Promotional poster for “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” featuring Dunk and Egg. | Photo from @gameofthrones on Instagram
Oct 29 2025 | Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor
When the last episode of “A Game of Thrones” aired in May of 2019, nobody thought they would return to the world of Westeros. But then “House of the Dragon” began filming in April 2021, and fans were thrown back into the drama that was the Targaryen Dynasty — with Teams Green and Black fighting for control over the Iron Throne.
Now, over six years since “A Game of Thrones” last aired, fans are set to enter the Seven Kingdoms once again, with Ser Duncan the Tall as the primary protagonist.
Set 100 years after the height of the Targaryen Dynasty and 90 years before Robert’s Rebellion, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” adapts author George R.R. Martin’s novellas “Tales of Dunk and Egg.” These novellas follow the titular knight Dunk — who is eventually renamed Ser Duncan the Tall in the first novella — and his squire, Egg, as they traverse the Seven Kingdoms.
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” was first announced in April of 2023, though the spinoff’s cast wasn’t announced until Oct. 9, 2025 — the same day the trailer debuted at New York Comic Con. Peter Claffey — known for “Bad Things” and “Vikings: Valhalla” — is set to play Ser Duncan the Tall, while Dexter Sol Ansell — whose debut role was young Coriolanus Snow in “The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” — will play his squire Egg.
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is set to premiere Jan. 8, 2025, with six 30-minute episodes releasing every Sunday after.
With this spinoff series releasing in January, however, it pushes back Season 3 of “House of the Dragon,” which fans have been anticipating since Season 2’s anticlimactic end in August of 2024. Season 2, which was meant to feature the Battle of Gullet, had only eight episodes, two fewer than the previous season. Season 3 will follow the same eight-episode format.
Originally supposed to release in early 2026, Season 3 of “House of the Dragon” has now moved to an April or June premiere date — based primarily on fan speculation. The production crew has yet to announce an official release date.
“House of the Dragon” is based on Martin’s prequel “Fire and Blood,” which tells of the Targaryen civil war sparked when Queen Alicent Hightower usurped the throne from her stepdaughter, Rhaenyra, in favor of her son Aegon.
The series has already been greenlit for its fourth and final season, though there is no set date for filming to begin.
Whether “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” will be approved for a second season is entirely up to the viewership numbers, but a majority of the franchise’s fans are excited for this new series. After all, with the same production levels seen in “House of the Dragon,” this series could very well be one of the best to come from Martin’s universe.
“House of the Dragon” Season 3 and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” will be streaming on HBO Max — the home of “A Game of Thrones” and Seasons 1 and 2 of “House of the Dragon” — upon their release.
Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane face off in pre fight press conference. | Photo from @ufc on Instagram
Oct 22 2025 | Isaac Garcia | Sports Editor
The road to this year’s heavyweight title bout was certainly an interesting one. After Tom Aspinall established himself as an up-and-comer in the heavyweight division and secured the interim heavyweight championship title, Aspinall set his sights on Jon Jones, the all-time UFC leader in title fight wins. The fight was sure to be one of the biggest UFC events of 2025, with Jones at 28-1 facing off against Aspinall, whose average time to finish an opponent is at this time the shortest in the UFC, ending his opponents within two minutes and two seconds on average. There was a contract dispute, disagreements and just general red tape around the entire event. Aspinall essentially put his career on pause in hopes of getting his shot at Jones, spending months goading him into finally signing a fight deal so they could face off. But then in June of this year, Jones abruptly retired. Jones has since teased coming out of retirement, but still seems uninterested in the Aspinall fight for the time being.
So, with the news that Jones was no longer an option for Aspinall, a fight was eventually set up between him and Ciryl Gane for UFC 321, in Abu Dhabi this Saturday. Gane is 13-2 since joining the UFC in 2019. He last fought Alexander Volkov in December and won by split decision.
Currently, Aspinall is the favorite to win the fight, but don’t count Gane out. A challenge for Aspinall will be that he’s never fought in a title bout before, while Gane has. Not only is this important for the sake of experience on a large stage, but title bouts are five rounds of three minutes each as opposed to three rounds of three minutes each. This means Aspinall will have to come in with the best conditioning he’s ever had in preparation for a long fight with Gane if, in fact, Gane can avoid being knocked out at the hands of Aspinall like so many others have failed to do, he may have a chance at the upset. Gane has also only lost to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, two fighters who are considered among the best in the world. Aspinall does not have such matchups under his belt, and it’s worth wondering if Aspinall is as good as many believe or if he’s the beneficiary of easier competition.
Still, Aspinall should be the favorite in this bout, and while Gane may use his experience to make this interesting, one has to consider the quick finishing ability of Aspinall, making him dangerous at every moment of the fight. Aspinall, as always, is ready to finish the fight early. “This is Ciryl’s third title shot. We are going to try and get rid of Ciryl Gane from the title picture for good,” Aspinall said, referencing that Gane lost out on the title against Ngannou and Jones, and soon Aspinall will hope to add himself to that list as well. While the fight may not be a foregone conclusion, Aspinall is the favorite for a reason, and his only loss came against Curtis Blaydes when he injured his knee 15 seconds into the match. He then knocked Blaydes out within four minutes at UFC 304 in a rematch after his knee recovered.
Photo of Yesteryear Farms’ pumpkin patch located in Wilsonville, Oregon. | Photo from @yesteryearfarmswilsonville on Instagram
Oct 22 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor
Fall is a special season for some. It’s the season of change, the time when the leaves on the trees change colors and those hoodies that have been in the closet all summer can finally come out. Wardrobes aren’t the only thing different, though — there are tons of activities and treats to be enjoyed during the month of October. Whether it be going to a local pumpkin patch with friends or sipping on that pumpkin spice latte, there are certain things done in the autumn season that simply feel right. To ensure that everyone here at Western is getting the full seasonal experience, I’ve created a fall bucket list that anyone is welcome to try during this season of change.
Seasonal treats and drinks — Obviously, the most popular in-season flavor is pumpkin spice. One of the most popular items sold during the season of autumn is the pumpkin spice latte. However, the flavor is not limited to the drink. There are pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin pie flavored French toast, pumpkin s’mores cookies, pumpkin oat bars, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin cheesecake cookies, pumpkin bread and much more. Growing up, my favorite thing to eat was pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream.
However, there is so much more to enjoy besides the typical pumpkin spice. Spice in general is heavily used during the season, so spice or cinnamon-flavored treats are a must-try. There’s also nutmeg, ginger, maple or snickerdoodle flavored desserts that anyone can try. Examples could include cinnamon rolls, nutmeg-coated French toast, maple almond cranberry granola, spice cake, snickerdoodle cookies, cinnamon cookies, cinnamon hot chocolate and nutmeg milk, among others.
Fall also brings out a lot of nutty flavors, such as pecans, walnuts and almonds. Some fall favorite treats of these could be apple pecan bread, pecan pie, apple walnut upside down cake, rustic nut bars and any of the previously mentioned treats from pumpkin spice or cinnamon can include nuts in them. I personally enjoy the Starbucks pecan crunch oatmilk latte as it has a very nutty, sweet flavor with cold foam on top.
Apples are also a great option for fall flavor, as they are in season and come in so many varieties. Oftentimes, pumpkin patches have apple trees around, so getting a pumpkin would be a great opportunity to pick up some freshly grown apples for desserts. There’s apple pie, apple cinnamon muffins, apple strudel, apple cider french toast, applesauce and many other treat variations. My favorite memory growing up was the time in kindergarten when we got to make applesauce, and to this day, it was still the best I’ve ever had.
Pumpkin picking, carving and painting — A tradition originating from Irish myth, turnips with demonic faces were placed outside of homes to ward off evil spirits. When the Irish immigrated to the United States, they began using pumpkins, as they were native to the region. There is no greater joy for a person who loves the season of fall than the feeling of picking up a pumpkin that will either be carved or painted into a beautiful or haunting design. One great place to get a pumpkin would be Autumn Harvest Pumpkins in Woodburn, Oregon.
While most jack-o-lanterns are carved with scary faces, we’ve moved past simply trying to scare the demons away. Now, we seek to stun them with amazing pumpkin art. Whether it be a replica of a famous painting or an actor’s face with stunning detail, some have moved beyond the simple triangle eyes and straight mouth of a pumpkin’s face.
Some don’t even carve at all. Pumpkin painting has become a much more popular method of decorating pumpkins, as they don’t require as much knife-wielding and they can still be just as beautiful as carved pumpkins. Abstract art, in particular, is really popular with pumpkin painting, with parts like the eyes sketched big and attention-grabbing.
Haunted Houses — It wouldn’t be a spooky season without the spooky part. Having been around for over a century at this point, haunted houses are designed to scare those who dare traverse them. Whether it be the eerie feeling of going through a house that just doesn’t feel right or the tension of going through in anticipation of something or someone jumping out of a corner, those who love the thrill of adrenaline will love going through these. Fun fact: the first documented haunted house was created by Orton & Spooner, a company from the 1890s that specialized in fairgrounds equipment.
I’m not the type of person who enjoys getting scared, so I don’t have the most experience in haunted houses or events. Yet, even I can tell there’s a sense of fear that a person gets when putting themselves in a situation that could be thrilling. There are things at stake as well as the potential of something jumping out at any moment, making us react to threats. For some, that can be fun. Local haunted attractions to check out include the Ghosts of the Grand in Salem, Oregon, or, if commuting is an option, there is the Abandoned Haunted Maze in Florence, Oregon.
Corn mazes — A fun thing to try during the fall, corn mazes are exactly what they sound like: corn fields that have been cut down and shaped into a maze. A person walks through them, attempting to find the way out. Some can be quite difficult, and the dread of finding a dead end will always be disappointing. Yet, the excitement of finding the way out makes it all worth it. They are best done with a group of people, as sometimes it can be quite scary to be stuck in a maze alone without anyone else.
They should especially be done with other people when they are haunted. Yes, haunted corn mazes are a thing. Decorations in them are much more ominous, whether it be some statues that look a bit too real or bloodstains depicting handprints or footprints to make the hair on the back of someone’s neck prick up in terror. Scare actors can be traversing them, waiting to give someone the biggest jumpscare possible.
While I haven’t had the pleasure of trying a haunted corn maze, I have traversed through one in Yakima, Washington when visiting my sister. It was a lot of fun doing a maze in person instead of on a piece of paper. It’s kind of like an escape room, but simpler. The only puzzle to solve is finding the end of the road.
Overall, fall can be one of the best seasons for some. Whether it’s those pumpkin spice cheesecake cookies, the thrill of a haunted house or the joy of walking through a pumpkin patch to find the perfect one, spooky season is a joy to behold. I strongly encourage anyone to get the full fall experience and perhaps find other things to do. If nothing else, jumping into a pile of leaves can be fun and even a little bit nostalgic for some.
A photo of the Center for Professional Pathways. | Photo by Isaac Garcia
Oct 22 2025 | Isaac Garcia | Sports Editor
On Oct. 29, students are invited to the Pacific Room at the Werner University Center to participate in Fall Extravaganza from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Jennifer Hansen, who is the career development coordinator for the Center for Professional Pathways, described Fall Extravaganza as “a career fair with a twist,” and continued by saying, “Career fairs are typically halfway boring because you’re going in a little intimidated because there’s a whole bunch of professionals in a room to talk to. So we try to liven it up a little bit.”
The event will include a bingo game where students are incentivized to talk to as many professionals as possible, of which there will be 50. Some of the organizations that will be attending are Salem-Keizer School District, Salem Health, the FBI and for the first time, the state of Oregon will be attending in search of cybersecurity interns. For those interested in graduate school, the University of Oregon, Willamette University and Western’s own occupational therapy program will be attending as well. On top of all that, there will be food and prizes from churros and corn dogs to a drawing for a $200 Amazon gift card at the end of the event.
This will be the second year of Fall Extravaganza, following a bit of reinvention. “We used to do a general career fair in the fall. (It) just didn’t work real well. It was like our students didn’t connect with the fact that it was a general one,” Hansen said. “So I figured I’d give it another shot for a general career fair and change it up, so it’s Fall Extravaganza. I started this last year and we’ve had a great turnout.”
The event isn’t just for upperclassmen. Fall Extravaganza is also a great resource for students just starting their college careers to get an idea of what they can do early to put themselves in the best position to find employment in their chosen field post-graduation.
Three weeks after Fall Extravaganza, the Center for Professional Pathways will be hosting CJ ProConnect, aimed at careers in the Criminal Justice field such as medical examiners and forensics, which will indeed be represented at the event. The event begins with students having lunch with professionals in the field to help open up communication. When a student registers for the event, they’ll get a question prompt: “If you could ask anything of a professional, what would you ask?” During the meal, the questions students ask will be passed around to professionals who will then answer the questions. Even students outside the criminal justice program may still find something of interest at CJ ProConnect. For example, Psychology majors may be interested to hear about counseling opportunities within local sheriff departments.
Students interested in either event should register as soon as possible on Involve, otherwise known as Presence, in order to make sure there will be enough food and snacks at both events. If students cannot make either event, the Center for Professional Pathways, located in room 205 of the Student Success Center, is still an excellent resource for all students. Hansen mentioned that there seems to be a misconception that only students ready for careers should utilize the department’s resources, but she encourages anyone to pay the center a visit: “Come and see us from your first day here, because we can help you from point A all the way through point Z and beyond,” Hansen said. Students can also get resume help, mock interviews, job search assistance and much more. “I highly recommend mock interviews,” Hansen said. “I cannot stress how important it is to be interviewed by someone where it doesn’t count. Because you don’t know what you don’t know.”
To learn more about the resources the Center for Professional Pathways provides, students can go online to https://wou.edu/professional-pathways/students/ and take a look through the site as well as make an appointment with a counselor.
Yang Hansen (Left) and Deni Avdija (Right) look on as Chauncey Billups speaks. | Photo from @trailblazers on Instagram
Oct 22 2025 | Isaac Garcia | Sports Editor
On Oct. 22, the Portland Trail Blazers will tip off their season at 7 p.m. when Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves travel to the Moda Center. Last season, the Blazers went 36-46, finishing 12th in the Western Conference. Without any further context, a 36-win season in the NBA is not considered successful by any means. However, it’s important to note that it was a significant improvement over the 21-61 record they put up in the 2023-24 season immediately after trading Damian Lillard. Lillard has since returned to the team, but will not return to the court until next season. The Blazers franchise was also recently sold to an ownership group led by Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon for a reported $4 billion after previous owner Paul Allen’s estate made the decision to sell over the summer, marking the start of a new era.
Before the season begins, here’s a run-down of what happened in the offseason and what kind of team the Blazers are projected to be this season.
Key additions — The Blazers started the off-season by trading point guard Anfernee Simons to the Boston Celtics in a straight swap for Jrue Holiday, also a point guard. The trade was met with mixed reactions by fans. They felt trading for Holiday was a step backwards, due to him being older than Simons as well as being on a more long-term contract, making it more difficult for the team to free up cap space if needed.
When looking deeper into the move, it can make a bit more sense when one considers that Simons’ skillset had become a bit redundant within the guard rotation as a score-first, undersized guard that struggled on defense, the exact archetype of player that the NBA has begun moving past in recent years. Simons also wasn’t providing much to the future of the team and was preventing young guard Scoot Henderson from receiving rotational minutes and valuable experience. In addition, pairing him with Shaedon Sharpe in the backcourt was simply giving up too much on the defensive side of the court. Bringing in a player like Holiday will better complement Sharpe’s skillset when they’re on the floor together, while providing the young players on the team with a mentor who’s won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. The hope seems to be that Holiday can provide the same mentorship fans have seen Chris Paul provide in Oklahoma City, Phoenix and now San Antonio in recent seasons.
Aside from this move, the Blazers used the 16th pick of the NBA Draft to select Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1-inch center from China who has drawn early comparisons to three-time MVP and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić. While that’s a high bar to reach, it makes a bit of sense. Like Jokić, Hansen can pass at a very high level for a center and initiate offensive sets from the high post, which can open up cutting lanes to the basket for the rest of the team. This ability is something that would fit well with an athletic guard pairing like Henderson and Sharpe. While fans shouldn’t expect Hansen to be an elite contributor immediately, nor should they expect him to one day become as good as Jokić, the unique and versatile skill set he provides could definitely get him there, which is an exciting prospect for Blazers fans. Fans should just take the time to understand that Jokić is widely considered the best player in the world at the moment, and that it’s a heavy expectation to place on a 20-year-old player that has yet to play his first meaningful NBA minutes.
What to be excited for —If Yang Hansen isn’t already exciting enough, then look toward the development of players such as Henderson, Sharpe, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan and Toumani Camara. Camara has already established himself as one of the best defenders in the league, making the All-Defensive second team last season. Camara’s combination of athleticism and height makes him a valuable piece defensively, as he can guard almost anyone without being physically outmatched, giving the Blazers significant flexibility in their defensive game plans.
Second-year center Donovan Clingan averaged 1.6 blocks per game last season, putting him at ninth place among all players in the category. It’s even more impressive when considering that he spent most of the year not getting many minutes due to the presence of Deandre Ayton — who is no longer on the team — and had a bit of an adjustment period to the toll a long NBA season can take on a young player. When adjusting his statistics to a per-36-minute basis, his block numbers jump up to three per game, which would’ve put him in second place in the category last season, only behind Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. Expect Clingan to take a step forward, as well as hopefully have a more developed offensive game and outside shooting ability to open up lanes for players driving to the basket. If Clingan can cement himself as an elite rim protector alongside the perimeter defense that Camara provides, the Blazers could easily become one of the best defensive units in the league.
Fans should also pay close attention to Henderson, who has been a bit inconsistent to start his career. In a way, this could be a bit of a make-or-break season for Henderson with the imminent return of Lillard next season. If he’s unable to show a step toward being the player Portland had hoped for when he was drafted in 2023, it’ll be interesting to see what decisions are made with the rotation next season and if Henderson will remain with the team. He’ll also be entering the final year of his rookie contract next season, which is where extension talks typically begin.
As for Sharpe and Avdija, look for both of them to take another step toward potentially becoming All-Stars. Sharpe has increased his scoring output each season since entering the league, and Avdija set a new career high in points per game last season after being acquired in a trade with the Washington Wizards. With both players under the age of 25, there is still a lot of room for both of them to grow into All-Star caliber players. In Sharpe’s case, hopefully, viewers see him increase his aggression on the offensive end, where he’s best. He’s had a noted tendency of being a bit passive and not taking over a game like he’s capable of doing. With Simons no longer in the mix, perhaps that will empower him to take a more active approach regularly and allow him to unleash his full potential.
What to expect —So with all of this in mind, what can fans expect from the Blazers this season? With a team this young, it’s hard to really know. Development in the NBA is not always the upward curve fans would like it to be, but the Blazers seem to have established an energetic culture with a young core they can build with. A valid concern about the team would be the lack of three-point shooting — they went 26th/30 in 3pt% last year, according to NBA.com — and the fact that there weren’t any significant upgrades to the roster in that department.
The defense projects to get better with the expectation that Camara and Clingan improve, plus the addition of Jrue Holiday, but will the offense follow? The leader in made threes per game was Simons, who is now a Celtic, so in order for the Blazers to make the improvement, they’ll need to see better and more consistent shooting in order to open up the floor and allow players like Sharpe and Henderson to do what they do best, which is attack the basket.
Overall, this Blazers team has a lot going for it and a lot of good for fans to be excited about. However, there is also a lot of uncertainty, and a lot of the positives listed here are a bit hypothetical and dependent on players getting to the next level. Player development is rarely a direct climb up the mountain; there are usually inclines and declines along the way. To make a prediction, they’ll go 39-43 and will be right in the mix for the 10th seed in the Western Conference, which would earn them a spot in the play-in. The Western Conference is crowded, however, and the Blazers might just get frozen out of a spot again this season. As frustrating as that would be, it’s important that the franchise and its fans stay patient and remember: Lillard will be playing at the Moda Center again soon.
The cover of Malice by Heather Walter. | Photo from @caro.library on Instagram
Oct 22 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor
As university students, time isn’t something that is abundantly available to us. Whether it’s assignments, clubs, sports, work or even just general tiredness, we all have things to do while at Western. However, everyone needs a break from reading that thick textbook sitting on the table. Should time be available, I recommend reading literature of one’s own preference for at least an hour a day. In case the endless amount of books available on the market are overwhelming, I’ve compiled a list below for anyone interested.
“For Whom the Belle Tolls” by Jaysea Lynn (Adult) — Lily isn’t the type of person to not fight back. So when her cancer diagnosis and financial status lets her know she won’t be able to put up much of a fight, she resigns herself to prepare for death. Yet, when it comes, it ends up being much more fantastical than she ever could have thought it would be. The Afterlife is vast, with many different parts and creatures to it. Despite growing up terrified of it, she finds herself drawn to Hell. Noticing the amount of souls that overwhelm the demons working there, she offers to run a Hellp desk — pun intended. Years of customer service prepared her for this, but there is a positive to this job: she can talk back. Filled with puns, humor and a bit of demonic romance, Lily is determined to put the life in afterlife.
Content warning: this book contains adult themes, suicidal thoughts, sexual content, sexual abuse, abuse, foster care abuse, domestic abuse, religious trauma and graphic descriptions.
“Malice” by Heather Walter (Adult) — The story of this book is a bit of a twist or retelling of the story Sleeping Beauty. The kingdom of Briar has a long history tied to magic. Magical beings, known as the Graces, can provide various forms of magic for those who are willing to pay for the spells. The plot of the book revolves around Alyce, the dark Grace. In the kingdom of Briar, she is seen as the outcast and the source of the curse that is going to claim Princess Aurora’s life should she not find the person who can break it in time. Yet, Aurora doesn’t treat her like the monster Alyce is believed to be. With fantasy elements, tragedy, magic and passion, Malice and its sequel Misrule tell the tale of these two women who will be forever tied to each other. Content warning: this book contains sexual content and potentially graphic descriptions.
“The Falling Between Us” by Ash Parsons (Teen) — Stardom can be both a blessing and a curse. That’s something that Roxanne Stewart learns as she watches her boyfriend Joshua Blackbird become skyrocketed into the world of being a celebrity overnight. While the money and fame is exciting, it doesn’t take too long to realize the heavy toll that comes with being famous. Constant paparazzi, managers who push limits, crazy fans and even family members all cling to Joshua. Then, the famous star suddenly disappears in the middle of the night, his body never recovered. No one knows if it was murder, an accident or suicide, but Roxanne is determined to figure out what happened to him.
Content warning: this book discusses themes of drugs, trauma, suicide and suicidal thoughts.
“Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott (Teens+) — Written by Anne Lamott, a New York Times bestselling author, “Bird by Bird” is a book aimed at helping readers improve their writing skills, knowledge that she learned from her father who was also a writer. Lamott’s musings range from providing helpful tips for accepting criticism of work to telling the story of the time she got super drunk and yelled at her publishing manager for not recognizing how good of a book she wrote was. The book is a mix of advice on being a better writer, lifestyle recommendations and even just confessions. While this book may be aimed more at English majors, anyone who is interested in reading a witty book that provides good information on bettering one’s writing, which is a skill all university students will need, should enjoy it. I highly recommend this book.
“Maybe One Day” by Melissa Kantor (Teens+) — Zoe and Olivia are best friends. Both skilled ballet dancers, they were sadly kicked out of their dance school. However, that ends up being the least of Olivia’s problems when her “cold” turns out to be an aggressive form of leukemia. Zoe is determined to help Olivia through the aggressive treatment, putting on a brave face when she herself is mortified. Despite the ups and downs, like Zoe starting to fall for Calvin, Olivia’s crush, Zoe is determined to move forward knowing that everything will go back to normal after Olivia survives, as the alternative is too terrifying to think of.
Content warning: this book is depressing. A warning has been given.
“Maus” by Art Spiegelman (Teens+) — This graphic novel depicts the strained relationship between the author, known as Artie in the comic, and his aging father Vladek, a Jewish Holocaust survivor. The story is split in two different frames, one depicting Artie and his father speaking in the present and the other showing what was happening as Vladek explains the events. With the visceral art style, Jewish people drawn as mice and Nazis as menacing cats, and the tragedy of such terrible events in history, this book does a chilling job portraying the horrors experienced by Jewish people in World War II. It does have a sequel, which I highly recommend as well because it finishes off the story completely.
Content warning: this book discusses World War II, the Holocaust, torture, graphic violence, death, suicide and racism.
“Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe (Teens+) — “Things Fall Apart” is a classic narrative about the effects colonialism had on small remote villages in Africa. The novel follows Okonkwo, a fictional Igbo warrior of Umuofia who is well known for being one of the most powerful, honorable and masculine warriors throughout the village. As the reader continues to read about him, the effects of colonialism begin showing up in the latter half of the book. It begins to escalate quickly as Okonkwo struggles with the idea that the traditions he grew up with are slowly being lost to this new political and religious power beginning to influence his people.
Putting together this list was more difficult than I thought it would be. Books are one of my favorite things in the world. I love reading stories that completely immerse me, whether it be an informational book on writing or a graphic novel depicting one of the worst times in human history or a spicy demonic romance, I love a good read. I hope that this list at least tempts someone to read something that isn’t a textbook.
A photo of the Writing and Research Center space. | Photo by Vanessa Petroj
Oct 22 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor
Most students are aware of the Writing Center and its basic services, or have even had to go in as a requirement for a class, but starting this term, the Writing Center is going through some major upgrades. The Writing Center is implementing a new asynchronous feedback response option for students in addition to the normal in-person or Zoom appointment options, and is also transitioning to be known as the Writing and Research Center rather than just the Writing Center. Staff members are working hard to create many fun events and workshops in the Writing Center for students to attend and get involved.
First and foremost, the Writing Center has merged with the research librarians starting this term to form the Writing and Research Center. Because writing and research go hand in hand, the merging of these two services provides a smoother process for students seeking resources. This allows students to not only get advice from peer tutors, but also from expert research librarians. The Writing and Research Center is now a hub located in one spot for anything related to writing or research.
With this transition, students can easily have access to research librarians and instruction librarians without having to go to two separate buildings. Rather than training the Writing Center peer tutors in research, it made more sense to integrate the research librarians into their services, so they are now located in the same building. If a student comes in-person, they could have an appointment with both a Writing and Research Center tutor and a research librarian to help with their assignment. Students can book appointments with either a writing tutor or a research librarian, but can also access both during their appointment if needed.
The main goal of the Writing and Research Center is to help students build necessary skills in writing that apply to any and all subjects. Not only this, but the peer tutors hope to build up confidence in students so they feel comfortable repeating these learned skills themselves. Staff and tutors at the Writing and Research Center hope to increase self-efficacy in students so they learn writing processes rather than just a solution for one assignment.
Like before, the Writing and Research Center is offering both in-person and Zoom appointments to students, but this term, they are also offering a new asynchronous feedback option. If students choose this service option, they would upload their projects online to be reviewed by a tutor. Then, tutors will read through their assignment and compose a one-page response to give back to the student within an hour. These responses are focused on feedback following student requests, or on things the highly trained staff deem necessary to give feedback on. For students who choose this feedback option, they don’t need to be present during the process; they simply upload their document and wait for their tutor to send back the response.
This new feedback system offered by the Writing and Research Center fits into the needs of Western’s current student population. A lot of students who seek tutoring don’t have the time or option available to attend in-person sessions or schedule a Zoom appointment. Vanessa Petroj, the director of the Writing and Research Center, explained that “we have very busy students, we have non-traditional students, we have students with jobs, we have students who commute. But at the same time, we also have students who like to see their feedback so they can refer back to it. So all of those things … I only see it as another alternative to provide support in addition to the synchronous one-on-one that we have.” Staff added the extra asynchronous feedback option in order to provide as much support as possible.
The Writing and Research Center also offers other resources, such as bilingual tutoring. They have bilingual tutors for students in both Spanish and American Sign Language. Additionally, students can now create a partnership appointment, meaning that they pick a tutor and have a recurring appointment with them either weekly or biweekly. If students choose to utilize this service, they don’t have to keep creating appointments, but rather can come to their slot each week to work on any writing. These appointments don’t have to be devoted to one class either; they can bring in writing for one class on an appointment, then bring in writing from a completely different class for the next. There is no rule for the kind of writing students can bring in, be it an academic essay, scholarship essay or application.
The Writing and Research Center hosts many events for students throughout the year that have fun activities and simultaneously allow students to become more familiar with the services offered. Some examples include holiday crafts and activities near the end of the term. Coming up soon, they are hosting their annual Halloween event Oct. 31. Not only will the event feature activities for students, but it also coincides with the grand opening of the Writing and Research Center, where students can learn about what the new center offers. There will be decorations set up, hands-on activities and learning activities, including a life-size board game throughout the Writing and Research Center. All students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to come, see the space and learn about the center. The event will also be kid-friendly with children’s activities available, meaning parents can bring their families.
The Writing and Research Center encourages students to utilize their services and come to any events hosted to have some fun and learn about the space. The new services and resources created will help provide for the student population at Western, supporting students of all needs and backgrounds. They are continually evolving and working to find ways to serve and help all students, offering everyone the resources available to perfect their work, writing and wordsmithing.
Actor Rhoyle Ivy King’s online contribution to filming Netflix’s dramatized series on serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. | Photo from @rhoyleivyking on Instagram
Oct 22 2025 | Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief
Content warning: this article discusses murder and violence
Crime has always been a fascinating topic for many. With fictional television shows like “Criminal Minds” and “Law & Order,” such violent conversation topics have proven to make for an equally entertaining and profitable form of media and content — but what takes it a step further is the true crime industry.
The entertainment industry is no stranger to documentaries. “Dateline” has been airing since 1992, with its predecessor “48 Hours” beginning in 1988. True crime documentaries have had an uptick in recent years, milking notable names for content through big platforms like Netflix. Some examples of these include “Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal,” “Tiger King,” “Monster” about Jeffrey Dahmer being arguably the beginning controversy for true crime dramatized recreations in television, “American Murder: Gabby Petito,” “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” and others. Through Hulu, “Hunting JonBenét’s Killer: The Untold Story” explores one of the world’s most perplexing and haunting cases.
Many such platform-produced shows seem to have split goals, torn between celebrating a life lost too soon and forming a lucrative piece of content that will dominate the streaming sphere and social media timelines. “Monster” from Netflix was criticized by the masses following its immensely popular release in 2022 due to its insensitive portrayal of the victims of infamous killer Jeffrey Dahmer. The show took deeper angles into Dahmer’s life, offering a nearly sympathetic angle at times according to some. The main point brought up against the show is how none of the victims’ families consented to the release, and expressed extreme discomfort and disappointment. Some have campaigned that the show redirected toward the victims in the second half, signifying its decency and awareness of the sensitivity required to navigate such a story. Personally, I never delved into “Monster” — despite being a true crime fan, which we’ll get into — because I heard of its disrespectful narrative and didn’t feel I was missing out.
Gabby Petito’s story was handled with more care, probably due to its recency and the abuse she suffered. The story was an outrage on social media following Petito’s disappearance in 2021. Eventually, her body was found near the Grand Teton National Park, and her cause of death was ruled a homicide, confirmed to be by her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie. The case sparked such intense news coverage that it’s no surprise Netflix swooped in, going A-Z with the series and how it was solved. However, the listed description remains somewhat callous, stating, “What happened in the final days of Gabby Petito’s life? In this gripping true-crime series, her loved ones reveal the untold story of her tragic murder” — which is not the most conscientious approach.
The streaming giant Peacock took true crime to another level by publishing alleged murderer Casey Anthony’s documentary — an extremely controversial move that has divided watchers. Casey Anthony’s daughter, Caylee, was nearly four years old in 2008 when her remains were found near the Anthony family residence after she was reported missing by her grandmother Cindy Anthony.
The state of Florida sought the death penalty against Casey Anthony, believing her to be the culprit in Caylee’s homicide. In 2011, a jury found her not guilty of murder, but rather four misdemeanor counts of providing false information to the police. Fast forward to 2022, Casey released her documentary, “Casey Anthony: Where the Truth Lies,” flipping the script in an exclusive three-part series with Peacock.
Why Peacock would publicize Casey’s story in her defense is beyond me, especially considering the public criticism she’s encountered year after year ever since her daughter’s death. The true crime community has nailed Casey for nearly a decade for lying about her daughter, being caught partying after her daughter was reported missing and then blaming her family for what happened to Caylee, acquitting herself of all personal responsibility. Then again, to publish an alleged murderer’s tall tale would garner views on views — so there’s Peacock’s motive, or so I presume.
There’s this long-running fascination between people and murder. In my household, my mom used to play “NCIS” on all three televisions across the house so she wouldn’t miss a single minute, no matter where she was. My dad owned all the seasons of “Dexter” on DVD and fell asleep to them routinely. It’s not much of a surprise that I’ve found my way to true crime, although in a different medium: true crime podcasts.
According to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, people are drawn to exploring true crime because of curiosity. The motives of a murderer are beyond understandable, but simultaneously being able to solve, or witness the solving, of a tragic case provides some sort of rush. Newspapers initially sensationalized crime before passing the torch to visual content, like Netflix documentaries or YouTube podcasts.
Others may turn to true crime to witness justice’s golden hammer come down on those who deserve it, playing into what viewers want to see. Across the board, it’s entertainment, escapism and storytelling, a great trap to get watchers all the way through. Scientifically, it’s been compared to haunted houses and roller coasters — facing a fictional danger in some form or another.
But there are undoubtedly present ethical dilemmas in the true crime world. Controversial, money-grabbing attempts at documentaries and re-enactments stir up a long-running conversation about morality that has no solution. Does it make someone a bad person to find “Monster” entertaining, but still empathize with the victims and their families? Is the public forum of modern entertainment off limits for sensitive real-life topics? Where do we draw the line? Who decides where that line even is?
There is a very real conversation to be had about our society’s decreasing sensitivity to such violent acts and topics, and another about whether we’re forcing individuals to relive their trauma through media productions.
Today, there is no answer; no person to distinguish what’s right and wrong. The culprits we can assuredly blame include corporate greed — looking at streaming services, and most notably to me, Peacock — and cash-grabbing techniques to acquire views over anything else.
So, I don’t tend to watch a lot of produced documentaries — I do indulge in true crime podcasts. A term I hear a lot is “active true crime consumer,” which signifies an understanding that the content being viewed is sensitive and has a real-life impact. YouTuber and podcaster Kendall Rae was where I first heard the term, and I’ve always enjoyed her personal approach, honoring victims and discussing the path to justice.
“Murder With My Husband” is another podcast that I listen to rather routinely. It features married couple Payton and Garrett Moreland as she recites a true-crime script, following the thrilling twists and turns of a tragic tale, while respecting and honoring the life or lives that were taken. An interesting aspect of the podcast is Garrett Moreland’s consistent hatred for the true crime genre, and his shocked reactions as he, alongside us, discovers the truth of the stories. Unnecessary fun fact: he’s opening a bagel shop and I’m very intrigued by it.
YouTuber Wendigoon centers on more fantasy or dark horror, but occasionally looks into true crime, and when he does, it’s always good. Another YouTuber, BOZE vs. the WORLD, has a series on female killers — it’s a little too produced for my liking, but I’m a big fan of her other content and so I occasionally indulge.
Kendall Rae also has a podcast with her husband called “Mile Higher,” doing the same as her personal channel by exploring true crime cases and occasionally other topics.
The point is: if true crime is on TV, be aware of its impact. Engage by being an active true crime consumer and contribute faithfully. Think critically and with empathy, but it’s not necessary to feel shame — or shame others — for indulging in true crime.
A photo of a protester at Salem’s “No Kings” event with a sign that said “FROGS TOGETHER STRONG.” | Photo courtesy of Maria Rinella
Oct 22 2025 | Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief
Portland, Oregon saw hundreds of protesters reportedly donning inflatable animal costumes at the city’s “No Kings” protest Oct. 18, one of more than 2,000 “No Kings” protests that took place across America. Organizers of the “No Kings” protests estimate nearly seven million attendees nationwide, with Portland being a news-garnering hotspot after Donald Trump won his push for National Guard troops to be deployed into the city to defend federal agents, pending further legal approval.
Prior to Saturday’s “No Kings” protest, one Portland local drew premature attention for posting up Oct. 2 outside of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building just off of I-5.
Seth Todd, 24, was wearing a large, puffy, green inflatable frog costume outside of the facility, when the protest escalated — resulting in a federal agent directing a stream of chemical spray into the costume’s air vent. According to Oregon Live, Todd went to help another protester who was allegedly shoved to the ground by a federal agent when he was assaulted with the spray. Despite the altercation, Todd claimed to be fine, stating that he’s “definitely had spicier tamales” than what was directed into his costume.
Caught on camera and uploaded to TikTok, a whirlwind of media attention pointed at Todd, dubbing him with various names: “Antifa Frog,” “Portland Frog” and “Protest Frog” being some of the more common aliases. In his wake, more frogs showed up the following evening at the facility in support. Later in the month, numbers doubled and tripled as frogs took to the streets, spanning Oregon’s multitude of protests. Various frog paraphernalia popped up across the country in tandem with the “No Kings” protests, broadcasting support and allegiance with Todd after he began a motion of peace and resistance using inflatable animal costumes.
The future of said inflatables is undecided, with the expected utilization of National Guard troops in Portland inching closer and closer. News organizations have noted a consistent presence of “hundreds” rallying in the evening outside Portland’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building as recently as Sunday, Oct. 19. Protesters and counter-protesters engaged in physical altercations, leading to multiple arrests by police; at another time, federal agents deployed tear gas into the crowd.
Despite rising tensions, the response from protesters has yet to quell. A newly-founded organization titled Operation Inflation asks for $35 donations to fund more costumes for protests against ICE, signifying the growing movement that started with Todd, and likely won’t end with him.
