Beach Weekly

During this finals week, feel free to visit the University Student Union North Lawn for ASI's Finals Week event. A detailed set of activities can be found at asicsulb.org/finals.As we move into the 2025-2026 school year, President Jane Close Conoley is set to retire over the summer. In a previous statement from the school, they announced that the new president would be announced in July. Students should stay informed over the summer on updates and details.On May 8, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signifying that a new pope had been elected. In a short two-day conclave, cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church elected Robert Francis Prevost to take the role. American-born Prevost will now be recognized as Pope Leo XIV. On Friday, May 9, Pope Leo spoke his first homily, also known as a sermon, in the first mass since the election. He will be formally inducted as Pope at Mass in the Vatican on May 18.After so much delay, it is said that the 12 jurors for the Sean “Diddy” Combs case will be selected on Monday, May 12. Attorneys for both parties will go through a selection process with over 40 jurors to decide the 12 jurors needed. This will also most likely be the day of opening statements.Ahead of a meeting with Chinese officials, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about cutting tariffs from 145% to 80%. Top officials from both countries are said to meet over the weekend of May 10 to discuss the trade war. Treasury Chief Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet in Geneva, Switzerland, with the Chinese Vice Premier, He Lifeng. This marks the first conversation between the two countries in many months.Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter passed away at the age of 85. Republican President George H.W. Bush nominated Souter for the seat in 1990. After 19 years at the judicial branch, Souter retired in 2009, leaving President Obama to fill the seat. On Thursday, May 8, Souter died at his home in New Hampshire. The Supreme Court announced that he passed peacefully, but did not share any further details.Host & Editor: Gianna EcheverriaProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, hosts Matthew Gomez and Matthew Coleman are joined by 22 West color-commentary announcer JayDe Beaudry to discuss the upcoming men's volleyball tournament in Ohio and if No. 1 Long Beach State can win it all this season despite coming up short the past few seasons.The Beach lost to Hawai'i at the Stan Sheriff Center, making the Rainbow Warriors the 2025 Big West Tournament Champions. LBSU lost two out of three games to Hawai'i this season, but as the one seed, they can avoid both Hawai'i and UCLA until the National Championship.In other NCAA men's volleyball news, it was announced that 2024 Final Four participant Grand Canyon University will be unexpectedly closing its men's volleyball program. UC Irvine was also left out of the tournament despite such a strong regular season, snubbing the Big West of three playoff bids.Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Matthew GomezGuest: JayDe BeaudryEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

In honor of the closure of the University Student Union, ASI is hosting Union Farewell Week with many events like a block party, mid-day recess, and a silent disco. In addition to the events, games in the USU will be free all week, including bowling, pool, table tennis and anything else in the USU's games center. Stay in the loop with the Events & Orgs app found on the CSULB Single Sign-On.A shooting on a college campus in Inglewood sent two to the hospital. The suspect was a former employee at the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, where the shooting took place. The two female victims were shot and rushed to the hospital in critical condition.On a highway near Yellowstone National Park, there was a fatal collision involving a pickup truck and a tour van. The crash killed seven people, including the truck driver and six people in the tour van. Eight others on the bus were injured.Warren Buffett will be stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. In 1965, he gained control of the former textile manufacturer and turned it into one of the world's wealthiest conglomerates. Buffett announced the news at a shareholders meeting on Saturday, May 3.The implementation of the REAL ID will go into effect starting May 7. The REAL ID Act was proposed and signed in 2005 to be a better and more secure form of verification for citizens in the United States. Those who don't have a REAL ID will need to bring their passports even for domestic flights.Host & Editor: Gianna EcheverriaProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

With chunky yarn, vivid colors and unique designs, local hat business Sunburnt Threads embodies creativity and community. In this week's episode of Artist Banter, host Alex Gryciuk interviews Carly Brenner to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship and art.What initially began as a hobby soon grew into a business when Brenner's friends began requesting her vibrant handmade beanies.Encouraged by her support system, Carly launched Sunburnt Threads through Instagram. Fellow students, outdoor lovers and even people in parking lots flocked to purchase hats influenced by nature and vibrancy.Despite each beanie taking one to two hours to make, a profound love for the craft motivates her creation and design of new projects.“It's not just about selling hats,” she said. “It's about connecting with people and being creative.”A large artistic outlet, Sunburnt Threads allows Brenner to produce bucket hats and tops as well as social media content. Experimenting with Adobe apps and other digital art platforms, she creates compelling Instagram reels and posts.“Learning tools like Canva and Premiere Pro has been so fun,” she said. “I'm excited to keep exploring.”Looking to the future, Brenner hopes to expand her business at local markets and build a website. For the time being, she's taking it one stitch at a time and focusing on fulfilling orders.Host & Editor: Alex GryciukGuest: Carly BrennerProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

As season five of Teed Up wraps up with hosts Matthew Coleman and Matthew Gomez, it's a good time to reflect on some of the best moments in Teed Up's history. Gomez has been one of the hosts since the podcast's creation a few years ago and Coleman was a recent addition this school year.This season of Teed Up has been the most successful season yet based on viewership. Episode six with Long Beach State men's volleyball star player, freshman setter Moni Nikolov, is the most watched episode of all time, with just over five thousand views.With both hosts and long-time editor and producer Aidan Swanepoel graduating in May, Teed Up will be transitioning to an all-new team starting next semester. Hopes remain high that the incoming hosts will maintain the culture and style of the interviews while still delivering engaging sports content.Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Matthew GomezEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Thursday, May 1, marks the first day of Foster Care Awareness Month on campus. Students can receive a free foster care t-shirt with any donation. To claim the tee, visit the Guardian Scholars table on upper campus. To find out more details about events and ways to donate, speak to any guardian scholar or use the Events & Orgs app on your CSULB Single Sign-on.Beach Pride Events and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center are hosting Queer Prom on Thursday, May 1. From 7-10 p.m. in the University Student Union Games Center, students and non-students can enjoy a classic night of dancing, games and refreshments. The prom is free for students but $10 for non-students. For more info or any questions, email ASI-Beachpride@csulb.edu.On Monday, April 21, a video circulated showing a man throwing his puppy into the cement and kicking her while she was down. The suspect is 28-year-old Alexander Cueva, whom detectives found on Tuesday. Cueva was taken to the city jail. The dog was placed into the hands of Long Beach Animal Care Services, who released a statement on Wednesday announcing positive news about her recovery. Cueva's arraignment is today, Monday, April 28.After terminating the legal status of thousands of international students, the Trump administration announced the restoration of their student visas. This news was released in court on Friday, April 25. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had obtained and terminated thousands of federal student records, which led to deportations and revoked visas. There were dozens of lawsuits against these actions, with several judges issuing emergency orders blocking ICE from terminating records.Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, at his home in Vatican City. At the age of 88, he experienced a stroke that led to a coma and heart failure. The Argentine was laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. He is the first pope to be buried outside Vatican City since 1903. Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church will convene to elect a new pope, which must begin within 15-20 days following the death of a pope.On Friday, April 25, Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to his federal charges of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This case is the Justice Department's first attempt to seek capital punishment since the Biden administration halted its use. Since Thompson's murder in December 2024, Manigone has been held in a federal jail in Brooklyn.Host & Editor: Gianna EcheverriaProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week, hosts Matthew Coleman and Matthew Gomez are joined by video assistant Junior Contreras and photo assistant Mark Siquig to debrief after the Long Beach Current's basketball win over 22 West at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.Led by Sports Editor Davis Ramage's 19-point and 11-rebound double-double, the Current would lead the entire game, winning by a score of 54-45. After breaking down the action, the group talks about what's next between the two media outlets, as games of softball or kickball may be on the horizon.On the professional sports side, the panel takes the time to go over their thoughts on what might happen during the first round of the NBA playoffs. Lastly, Coleman and Gomez discuss placing a friendly wager on the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants series, which took place over the weekend.Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Matthew GomezGuests: Junior Contreras, Mark SiquigEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Last week, it was revealed that six international students had their visas revoked, with one being deported. Homeland Security says that student visas can only be revoked if there are violations, such as committing a crime or academic suspension. The reasons for termination on the Long Beach State student visas were listed as “other.” As of Friday, April 19, 70 international students across the CSU system have had their visas revoked. Following this news, the California Faculty Association rallied and protested on April 17. This day is known as the National Day of Action in Higher Education. Chanting about the freedoms and lack of safety for their students, CFA took the protest to Brotman Hall. Actress Marissa Bode will be joining CSULB for a meet-and-greet and Q&A on Monday, April 21. Bode, who played Nessarose in the Wicked movie, is coming to share her experiences in the entertainment industry as a disabled person. The event will be in the University Student Union Ballrooms from 3-5 p.m. On Thursday, April 17, a motorcyclist was killed by a police officer during a traffic stop in Newport Beach. Just after 9 p.m., the deadly interaction occurred. The exact reasoning for the officer-involved shooting is unknown, but police said the man was “uncooperative.”Big news in entertainment as Clueless actress Alicia Silverstone announces a sequel series to her iconic movie from the '90s. Not many details about the plot have been released but it will act as a follow-up to the movie. Once released, the Clueless show will be available for streaming on Peacock. A deadly shooting occurred at Florida State University, leaving two men dead and six others wounded. Last Thursday, April 17, around lunchtime, students heard the deafening sound of gunshots at their student union. The suspect is a 20-year-old student at the university named Phoenix Ikner and was shot by police after not complying with their demands. Ikner is in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Yemen was attacked by another 14 United States airstrikes, killing over 70 people and injuring more than 170 others. The bombing occurred at Ras Isa, an oil terminal on the coast of the Red Sea. The US Military said the attack was necessary to get rid of the source of fuel for Iran-backed Houthis. Host & Editor: Gianna EcheverriaProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Dreamy guitar tones, spontaneous riffs and soulful drums — psychedelia and creativity define the unique sound of Merceles. In this week's episode of Artist Banter, host Alex Gryciuk gets to know the five-piece band's story during their visit to Long Beach following a recent show.Formed through friendships, various bands and shared musical passions, the members each bring their own genre-blending backgrounds to the table.Both on stage and in the studio, the band improvises with a blend of Spanish rock, jazz and indie music.“When our songs are being made, it's just improv,” Ibarra said. “That's my favorite part about making it. I think it's the most genuine way to write.”Tune into episode five of Artist Banter to hear exciting stories from the San Diego band and their inspiring story behind creating music and performing.Host & Editor: Alex GryciukGuests: Brandon Ibarra, Jahir Monteeach, Kyle Sanchez, Josh Stephens, Eros VelasquezProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up hosts Matthew Coleman and Matthew Gomez are joined by Long Beach State student Steven Wang and Waves PR social media intern Henry Hincapie to discuss the biggest headlines in sports as the NBA playoffs and MLB season starts up.Ahead of the NBA play-in tournament, the group gives their predictions on who is likely to emerge from the wild Western Conference and who the Golden State Warriors would best match up against after one of the most active trade deadlines of all time.Both hosts' baseball teams have been surprising stories in their divisions, with the Los Angeles Angels getting off to their best start since 2018 and the San Francisco Giants having their best start since 2003. The Giants also unveiled their latest City Connect uniforms which have received mixed reviews.Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Matthew GomezGuests: Steven Wang, Henry HincapieEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Arts and life editor Julia Goldman and arts and life assistant Delfino Camacho join Beach Weekly as special guests to talk about the past and future of AI usage on campus.This week is Trans Week of Joy, hosted by the LGBTQ+ Resource Center. Throughout the week there will be workshops and events every day for trans community building and awareness. Continue to recognize Asian Pacific Islander and Desi Heritage Month, Middle Eastern and North African Heritage Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month with many more activities.Other events this week include a free Roller Disco at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, April 14. From 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, the Office of Sustainability & President's Commission on Sustainability will host the 2025 Green Generation Showcase at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. There will be an Empowering Leaders Symposium on Friday, April 18 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The location will only be shared with students who register.Find out more details on all the events listed above through on Events & Orgs app through the CSULB Single Sign On.In other news on campus, the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement, commonly known as the GWAR, is no longer necessary for students to complete. The test may be reinstated if modifications with the required fee are made. According to the CSU policy, students shouldn't have to pay a fee to take a campus-required test.Actor Eric Dane released his diagnosis of ALS in an exclusive interview with People. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease that causes progressive paralysis of the muscle and has no cure. Dane says he will continue working as is expected to continue his role on season three of Euphoria in the coming weeks.Last week on Wednesday, April 9 United States Judge Trevor McFadden ordered the reinstatement of the Associated Press in and around the White House. McFadden argues that blocking certain news agencies is "contrary to the First Amendment," citing the freedom of speech and press clauses.A helicopter crashed into the Hudson River killing everyone on board. A family of five set off to sightsee in a New York helicopter tour; however, shortly after takeoff it was reported that the helicopter broke mid-air and crashed into the Hudson River. The family included three young children and their parents who were visiting from Spain.A small plane crash in Boca Raton, Florida left all three of its passengers dead. The crash happened on the morning of Friday, April 11 on its way toward Tallahassee. The assistant fire chief for Boca Fire Rescue said that the crash was likely due to mechanical issues.Host & Editor: Gianna EcheverriaProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, host Matthew Coleman and guest host Soleil Cardenas are joined by Long Beach State women's volleyball head coach Natalie Reagan. Near the conclusion of last season, Athletic Director Bobby Smitheran promoted Reagan to the full-time head coaching role after serving as the interim following Tyler Hildebrand's move to USC last spring.The Beach enters the next season with a new look, following the departures of nine seniors who made up the starting lineup and several key transfers who left via the portal. Despite the moving pieces, Reagan has worked on establishing a particular culture and standard she expects of her team.Along with her outlook for the 2025 season, Reagan dives into her background from being a colligate player at Oregon State to working at volleyball powerhouse Nebraska and winning a national championship in 2015. Wrapping up the episode, the group quizzes Reagan with a word association game focusing on volleyball terms.Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Soleil CardenasGuest: Natalie ReaganEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

On campus, the month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Asian Pacific Islander Desi Heritage Month and for the first time, Middle Eastern and North African Heritage Month. There will be many themed events and workshops this month.To kick off Asian Pacific Islander Desi Heritage Month, on Tuesday, April 8 at 11 a.m. there will be a community mixer outside the University Bookstore.Celebrating the first Middle Eastern and North African Heritage Month on campus, an exhibit titled “A Country Called Syria" will open on Tuesday in the University Student Union Art Gallery. Then on Thursday join a cultural workshop for MENA Heritage Month at noon in USU room 304 to indulge in henna calligraphy and embroidery with guided instructions.The Women's and Gender Equity Center along with Planned Parenthood are hosting the Consent and Healthy Relationships workshop in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The event will span from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8 in USU room 205.The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is this weekend with events spanning from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13. Aside from racing and drifting there will be food trucks and a concert for full family fun. This event will affect traffic in the downtown area, as Shoreline Drive will be closed and heavy traffic is expected due to the crowds.Starting on Friday, April 10, China will retaliate against the United States' rise in tariffs against them with a 34% tariff on all imports. In the same announcement, China declared export controls on 16 American companies which will prevent the export of Chinese dual-use items.After an 18-month investigation, British Police charged actor and comedian Russel Brand with five different counts of rape and assault on Friday, April 4. In Sept. 2023 four women came forward and shared their claims of assault by Brand. The alleged assaults happened between the years of 1999 and 2005, although Brand denies all claims. His court date is set for May 2 in London.The Constitutional Court of South Korea voted to remove their president from office on Friday, April 4. President Yoon Suk Yeol had been suspended since Dec. 2024 when the South Korean Parliament voted to impeach him. The Court's unanimous vote sealed the impeachment. Acting president and court member Moon Hyung-bae criticized Yoon's behavior and actions in office by saying he “violated the principles of the rule of law and democracy.”Host: Gianna EcheverriaEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, hosts Matthew Coleman and Matthew Gomez welcome marketing intern Janna Gentle and content intern Kaitlyn Soto from Long Beach State's athletic department. The guests discuss their roles and day-to-day priorities as interns.Along with being involved in LBSU Athletics, both Gentle and Soto are big baseball fans of rival squads. The Giants-Dodgers rivalry is revisited as the group debates which team is better and blind ranks five players who played for both teams.The episode concludes with a rapid-fire segment as the guests choose between things associated with either San Francisco or Los Angeles as they try to decipher which city in California is superior.Hosts: Matthew Gomez, Matthew ColemanGuests: Janna Gentle, Kaitlyn SotoEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Spring break begins next week on March 29 and classes will be back in session on April 7.Come out to BMO stadium on March 30 to celebrate Long Beach State Night at the Angel City FC game. They will face the Seattle Reign at 5 p.m. Students, alumni and staff can purchase discounted tickets through the Events & Orgs app on the CSULB Single Sign-On. The city of Los Angeles is expected to have a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall in the next year. LA Administrative Officer Matt Szabo said that much of the current financial crisis was due to spending on emergency relief from the Palisades fire, legal settlements and the general downward trend of the economy. Mayor Karen Bass is expected to turn in her new budget for the city on April 21.President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, March 20 in hopes of dismantling the Department of Education. Shutting down the entire department would take an act of Congress which will likely not pass; however, the Trump administration can defund and narrow down the department as they see fit.The Gaza Strip was attacked in an airstrike last Tuesday, March 18 after the ceasefire between Palestine and Israel began in Jan. Palestinian officials have reported at least 69 deaths due to the airstrike. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a lack of progress in the ceasefire agreement is what instigated this attack. This airstrike ended a month of peace in the 17-month-long war between Hamas and Israel.Late Thursday night, March 20, firefighters responded to a transformer fire that erupted in an electrical substation in West London. This fire led to a power outage and the closure of Heathrow Airport. Being Europe's busiest flight hub, over 1,300 flights to and from have been affected and continued disruptions are expected. After two and a half days, Heathrow resumed its normal schedule on Sunday, March 23.Host: Luis CastillaEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

The Long Beach State basketball team, Donald Trump and the Long Beach Grand Prix are just a few subjects that photo editor Samuel Chacko and photo assistants Devin Malast and Lauren Benson have had the opportunity to photograph. In this week's episode of Artist Banter, host Alex Gryciuk dives into the vast world of photojournalism with the Long Beach Current's photo team.Sharing their unique introductions to photography through their yearbooks and high school classes, each guest explores how the art form initially captured their attention.Photojournalism requires a unique skillset within the broader field of photography. The variety of exciting situations, tight deadlines and emotional story-telling drew the guests to the field."I just remember thinking, 'Oh, I want to do this for the rest of my life.' The confidence I get from just having the camera and documenting something really pushed me to a level of, like, this is what I want my purpose to be," Benson said.In advice to curious students, the guests also discuss the value of mentorship, collaboration and overcoming the anxiety of comparison. "Don't be afraid to ask questions. Lots of people in the photography community are more than willing to help," Malast said.Tune into episode four of Artist Banter to hear inspiring stories from the photo team and their valuable insights for aspiring photographers and creatives alike.Host & Editor: Alex GryciukGuests: Samuel Chacko, Lauren Benson, Devin MalastProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, hosts Matthew Coleman and Matthew Gomez welcome Long Beach Current design assistant Soleil Cardenas and sports assistant Alyssa De La Cruz to discuss a busy week of NFL free agency news and the struggles of the Long Beach State teams.With quarterbacks moving from team to team, the group talked about Sam Darnold, Geno Smith and Justin Fields' relocation to their new teams. Coleman talks about his outlook for his San Francisco 49ers with the loss of key players.The group wraps up this week's episode with a recap of how poorly the men's basketball season went following their trip to March Madness last season and their 15-game losing streak to end the year. They also talk about the harsh words that Dirtbags head coach TJ Bruce has for his team.Hosts: Matthew Gomez, Matthew ColemanGuests: Soleil Cardenas, Alyssa De La CruzEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Part-time Biology lecturer Eric Brothwell was arrested on March 10. His charges, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, were contacting a minor with intentions to have sex. Brothwell was exposed on March 5 by an anti-predator group called "People v. Preds." Brothwell's arraignment was set for Wednesday, March 12; however, he posted his $100,000 bail and was released from the Orange County Jail on Tuesday, March 11.Long Beach State's 52nd annual Pow Wow kicked off on the weekend of March 8, celebrating different tribal arts and customs to the rhythm of traditional Indigenous drumming and singing. The collaborative event was presented by several on-campus organizations, upholding Indigenous traditions within the Long Beach community.Long Beach swimming areas are closed again due to a 10,500-gallon sewage spill upstream in the San Gabriel Valley River. A grease blockage in Rowland Heights caused the spill. Long Beach City is working to post signs for public safety.Three people, two living in Los Angeles County and one in Southern Texas, face federal charges after falsely claiming wildfire relief funds. Both LA County suspects were arrested last Tuesday, March 12, and face up to 30 years in federal prison. Neither have a set court date or trial. The third suspect from Texas faces court in the Southern District of Texas but is expected to have a trial in Downtown Los Angeles as well. After departing from Colorado Springs, engine vibrations on American Airlines flight 1006 caused pilots to divert to the Denver International Airport mid-flight. While the plane was taxiing, the engine caught fire. Some passengers were evacuated to the wing of the plane and others directly to the tarmac. All 172 passengers and six crew members were evacuated safely using the inflatable slides to reach the ground. No major injuries were reported.  Donatella Versace has stepped down as creative director of her family's French designer brand, Versace. She held the position for almost 30 years after her brother was assassinated. Miu Miu Design Director Dario Vitale will step up to fill the Versace shoes.Host: Sam FarfánEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

In this week's episode, host Alex Gryciuk explores the vast world of graphic design with Payton Smith, a BFA Graphic Design student. Making waves on campus, Smith juggles a busy schedule as a BA Studio Arts Club board member, 22 West Media staff member and a graphic recorder for large conferences.Creating inclusive spaces for students, producing visually appealing advertisements and generating accessible meeting notes are at the forefront of what she does. Smith's passions and love of creativity further motivate and inspire her dream job of becoming a freelance graphic designer."Everybody should make art and you shouldn't have any barriers for doing that," Smith said.Listen to this week's episode to learn more about what the professional graphic design industry looks like for students at Long Beach State. To stay up to date on Payton's artistic work, follow her pages @designedbypjs and @artbysmitty on Instagram!Host & Editor: Alex GryciukGuest: Payton SmithProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, hosts Matthew Coleman and Matthew Gomez welcome Long Beach State Club Baseball President and player Christopher Lee and Vice President and player Bruce Kuntz to discuss the grind of club sports and the necessary level of dedication.Lee and Kuntz are experienced board members and players with multiple seasons under their belts. They have experience in all aspects of managing a club sports team, including booking umpires, fields and making travel plans.Yet to be considered a true powerhouse of the club baseball landscape, the two talk about wanting to establish a foundation that'll allow them to compete with teams such as Cal Poly and UC Santa Barbara whose rosters feature former Division I players.Hosts: Matthew Gomez, Matthew ColemanGuest: Christopher Lee, Bruce KuntzEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Earlier this week, a press release disclosed that two former California State University, Long Beach employees were each charged with a count of grand theft and conspiracy to commit grand theft. Oscar Perez Almanza and Hender Noe Maxwell previously worked in the athletics department at Long Beach State. It is alleged that the two manufactured fraudulent timesheets throughout 2022.Wxmen of Color Leadership Conference is happening this Friday, March 14 in the University Student Union Ballrooms. The conference will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and features workshops, a keynote speaker and a giveaway. To secure your spot, RSVP through the Events & Orgs app on the CSULB Single Sign-On.The Los Angeles City Council stands by Mayor Bass' decision to fire former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley. After appealing the decision, there was a 13-2 vote denying her appeal. Despite her dismissal, Crowley will remain with the Los Angeles Fire Department as the Assistant Chief of LAFD Operations in the Valley bureau.Five different people from Southern California are said to have stolen a collective of $3.3 million in federal unemployment money. On March 6, all suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Several of the suspects were also charged with up to four counts of bank fraud as well as unlawful use of unauthorized access devices. Their collective trial date is set for April 29.Last Tuesday night, President Trump addressed Congress in his hour-and-a-half-long speech. Speaking on his executive order to change the names of the Gulf of Mexico and Mount Denali, Trump claimed “America is back.” Just minutes into the congressional address, Democratic Representative of Texas Al Green was removed by the Sergeant of Arms as he refused to take his seat and was pointing and shouting at the president. Democratic senator from Michigan Elissa Slotkin presented a levelheaded speech in response to the President's decisions these past six weeks.The Pope announced that he is in stable condition and thanked the public for their prayers in an audio message broadcast on Thursday. This is the first time the Pope has addressed the public since he was hospitalized over three weeks ago.Host: Dante EstradaEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Teed Up hosts Matthew Gomez and Matthew Coleman are joined by Long Beach State's freshman phenom setter Moni Nikolov, who has taken the volleyball world by storm and is leading The Beach to a 14-0 record to start the season.Nikolov's stardom since arriving in Long Beach has skyrocketed with his insane highlights, including his record-setting serve which clocked in on the radar gun at 84.4 miles per hour. His fake set has youth volleyball players across the world imitating his signature move.His unorthodox size and ability have the 18-year-old drawing comparisons to the NBA's Victor Wembanyama by national media outlets like ESPN. His older brother Alex also played volleyball at LBSU, winning AVCA National Player of the Year as a freshman in 2022.Hosts: Matthew Gomez, Matthew ColemanGuest: Moni NikolovEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

The Associated Student Inc. Executive Candidate debate will be this Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the University Student Union Auditorium. Linsey Towles, the managing editor of the Long Beach Current, will moderate the debate. An election kickoff party will be held at noon on Monday, March 3 just outside the University Bookstore. Then on Tuesday, March 4 at noon there will be Meet the Candidates: Pups & Cups where students can get to know people running for positions while playing with puppies. This event will take place on the USU North Lawn until 2 p.m.ASI along with the Women's and Gender Equity Center and the Dream Success Center are hosting the Immigrant Heritage Month and Women's History Month Kick-off. The event will be held in the USU Ballrooms this Wednesday, March 5 from noon to 2 p.m.Former LA Fire Department Fire Chief Kristin Crowley announced her intent to appeal Mayor Karen Bass' decision to fire her. Action was taken by Mayor Bass when she issued the removal of Fire Chief Crowley on Feb. 21. In a letter to the LA City Council a week later, Crowley announced her intent to appeal. The appeal hearing will be Tuesday, March 4 at 10 a.m. in the Van Nuys City Hall building.An elementary school child passed away due to measles in Gaines County, Texas. This is the first reported death caused by measles since 2015. Over 130 people have been diagnosed with measles in Texas and New Mexico, making this the largest measles outbreak in Texas in the past 30 years. Most of the patients are under the age of 18.On Feb. 27, Blue Origin announced the crew for the 11th human flight in their New Shepherd program. This spring, Katy Perry, Jeff Bezos' fiancé Lauren Sanchez, Gayle King from CBS, former NASA Rocket Scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen and film producer Kerianne Flynn will be part of the first all-women flight in space since Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight in 1963.Over the past few weeks, the Pope has experienced kidney failure and other respiratory problems which have put him in critical condition. The Vatican has reported signs of improvement as his kidney issues subsided. However, on Friday the Vatican reported a sudden worsening of the Pope's health including inflammation of muscles in the airway and lungs.Host: Linsey TowlesEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, hosts Matthew Gomez and Matthew Coleman welcome Mauricio Ingrassia, head coach of the Long Beach State women's soccer team. Throughout his 21-year tenure with The Beach, he's the only head coach in the history of the Big West to amass seven NCAA tournament appearances.Ingrassia speaks on his upbringing in Argentina and his colligate career at San Diego State and Cal State Fullerton. After his playing career, he quickly transitioned into the coaching scene where he began coaching high school before moving to Long Beach City College and finally landing at LBSU.After being voted in the Coaches' Poll to finish first in the Big West Conference last season, The Beach was dealt a plethora of injuries resulting in an eighth place finish. Ingrassia is optimistic about their upcoming season with new recruits on their way from the transfer portal.Hosts: Matthew Gomez, Matthew ColemanGuest: Mauricio IngrassiaEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Delfino Camacho, an arts and life assistant for the Long Beach Current joins the episode to talk about the Oscars and other pop culture developments.Last Wednesday, Feb. 19 was the first open forum regarding the replacement of President Jane Close Conoley. The search is being conducted by a 17-person committee that includes staff, alumni, local community members and student representatives. All students, staff and faculty are encouraged to participate in the search. Go to csulb.edu/presidential-search to provide feedback to the committee.The Latinx Resource Center and the Black Resource Center join together for The Existence of Afro-Mexican Heritage and Identity. Starting at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 25 in EED-67, students will be able to enjoy a screening of the documentary "Jamaica & Tamarindo: Afro Traditions in the Heart of Mexico." Later on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m., the Black Resource Center is hosting Don't Touch My Hair 2, an event where students can learn more about their natural hair and get care tips. With opportunities to win free hair care products, the event will be held in the HC-130. On Thursday, Feb. 27 in the University Student Union Ballrooms is the Afro-Caribbean Social. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. and students will be able to explore more within their culture and create community. Girl's Day Festival also known as Hinamatsuri is a Japanese tradition typically held on March 3 to promote the health and happiness of young girls. On Sunday, March 2 the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden will be hosting their very own Girl's Day Festival. Starting at noon, this event will have crafts and music and is open for anyone to join. Tickets are $10 per group and free parking will be available in lot G4. Buy your tickets through the Events & Orgs app on your CSULB Single Sign-on.A new ride-share app is being introduced in Los Angeles and New York in which the drivers are armed with guns. The Protector app is essentially a bodyguard and driver at the click of a button. The drivers for the app are all active or veteran law enforcement and military. Starting with an annual membership fee of $129, booking a bodyguard costs an additional $200 per hour with a five-hour minimum.Egg prices have reached new heights as the avian flu is spreading amongst farms in America with the virus killing business for many poultry farmers across the nation. Since 2022, over 156 million birds have died as a result of the avian flu with newer strains beginning to appear in dairy cows last year. The Trump administration says they are trying to work out a plan that doesn't include killing off a sick flock but no further details were provided. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum proposed constitutional reforms to protect Mexican sovereignty on Feb. 21. These reforms were suggested after President Donald Trump declared eight Latin American criminal groups as terrorist organizations. Six of those eight groups are cartels in Mexico. Until the reforms go through, Mexico will not allow any foreign investigations, prosecutions or any other legal action without the collaboration of the Mexican government.Hospitalized last Friday, Feb. 14 for bronchitis, the Pope has been trying to recover but it was revealed on Monday that doctors discovered a respiratory tract infection. The next day, chest scans showed pneumonia in both lungs. While he is still being treated, officials say the Pope can get out of bed and eat breakfast.Host & Editor: Gianna EcheverriaProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

In this week's episode, host Alex Gryciuk interviews Sergio Sanchez, a professor of several undergrad and graduate Linguistics courses. When he's not teaching, Sanchez can often be found playing and performing music.Having roughly 15 years of experience in the music industry, Sanchez immerses himself in the industry by studio recording for various artists and performing with The Simpkin Project at concerts and private events. Hoping to foster an inclusive environment where students can grow as musicians, Sanchez is also the advisor of the Musicians' Club on campus.Listen to this week's episode to learn more about the secret life of Professor Sanchez and what the professional music industry is like.Host & Editor: Alex GryciukGuest: Sergio SanchezProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Recorded on Valentine's Day, hosts Matthew Gomez and Matthew Coleman share what made them fall in love with sports, special memories connected with players and the moments that still give them butterflies.Gomez reminiscences on attending Los Angeles Kings' practices as a kid and how watching their first Stanley Cup Championship victory in 2012 changed his views towards sports. Coleman's favorite moment comes from the 2015 NBA regular season, watching Klay Thompson's record-setting third quarter, scoring 37 points.The episode concludes with a special "Newly Weds" game in which the two try to guess one another's answers based on a series of sports topics and questions. A special teaser is announced as the episode winds down teasing next week's guest.Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Matthew GomezEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

The Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum Spring Gallery opening is this Thursday, Feb. 20. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. guests can walk through the galleries, enjoying music, entertainment and a cash bar. Although the event is free, it is recommended to RSVP through the Events & Orgs app on your CSULB Single Sign-on.This week in sports, men's baseball plays Loyola Marymount University at LMU on Tuesday, Feb. 18 starting at 6 p.m. On Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m., our women's basketball team will play UC Riverside in the Walter Pyramid. Also be played in the Pyramid, on Feb. 21, our undefeated men's volleyball team faces Grand Canyon University at 7 p.m. Lastly, on Saturday, Feb. 22, watch men's basketball play UC Santa Barbara at 4 p.m. in the Walter Pyramid.Long Beach has started giving out free food carts to keep street vendors safe and healthy. The goal is to be able to give out 40 free carts so vendors don't have to wait for pop-ups or events to showcase their food. The offer for free carts was posted in late August 2024 and since then there have been 36 applicants. The first two of the applicants approved were Anita McCoy and Ashley Arnold. McCoy is the owner of Lucky Bees, a cart that serves hot dogs and pastrami. Arnold owns Ladie Kakes, selling treats on the go.This week Southern California experienced the heaviest rainfall of the season. The storm caused debris flow and mudslides, especially in areas impacted by recent fires. In anticipation of mudslides following the Palisades fire, parts of the Pacific Coast Highway are currently closed from Santa Monica to Malibu. There are many other road closures due to the storm and travelers are advised to be alert of road closures and alternate routes.Last week President Trump announced that the Gulf of Mexico is recognized as the Gulf of America in the U.S. and its navigation apps. The Gulf remains identified as the Gulf of Mexico by all other countries. Following the name change, the Trump administration banned the Associated Press from the Oval Office and Air Force One saying that the AP's continued use of the Gulf of Mexico, “is not just divisive, but it also exposes the Associated Press' commitment to misinformation.”On Friday, Feb. 14, a drone punctured the protective shell that covers the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine. The drone was armed with a warhead, which caused fear in the area notorious for its 1986 disaster. Russia and the Kremlin deny responsibility. Levels of radiation in Kyiv are normal as the drone did not pierce the inner containment shell.Host: Linsey TowlesEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

With host Matthew Coleman away for the week, co-host Matthew Gomez takes the opportunity to hand the reins over to prospective future hosts, video assistant Junior Contreras and podcast assistant Gianna Echeverria.Leading the discussion, Contreras takes no time to bring up the Luka Dončić trade and gauge how the panel feels about the move and the implications it could have. The trades involving Jimmy Butler and Mark Williams are also brought up before Naoki Gima goes into a rant about why he wants Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown off his team.Like every week, the Fish Break continues with the panel challenged to name five former NBA players who have also played for the Shanghai Sharks.Hosts: Junior Contreras, Gianna EcheverriaGuests: Naoki Gima, Matthew GomezEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Special guest Grace Lawson, an arts and life assistant at the Long Beach Current, joined Beach Weekly this week to introduce a new pop culture segment on the podcast. Lawson and Echeverria cover Grammy's news and 2025 trends.Every day this week except Thursday, Associated Student Inc.'s Beach Kitchen is hostingCooking With Cupid, a free cooking class where students can learn to make vegan pasta, heart-shaped pizza and ramen. Each session is limited to 12 students, so reserve a spot for the date and time that works best for you in the Events & Orgs app on your CSULB Single Sign-On.At the University Student Union Southwest Terrace on Wednesday, Feb. 12 you and your friends can enjoy a free concert and discover the artist PRETTY. This marksthe first noontime concert of the semester, which is hosted from noon to 1 p.m. Students can stop for a visit or hang out for the live show.On Valentine's Day, the Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting a special event calledNight Dive. It begins at 7:30 p.m. and attendees can enjoy a live band, cash bars, DJs and more. You can get your ticket on their website for $44. All guests must be over the age of 18.The Belmont Shore Business Association is putting on aChocolate and Wine Festival on Feb. 16. Starting at noon on 2nd Street guests can buy their $15 ticket sheets which they can swap for treats at each booth or store. For another $35, you'll get a souvenir cup and access to taste and pair the treats with wine. Following President Trump's Immigration Plans and Executive orders, there have been many ICE raids throughout the U.S. These raids have sparkedhundreds of protests nationwide. In Los Angeles, protesters had shut down the 101 freeway in Downtown LA and in many Southern California and Texas schools, students have walked out in protest with posters and signs. TheNCAA changed its policy to only allow people who were assigned female at birth to play women's sports. This decision follows Trump's executive order that aims to ban all transgender athletes in female sports. In a statement released by NCAA President Charlie Baker said, “President Trump's order provides a clear, national standard. The NCAA Board of Governors is reviewing the executive order and will take necessary steps to align NCAA policy in the coming days, subject to further guidance from the administration.”Sweden went through their worst mass shooting in history with 11 people, including the gunman, dead. Five others were seriously injured and underwent surgery that day. The shooting happened last Tuesday, Feb. 4 at an adult education center in the town of Örebro. AP News heard from many people including Emelia Fredriksson, a resident of Örebro. She spoke about how weird it feels to be in the spotlight, “they're seeing us now and it's a very strange feeling.”Host & Editor:Gianna EcheverriaGuest:Grace LawsonProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

In this week's episode, host Alex Gryciuk interviews guest Carly Weis, a graphic design student and small business owner in Long Beach.Weis was inspired to create Sunshine Threads by the various outdoor activities she regularly participates in: surfing, snowboarding and spending time outside. Hoping to spread the joy of a cool accessory, she sews, sells and advertises fleece hats through Instagram. Learn what it is like to be a business owner while in college on this episode of Artist Banter!Host & Editor: Alex GryciukGuest: Carly WeisProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Underwhelmed and annoyed, the hosts Matthew Coleman and Matthew Gomez are joined once again by former host Naoki Gima and Long Beach Current sports editor Davis Ramage, to talk about this year's disappointing Super Bowl matchup. Before getting to the big game, the group breaks down Championship weekend, starting with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders game in the morning before transitioning to the nightcap between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. With Gima being an Eagles fan, he's left being the only member of the group with a team to root for. He goes on to lay out the reasons why the game could propel Saquon Barkley into the best running back of all-time conversation. Keeping it light-hearted, the episode wraps up with a Fish Break led by Gomez and concludes with a blind ranking of past Super Bowls put together by Coleman. Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Matthew Gomez Guests: Naoki Gima, Davis Ramage Editor: Aidan Swanepoel Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel Like, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Black History Month events on campus this week include a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, a Coded Bias Viewing Party and a Meet the Greeks event. On Thursday, Feb. 6 at 11 a.m., join the Black Resource Center and ASI Beach Pride Events for their 27th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration in the USU Ballrooms. The celebration is a free, informational event where students and staff can commemorate the civil rights leader. Coded Bias is a focus group that will be meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6 in LH-150. The group is researching algorithmic bias and the way it affects people of color within our society. Also on Thursday is the Meet the Greeks event at 7 p.m. in the USU Ballrooms. Students are urged to wear business attire as they meet and talk with members of the Panhellenic community.  Wellness and health are important while moving through the school year. A way to participate in something for yourself is Yoga on the Bluff by Yogalution. Available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to noon near Junipero Beach, this free yoga class is open to everyone regardless of yoga experience. Another way to stay active and involved is the Student Recreation and Wellness Center's Run Club. Starting this week, there will be a weekly run every Thursday at 2 p.m. throughout the spring semester. 48-year-old Mark Allen Barger was caught by police on at least two occasions pointing his lasers at aircraft coming in and out of the Long Beach airport. The aircraft included were Long Beach Police Department helicopters and other commercial flights. He pled guilty in October 2023 and was sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 30. to six months in jail.  To celebrate Black History Month, the Legacy & Unity Festival will be held this Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Downtown Long Beach Promenade. Starting at noon guests can visit cultural exhibits, booths featuring local black-owned businesses and much more. The main event stage will be hosting live music, keynote speakers and an open mic for anyone wanting to speak. The event will end at 4 p.m. On the first Tuesday of every month the Downtown Long Beach Alliance hosts Paws on the Promenade. This event allows dog owners to meet up to create community, the meet time is 5 p.m. and walks will begin at 5:15.  With the start of President Trump's second term, new executive orders that ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs will pause the recognition of cultural or historical events such as Black History Month. An internal memo published by the Defense Intelligence Agency listed 11 special observances they will stop observing effective immediately. Other federal agencies such as the the CIA and Justice Department are also making changes to their DEI initiatives. A US Army helicopter fatally collided with an American Airlines flight coming in from Kansas on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Both aircraft crash-landed in the Potomac River. It was confirmed that all 67 people aboard both flights were killed. There are many theories as to how this crash could've happened but investigations are just getting underway.   Super Bowl LIX will be in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Sunday, Feb. 9. and is being played by the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Halftime Show will be performed by Kendrick Lamar. Many are so excited to see what Lamar will perform. Host & Editor: Gianna Echeverria Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel Like, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Guess what? Teed Up is back. Season five gets underway with a return of one of the original hosts, Naoki Gima, along with current hosts Matthew Gomez and Matthew Coleman. The trio recaps how the show came to be and how far it has come from banter to interviewing multiple high-profile guests. Beyond the recap of how the podcast's history, the group reviews the biggest headlines of the Major League Baseball offseason. After winning the 2024 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their reign of excellence by dominating free agency and acquiring top-tier talent. A few weeks out from Super Bowl LIX, an NFC East matchup takes place, along with a budding rivalry in the AFC. The group discusses whether or not this is the year the Buffalo Bills get over the hump of beating the Kansas City Chiefs and putting a halt to their dynasty. Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Matthew GomezGuest: Naoki GimaEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

On Wednesday, Jan. 8 the University Library and the Academic Services building were evacuated due to a bomb threat. A university employee received the threat in a vague call and reported it. Once the police were on the scene, three canines swept the building and it was cleared of any dangers. The next day, the library was reopened for regular operations. Just before returning to campus on Thursday, Jan. 16 a piece of the Walter Pyramid's exterior ceiling collapsed and resulted in the Pyramid's temporary closure. Since then, all games scheduled to be played in the Pyramid have been held in the Goldmine gym. Games are expected to return to the Pyramid within the next couple of weeks. This semester will be Long Beach State President Jane Close Conoley's last year as she announced her retirement before the end of the fall semester. As of now, the school has not released information on any potential candidates to follow in her footsteps. This week will be Week of Welcome on the upper campus quad allowing students to learn more about the clubs and organizations on campus. Week of Welcome will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29 and Thursday, Jan 30. Since the start of the Santa Ana winds in early January, almost 20 fires have burned in Southern California. The most destructive fires were the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire and the Hughes fire. The Palisades fire burned over 23,000 acres and is the largest fire to date in Los Angeles County. The Eaton fire in Altadena burned over 14,000 acres and the most recent Hughes fire has burned almost 10,000 acres. All of these fires combined have burned 50,683 acres, destroyed 16,188 structures and resulted in at least 28 deaths.  This past Monday, Jan. 20 Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. On his first day in office, he rescinded 78 of former President Biden's previously approved executive orders and signed more than 20 of his own. Some of the orders he signed included changing the names of Mount Denali and the Gulf of Mexico, withdrawing from the 2016 Paris Agreement, which fights international climate change, and several others that focused on deportation and immigration. In the southeast United States, winter storm Enzo has brought once-in-a-lifetime snowfall all the way from Texas to Georgia. Most of these areas have not seen snowfall in years, causing extremely dangerous conditions. Over 90% of flights out of New Orleans International, Houston Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports were either delayed or canceled due to the storm. Nintendo has released the first look at the Nintendo Switch 2 which will be released sometime in April 2025. To promote the release, Nintendo is holding the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience where consumers can try it out before purchasing. These events will be held in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas with the Los Angeles Experience being in early April.  The start of the new year means awards season. The 82nd Golden Globes occurred on Jan. 5 and was hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser. Oscar nominations were released on Thursday, Jan. 23 with winners being announced later this year on March 2. Also coming up are the GRAMMYs which are being held next Sunday, Feb. 2.  Host & Editor: Gianna Echeverria Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel Like, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Movies, commercials and social media content --- every person with a phone or television consumes film creations on a regular basis. Obviously, cameras and acting make up a large aspect of video creation; however, without audio, films would be left incomplete. Working closely with actors, directors and costumers, audio technicians serve as the sound experts by managing a myriad of technology and logistics to make sure viewers receive the best auditory experience. On this week's episode, learn about the Los Angeles film scene with host Alex Gryciuk and audio technician and boom operator Michael Alaynick. Learn about his professional career, the film industry, how employees are navigating artificial intelligence and the challenges he and his co-workers face on set. Host & Editor: Alex GryciukGuest: Michael AlaynickProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

To conclude season four of Teed Up hosts Matthew Gomez and Matthew Coleman are joined by Long Beach State Athletic Director Bobby Smitheran. In his third appearance on the show, Smitheran breaks down what he has seen from LBSU Athletics throughout the fall semester and his hopes for the program going into spring. Smitheran's latest move includes promoting women's volleyball head coach Natalie Reagan and lifting the interim tag from her name. The trio also discusses the recent success of another new hire, head coach Chris Acker, who led the men's basketball team to a three-game win streak. With the recent news of Hawai'i and UC Davis leaving the Big West in the coming years, Smitheran gives his perspective on what this means for the conference going forward and the logistics that go into universities and the conference amid realignment. Hosts: Matthew Coleman, Matthew GomezGuest: Bobby SmitheranEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

The last day of finals is Dec. 20 and the last day of the fall semester is Dec. 24. The spring semester will begin Tuesday, Jan. 21 as Monday, Jan. 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The ASI Beach Pantry is hosting a free pancake breakfast on Monday, Dec. 16 in the Beach Kitchen next to the bookstore. From 10 a.m. to noon, students can grab free pancakes to fuel up for their finals.  On the University Student Union North Lawn, ASI will host finals week activities with free snacks from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. These activities include bracelet making, airbrush tattoos and a balloon artist. ASI will serve lunch at noon and dinner at 4 p.m. while supplies last. Saturday, Dec. 21 is the Naples Islands Annual Holiday Boat Parade. At 6 p.m., watch brightly decorated boats go through the canals in Long Beach. Waterfront locations like the Second Street Bridge and Alamitos Bay Marina are the best viewpoints. While the winds were high, the Franklin fire broke out in Malibu this past Monday, Dec. 9. This fire burned over 4,000 acres and destroyed six homes. As of Thursday, Dec 12, the Franklin fire was about 30% contained. Monday, Dec. 9 over 90,000 pounds of marijuana was found by the San Bernardino County sheriff's department. Deputies from the marijuana enforcement team discovered 3,000 black trash bags on a five-acre ranch in the Hesperia area. It took personnel two days and 51 truckloads to confiscate all of the marijuana. The estimated total amount of everything possessed was around $100 million. President Joe Biden has partaken in the most acts of presidential clemency issued in one day. He has pardoned 39 Americans who were convicted of nonviolent crimes and is commuting the sentences of 1,500 others. Wednesday, Dec. 4 United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed on a Manhattan sidewalk. He had been working at United Healthcare for 20 years but recently started running the insurance branch in 2021. The suspect is said to be Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man from Maryland. When he was caught, he told the police that he was working alone.  Early 2000s soccer star and Chinese national team coach Li Tie was sentenced to 20 years in prison for corruption. Tie had his trial in March where it was revealed that from 2019 and 2021 he accepted around 6.8 million US dollars in the form of bribes.  After the no-confidence vote of the former Prime Minister of France on Dec. 5, French President Emmanuel Macron has found a replacement. President Macron announced that the new Prime Minister of France would be Françios Bayrou, a 73-year-old mayor who leads the MoDem party in France. Host & Editor: Gianna EcheverriaProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

By himself this week, host Matthew Coleman reviews the Long Beach State men's basketball game at Cal State Fullerton on Thursday night. He also goes over how The Beach may have something to be optimistic about given the rest of conference play. Coleman talks about women's volleyball head coach Natalie Regan being promoted from interim head coach following a strong end to the regular season. He goes on to discuss men's water polo winning the Big West tournament and advancing to the NCAA tournament. The episode concludes with Coleman giving his takes on his favorite Bay Area teams, including the recent struggles of the Golden State Warriors, the downfall of the San Francisco 49ers and the recent surge of rookie phenom Macklin Celebrini on the San Jose Sharks. Hosts: Matthew ColemanEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

On Monday, Dec. 9 in the University Student Union Beach Auditorium, Beach Pride Events is hosting another Movies on the House. This double-feature event will start with Inside Out at 4:30 p.m. and Inside Out 2 at 7 p.m. Entry is free for all students, but seats fill up quickly so reserve yours in the Events and Orgs app in your CSULB Single Sign-On. ASI is putting on Winter Wonderland in the Student Recreation Wellness Center Entry Plaza on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. Students can enjoy snow, henna tattoos, caricatures and a photo booth. All students are welcome and entry is free. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. ASI Beach Balance is hosting Night of Relaxation. The event will take place in the SRWC MAC Gym and the first 50 attendees will receive a gift. You can reserve your spot on the Events and Orgs app on the CSULB Single Sign-On. Students who attend are asked to bring their own yoga mat.  After over five years, the memorable Fairmont Breakers Long Beach hotel reopened downtown on Monday, Dec 2. Fairmont Breakers has many amenities, including two restaurants, a luxury spa, a rooftop pool and over 180 guest rooms. Rooms start at $350 a night. The holidays mean a time for donation and giving. Participate in Spark of Love, a fire department-led toy drive, or Toys for Tots, a toy drive started by the Marine Corps in 1991. Donations can be made at local fire departments, participating retail stores and online here. President Joe Biden released a statement on Sunday, Dec. 1 stating that he has pardoned his son Hunter Biden from his gun and federal tax-related convictions, saying "Hunter was singled out only because he is my son." This news comes just two weeks before the sentencing hearing on both of Hunter Biden's cases. On Wednesday, Dec. 4 shots were fired around 1 p.m. at the Feather River Adventist School in Butte County, California. The gunman shot two boys, ages five and six. As of Friday, Dec. 6 the two boys are in critical condition. When law enforcement arrived on the scene, the gunman was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Local and federal investigations are taking place.  In Sinaloa, Mexico, Mexican soldiers and marines seized over a ton of fentanyl, which officials say is the country's biggest catch of the drug in history. In the raids, 660 pounds of fentanyl were uncovered and another 1,750 pounds of the drug were found in a truck in a nearby house most of the fentanyl being in pill form. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier was voted out of office in a no-confidence vote, the first in France since 1962. President Emmanuel Macron will need to appoint a new interim prime minister as, under the French constitution, new elections cannot happen until the summer.  Host & Editor: Gianna Echeverria Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel Like, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

In this week's episode, host Alex Gryciuk interviewed guest Aubry Mintz, a professor of the Animation B.F.A. program. Mintz, throughout his career, has developed animation programs for Laguna College of Art and Design, served as the Director of Animation and VFX at Chapman University and currently works at Long Beach State. Mintz is not only a seasoned animator but also a knowledgeable educator in the animation industry. What do students learn in an animation track? How does AI affect the industry? Tune in this week to answer these questions. Host: Alex GryciukGuest: Aubry MintzEditor: Alex GryciukProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, hosts Matthew Gomez and Matthew Coleman are joined by former host Naoki Gima and Long Beach State student Steven Wang to discuss the latest headlines in sports and play some competitive trivia games that test their knowledge of the gridiron and the hardwood. With fans of various teams on, the group discusses the early season outlook of the defending champion, the Boston Celtics, as well as Wang's favorite team, the Los Angeles Clippers. They also discuss how Kendrick Lamar releasing an album may determine the future champions of the season. This episode features another installment of Corn Break which ties into one of the NBA's best players and his rankings of popcorn at every NBA arena. Hosts: Matthew Gomez, Matthew ColemanGuests: Naoki Gima, Steven WangEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

On Monday, Nov. 25 Long Beach State President Jane Close Conoley released a video announcing her retirement at the end of the 2024-2025 academic school year. Conoley became president of CSULB in 2014 and was the first woman to be formally appointed in the school's 75-year history. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 Beach Pride Events will be hosting TV Trivia Night in the University Student Union Ballrooms. They will provide free snacks and refreshments and the top three teams will receive prizes. On Wednesday, Dec. 4 Beach Pride Events is putting on Noontime Concerts with Triptides on the Southwest Terrace of the University Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event is free for students and refreshments will be provided while supplies last. The city of Long Beach is facing major financial consequences due to two large settlements made regarding potholes. Noel Laupua fractured her ankle from stepping into a 10-inch wide and 3-inch deep pothole in March 2021 that had been unrepaired since 2015. Long Beach City Council approved a $500,000 settlement for Laupua. The second settlement was made with Eva Vallin who fractured her ankle in multiple potholes outside of a supermarket. This fracture caused Vallin to develop the neurological condition Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. The jury awarded her a settlement of $17.5 million. On Wednesday, Nov. 27 at around 7 p.m. a woman was struck and killed by a Long Beach transit bus. The accident happened on Shoreline Drive where the road merges into the 710 freeway. The woman passed away on the scene and the police have ruled out speed, distracted driving and impaired driving as potential causes of the accident.  This Thanksgiving, a multitude of Democrat and Republican politicians were targeted with bomb threats and swatting attacks. Five of Trump's cabinet appointees as well as five congressmen from the state of Connecticut all received bomb threats at their family residences. Thankfully, everyone was unharmed and no explosives were detonated or found in any of the homes. The famous Parisian Notre Dame Cathedral was destroyed in a fire five years ago in 2019. On Friday, Nov. 29 after years of cleaning, rebuilding and restoration, French President Emmanuel Macron gave the public the first look inside the partially restored building. The British parliament has voted to legalize assisted dying, making the United Kingdom one of the few nations to do so. The passing of this law allows adults with terminal conditions and less than six months to live the choice to take a substance that ends their lives. The patient must be able to make the decision themselves and two doctors and a judge must sign off on the paperwork. Host: Gianna Echeverria Editor: Aidan Swanepoel Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel Like, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week, host Alex Gryciuk interviewed guest Evan Lopez, a B.F.A. Ceramics student who recently curated an art exhibit on campus. Inspired by clowns and the circus, Lopez displayed his own pieces for ‘Elephant in the Room.'   In this episode, learn more about the exhibit, the B.F.A. Ceramics program and what it takes for fine arts students to excel. Host: Alex Gryciuk Guest: Evan Lopez Editor: Alex Gryciuk Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel Like, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, hosts Matthew Gomez and Matthew Coleman are joined by four Long Beach State Dirtbags players to discuss the upcoming season and their reasons to be optimistic ahead of the inaugural Big West Tournament. Senior outfielders Kyle Ashworth, Connor Charpiot and Alex Champagne are returning to LBSU this season and senior infielder Nathan Cadena is transferring from San Jose State. The upperclassmen discuss their leadership roles on a roster with significant turnover from last season. They continue by talking about the differences they have seen this offseason leading up to the spring compared to years past now that head coach TJ Bruce is at the helm. They also share some notable memories from the past season and the Dirtbags' current state heading into this year. The episode wraps up with a friendly game of rapid-fire questions to get to know the players better. Some questions include who their favorite and least favorite players as kids were, their favorite stadiums to play at and who some of their best competition has been on the playing field. Hosts: Matthew Gomez, Matthew ColemanGuests: Kyle Ashworth, Connor Charpiot, Alex Champagne, Nathan CadenaEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Pink Party Talk is an LGBTQ+ panel discussion hosted by ASI Beach Pride Events on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. in the University Student Union Ballrooms. The panel will discuss life after graduating, mental health, politics, art and more. Snacks and refreshments will be provided and the event is open to all currently enrolled students. On Wednesday, Nov. 20 ASI Beach Pride Events is hosting Movies on the House with a free screening of Pitch Perfect in the University Student Union Beach Auditorium. The event is only open to students. Popcorn and pizza will be provided while supplies last. RSVP to the event through the Events & Orgs app on your CSULB Single Sign-On. Check-in will begin at 6 p.m. and RSVP's must arrive by 6:45 p.m. California Repertory Company is showcasing Clyde's, a story of the behind-the-scenes within a truck stop sandwich shop. The first show was on Wednesday, Nov. 13 and will run until Saturday, Nov. 23. Ticket prices and showtimes vary throughout the week but can be found on the Theater Arts website. Long Beach was awarded a grant of $350,000 from the Department of Justice to improve the city's “Guides app.” The app allows police officers to see if a person is enrolled in social services or even has a history of mental health or substance abuse issues. From there, police can help people by providing contact information and availability of shelters, clinics and health providers in the area. The Mountain Fire in Ventura County has spread to nearly 20,000 acres in almost 24 hours with 14,000 people being evacuated. 240 structures were completely demolished and over 100 were damaged. Since last week, strong off-shore winds have diminished and the fire is now 82% contained. Shortly after, the Broad Fire sparked and burned roughly 50 acres in south Malibu before being contained. Investigations regarding Liam Payne's death have been taking place in Argentina. Due to his passing, three people from Buenos Aires are currently facing preliminary charges of abandonment of a person followed by death and the supply and facilitation of narcotics. Valencia, Spain endured one of the worst natural disasters the city has had in decades. In under eight hours, a year's worth of rain was dumped onto the city causing a flood. The flood destroyed bridges, picked up cars and resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people. Host & Editor: Gianna Echeverria Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel Like, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, hosts Matthew Gomez and Matthew Coleman discuss the NFL trade deadline, the biggest threat to the Kansas City Chiefs, who is set to receive the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft and various other topics. Joined by Design Assistant Soleil Cardenas and JPR student Brandon Rodriguez, Thursday night football between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals was recapped with the group discussing the decision to go for two at the end of the game. With many wide receivers traded at the deadline, the panel ranked the moves one through ten by significance. As San Francisco 49ers fans, Coleman and Rodriguez spoke about the return of their "glorious king" Christian McCaffrey. For Corn Break this week, Gomez put together a George Kittle-focused entry highlighting the tight ends' affinity for Iowa sweet corn. The episode wraps up with a blind ranking that includes ten NFC quarterbacks in the playoff race and a debate on which players not in the NFL Hall of Fame have the best chances of getting inducted. Hosts: Matthew Gomez, Matthew ColemanGuests: Soleil Cardenas, Brandon RodriguezEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

On Monday, Nov. 11 campus will be closed in light of Veterans Day. All classes, businesses and organizations on campus will resume operations on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Jack Haslett, a Long Beach Current sports assistant, shared in detail about which propositions from the California ballot passed. Haslett explains the language within the propositions and what the results will mean for California residents. Passed propositions include Proposition 2: Public School Bond, Proposition 3: Same-Sex Marriage Language Change, Proposition 4: Climate Bond, Proposition 34: Direct Patient Spending, Proposition 35: Health Care Tax and Proposition 36: Criminal Penalties. Arts and Life Assistant Delfino Camacho, reported on the LAGOP watch party which was held on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles on 2nd Street. Camacho reflected on people's reactions and shared details from interviews and conversations he had with attendees during the watch party. Host & Editor: Gianna EcheverriaProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week, host Alex Gryciuk interviewed guest Aya Sherian, a theater arts performing major who recently performed as Hope Caldwell in the California Repertory Company's production of the musical Urinetown. In this episode, learn more about the theater department from a student perspective, what it takes to be in a school production and what theater arts performance majors look forward to for the future. Host: Alex GryciukGuest: Aya SherianEditors: Alex Gryciuk, Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

This week on Teed Up, hosts Matthew Gomez and Matthew Coleman are joined by fellow Long Beach Current Sports Assistant Jack Haslett to discuss the conclusion of the 2024 Major League Baseball season. Throughout the episode, the group tries their hardest to cope with their most hated rival team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning the World Series after an epic collapse by the New York Yankees. Coleman lets out frustration with Yankees star Aaron Judge after yet another underwhelming postseason. The group quickly shifts to looking ahead to next season, with the Los Angeles Angels already making moves to acquire Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves. They also discuss their predictions for where top free agent, Juan Soto, will land and whether or not the Dodgers are a dynasty. To wrap things up, the hosts and Haslett debate whether or not the Long Beach Current should cover the Dodgers' post-win festivities despite a lack of connection to Long Beach State, unlike the Angels. Hosts: Matthew Gomez, Matthew ColemanGuests: Jack HaslettEditor: Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts

Beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, Associated Students Incorporated will be hosting a Ping Pong Tournament in the main gym of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The tournament is free to participate in and the winners will receive a prize. Soul and jazz pianist and singer Kandace Springs will be performing at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 8. Tickets are $45. The show begins at 8 p.m. and will be about an hour and a half long.  Saturday, Nov. 9, also in the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, is the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular which is a laser light show presented to a soundtrack of some of Pink Floyd's greatest hits. The show will start at 8 p.m. and tickets are also $45 for everyone. This event is not recommended for those with light sensitivity.  A free family-friendly event, Beach Streets, is happening on Saturday, Nov. 9 in uptown Long Beach. Beginning at 11 a.m. car traffic will be closed from Atlantic North to Artesia East. With the closure, residents can enjoy a stroll or bike ride through their streets to visit different entertainment hubs that will have music and activities. Starting on Monday, Nov. 3 the 710 freeway will have a lane closure lasting for two years as a part of the next Port of Long Beach expansion. The third lane on the 710 freeway heading south will be closed after the Shoreline Drive exit. Although there are many varying off-ramp closures, a port spokesperson encouraged drivers to be prepared and aware of any marked closures as detours will sometimes be necessary. With the election happening on Tuesday, Nov 5, there are many places and ways that California residents can vote. All residents registered to vote will receive mail-in ballots that should be mailed back by the night of Nov. 5 at the latest. In-person voting is available at 22 different locations throughout Long Beach such as the Billie Jean King Main Library, Bixby Park, St. Matthew Catholic Church and our very own Walter Pyramid in Sunset rooms A and B. In-person polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. A list of these locations along with vote-by-mail drop box locations can be found here. Election coverage will be happening across major news platforms but Peacock will be streaming a multi-view experience on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 3 p.m. until about 11 p.m. Prior to the election, viewers can also rewatch the Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates. Presidential elections can be complicated for many students. Starting on Nov. 5 and ending on Nov. 8, join the Office of Belonging and Inclusion for their Reflect and Reset event on campus. This event allows students' voices to be heard and creates a safe space to have conversations surrounding the election. Students can find the dates, times and locations for these conversations on their Events & Orgs app through the CSULB Single Sign-On. Host & Editor: Gianna Echeverria Producers: El Nicklin, Aidan Swanepoel Like, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content! Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-beach-current-podcasts/id1488484518 Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HJaqJep02kHeIQy8op1n1⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1488484518/long-beach-current-podcasts