Mount Hood

Winter weather predictions for America

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

In February of 2023, the Northern Hemisphere declared that season the warmest winter on record. According to climate.gov, eight states that season made the same claim across the Great Lakes and the upper midwest — leading to growing concern for the 2024-25 cold season’s capability.

With that in mind, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s weather outlook predicted colder temperatures and heavier precipitation in the Pacific Northwest for the upcoming winter. The report identified a 40-50% chance that temperatures will be below average, the greatest percentage compared to the rest of the country.

It is expected that the equatorial Pacific will be facing a weak La Niña current, cooling temperatures and bringing with it rain and snow to the area. The weak La Niña comes from climate patterns over the Pacific Ocean, with a more recent “triple-dip” La Niña occurring during the cold seasons from 2020 to 2023. Warmer water is pushed out to Asia, leading to colder seasons in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and most of Alaska.

As the Pacific Northwest is as wet as usual — expected to get wetter — the South was facing relentless snow as of Saturday, Jan. 11. Memphis, Tennessee, received seven inches of snow — a record set for most snow seen in a single day in 40 years. Atlanta, Georgia, saw two inches, the most seen in one day in seven years, from the snowstorm overtaking the region. In its wake, flights were canceled, schools closed, roads were dangerously icy and power was lost.

Due to a power outage caused by weather in the capital city in Virginia, more than 200,000 people faced advisory warnings to boil their water before drinking.

Most of eastern America is expected to experience further chilling weather throughout the week.

Differing from Oregon’s wet expected winter prediction, California’s dry winter and off-coast windstorms caused catastrophic fires to sweep Los Angeles coming out of the new year. Although the cause for the fires has yet to be determined, experts have already ruled out lightning as a potential cause.

It is recommended to continue to check the forecast, as no winter prediction can prepare an individual for sudden changes, such as ice, snow or other hazardous weather conditions.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

TikTok ban: Beneficial or harmful?

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

Content warning: this article contains mentions of suicide

With Inauguration Day right around the corner, many Americans are keeping a close eye on Jan. 19. Recently, the Supreme Court has weighed whether TikTok is considered safe for Americans. This hot topic has one wondering how the app currently affects its users. Just like any other social media platform, it has its benefits and its faults — but a deeper look into the app might provide some clarity on its effects.

TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short form content. Gen Z and millennials alike flocked to the app when it went viral back in 2018. Many of its current users argue that TikTok needs to remain untouched by the federal government because their intervention would be a violation of the First Amendment. Indeed, TikTok has connected the world in a way like no other platform. Its ability to give anyone a voice and possibly have it reach millions of people is very enticing. Anyone can become an advocate and spread awareness to the masses, unlike other platforms like Instagram or Facebook, whicho rely more on follower count, celebrity status or celebrity endorsement.

Another reason for TikTok’s popularity is its plethora of niche communities, or safe spaces. Many users are able to easily connect with others who share similar interests, lifestyles, sexual orientations, values and so forth. With the app mainly enjoyed by younger generations, many communities are able to freely share their experiences. 

While a ban may feel like a major loss for many, it could potentially serve as a turning point for social media culture. TikTok has come under scrutiny for its lack of regulations on handling the exposure of cyberbullying and inappropriate content. There are major concerns of the negative effects of TikTok’s algorithm, one of which being that it provides a sense of instant gratification. With a single swipe of a finger, a user is exposed to a variety of content, helping the system learn what the user is interested in. In a short period of time, the algorithm provides content that a user wants to engage in. With this, a user can spend hours on the app not realizing how much time has passed. A ban would encourage Americans to take a break from their screens.

Another reason why a ban might be beneficial is that TikTok can push inappropriate or harmful content. TikTok cannot keep up with the amount of content that its creators push out. With a younger audience, users can be exposed to obscene content such as indecent exposure, crime, self-harm and extreme violence. 

Lastly, TikTok is just like any other platform. There are harmful trends and unrealistic beauty standards that get pushed towards its young and impressionable audience. With cyberbullying running rampant, and TikTok helping just about anyone go viral, it can fall to the toxic, and at times dangerous, side of the app. With poor mental health and, sadly, suicide happening at an alarming rate, the question remains: has TikTok done more good than harm? Should Americans accept the loss of their favorite app? 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Student Success Center

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

The beginning of Winter term was marked by the opening of the Student Success Center — SSC. Construction of the building started August 2023, and it was finally open to the public Jan. 6th, 2025. 

The new building was built on the foundation of the previous Education building, which was the primary place for education students before the Richard Woodcock Education Center opened in 2016. 

The SSC is located on Monmouth Avenue next to Hamersly Library. It has the charm of Western’s brick buildings, but with a modern twist. A balcony furnished with tables and chairs overlooks the central street on campus. 

The SSC is now home to many preexisting programs, including the Math Center, Student Success and Advising general tutoring, Center for Professional Pathways, Multicultural Student Services and Programs, Student Enrichment Program, Disability Access Services and more.

“This Student Success Center will be a key building as we continue to support our students, including many first generation and historically underserved students,” President Jesse Peters said in a July 2023 press release. “Creating a building that will champion our students’ needs all in one space is instrumental to our university’s mission.”

Brianna Jones, an educational adviser now located in the SSC, advises students with documented disabilities as well as low income and first-generation students. 

“We help with registration for classes, academic projectors, financial literacy and financial aid assistance … and a little bit of everything,” Jones said.

Before the SSC, Jones worked in the Student Advising Center on Church Street. “It’s nice to have a space that’s ours, has more open space and has the opportunity to give students a place to hang out, study and have a place of their own.”

A first-generation student center is on the first floor of the SSC. “It’s a lounge area,” Jones said. “That’s a place where they can go to use the computer lab … and then it has a little patio where they can see a little pond. We call it the retention pond.” The first-generation area will also eventually have a TV to play movies for students.

Dana Nunez-Silva is Western’s first gen coordinator. The first-generation area is “specifically for our TRIO and first-gen students, but anybody is welcome,” Nunez-Silva said. “It’s a space to build community more intentionally than the space that we were able to have before.”

The SSC has an open concept, which helps with connecting every program in the building. The large windows let in natural light that makes the building feel more homely. 

“I’m very excited about having this new space,” Nunez-Silva said. “I really like how it facilitates connection and community a lot more than the space we had previously … Students should visit the new building because it is, in my opinion, unlike any other building on campus.” 

Although the building is not fully furnished yet, it is still open to students who want to study, meet with advisers and tutors or socialize with other students.

Jan. 8, a FAFSA completion workshop was held in the SCC. In the future, the building will be the hotspot for workshops and other events. Nunez-Silva has plans to create “accountability hours” in the SSC, which will be a designated time and place for students to do their work. 

“Something I want to do in collaboration with the tutoring center is the accountability hours,” Nunez-Silva said. “It’s essentially (a set) time to be held accountable by your peers. Think about it as a quiet community that comes in all at one time to do homework.”

The new building will also eventually host meetings for the Tri-Alpha Honor Society. Nunez-Silva also hopes to host peer mentoring in the future, and also possibly designated first-generation peer mentoring. 

This new building is a breath of fresh air for students and staff alike. “It’s something new and different,” Nunez-Silva said. 

The SSC is the home-base for any resources students might need, from tutoring and advising to studying and socializing. “It’s meant to be a one-stop shop for students that don’t know where to start,” Nunez-Silva said. All students have a variety of needs, and it is difficult to know how to go about getting those needs fulfilled. The SSC has many of the resources available to students, all in one place. 

“Take advantage of this space,” Nunez-Silva said. “Take advantage of the resources and the advisers.” The advisers, tutors and other staff all share the same goal of supporting students and helping them reach their full potential. 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Woods’ legacy continues

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The legendary Tiger Woods has recently shared the spotlight with his 15-year-old son, Charlie Woods, during several outings on the golf course. The pair has captivated the golfing community while also showcasing an inseparable bond between a father and a son through their shared passion for the sport.
The Professional National Championship — PNC — which is an annual event that pairs major champions with family members, has been a huge platform for the Woods duo. In December 2024, Tiger and Charlie gave fans an impressive performance, shooting a 13-under-par 59 in the opening round, putting them in a strong position. By the end of the championship, Tiger and Charlie finished in second place after a playoff against Team Langer.
One of the most significant moments during the tournament was Charlie’s first hole-in-one. On the par-three fourth hole at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, he hit a perfect shot with a seven iron from 175 yards. Charlie’s insane play was met with celebration from the fans and his father, creating a memory that will likely never be forgotten.
And if one child wasn’t enough, Tiger’s daughter, Sam Woods, also participated in the event. Serving as a caddie for her father and brother, Sam’s involvement added another layer to the family dynamic of the PNC Championship. Tiger has often expressed the significance of these family moments, emphasizing the joy of playing alongside his children and witnessing their growth within the sport.
Throughout his career, Tiger Woods has been open about his experiences balancing fatherhood with his professional career. He has shared insights into guiding Charlie’s development, highlighting the importance of allowing his son to carve his own path in the sport. Yes, Tiger will always be remembered as one of the greats, but his goal for his son Charlie is to make a name for himself, regardless of who his father is. As Charlie continues to develop his skills and gain competitive experience, the golfing world will continue to watch with keen interest. The father-son pair offers fans a glimpse into the potential future of golf, where the Woods legacy may continue through the next generation.
Beyond the PNC Championship, Charlie has been making notable strides in his golfing journey. In June 2024, he qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship after winning a qualifying event with a score of 71. Although he didn’t end up making the cut in the championship, his participation at such a competitive level at a young age speaks volumes about his potential and mentality.
In February 2024, Charlie entered his first pre-qualifying tournament for a PGA Tour event, the Cognizant Classic. Unfortunately, he did not secure a spot, but the experience gave him valuable exposure to some of the factors of professional-level competition, adding more fuel to his fire to pursue the sport.Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Inter-tribal tensions hit all-time high

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

Nov. 20, 2024, the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs notified Oregon officials that it would give its final environmental impact statement regarding an off-reservation casino that the Coquille Indian Tribe wishes to build in Medford, Oregon. 

The Coquille Indian Tribe is one of nine federally recognized tribes in the state of Oregon. It is located in southern Coos County, with its reservation in Bandon, Barview, Coos Bay and North Bend communities. In May of 1995, the Coquille opened their casino, called The Mill Casino, which sits on the North Bend waterfront and is built into an old plywood mill the tribe purchased in the early ‘90s. 

Some of the tribe have protested one main issue, the Coquille’s bid to build their proposed casino roughly 170 miles outside their reservation. More complaints have arisen from how it could take revenue from casinos in southern Oregon and northern California, one of which is just 70 miles north of the proposed Medford site. 

Seven Feather Casino and Resort sits just off of the I-5 in Canyonville, Oregon, and is owned and operated by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, whose members are the loudest opponents of the proposed casino. 

“The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and more than 30 other tribes have been fighting for months to be heard about the devastating impacts mass off-reservation casino approvals will have on Indian Country, only to be dismissed and ignored,” said Cow Creek Chairwoman Carla Keene. “We have requested — even pleaded — to be seen, heard and consulted with on the decisions being made by bureaucrats in D.C. that will devastate our tribal communities.”

While federal law allows for tribes to build casinos on tribal lands acquired before 1988, the law also has allowances for disadvantaged tribes, such as the Coquille Indian Tribe, that have limited federal lands. The law, however, also states that tribes must show modern and ancestral connections to the land they propose to build on.

While it is clear that the Coquille Indian Tribe is disadvantaged, their connection to land in Medford is unclear. 

The Coquille Indian Tribe bases its claims on a study — titled “Coquille Trails: Early Historical Roads and Trails of Ancestral Coquille Indian Lands, 1826 – 1875” — that began in 2006, meant to investigate and publish a “cultural geography” of the modern Coquille tribe. The report was completed in 2012, the same year the Coquille proposed their Medford casino. 

Scholars and historians who lobby against the Coquille Indian Tribe’s newest claim of presence in the Rogue River watershed point to the languages the tribes of the area spoke — specifically Takelma and Shasta languages — which are not related to the ancestral languages of the Coquille — Athpascan and Kusan. Additionally, scholars have pointed out there is no documentation of Coquille villages or tribal occupation before 1950, when a tribal member attended Southern Oregon University. 

One such scholar is Stephen Dow Beckham, a Coos Bay native and American history scholar, well-known for his work with Natives in the Pacific Northwest. His book, “The Indians of Western Oregon: This Land Was Theirs,” shares some of the most detailed history of Western Native tribes, and was written along with help from Coquille, Siuslaw and Lower Umpqua — the latter two a part of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw — tribal council members. 

Beckham disputes the Coquille’s claim of ancestral land and notes that the study “includes lands demonstrably not occupied or used by the ancestors of the modern Coquille Tribe. The inflation of the study area to 1.4 million acres … is a significant error (of the study).”

Regardless, the Coquille are waiting on the final approval for the proposed Medford casino following a 30-day public comment period. The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Karuk Tribe and Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation opted to sue.

The lawsuit, filed Dec. 23, 2024, named the federal Department of the Interior, Biden administration officials and the secretary of the interior, Deb Haaland, as defendants. It claimed that the approval of the proposed casino is unconstitutional because it relies on invalid federal regulations specified by the Council on Environmental Quality, as well as alleging Haaland did not properly consult with tribes who oppose the casino. The lawsuit sought a temporary restraining order against the defendants as well as aiming to stop the Medford casino from moving forward. 

“Cow Creek has since attempted multiple times to consult with the Secretary herself and with the Interior as directed by the White House and has gotten nowhere,” said attorney Gabe Galanda. “We’re suing to pause the process to allow that consultation as promised to occur.”

The proposed Medford casino would be Class II with gaming machines but no card tables, and would operate out of an old bowling alley on S. Pacific Highway between the cities of Medford and Phoenix, Oregon. The Cow Creek’s casino in Canyonville is labeled as a Class III casino, with gaming tables such as blackjack, poker and roulette. 

In defense of their push for the Medford casino approval, the CEO of the Coquille Tribe’s economic development arm Tribal One, Judy Farm, talked about how the Cow Creek had twelve years to comment that they took full advantage of.

“This is all about competition. So it’s another move by Cow Creek not to have to compete in the market. They’ve had over 12 years to comment and they have taken full advantage of the 12 years of time it’s taken us to permit this project.”

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, the District Judge denied the motion for the temporary restraining order and injunction and vacated the hearing that was scheduled for Jan. 3, 2025. With the 30-day public comment period over, despite Gov. Tina Kotek requesting an extension from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the project now rests in the hands of the government and a decision on its future seems likely in the coming months. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Holidays at the Oregon Zoo

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Portland, Oregon, is home to the Oregon Zoo. Founded in 1888, it’s become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Housing more than 2,000 animals, it also includes some species that are endangered or threatened.

The zoo has an annual tradition of “ZooLights,” a holiday lights display featuring a colorful light show, interactive displays, lanterns in the shape of life-size animals and other creative animal-themed attractions. This holiday season, it was open Nov. 22 – Jan. 5. 

The Oregon Zoo offered a night of light displays that were sensory-friendly, with modified lights and sounds for people with different sensory processing needs. The zoo also offered two nights for anyone over the age of 21. “BrewLights” is an adult-only festival with samples available from over 50 breweries and cideries in the Northwest. 

Every night of “ZooLights” had much more than the sparkling lights. There were warm beverages, many food options and souvenirs to remember the event.

The holiday lights have been a beloved tradition for almost 40 years. In 2020, the Oregon Zoo made the light display a drive-through event to comply with COVID regulations. In 2023, it came back full force by returning to its original walk-through format. This year, there were over 20 light displays, including a decorated train that rolled through the zoo.

The Oregon Zoo made sure that humans weren’t alone in celebrating the holidays by involving many animals in winter festivities.

The zoo’s Instagram account — @oregonzoo — posted several pictures Dec. 25 of their animals receiving Christmas presents. Many animals, including a red panda, a polar bear and a giraffe posed with festive wrapping paper for their moment in the spotlight. 

A red panda named Moshu has become a fan-favorite of Oregon Zoo enthusiasts. Moshu was first brought to the zoo in 2019 when he was seven years old. The red panda is now 13 years old and was diagnosed with heart disease in April 2024. Despite his old age and his diagnosis, Moshu’s health has stabilized and he is doing well. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu 

Goodbye Styrofoam

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

With 2024 in the rearview mirror, Oregon made its own New Year’s resolution. Starting Jan. 1, food vendors could no longer use Styrofoam containers. Oregon lawmakers first passed Senate Bill 543 in 2023, and it was finally put into effect the first day of 2025. 

Oregon has joined 11 other states that have banned polystyrene foam through statewide legislation. Many cities in Oregon already banned Styrofoam food containers. Portland has had them banned since 1990. 

Polystyrene foam, more commonly known as the product Styrofoam, is a non-biodegradable plastic that often ends up as litter in the ocean, since most products made of polystyrene foam are meant to be single-use. 

Commercial Styrofoam products would have been able to be broken down by the combination of oxygen and light, however they have chemical additives to prevent that from happening. The littered Styrofoam is often eaten by animals, potentially causing serious health complications. 

Senate Bill 543 has three main components. The first component bans food vendors from using single-use polystyrene foam containers, specifically to-go containers. The second component prohibits the selling and distribution of polystyrene foam packing peanuts and polystyrene foam containers. It does not apply to products such as a Styrofoam cooler, which is not single-use. The third component strays away from Styrofoam, instead banning the selling and distribution of foodware containers that have perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances — PFAS. These chemicals, like polystyrene, aren’t easily broken down, causing problems for wild animals and the environment. 

If any food vendor still serves customers food in Styrofoam containers, they will be fined up to $100 each day they are in violation of the new law. Any person who sells or distributes Styrofoam packing peanuts, Styrofoam containers or foodware containers with PFAS will be fined up to $500. 

The banning of Styrofoam containers is predicted to have a positive impact on the environment, however the impacts on businesses and the consumers may be less than ideal. Recyclable to-go containers cost more money, which means that many restaurants will have to raise their prices. It may also impact owners of small businesses, who might not be aware of the ban or who might not be able to afford switching to recyclable containers. 

Businesses and customers alike will have to wait to see how Oregon’s new law is enforced and the extent to which it affects restaurants. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu 

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