experience tenfold.

“It’s truly one of the defining things one gets to experience as a student,” Sadler continued. “The amount of love that goes into music is beyond terrific, and

getting to participate in such a nationally renowned event is completely out of this world.”

Years spent engaging with the festival—coupled with participation in other university-led music programs and a lifelong interest in music—are what drove Sadler to choose UI as a place to study.

Though the festival continues to bring together big names in music from around the country, part of what makes the event so unique is the opportunities it offers for students of all backgrounds as well.

The way the program is designed lends itself to providing ample chances for students at all levels to learn from, engage with and listen to the music.

One such student is Ross, who is studying music education with a vocal concentration. She made the choice to pursue musical studies out of a deep love for the art.

“For me, it was very spiritual. I had a realization that music had given me everything I had ever wanted, alongside endless opportunity and lasting friendships making me feel indebted to music as a practice,” Ross continued. “I feel as though I owe it every day to share this gift and to give back to music.”

That appreciation for the art is what has driven her to engage in different music-oriented activities

over the years, including the jazz fest since she was a teenager. Before moving to Moscow, Ross grew up in the smalltown community of Kellogg, Idaho. She recounted all that the LHJF offered her not only as a high school student, but as a teenager from a town where music and the arts were not widely celebrated.

Each year, a variety of competitive student performances are held throughout the festival’s duration. One of Ross’s most influential memories occurred years ago, when she heard the news that her high school jazz band and jazz choir teams had won a title for their division.

Now, reflecting upon her time spent in the music school, Ross noted one of her most valued moments as a Vandal experiencing the jazz fest was when she helped to perform a Gloria written last year by LHFJ director Navin Chettri.

“I was up on stage with all of the people of love, doing something I dreamed about doing when I was in high school, in the colored lights all while singing music that lifts the weight off of one’s spirit,” Ross recounted.

The encouraged collaboration between professionals, staff and students is what many deem to be the most influential part of the program.

• 10:50 a.m.: Moscow HS Encore

• 11:20 a.m.: Lewiston HS Gold Voices

• 12:40 p.m.: Lewiston HS Jazz Choir

• 1:20 p.m.: Gallatin HS Eclectics Jazz

• 2 p.m.: Lewiston HS Grace Notes

3 p.m.: Lake City HS Jazz Pack Senior instrumental large ensembles (Div II and III) and senior instrumental combos (Div III)—LHSOM Room 216 8:10 a.m.: Florence-Carlton School Florence Falcons Jazz Band 8:50 a.m.: Bonners

9:40 a.m.: Veronica Welter, All Saints Catholic School, soprano

• 10 a.m.: Will Jolley, Lincoln MS (Pullman), alto

10:20 a.m.: Emma Grauke, Michalangela Vocal Coaching, soprano

10:40 a.m.: Elana Parrish, Lincoln MS (Pullman), soprano

11 a.m.: Liam Crogan, Hamilton MS, alto

11:20 a.m.: Ruby Spivak, Hamilton MS, alto

11:40 a.m.: Tony Martin Del Campo, UI, tenor

Friday, April 24: Senior vocal combos (Div II and III) and senior vocal large ensembles (Div I)— LHSOM Haddock Performance Hall

10:20 a.m.: Saint George’s School Saint George’s Jazz Choir

Lewiston HS, soprano 8:40 a.m.: Madilyn Sedgwick, Lewiston HS, alto 9 a.m.: Danielle Sedgwick, Lewiston

alto • 9:20 a.m.: Sam McFarland, Lewiston HS, tenor • 9:40 a.m.: Jase McKnight, Lewiston

10 a.m.: Tenley Taylor, Lewiston HS, soprano

a.m.: Ava Manyon, Lewiston

• 11:20 a.m.: Matthew Armstrong, Lake City HS, tenor

• 1:40 p.m.: Josie Reid, Kellogg HS, alto

• 2 p.m.: Madeline Alviar Combo, Garfield HS alto

3 p.m.: Kimberly Nielson, Lewiston HS, alto

3:20 p.m.: Jenna Clift, Lewiston HS, soprano

3:40 p.m.: Maddox Tate, Lewiston HS, tenor

4 p.m.: Anne Rothfusz, Lewiston HS, alto

4:20 p.m.: Ciel Sattler, Emily Raasch Voice and Piano Studio, alto Saturday, April 25: Senior instrumental large ensembles (Div I)—LHSOM Haddock Performance Hall

9:50 a.m.: Battle Ground HS Advanced Jazz Band

10:30 a.m.: Walla Walla HS Jazz Ensemble

11:10 a.m.: Vallivue HS Jazz Band

12:40 p.m.: Lewiston HS Jazz I

1:20 p.m.: Garfield HS Jazz I

• 2 p.m.: Lake City HS Jazz Band I

• 3 p.m.: Edmonds Woodway HS Jazz Ensemble I Senior instrumental large ensembles (Div I)—LHSOM Room 216 • 8:50 a.m.: Hermiston Senior HS Jazz II 9:30 a.m.: Garfield HS Jazz II 11:10 a.m.: Post Falls HS Jazz Ensemble 12:40 p.m.:

Standout Vandal Spotlight

Jana Willems sprinting by the competition

proved she could compete at a high level.

Gage

With the 2026 outdoor track and field season near the mid-way point, junior standout Jana Willems has proved to be a pivotal piece to this Idaho squad. As a sprinter, Willems has emerged as one of the Vandals’ most consistent and explosive performers, using her speed and steady progression to establish herself as a key contributor in both individual sprint events and even relays.

Before arriving at Idaho, Willems was a standout at Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish, Washington, where she established herself as one of the state’s top sprinters. She won the 2023 4A 100-meter state title and earned First Team All-State honors in both the 100 and 200-meter, along with district and WESCO championships in both events.

As a team captain, she helped break the school record in the 4x100-meter relay with a 49.16 -second time, and also set individual school records in the 100meter with a 12.09-second time and 200-meter 25.04-second time, overall leaving a lasting impact on the program and the state as a whole

Specializing in the short sprints, Willems has built her reputation in the 60-meter, 100meter and 200-meter races while also playing an important role on Idaho’s 4x100-meter relay team. Her combination of quick acceleration and race composure has made her a reliable presence in competitive fields and a valuable asset for the Vandals.

Willems’ collegiate journey began during the 2023–24 season, where she quickly

As a freshman, she consistently placed among Idaho’s top finishers, recording multiple top-eight performances throughout the year. One of her biggest highlights came at the 2024 Whitworth Peace Meet, where she captured a first-place finish in the 100-meter while also taking second in the 200-meter, showcasing her versatility across sprint distances.

She continued to build momentum into the postseason, earning an eighth-place finish in the 60-meter at the 2025 Big Sky Indoor Track and Field Championship.

Willems also played a key role in Idaho’s relay success, helping the 4x100-meter team secure a second-place finish at the 2024 Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship. These performances set the foundation for what looked to be a promising career in the black and gold.

Building on such a promising freshman

start, Willems returned in the 2024–25 season with increased confidence and a focus on improving across all of her events. She competed for Idaho at the 2025 Big Sky Conference Indoor Track and Field Championship in the 60-meter, gaining valuable experience against top conference competition.

Throughout the season, she showed noticeable growth, setting new personal records in each of her primary events. Among her top performances, Willems earned a third-place finish in the 100-meter at the WSU Cougar Classic and followed it up with another third-place finish as part of the 4x100-meter relay team at the 2025 Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

Her continued development and ability to consistently place near the top of competitive meets demonstrated that she was evolving into one of Idaho’s most depend-

able sprinters. Now in the middle of her junior season, Willems is continuing that upward trajectory, already holding collegiate personal bests of 7.58 seconds in the 60meter, 12.00 in the 100-meter and 25.05 in the 200-meter.

Willems had an unbelievable meet at the Whitworth Peace meet in Spokane, Washington. Willems was a huge part of the women’s 4x100 team, in which the team finished with a 45.16-second time, beating the two-year record by 0.20 seconds. She didn’t stop there as she went on to win gold in the 100 meter with a time of 11.69 seconds, the second fastest in school history.

She also had a great performance at the Jeff Rahn Classic, which was also in Spokane. Once there, she and the fellow 4x100 teammates won gold, along with winning the 100 meters again as well. Willems has positioned herself to push for even faster times and higher finishes as the season progresses. Her experience and consistency have made her a key piece of Idaho’s sprint group, and she continues to contribute in both individual and relay events.

The Idaho Vandals men’s basketball program has been hit hard by the transfer portal.

The Vandals have lost seven players from this season’s roster as they look to defend their Big Sky championship.

Three of the Vandals’ five starters from this past season, freshman forward Jackson Rasmussen, senior guard Isaiah Brickner and redshirt sophomore Kolton Mitchell, have all entered the transfer portal. Joining them are redshirt junior guards Jack Payne, Trevon Blassingame and Titus Yearout, as well as sophomore forward Ewan Steele.

Coming off a magical 2025-2026 season in which they finished with a 21-14 record,

a Big Sky Tournament championship, and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1990, the Vandals looked to be building toward the future. However, that future now seems to be heading elsewhere.

Mitchell headlines the departures. The Coeur d’Alene native came to the Vandals before the 2024-25 season after spending his freshman year in Pocatello at Idaho State. From the moment he stepped on campus, Mitchell became the heart and soul of the program.

He averaged 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game and was a key to the Vandals’ success this season, helping guide them to their first 20-win season of the Alex Pribble era and a Big Sky championship.

Mitchell will surely attract significant interest in the portal.

Rasmussen, a Meridian native, came to Idaho and made an immediate impact, appearing in 35 games and scoring 477 points, the most points by a freshman in a single season in program history. He averaged 13.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while serving as a backbone of the Vandals on both ends of the floor.

Rasmussen will take his talents to Corvallis, Oregon, where he will play for the Oregon State Beavers.

Brickner came to Idaho from Marist College before the 2024-25 season. He played limited minutes early on, but an injury to junior guard Kristian Gonzalez thrust him into a larger role, and he became one of the team’s key contributors. Brickner averaged 11.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, including a 23-point explosion in the Big Sky Tournament championship win over Montana.

One of the Vandals’ strengths down the stretch was experience and bench depth, areas where Payne and Blassingame made their mark both on the court and in the locker room.

Payne, a Boise native, came to the Vandals after two seasons at Colorado State

As the 2026 season continues, Willems is showing all the signs of an athlete ready to take another big step forward. With her combination of experience, speed, and consistency, she has already become a reliable contributor for the Vandals and a competitor to watch in the Big Sky Conference.

Whether she’s lining up for an individual sprint or helping power a relay team down the track, Willems continues to prove that she belongs in the spotlight. Her journey to a rising collegiate sprinter has been defined by steady growth and determination and with the season still unfolding, Willems is only getting started.

and quickly proved his worth in an Idaho uniform. He appeared in 33 games and averaged 10.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game during the 2025-2026 season, serving as a spark alongside Mitchell.

Like Payne, Blassingame made an immediate impact on the defensive end. The Auburn, Washington, native arrived at Idaho in the 2023-2024 season after spending his freshman year at Fairleigh Dickinson.

A defensive nightmare for opponents, he was instrumental in building the foundation for the Vandals’ championship run.

In 2023-24, he appeared in 31 games and averaged 4.1 points and 2.1 rebounds per game before being sidelined for the entire 2024-25 season with an injury.

He came back this season ready to contribute, appearing in all 35 games and averaging 3.9 points and 2.1 rebounds. His

impact wasn’t always reflected on the stat sheet, but it was felt throughout the season. Blassingame will play his final season of college basketball at William & Mary.

Yearout came to Idaho in 2022 and struggled to find his footing, playing sparingly before redshirting last season. The Lapwai native will look to earn more playing time and showcase his abilities at his next school. Steele had a similar experience. The Ontario, Canada, native joined the Vandals last season but saw limited playing time given the depth of the roster. He will look for a bigger role at Stonehill College. With these departures, plenty of questions now surround this Vandal team as they look to reload and build another championship roster in Moscow.

USMNT has questions to answer before World Cup

USMNT prepares for the World Cup that kicks off this summer on June 11

Jayden Barfuss ARGONAUT

In under two months, the FIFA World Cup will kick off, and the excitement around the world is through the roof. The United States, Mexico and Canada are the host countries for this newly expanded 48-team tournament, and the U.S. carries enormous expectations, though so far they haven’t lived up to the billing.

The U.S. will be in Group D of the World Cup, facing Paraguay, Australia and Turkey.

They will kick off their campaign at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, on June 12 at 9 p.m. ET, taking on a young and explosive Paraguay squad. A week later, they travel to Lumen Field in Seattle to face Australia on June 19 at 3 p.m. ET, before closing out the group stage with a return to SoFi against Turkey on Thursday, June 25, at 10 p.m. ET.

Earlier this month, the U.S. took the field for friendlies against European sides Belgium and Portugal, falling by a combined score of 7-2.

On Saturday, March 28, Belgium came into Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the roar of the crowd waving their USA flags filled the arena as the game kicked off.

After a positive start, the U.S. got on the scoresheet first. In the 39th minute, left back Antonee Robinson stepped up and delivered a corner kick to the back post. Midfielder Weston McKennie beat his defender and flicked the ball beautifully into the back of the net to give the U.S. the lead.

The lead lasted just six minutes. Belgium defender Zeno Debast unleashed a rocket off his right foot that rifled into the back of the net to level the game. That goal seemed to break the U.S., who surrendered four goals in a row before forward Patrick Agyemang pulled one back in the 78th minute to salvage some dignity in a 5-2 defeat.

Three days later in the same building, they welcomed Portugal and were once again outclassed, with goals from Francisco Trincão and João Félix sending them to a 2-0 loss, extending their losing streak to 10

games against European opposition.

When the United States moved on from head coach Gregg Berhalter after the 2022 World Cup, the idea of change felt exciting. They brought in the highly regarded Mauricio Pochettino to prepare the team for the tournament on home soil.

Pochettino has built a 13-2-9 record and has taken on one of the most demanding jobs in international management. In his own words, he wasn’t brought in to teach fight and culture.

“I never came to the United States to change the culture,” he said in press conference. “I’m here to help create a path to be more competitive and aspire to great things.”

It’s a measured and respectful outlook, but for a team whose passion and commitment has repeatedly been called into question, some may wonder whether a cultural reset was exactly what was needed.

During his tenure he has given opportu-

nities to younger players and MLS talents, working to experiment and bring passion and culture back to the national team.

This generation has been labeled a golden generation, boasting talents like Christian Pulisic, McKennie, Gio Reyna and Tyler Adams, billed as the most gifted U.S. squad ever. Yet they haven’t consistently shown it at the international level.

When they click, the talent and style of play is beautiful to watch. However, their commitment to the national team has been questioned, and with the greatest tournament in world football arriving in under two months, the U.S. needs every one of them at their best.

Beyond those household names, players such as Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah and Malik Tillman have also stepped up to lead the way in red, white and blue.

What this team still lacks is the passion and grit that past U.S. sides were known for. They have more technical ability than any

previous generation, but when the heart and desire to represent the badge goes missing, that is a deeply concerning sign heading into a home World Cup.

The roster will be announced in a few weeks, and the potential ceiling of this team is sky-high. On paper, they could contend to make a run deep into the tournament, perhaps even lift their first ever trophy. But football isn’t played on paper, and the qualities that define championship teams have too often been absent.

Every player dreams of representing their nation at a World Cup, and now that moment has arrived. For 26 lucky men, they will get to walk out of the tunnel, stand tall as the national anthem rings around the stadium, and play the most beautiful game on earth in front of their own country.

The U.S. has a chance to show the world what they are made of and make their fans truly believe they can lift the most coveted trophy in football.

ASUI’s ICE resolution is meaningful

Student leaders showed campus values by condemning ICE raids

AJ Pearman

ARGONAUT

The recent decision by ASUI to pass legislation condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids is, at its core, a symbolic act.

But symbolism, especially on a college campus, should not be dismissed as meaningless. It reflects student priorities, values and the kind of campus climate students want to cultivate.

According to report from The Argonaut, the resolution—Bill S26-R04—was passed during a March 25 senate meeting and commemorated those impacted by ICE raids. Sponsored by student senators, the bill aims to acknowledge the fear and disruption these raids can cause, particularly for immigrant communities.

Critics could point out that ASUI has no authority over federal immigration enforcement. They are correct. Student government cannot halt ICE activity, rewrite federal policy or provide legal protections. But that critique misses the point.

Student government is not Congress. It is a representation of student voices.

And in that role, ASUI did exactly what it was supposed to do.

Colleges and universities have long served as spaces where

political ideas are debated, tested and expressed. When student leaders take a stance on an issue like immigration enforcement, they are not pretending to wield federal power. They are signaling what matters to their constituents—their classmates.

In this case, the message is clear: many students are uncomfortable with ICE raids and the impact they have on communities, including families and peers who may be directly or indirectly affected.

That matters.

For students who feel vulnerable, especially those from immigrant backgrounds, this resolution can serve as a form of recognition—a statement that their concerns are seen and heard. Even if it does not change policy, it contributes to a campus culture that acknowledges fear and uncertainty.

Still, there is a valid concern about where student government draws the line.

When ASUI focuses on national political issues, it risks neglecting more immediate student concerns—tuition costs, campus resource and academic policies. Students might reasonably ask whether their representatives are spending too much time on symbolic gestures rather

than tangible improvements to student life.

This tension is not new.

Across the country, student governments frequently debate resolutions tied to national or global issues. Some see these efforts as essential civic engagement. Others see them as distractions.

The truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Symbolic legislation like this has value, but it should not come at the expense of actionable change on campus. ASUI must be careful to balance advocacy with accountability. Passing resolutions is easy. Addressing student fees, mental health services or academic concerns is harder—but arguably more

impactful in students’ day-to-day lives.

At the same time, dismissing the ICE resolution as “just symbolic” overlooks the broader role universities play in shaping civic identity. Students are not only here to earn degrees; they are also learning how to participate in public discourse. Engaging with complex, controversial issues is part of that education.

The debate surrounding this resolution is, in itself, a success. It forces students to confront difficult questions about immigration, federal authority and human impact. It encourages dialogue— even disagreement—which is essential in any academic environment.

Ultimately, ASUI’s decision reflects a student body willing to speak up, even when the outcome is uncertain or purely expressive.

That is not a weakness. It is a sign of engagement.

But if ASUI wants to maintain credibility, it must ensure that symbolic actions like this are paired with meaningful efforts to improve student life on campus. Advocacy should not replace action—it should complement it. In the end, the ICE resolution is less about federal policy and more about student voice. And in a time when many feel unheard, that may be its most important function.

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Duplexes are essential for Idaho housing

Proposed zoning changes won’t solve everything, but they mark a shift toward keeping communities livable AJ

Idaho’s housing crisis is no longer a distant concern—it is a daily reality for students, families and first-time buyers across the state. As highlighted in a recent Argonaut article, lawmakers are now considering legislation that would legalize duplexes in

areas traditionally reserved for single-family homes.

While the proposal is not perfect, it represents a long-overdue shift toward addressing one of Idaho’s most pressing issues.

The legislation, introduced in the Idaho Senate, aims to expand housing supply by allowing duplexes and loosening restrictions on accessory dwelling units. Supporters argue this would increase availability and lower costs, while opponents worry about strain on infrastructure and the erosion of local zoning control.

At its core, the debate reflects a fundamental tension: whether preserving the character of neighborhoods should outweigh the urgent need for more housing. The answer should be clear. Idaho cannot afford to maintain the status quo. Housing prices in the state have surged dramatically, with the median listing price reaching roughly $565,000—more than double what it was a decade ago. For many young people,

including college students preparing to enter the workforce, homeownership feels increasingly out of reach. Renters are also feeling the pressure, with limited supply driving up monthly costs.

Legalizing duplexes is not a radical idea. In fact, it is one of the simplest ways to increase density without drastically altering the look or feel of neighborhoods. A duplex still resembles a house—just one that accommodates two families instead of one.

In a state where land use has long favored large lots and single-family zoning, this kind of “middle housing” offers a practical compromise.

Critics of the legislation raise valid concerns. Infrastructure, parking and local control all matter. Cities should not be forced into changes they cannot support. However, the revised proposals attempt to address these issues by allowing local planners to determine whether areas can handle increased density and by applying the rules only to cities with populations over 10,000. These compromises demonstrate that the policy is not about stripping control from communities but about creating a baseline level of flexibility in a system that has long been too rigid.

Still, it is important to acknowledge what this legislation will not do. As one lawmaker noted in The Argonaut’s article, the bills are not a complete fix. They will not immediately make housing affordable, nor will they solve the broader economic forces driving demand in Idaho, such as population growth and migration from other states.

But dismissing the proposal because it is

not a cure-all misses the point.

Housing shortages are complex problems that require multiple solutions. Increasing density through duplexes and accessory units is one piece of a much larger puzzle that includes zoning reform, infrastructure investment and incentives for affordable housing development. Even critics of the legislation acknowledge that Idaho needs more housing—they simply disagree on how to achieve it.

What makes this moment significant is not just the policy itself, but the shift in mindset it represents. For years, Idaho has relied heavily on traditional suburban development patterns that prioritize single-family homes. That model is no longer sustainable in a state experiencing rapid growth.

Allowing duplexes signals a willingness to rethink those assumptions.

For students at the University of Idaho and young adults across the state, this change matters. Housing affordability is directly tied to whether graduates can stay in Idaho after completing their education. If the state cannot provide attainable housing options, it risks losing the very workforce it is trying to build.

Ultimately, the push to legalize duplexes should be seen as a step forward—not the destination. It is a pragmatic response to a growing crisis, one that balances the need for increased housing with respect for local concerns.

Idaho’s housing problem will not be solved overnight. But doing nothing is no longer an option.

U.S. blockade poses risk to global security

Military pressure in the Strait of Hormuz may backfire and strain alliances and increase the likelihood of conflict

AJ

The United States’ decision to blockade Iranian ports in April 2026 represents a dramatic escalation in an already volatile conflict. While framed as a strategy to restore stability and force diplomatic concessions, the move highlights a deeper issue: military port blockades are often imprecise tools that risk creating more instability than they resolve.

The blockade, announced after failed negotiations between U.S. and Iranian of-

ficials, targets all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports according to an article by Reuters. This sweeping action is designed to cut off Iran’s oil exports and pressure its government economically. But history and current events suggest that such measures rarely remain contained.

At the center of this crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Roughly 20% of global oil supply moves through this narrow passage, making any disruption immediately felt across international markets from an article by Wikipedia

When the U.S. blockade took effect, it was expected to halt millions of barrels of Iranian oil per day, tightening supply and raising prices. That impact was almost immediate, with oil prices surging and global

markets reacting to the uncertainty, according to an article by AP News. Supporters argue that the blockade is necessary. Iran had previously restricted access to the strait during the conflict, disrupting shipping and threatening global energy stability according to an article by Wikipedia. From this perspective, the U.S. action is meant to restore “freedom of navigation.” But there is an inherent contradiction in enforcing open access by restricting access. A blockade, by definition, limits movement, and in doing so, risks escalating tensions rather than easing them.

That escalation is not hypothetical. Iranian officials have already warned of retaliation, and U.S. leadership has responded with threats of military force against any interference according to an article by AP News. This kind of rhetoric creates a fragile environment where a single miscalculation—a misidentified ship, a warning shot gone wrong—could trigger a wider regional conflict.

The international response also raises concerns. European leaders have emphasized the need to restore normal shipping through the strait, signaling unease with the blockade’s broader consequences according to an article by Reuters. At the same time, some U.S. allies have hesitated to fully support the operation, reflecting doubts about both its legality and its long-term effectiveness.

Economically, the blockade extends far beyond Iran. Countries that rely on Gulf oil—including major economies in Asia—are already feeling the effects. Disruptions in shipping routes have led to delays, increased costs and uncertainty in global supply chains. Even major shipping

companies have expressed hesitation about operating in the region due to safety concerns according to an article by Reuters.

Perhaps most troubling is the humanitarian dimension. While blockades are often justified as targeting governments, their real-world impact tends to fall on civilians. Limiting trade can restrict access to essential goods like food, medicine and fuel, especially when shipping companies avoid high-risk areas altogether. Even when exemptions exist, fear and logistical challenges can still choke supply lines.

There is also the issue of effectiveness. Early reports suggest that not all ships are being deterred, raising questions about how enforceable the blockade truly is. Maintaining such an operation requires significant military resources and constant oversight, with no clear timeline for success.

None of this is to suggest that the United States should ignore threats to global shipping or regional security. Iran’s actions in restricting the strait have contributed significantly to the crisis. But a full-scale blockade is a maximalist response—one that leaves little room for gradual de-escalation or compromise. Diplomacy, targeted sanctions and multilateral cooperation may be slower and less dramatic, but they offer more sustainable paths forward. A blockade, by contrast, risks locking both sides into a cycle of escalation that becomes increasingly difficult to control.

In the end, the question is not whether the U.S. can enforce a blockade. It is whether the global costs—economic, political and human—outweigh the intended benefits. In a region as critical as the Persian Gulf, the answer may determine far more than the outcome of a single conflict.

“Mental Mondays” offers help for students

Tabling in the ISUB provides donuts and resources

In my everyday life, I go by Andrea, but on Wednesday afternoons, I go by Senator Leal. I ran for a position as a Senator for ASUI freshman year, and I successfully won my campaign. From that day on, I knew that I wanted to be part of ASUI for my whole college career.

When I joined ASUI, I didn’t know anyone, but every individual welcomed me with open arms and was willing to help me with any ideas or projects I had in mind. ASUI opened so many doors for me and taught me how to become a student leader who listens to their peers. I have worked with many organizations on campus, such as The Eatery, to discover where all the leftovers end up at; the writing center, to organize a scholarship workshop; the financial aid office, to share all the resources they

offer to students; and most importantly, the Counseling and Mental Health Center.

One of my goals when I joined ASUI was advocating for mental health and advertising resources on campus so students can use them and, most importantly, break the negative stigma around mental health. I decided to collaborate with the Counseling and Mental Health Center because it has positively impacted my life, and I wanted to share this with other students that may need resources but don’t know where to access them. I want every student at the University of Idaho to use the resources they offer and not be afraid or ashamed. Seeking help is nothing to be ashamed of. One of the things I do to share about the Counseling and Mental Health Center is having a tabling event called “Mental Mondays.” It consists of every Monday of each month having a tabling event from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the ISUB and giving away free donuts alongside resources on how students can make an appointment and other resources the Coun-

seling and Mental Health Center offers to students.

The first time I tabled, I was quite nervous to see how students would react, but I was surprised to receive support from every student that stopped by and was willing to listen to me and receive resources. I’m proud to say that my tabling events have become successful. The first time I tabled, I started with five dozen donuts and in May, I will buy 10 dozen donuts, which is a huge jump. But this is what it’s all about; it’s about advocating for student needs and sharing the resources that can positively impact their college career. I’m excited to see what the future holds for “Mental Mondays,” and I can’t wait to see how it’s going to impact more student lives.